IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026
Bridging Advanced Technologies - Structural InnovationThe construction industry is responsible for a substantial part of the global CO2 emissions, and the sector’s traditional technical solutions are not sufficient to reduce emissions to the level set by the UN sustainability goals.
At the same time, expanding and maintaining the built environment worldwide is crucial for achieving balanced living conditions, which is essential for the development of a socially sustainable global society.
This presents a dilemma between environmental and social sustainability and calls for fundamental changes in the way the construction industry design, construct and maintain buildings and the civil infrastructure.
To facilitate discussions on these urgently required changes of paradigms, the IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026 will have a focus on how structural innovation based on advanced technologies can provide answers to the most important question of our time for the structural engineering profession: How can we expand and develop the built environment for the benefit of society, while at the same time preserving resources and possibilities for the future generations?
Within this frame, we invite all engineers and researchers to submit abstracts within the six themes listed on the Technical Programme page.
Main Themes are:
Circular Construction
Papers within this theme explore the developments taken place under the umbrella of circular construction philosophy and may e.g. concern:
- Design for disassembly and re-use
- Adaptable structures
- Use of recycled structural components and materials in new structures
- Operation and prolongation of structural service life.
Structural Modelling & Structural Concepts
Papers within this theme explore the development and innovative application of all aspects of structural modelling and development/invention of structural concepts, and may e.g. concern:
- Numerical/analytical Modelling of structural behavior
- Optimal structural design
- Topology optimization
- Structural solutions with new materials
Codes and Standards
Papers within this theme explore the development in standardization of materials and processes and may e.g. concern:
- Dedicated or modified codes for new or untraditional materials
- Certification schemes
- Safety concepts
Material Technology
Papers within this theme explore the properties and structural use of known as well as new construction materials and may e.g. concern:
- Low or zero emission concrete, steel, and aluminum
- Novel composite materials (incl. GFRP & CFRP)
- Natural materials (wood, straw, soils)
- Structural experience with application and durability of new materials
Data Driven Technologies
Papers within this theme explore the use of data driven technologies and AI in structural engineering and may e.g. concern:
- Digital twins
- Structural health monitoring
- Intelligent structures
- Machine learning
Automation and Robot Technologies
Papers within this theme explore the use of automation and robot technologies in structural/construction engineering and may e.g. concern:
- 3D printed structures and its potential to reduce material consumptions
- New construction methods
- Drones and robots in site inspection
- Active vibration control
Deadlines:
Abstract Submission opens - 15.01.2025
Abstract Submission deadline - 03/2025
Full Paper Submission deadline - 09/2025
Paper acceptance notification - 10/2025
Final Programme - 12/2025
