Scope and topics
With the congress motto “Structural Concrete 2050: Towards Carbon Neutrality, AI Design, and Robotic Construction,” we invite delegates to submit papers that will help shape the future of structural concrete.
Topics can include recent advancements in materials for structural concrete, innovative construction and prefabrication methods, new tools for design and analysis, novel approaches for existing concrete structures, cutting-edge projects, and noteworthy case studies, as well as recently approved or ongoing work related to codes, standards, pre-norms, and guidelines for concrete structures.
Topic 1: Materials for Structural Concrete
- Eco-efficient and low-carbon concretes
- High-performance concrete
- Advanced materials
- Materials’ durability
- FRP reinforcements
- Reinforcing steel
- Prestressing materials and systems
Topic 2: Construction and Prefabrication
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
- Automation in concrete industry
- Other new technologies
- Reuse and circularity
- Composite structures
Topic 3: Design & Analysis
- AI-supported design
- BIM and Digital twins
- Life cycle based design
- Structural resilience and robustness
- Seismic design
- Numerical modelling for design
- Experimental testing for design
Topic 4: Existing Concrete Structures
- Assessment
- Maintenance, protection and repair
- Strengthening
- Seismic retrofitting
- SHM – Structural health monitoring
Topic 5: Projects, Works and Case Studies
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Off-shore structures
- Dams
- Tunnels
- Other special structures
Topic 6: Codes, standards, pre-norms & guidelines
- fib ModelCode 2020
- New codes
- New standards
- Pre-normative documents
- Technical Guidelines
Keynote Speakers
Jose M. Adam
Towards robust prefabricated building structures
Jose M. Adam is a Full Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). He and his team perform research in the field of structural engineering, always aiming to improve the resilience of buildings and bridges. He is an experimental researcher, and his research has always been associated with ambitious experimental campaigns, including many on full-scale structures. Prof. Adam is a founding partner of the spin-off company Calsens, Editor-in-Chief of Construction and Building Materials, and holder of two ERC Grants for the amount of €2.6 million. One of his research works was featured on the cover of Nature magazine.
Geert De Schutter
Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory, Ghent University
Active rheology control for 3D Concrete printing
Geert De Schutter is a Research Professor of Concrete Technology and Head of the Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials at Ghent University, Belgium. He is an RILEM Honorary Member, ACI Fellow, and ERC Advanced Grant holder for the SmartCast project. Prof. De Schutter has served as Technical Director of the Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory and was RILEM Director of Development (2009–2014). He is a laureate of several prestigious awards and has held visiting professorships in Japan, France, China, and Belgium. His research focuses on concrete technology, rheology, durability, and microstructure development, with over 700 scientific publications.
Technical Visit
More information coming soon…
Competitions
Students' Competition
Overview
As part of the 7th fib International Congress, we are pleased to launch an international Students’ Competition aimed at promoting innovation, creativity, and technical excellence among the next generation of structural engineers.
Objectives
Participants are challenged to design and produce a 3D-printed structural element that meets three key performance requirements:
- Lightweight construction – the model should be as light as possible.
- Load-bearing capacity – must withstand a target force of 60 kN.
- Energy absorption – should maximize energy absorption in flexural loading.
The competition is an opportunity to explore advanced fabrication methods, contribute to the future of sustainable construction, and engage with cutting-edge research in digital design and material technology.
Eligibility
- Teams must consist of up to three students (BSc, MSc, or PhD level) from the same institution.
- Each team must be supported by a Supervising Institution Advisor (SIA).
- A designated representative from each team must attend the fib Congress 2026 in Lisbon.
Key Dates
- Registration deadline: October 1, 2025
- Confirmation of registration: October 15, 2025
- Webinar 1: November 19, 2025 – Presentation of facilities and regulation Q&A
- Webinar 2: February 18, 2026 – Progress updates and feedback
- Final submission (report, presentation, video): June 1, 2026
- Model delivery: by 4:00 PM (Lisbon time), June 15, 2026
- Testing day: June 17, 2026
- Winner announcement: June 19, 2026
Deliverables
Each team must submit:
- A scientific report following the fib Congress paper guidelines
- A 3–5 minute presentation in PowerPoint format
- A 1-minute video documenting the 3D printing process
- The physical model, produced using only cement-based materials
Evaluation
Entries will be assessed based on:
- Lightness (mass of the model)
- Structural performance (maximum load capacity)
- Energy absorption (area under the load-displacement curve)
Bonus points are awarded for innovation, aesthetic quality, and originality.
Awards
- 🥇 1st Prize: €1,500
- 🥈 2nd Prize: €750
- 🥉 3rd Prize: €300
- 🏆 Special Award: Most Innovative Solution
Top-ranked teams will also be invited to co-author a paper for Structural Concrete, the official journal of fib. Selected submissions will be featured in the fib newsletter and Congress website.
Further information:
Contact
For additional information or clarification, please contact: Prof. José Sena Cruz (jose.sena-cruz@civil.uminho.pt), Chairman of the Jury.
Technical Exhibition' Competition
More information coming soon…
Social Media Challenge
More information coming soon…
Call for Special Sessions
The organization of special sessions addressing relevant topics in the scope of Structural Concrete are most welcome. The total duration of each Special Session must not exceed 90 minutes. Special Sessions can be organized in two alternative formats:
1. Six regular presentations of 12 minutes (+ 3 minutes Q&A)
2. Any other format, that must be pre-approved by the Organizing Committee, with a total duration not exceeding 90 minutes.
If you are interested in organizing a Special Session as part of the 7th fib Congress, Lisbon 2026, please complete the form below and submit your proposal via e-mail to info@fiblisbon2026.pt by 30th June 2025. Proposals will be evaluated based on relevance, originality, and alignment with the congress theme and topics. Please note that the list of authors and the corresponding titles of the presentations must be included in each Special Session proposal.
The Special Session Proposal form can be downloaded here.
If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact the Organizing Committee.