Confirmed Special Sessions
We are pleased to advise that the following Special Sessions are confirmed for the 2024 programme and we would like to thank the organisers for the time they took to put forward and manage these sessions.
1. Alternative binder systems and novel processing technologies*
Led by Allan Scott (University of Canterbury)
This special session is focused on presenting the latest research on innovative alternative binder systems and binder processing technologies. Materials may include: Mg-binders, biomineralization, non-traditional geopolymers and other systems. Presentations on the use of novel or alternative means of cement production are also welcome.
2. Circular Economy approach in making Concrete Structures Sustainable
Led by Jamil Khan (Beca Ltd)
A circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. In our current economy, we take materials from the earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste being produced in the first place. The circular economy is based on three principles, driven by design:
• Eliminate waste and pollution
• Keep products and materials in use
• Regenerate nature.
It is underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials. A circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient system that is good for business, people and the environment.
3. Concrete bridge performance in flood/cyclones*
Led by Jono Watkins (WSP), Moustafa Al-ani (Waka Kotahi)
Flooding and scour are the main cause of bridge failure. In New Zealand the recent Cyclone Gabrielle washed away over 30 bridges with many more suffering varying levels of damage. This session will explore the performance of the New Zealand and international concrete bridge stock when subjected to extreme flooding, discuss lessons learnt and ideas to improve their resilience.
4. Decarbonisation of the Built Environment
Led by Chris Johnstone (Holcim), Cyril Giraud (Holcim)
Focus: Decarbonisation of the Built Environment
Context/Themes :
● Paris Agreement
● NZ Govt Commitment
● Link to Govt moves to the use of the IS rating system
● Organization aspirations - Carbon zero pledge etc
● 38% of emissions are derived from the built environment
● 10% of Embodied Carbon is a result of the built environment
● Show the impact the use of our low carbon products has on the built environment
The Four Presentations will cover :
● Government approach
● IS Rating Scheme
● Holcim : low carbon Cement/Concrete
● Customer Case study : use of low carbon concrete in a project - outlining the benefits
5. Fatigue of Concrete in an Experimental-Virtual-Lab*
Led by Prof Ludger Lohaus (Leibniz University Hannover), Dr Nadja Oneschkow (Leibniz University Hannover)
Modern high-performance concretes allow even lighter, more filigree and resource efficient structures, which, however, are more susceptible to vibrations due to their reduced dead weight. Structures such as wind power plants are typically subjected to large variable loads and high number of load cycle. Here, the fatigue behaviour of concrete is decisive for the design and the realization. The currently existing gaps in knowledge regarding the formation and propagation of fatigue damages hinder the effective application of modern high-performance concretes.
The aim of this Special Session is to bring together experts in concrete degradation with focus on capturing, understanding, describing, modelling and predicting the damage process using the newest experimental and numerical methods. Topics of interest include the description of the heterogeneous concrete microstructure as well as the damage and crack developing at different scale levels over several hundred of load cycles from a material and numerical science point of view. The DFG financially supported the collaboration of researchers focused on material and numerical science within the Priority Program 2020.
6. Lessons from The 2023 Pazarcik-Elbistan (Turkey) Earthquake Sequence
Led by Dr Santiago Pujol Llano (University of Canterbury), Prof Alper İlki (Istanbul Technical University)
Lessons and questions triggered by the Pazarcik-Elbistan Earthquake Sequence of 2023 are discussed. It is clear that better control of construction quality would have contributed to reduction in damage in the region of Turkey extending from Antakya to Malatya. But this session also addresses other issues with broader implications, such as: What measures should be implemented in other regions that may have large populations exposed to the effects ground motions as intense as those that were measured in Turkey in 2023? How should communities deal with extreme and devastating phenomena that appear to have a low nominal probability of occurrence? What would it take to reduce collapse rate to a fraction of what was observed in Antakya and nearby towns? What would it take to keep more buildings in use? Is the problem one of engineering, one of economics, or one of political will? Can simple measures be taken to both improve building performance and facilitate enforcement?
