Improving Knowledge on Structural Performance through a Holistic Approach

Structural Engineering International (SEI) is IABSE’s best-known, powerful and unique contribution, aimed at improving understanding and knowledge of the performance of structures. Behind its publication and the continuous development stands a large team of dedicated people, most of whom work on a voluntary basis. The SEI Editorial Board (EB), a changing and growing family of patient, diligent and devoted connoisseurs from around the world, is responsible for the content of the journal, reflecting its value and quality.

As a member of the SEI EB since 2010, I am very pleased, humbled and proud to have the opportunity to write this editorial as an introduction to the period in which I will lead this successful journal forward, hopefully in line with progress in the construction industry. This challenging task is only possible through teamwork, and I am sure that the EB will continue to consolidate this work. For the past four years I have had the pleasure of serving as Vice-Chair for the journal, under the strong and determined leadership of Chair Guido Morgenthal, which I greatly appreciate. I will do my best to follow in his footsteps.

During this time, the SEI EB has continually introduced improvements in several areas of action. We have expanded the EB to include several valuable and dedicated members covering less represented areas of expertise. We have worked on the recognisable and diverse layout of Scientific Papers and Technical Reports. We have improved several steps in our submission and review system, based on input from Authors and Reviewers, as well as from Chief Reviewers—EB members responsible for a particular manuscript review process or the overall composition of a Special Issue.

As an indexed journal, we have introduced more scientific content and explored the benefits of the open access approach, resulting in a slight but steady increase in our scholarly ranking from year to year. In addition to issues encompassing diverse research topics and describing recently realised structures, we have realised several Special Issues that have generated great interest and extremely positive feedback from readers.

In the period ahead we are thoughtfully choosing contemporary, crucial and urgent special topics that are necessary for the advancement of structural engineering and the successful management of existing structures and infrastructure. Some of the topics already in preparation are “Dynamics and Aerodynamics of Slender Structures”, “Climate Change Effects on Structures and Infrastructures” and “Humanitarian Aspect of Structural Engineering and Resilient Fire Design”. The wide spectrum of Condition Assessment topics including Asset Management and Bridge Failure/Performance is also on our radar.

We will also carefully maintain the balance between presenting research papers and technically sound reports from countries with different economic, social and political backgrounds. In addition, we will continue to promote the currency of the structural engineering profession and innovative structures worldwide, sharing news with members and external stakeholders through various IABSE dissemination tools such as conferences, workshops and webinars. This diverse and carefully chosen combination makes SEI a unique journal.

SEI aims to continue to be a leading journal for structural engineers worldwide, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to construction projects, encompassing the initial conceptual design of structures, their main and detailed design phases, the appropriate methods of construction, and finally assessment, maintenance and management in the course of the useful and optimal life cycles of structures.

I look forward to the challenges that await us and the successes we aim to achieve!

Ana Mandić Ivanković

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ana Mandić Ivanković

Ana Mandić Ivanković

Chair, SEI Editorial Board; Vice Chair, Commission 1, IABSE; Chair, Croatian National Group of IABSE; Professor and Head of the Chair for Bridges, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb