Welcome to Latin America!
The Costa Rican, Chilean, and Mexican Groups of IABSE take great pleasure in extending a warm welcome to the international structural engineering community to join the upcoming IABSE Congress 2024 in the heart of Central America—in the vibrant and eco-diverse country, Costa Rica, from 25–27 September 2024. The Congress will be held at the Costa Rica Convention Centre and is being organised by the International Association of Bridges and Structural Engineering (IABSE) and the Costa Rican Association of Structural and Seismic Engineering (ACIES). Outstanding speakers and renowned national and international leaders will share their expertise regarding advancements in the field of structural engineering in the world, addressing important issues on decarbonisation and climate change, deconstructability and building reuse.
This event is a proud collaboration among the Latin American National Groups of IABSE, highlighting our commitment to fostering global collaboration and unity within the structural engineering community. We are thrilled to bring the IABSE Congress back to Latin America, 60 years after the very first event in the region, which took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1964.
The congress is designed not only to showcase state-of-the-art practices in structural engineering worldwide but also to highlight innovative developments emerging from Latin America. We are setting the stage for a fruitful exchange of ideas that will enhance our work and inspire new projects.
This reunion in Latin America is not just a celebration of engineering achievements but also an opportunity to develop partnerships and spark new collaborations among all regions of the world.
Themes and Topics
The Congress will feature a rich array of themes and topics to address the pressing challenges facing the field of structural engineering in the context of a changing world. These include:
Decarbonization and Climate Change
Sustainability
From Design to Construction
Constructability
Structural Health Monitoring
Rehabilitation of Existing Structures
Communication Routes
Alternative System Components
De-constructability and Second Use
Software Modeling
Demand Loads
Resilience
Integrated Design
Soil-Structure Interaction
Attendees can expect engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and presentations from experts in these areas, which will provide valuable insights and innovative solutions to the industry's complex problems.
Venue for the Congress, San Jose
Friendship Bridge in Costa Rica
Buildings in Mexico City
Gran Torre Costanera, Santiago de Chile
Costa Rica
A Pioneering Environmental Ethos
Costa Rica has long been a trailblazer in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Delegates at the IABSE Congress will be able to witness first-hand the country's commitment to carbon neutrality, with over 98% of its electricity generated from renewable sources. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the Congress's focus on navigating the challenges of a changing world.
Costa Rican hospitality — Pura Vida spirit
Beyond the conference rooms and technical sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality. The phrase “Pura Vida” meaning pure life, encapsulates the country's easy-going and positive lifestyle. Whether savouring the flavours of local cuisine, or engaging with the friendly locals, delegates will find themselves enchanted by the Pura Vida spirit.
Excursions in Biodiversity
Costa Rica's biodiversity is legendary, and the Congress Organisers have thoughtfully incorporated opportunities for attendees to delve into this natural treasure trove. From guided tours through lush national parks to thrilling canopy adventures, participants can witness the co-existence of diverse ecosystems while gaining a fresh perspective on engineering's role in preserving these delicate environments.
Keynote Speakers
With Keynote Speakers renowned in their fields, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions, the Congress offers a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Participants can present their research, share best practices, and network with peers worldwide.
Registration
The registration process for the IABSE Congress San Jose 2024 will be conducted online through the official congress website. Registration is open at https://iabse.org/Sanjose2024/Sponsorship
Reduced registration fees will be available for IABSE members and young engineers, fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the industry.
Young Engineers Programme
Delegates born in 1990 or later will enjoy reduced registration fees. In addition, a Young Engineers’ Contribution Award will be presented to two young authors, who have personally presented their paper during the Congress. The prize is sponsored by the IABSE Fellows and the Organising Committee. The award consists of a financial prize and a certificate, which will be presented during the closing ceremony. A Speed Networking session with IABSE Fellows, industry experts, an activity and fun event is also being organised, so that the young delegates get the opportunity to connect with worldwide industry experts, and also network amongst themselves. In addition to that, all young engineers who register for this Congress, shall receive a full year complimentary IABSE Membership.
Congress Proceedings
The Congress Proceedings will be distributed in electronic format (ePDF) to all participants during the Congress. Authors must register for the Congress in order to have their papers presented and included in the proceedings. The proceedings shall also be submitted for abstracting in Scopus database thereafter.
RN 32 bridge, Costa Rica
Bridge in RN32, Costa Rica
Touristic Information
In addition to the enriching conference programme, attendees are encouraged to explore the myriad attractions that Costa Rica has to offer. From the vibrant capital city of San Jose to the idyllic beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Adventure seekers can zip-line through the rainforest canopy, while those seeking relaxation can unwind on secluded beaches or soak in natural hot springs. For wildlife enthusiasts, Costa Rica boasts an abundance of biodiversity, with opportunities for birdwatching, jungle hikes, and wildlife safaris. Explore the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde or embark on a boat tour through the lush mangroves of Tortuguero National Park.
Preparing for your Trip
If you are joining us for the Congress, it is time to start making travel arrangements. Visit the congress website to start preparing for your trip. There, you'll find valuable information about lodging options and details regarding visas and other essential travel requirements. Ensuring you have everything you need, before you fully immerse yourself in the enriching experience awaiting you in Costa Rica.
As attendees prepare to gather in Costa Rica for the IABSE Congress 2024, they are not only embarking on a journey into the future of structural engineering but breath taking natural beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica. “Beyond Structural Engineering in a Changing World” in the embrace of Costa Rica's natural wonder. The country of “Pura Vida” awaits you on September 25–27. For further information visit www.iabse2024.com.
Contact
Organising Committee Co-Chairs:Daniel Ureña; Marija Trifunovic
Costa Rican National Group—ACIES, 4 piso—CFIA, contiguo al Indoor Club de Curridabat
San José, Costa Rica, Phone: +(506) 2103–2413 / 2103–2212 Ext. 4086, [email protected]