7. NDT/SHM as basis for the condition assessment for reinforced concrete structures*
Led by Prof Sylvia Keßler (Helmut-Schmidt-University), Prof Christian Grosse (Technical University of Munich), Prof Alessandro Palermo (University of California)
The management of our aging infrastructure throughout its life cycle hinges on acquiring data for each individual structure. Visual inspection, Non-destructive Testing (NDT), and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) stand out as the most crucial sources for obtaining such data and identifying defects. However, the quality of the measured data primarily relies on the reliability of the NDT/SHM method itself, influencing the dependability of subsequent condition assessments. Despite the significance of NDT and SHM as data sources, the interpretation of data and its integration into the condition assessment require further exploration in an interdisciplinary environment. This task involves specialists in NDT/SHM, structural engineers, and infrastructure managers for effective decision-making. The objective of the Special Session is to foster discussion within interdisciplinary fields and offer a platform for the exchange of knowledge.
The Special Session encompasses the following topics:
● Development of novel NDT/SHM methods for the condition survey of reinforced concrete structures
● Evaluation of NDT/SHM evaluation using machine learning techniques
● Application of new NDT/SHM methods on real structures
● Reliability assessment of NDT and SHM methods
● Integration of NDT/SHM in the condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures
8. Nonlinear modeling, seismic assessment, and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures*
Led by Prof Adolfo Matamoros (University of Texas), Dr Insung Kim (Degenkolb Engineers)
The objective of the session is to present advances on nonlinear modeling, seismic assessment, and retrofit of reinforced building structures. Presentations will show recent developments in rehabilitation codes such as ASCE 41 and ACI 369.1, as well as future improvements to these provisions that are currently under development. The session will also present information about challenges in nonlinear modeling for the purpose of seismic assessment.
9. Peer Exchange for Resilient-Eco & Socially-Sustainable bridges and structures (PxRESS-1)*
Led by Steven Nolan (Florida Department of Transportation), Dr Brahim Benmokrane (Université de Sherbrooke), Dr Allan Manalo (University of Southern Queensland), Dr Antonio Nanni (University of Miami), Prasad Rangaraju (Clemson University)
This session is envisioned as an international exchange and collaboration for concrete structures promoting holistic RESILIENT and SUSTAINABLE infrastructure solutions with a focus on highway and pedestrian bridges. The goal is to increase RESILIENCE (robust strength, durability, long service-life, and dynamic adaptability) while using SUSTAINABLE (dynamic adaption, lower embodied energy and GHG/CO2 emissions, incorporating recycled, repurposed and upscaled materials) structures, considering ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE & ECONOMICAL (materials, fabrication, hauling, construction and design practices) solutions, considering both mature and emerging technologies.
10. Performance Evolution and Control of Concrete Structures *
Led by Dr Chao Jiang (Tongji University), Dr Gaofeng Jia (Colorado State University), Prof Xi-Guang Liu (Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology)
Under long-term environmental stressors, concrete structures usually undergo deteriorations of materials, components and structures. Identifying the underlying mechanisms of deteriorations of concrete and reinforcement materials and mechanical properties of deteriorated reinforced concrete (RC) components are of essence to develop measures to control the performance and extend the service life of RC structures. Besides leading to degradations of the mechanical performances of RC structures, long-term environmental actions also increase the uncertainties in the performances as a result of non-uniform spatial and/or temporal deteriorations (e.g., corrosion or erosion). This special session will include six presentations. Topics of interest include, but not limited to, 1) durability of concrete, 2) corrosion of reinforcements embedded in concrete, 3) inspection methods for deteriorated RC components and structures, 4) mechanical performance of deteriorated RC components and structures, 5) hazard-resistance and/or resilience of deteriorated RC components and structures, 6) rehabilitation or strengthening measures for deteriorated RC components and structures, 7) probabilistic or reliability assessments of deteriorated and/or strengthened RC components and structures, and 8) performances of RC structures under climate change.
11. Post-installed connections*
Led by Samuel Caloba Aguiar (Hilti New Zealand), Suman Narayan (Hilti New Zealand)
This dedicated session will explore the applications of post-installed connections for steel-to-concrete and concrete-to-concrete connections in New Zealand. Emphasizing both post-installed anchors and rebar techniques, the session will showcase advancements in post-installed connections, various design methods, adherence to design standards, challenges in compliance, possible pathways, and case studies featuring recently retrofitted structures with post-installed connections in New Zealand. Organized by Hilti New Zealand, this special session will comprise six presentations, offering a comprehensive examination of the latest developments and practices in the realm of post-installed connections.
