About the Speakers

 

Nathan Simons, BESIX

Nathan Simons is a civil engineer specialized in structural design, with a strong focus on innovative and sustainable construction solutions. He completed his master’s thesis in UCL on GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) reinforcement bars, where he investigated their structural performance. In May 2025, he joined BESIX Engineering department, where he began his career in the methods and planning department. During this period, he developed a solid understanding of construction processes, project sequencing, and site coordination. After four months, he transitioned into structural design, where he now contributes to the engineering of major infrastructure works. He is currently involved in the ViA15 project in the Netherlands, a large-scale infrastructure development. Within this project, Nathan works on the calculation and modelling of bridge pile foundations, contributing to the structural reliability of critical infrastructure elements. The ViA15 project is particularly notable for its scale, technical complexity, and its role in creating a direct transport link between the Port of Rotterdam and Germany, while also integrating sustainability and environmental considerations into its design and execution.

 

ABOUT SCIA

"SCIA Engineer is our main FEM software for several reasons:

  • Straightforward and user-friendly
  • Easy reporting of results
  • Transparent, not a “black box”

  • Enables the entire design process within a single software, from internal force analysis to sectional calculations and final engineering reporting"

     

Session: SCIA Engineer: A Key Partner in BESIX Engineering Project Design

The BESIX Engineering Department will present a range of projects designed using SCIA Engineer. This presentation will provide insight into how SCIA is applied within our department across various types of engineering challenges. Key projects have been selected to illustrate the use of specific SCIA Engineer modules, including the Triangle high-rise building in Paris, the Krammersluis marine project in the Netherlands, the ViA15 viaduct in the Netherlands, and the ROCO tunnels in Antwerp.In addition, the presentation will highlight the benefits of parametric design, as well as the interoperability between SCIA Engineer and other software tools, demonstrating how these capabilities enhance efficiency and project delivery.