Dear All,
IStructE UAE Regional Group Committee is inviting you to a webinar by Giovanni Zizioli – Middle East Regional Director – Maffeis Engineering and Fabio Ceccato - Lead Engineer – Maffeis Engineering on the topic “Engineering a Historic Icon: The Al Wasl Plaza Dome at EXPO 2020 Dubai". Innovative Solutions and Structural Challenges Behind the Heart of Expo 2020.
This CPD session will provide a detailed overview of the engineering behind one of the most iconic structures of Expo 2020 Dubai – the Al Wasl Plaza Dome. This 67.5-meter-tall trellis dome serves as the central hub of the event and posed significant challenges in terms of structural design, construction methodology, and coordination with existing infrastructure.
The session will cover the critical aspects of this massive project, from the design of the dome’s 2265-ton steel structure to the intricate method statement developed to ensure safe construction in a constrained urban environment. Key topics will include managing residual locked-in stresses, addressing the complexities of crane operations over existing substructures, and the use of advanced finite element models to optimize the dome’s assembly.
Giovanni Zizioli and Fabio Ceccato from Maffeis Engineering will share insights into the innovative solutions adopted for this project, including the lifting of the inner dome using 18 strand jacks, as well as the challenges of designing over a thousand connections for the structure’s steel components.
This presentation offers a rare glimpse into the engineering expertise behind one of the world’s most ambitious and complex architectural feats, demonstrating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Al Wasl Plaza.
About the Speakers
Giovanni Zizioli – Maffeis Engineering S.p.A
Giovanni Zizioli has over 11 years of experience in managing and designing complex engineering projects. Giovanni holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Brescia and is a registered professional engineer in Italy. He has been Research Assistant in Cornell University at the Cornell Fracture Group (CFG) focusing on the simulation of crack propagation in brittle materials via both advanced analytical and numerical procedures.
Giovani has extensive experience with computational mechanics and FEM analysis/simulations in very different fiels (marine, infrastructure, hospitality and mixed-use buildings), including the design of complex steel structures geometries. He has managed multidisciplinary teams for the design and delivery of large-scale projects across Europe and the Middle East.
Giovanni represents Maffeis Engineering in the Middle East since 2018, focusing on implementing the ambitious growth plan in the region, overseeing strategic direction, business expansion, key clients and major projects. Giovanni leads Maffeis Engineering local team in the UAE and KSA, consisting of 30 highly qualified professionals overseeing various projects in the development, infrastructure, energy and transport sectors.
Fabio Ceccato – Maffeis Engineering S.p.A
Fabio Ceccato is a Senior Structural Engineer and Lead Designer at Maffeis Engineering S.p.A., with over 10 years of experience in managing and designing complex engineering projects. Fabio holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Padua and is a registered professional engineer in Italy.
Throughout his career, Fabio has led various high-profile international projects, specializing in bridge and steel structure design, parametric modeling, and complex construction methodologies. One of his key achievements is his leadership in the structural design of the iconic Al Wasl Plaza for Expo 2020 Dubai. This project, featuring a 67.5-meter-tall trellis dome, required innovative solutions to address challenges in construction methodology, residual stress management, and the design of complex steel connections. Fabio played a critical role in developing the method statement and conducting structural analysis to ensure the safe and efficient erection of the dome.
Fabio’s expertise also extends to the development of advanced computational tools and finite element models for optimizing the design and assembly of large-scale structures. He has been pivotal in the development of innovative design methodologies, such as integrating BIM and FE models into project management and structural design.
His experience includes managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating the design of large-scale infrastructure projects across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Fabio is also an active contributor to the engineering community, with numerous publications and presentations at international conferences.
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Kindly note that you will receive another email, after registration, with the link to view and join the virtual session on Zoom.
Also be noted that seats are limited, but the Lecture will also be live on our YouTube Channel.
"Subscribe to channel"
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmcLd1n84tQ1wKJbzMvHHA/
Thank you,
