Ishan Kavan Abeysekera: A Visionary Engineer Shaping the Future of Structural Design
Ishan Kavan Abeysekera, an award-winning engineer, has made a significant impact in the world of structural engineering. Known for his expertise in timber engineering, structural dynamics, and advanced analysis, Abeysekera has become a prominent figure in the field. With a passion for innovative solutions and a deep commitment to knowledge sharing, his work continues to inspire both his peers and the next generation of engineers.
Early Life and Education
Ishan Kavan Abeysekera was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1991, to Harindra and the late Priyani Abeysekera. Growing up in Colombo, he attended S Thomas’s Preparatory School and later moved to The British School in Colombo, where he excelled academically and served as Head Prefect. His strong leadership qualities and academic prowess laid the foundation for his future success.
After completing his schooling, Abeysekera pursued higher education abroad, enrolling at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. At Warwick, he earned a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Civil Engineering, graduating with First Class Honours in 2012. His academic excellence and passion for engineering were evident from the start, as he participated actively in extracurricular activities such as the Warwick Sailing Club. He continued his studies at Imperial College London, where he obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Earthquake Engineering in 2014. His MSc thesis on the dynamic behavior of timber buildings earned him one of the prestigious IStructE MSc research grants and a prize for the best poster presentation.
Early Career and Professional Growth
Abeysekera’s career began in Sri Lanka, where he worked as an engineer at Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. from July to September 2013. During this time, he gained hands-on experience in structural design and construction. He also completed an engineering internship at Design Consortium Ltd. in Colombo in 2012 and worked as a summer research intern at WMG, University of Warwick, in 2011.
In 2014, Abeysekera took a significant step forward in his career by joining Arup, a global engineering consultancy firm, in London. He began his journey as a graduate engineer in the Advanced Technology & Research Department, where he quickly gained expertise in complex structural problems. His contributions to the field of timber engineering and structural dynamics soon garnered attention, leading to a series of promotions within Arup. By 2019, he was appointed Senior Engineer in the Specialist Technology & Research team. In 2022, he transitioned to the role of Senior Engineer in Arup’s Advanced Technology + Research division, continuing to tackle some of the most challenging engineering issues on a global scale.
Achievements and Expertise
Ishan Kavan Abeysekera has become a leading expert in several critical areas of structural engineering. His primary focus is on timber engineering, existing buildings forensics, and structural dynamics. He has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including several mass timber buildings across the globe. One notable project is Haut, a commercial and residential timber building that showcases the potential of sustainable construction.
Abeysekera’s expertise in structural analysis has made him a valuable asset to Arup. He is one of Arup’s global timber experts and plays a pivotal role in the ongoing revision of Eurocode 5 (Timber). As a member of the Eurocode 5 Working Group 3, he contributes to drafting important clauses related to floor vibration, buckling, and structural analysis for the next version of the code. Additionally, Abeysekera was instrumental in updating the Swedish Wood CLT Handbook for the UK market, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the timber engineering community.
His work in vibration design and mitigation is another area of specialization. Abeysekera has extensive experience in designing and measuring vibration solutions for various applications, including crowd vibration and tuned mass dampers. His ability to address complex challenges related to vibration in buildings, bridges, and other structures has garnered recognition in the industry.
Passion for Knowledge Sharing
Beyond his technical expertise, Abeysekera is deeply committed to knowledge sharing and education. Within Arup, he frequently delivers training sessions to fellow engineers, focusing on topics such as timber, buckling, structural dynamics, and existing buildings. His enthusiasm for teaching extends to academia, where he lectures on timber engineering at top universities, including Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the University of Cambridge. Abeysekera’s passion for educating others ensures that his expertise continues to shape the future of structural engineering.
Awards and Recognition
Abeysekera’s contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. In 2022, he was named the IStructE Young Structural Engineering Professional of the Year, an honor bestowed upon the best young engineer out of the Institution of Structural Engineers’ international membership. His dedication to advancing engineering practices and his outstanding technical achievements were central to this recognition.
In addition to the IStructE award, Abeysekera won the Safety in Design Competition in 2023, which highlighted his commitment to pursuing design excellence with a strong focus on safety. He has also been involved in several prestigious awards, including the WoodAwards’ Smile – Structural Award in 2017, for which he served as the project manager and contributed to the design calculations.
Abeysekera’s remarkable career continues to thrive, with numerous accomplishments in both engineering and academia. His passion for timber engineering, structural dynamics, and advanced analysis has established him as a leading figure in the global engineering community.
Personal Life and Values
Ishan Kavan Abeysekera’s professional success is rooted in his strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world. His commitment to sustainable engineering solutions, particularly in the area of timber construction, aligns with his personal values of environmental responsibility and innovation. Abeysekera’s leadership and contributions to the industry reflect his belief in the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and the importance of pushing boundaries to solve complex problems.
Conclusion
Ishan Kavan Abeysekera’s journey from a young student in Colombo to a renowned engineer at Arup is a testament to his dedication, talent, and passion for advancing structural engineering. His expertise in timber engineering, structural dynamics, and advanced analysis has set him apart as a global leader in the field. As an educator and mentor, he continues to inspire the next generation of engineers, ensuring that his legacy will be felt for years to come.
From his impressive academic background to his groundbreaking work at Arup, Ishan Kavan Abeysekera is an engineer who continues to shape the future of construction, one innovative solution at a time.
