The Institution of Structral Engineers (IStructE) and ITER Project recently organised an event to showcase the work of structural and civil engineering at the ITER construction site in Provence, South of France.
This event, the brainchild of IStructE Trustee Tendayi Munyebvu FIStructE, aimed to strengthen ties between UK and French engineers. Tendayi, a consultant at ITER for over 12 years, has contributed his global expertise to this groundbreaking engineering and construction project.
ITER – “The Way” in Latin – represents one of the most complex structural endeavours on Earth. This international collaboration is building the largest nuclear fusion reactor to deliver clean, limitless energy through fusion.
During the morning session, IStructE CEO Yasmin Becker, IStructE Board Trustees Tendayi Munyebvu and Keith Williams, and other guests toured the vast 40-hectare ITER construction site. They explored critical areas, including the massive Tokamak Complex Building (110m wide x 83m long x 70m high, with a 15m deep basement) – an extraordinary structure designed without expansion joints.
The afternoon conference featured insightful presentations:
-
Yasmin Becker emphasised IStructE’s commitment to advancing global professionalism in structural engineering.
-
Laurent Patisson, a civil engineer at ITER, shared the history and complexity of ITER’s civil and structural works, focusing on the Tokamak Building’s design.
-
Gaston Hanna from Fusion for Energy (F4E) discussed engineering challenges since 2010, particularly seismic safety measures and structural reinforcements.
Reflecting on the event, Yasmin Becker said: “It was an impressive conference at an incredible location. We learned so much about the genesis and future of this mega-project. My gratitude to ITER for co-organising and hosting as IStructE builds a community of structural engineers in France.”
Tendayi Munyebvu added: “As a learned society, it’s vital for IStructE to share expertise and showcase remarkable projects like ITER. I’m proud to contribute to this transformative venture.”
Laurent Patisson concluded: “It was a pleasure hosting IStructE and sharing ITER’s innovations, where civil and structural engineering are central to pioneering 21st-century energy solutions.”
- Ends -
For further information please contact:
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Newsroom on +44 (0)7930 34 55 43.
Notes to Editors
About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/
The Institution of Structural Engineers dates from 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.
It has 30,000 members working in 139 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.
The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.