On Friday 20th of August 2020, a team from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand consisting of Dr. Joseph Assaad, Dr. Amal Iaaly, and Mr. Nicolas Murr conducted a site visit in collaboration with Frontline Engineers led by Architect Jad Ajib to mark the beginning of a multidisciplinary collaboration regarding the catastrophic blast that devastated Beirut. The collaboration will be along three themes in which UOB experts can make a positive impact: GIS technologies, concrete recycling, and building assessment & rehabilitation. Through this collaboration, additional experts from the Faculty will provide technical assistance in mapping in addition to capacity building in the field of structural assessment and issues related to sustainability and waste management.

Frontline Engineers is a team of Lebanese experts that was established to create a platform of engineers and architects from Lebanon to come together to rebuild what has been damaged in Beirut. Frontline Engineers are working with UNDP and the EU in data collection for environmental assessment to better manage the construction and demolition waste.

In this context, Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Rami Abboud assured: “The University of Balamand is committed to supporting all the volunteer initiatives and mobilize its experts to help in any way we can in the reconstruction of our beloved capital, Beirut, after the devastating explosion.”