The Essence of Structural Engineering for Society
The IABSE Congress Ghent 2025 is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 August 2025. Organized jointly by the Belgian and Dutch Groups of IABSE, this congress will convene at the prestigious Ghent International Convention Centre (ICC). It promises to serve as a premier platform for delving into the forefront of structural and bridge engineering advancements, with a keen focus on addressing evolving societal needs.
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants; including scientists, students, designers, contractors, owners, and experts from global organizations, and foster invaluable exchanges of the latest insights and experiences. Emphasizing the pivotal role of structural engineering in shaping our society, the congress theme, “The Essence of Structural Engineering for Society”, underscores the imperative of creating resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking structures.
In alignment with IABSE's mission to drive the progress of structural engineering practice while considering multifaceted aspects such as technical, economic, environmental, aesthetic, and social dimensions, the Congress will feature a rich tapestry of discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. From safety, reliability, and serviceability to sustainability, circularity, and resilience against climate change and hazards, the agenda will explore a breadth of topics crucial to the industry's advancement.
Beyond conventional presentation sessions, the Congress will offer alternative and Special Sessions, providing a platform for in-depth discussions and insights from esteemed Keynote Speakers. Peer-reviewed papers will serve as a cornerstone of the Technical Program, attracting participants deeply invested in the cutting-edge developments and future trajectory of bridge and structural engineering.
In essence, the IABSE Congress Ghent 2025 embodies a collective endeavour to reassert the fundamentals of structural engineering, encapsulated in the ethos of creating comprehensible, reliable, and future-proof structures. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, this event promises to inspire and shape the trajectory of the industry for years to come.
Call for Abstracts
Abstracts submitted for consideration should align with the overarching conference theme, “The Essence of Structural Engineering for Society.” While anticipated sub-themes include aspects such as structural safety, serviceability, sustainability, and resilience against climate change and extreme conditions, the scope is not limited solely to these topics.
Authors are encouraged to explore a broad spectrum of subjects that resonate with the conference theme. This may encompass traditional sub-themes, provided that the abstract and ensuing paper directly contribute to the discourse on the societal significance of structural engineering. Examples include but are not confined to:
All types of bridges
Large span structures
Lightweight structures
High-rise buildings
Utilization of various structural materials
Structural health monitoring
Design considerations for seismic events
Case studies illustrating real-world applications
Analysis of failures and forensic engineering
Techniques for strengthening and retrofitting existing structures
Dynamics of structural systems
Innovations in structural design
Investigation into fatigue and fracture mechanics
Optimization methodologies for structural performance
Application of parametric design principles
Understanding structural behaviour under fire conditions
Interactions between soil and structures
Management of exceptional loads on structures
Evaluation of safety, reliability, and risk factors
Architectural considerations influencing structural design
Integration of additive manufacturing in construction practices
By embracing a diverse array of topics within the framework of societal impact, abstracts have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the discourse on the future of structural engineering practice and its broader implications for society. Abstract submission: www.iabse.org/Ghent2025.
Important Dates
Contact
Hans De Backer, Chair Organising Committee, [email protected]
Bert Snijder & Davide Leonetti, Co-chairs Scientific Committee, [email protected]