12. Seismic strengthening of concrete diaphragms
Led by Dr Enrique del Rey Castillo (University of Auckland), Dr Lucas Hogan (University of Auckland)
The session will bring together the work on the seismic strengthening of concrete diaphragms being conducted in New Zealand and the United States. The objective is to update the Symposium audience on the most up to date research results, both at the University of Auckland and in Virginia Tech, while providing key best practice examples being undertaken in both New Zealand and the USA.
13. Seismic strengthening of concrete structures using Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP)
Led by Dr Enrique del Rey Castillo(University of Auckland), Prof Kent Harries (American Concrete Institute - ACI), Ravi Kanitkar (KL Structures Group)
The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for seismic strengthening of concrete structures is not new. The early applications, as wrapping of columns for shear strengthening and/or confinement, are over 30 years old. However, the versatility of this material is only being fully realised in the last decade or so, in part due to updates in hazard models in California and New Zealand and as a result of earthquakes in Italy and Taiwan. This session aims to give an update on the global efforts to understand how this material can be used for a range of applications, from beam-column joints to walls. There will also be an update on the ongoing work at the American Concrete Institute, whose design documents are often used in New Zealand in lieu of local guidance.
14. Structural Engineering of 3D concrete printed elements: status and future challenges*
Led by Dr Giuseppe Loporcaro (University of Canterbury), Prof Costantino Menna (University of Naples Federico II)
The advancement of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is pivotal in civil engineering, offering innovative solutions for structural element fabrication. A comprehensive understanding of the structural behaviour of 3DCP elements is yet nascent, with capacity models and performance predictions under continuous refinement, rooted in rigorous experimental and computational analyses. In collaboration with FIB’s Task Group 2.11, this special session aims to present and critically assess recent validated outcomes in the structural modelling and testing of 3DCP. It will focus on disseminating findings from experimental investigations and numerical simulations, offering insights into the mechanical behaviour, load-bearing capacity, and failure modes of various 3DCP structural elements.
Participants will explore the challenges associated with characterizing and optimizing the mechanical properties and structural integrity of 3DCP elements. The session will underscore the necessity for enhanced predictive models, experimental validations, and standardization to harness 3DCP’s potential effectively, driving its efficient and sustainable application in real-world structural solutions.
15. Sustainable Structural Strengthening
Led by Prof Norbert Randl, Dr Marta Del Zoppo
The ever-increasing number of aging structures, emerging demands for higher life loads, climate-friendly approaches to extending the lifespan of structures instead of demolition and new construction, as well as the general effort to save resources - all of this together leads to the increasing need for performance-oriented, cost-efficient and sustainable strengthening and retrofitting techniques. Concrete is the most widely used building material and great efforts are being made to develop sustainable, resilient and highly efficient solutions. Such solutions can include eco-friendly and/or high-performance materials as well as innovative, highly efficiency technical approaches that significantly increase the performance of an existing concrete structure in a sustainable manner.
16. Using natural resources as a cement replacement for a lower carbon concrete*
Led by Dr Enrique del Rey Castillo (University of Auckland), Prof Jason Ingham (University of Auckland), Allan Scott (University of Canterbury)
Cement production has a significant associated carbon footprint, with a high contribution to climate change. Many alternatives have been investigated and used over the decades, but most of them are byproducts of heavy industries that are going to disappear and/or be transformed in a way that those materials are not available anymore. Best examples are fly ash, a by product of coal plants, and steel slag, a by product of steel production. Coal plants are being phased out, and the steel production being developed and implemented do not produce slag. The use of natural materials is being heavily investigated and even incorporated in plants all around the world. These materials are generally classified in two fields, 1) mineral deposits like volcanic ashes and clays, and 2) byproducts of primary industries like agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry. This session aims to bring together ideas on the use of these various materials, update on the most recent research on the topic, and highlight key case studies on the implementation of these materials in concrete production plants.
*These Sessions accept external contributions. To submit an abstract to present in any of these Special Sesssions, please select the session in the 'PresentationTheme' dropdown during the abstract submission process (more info on submitting an abstract can be found in the Call for Papers page).