International IABSE Spring Conference, Rotterdam May 6 - 8, 2013

Assessment, Upgrading and Refurbishment of Infrastructures

Preface

The Dutch and Belgian Group IABSE groups organise May 6 – 8, 2013 an International Conference dedicated to the very important topic for our society to keep our infrastructure in a good condition. IABSE, the International association for Bridge and Structural Engineering is a scientific / technical Association comprising about 4.000 members in 100 countries, counting 48 National Groups worldwide. Thus IABSE offers the platform for exchange of knowledge, opinions and ideas to explore new ways for this global problem.

Assessment, Upgrading and Refurbishment of Infrastructures

The co-operation between scientists and practitioners in IABSE proved to be an enrichment, leading to new ideas and initiatives for over 80 years now.

In the field of construction materials and construction many changes can be noted. For progress nowadays working together in an International context is a must. In a fast changing world the considerable developments and challenges ask for a general and common approach and also bundling of forces. New material and construction types challenge the imagination of designing. The implementation of life cycle design is stimulated by ecological and economical constraints. Infrastructure is not only designed for safety and serviceability, but as well for flexibility and adaptability. Maintenance and upgrading of structures move to the centre of interest.

IABSE agreed upon the organisation of the 2013 Spring Conference dedicated to this subject held in the Netherlands.

We received 461 abstracts, in which 909 authors are involved, so the call for abstracts had an excellent result. The authors will get a notification of acceptance by next June 30, 2012. We thank all authors for submitting their abstracts. With such a great number, the conference will become a success! The deadline is closed now, it is no longer possible to submit abstracts.