Technical Programme

Jerome F. Hajjar, USA

New Strategies for Sustainable and Resilient Structures

A confluence of opportunities and national and international grand challenges are influencing current directions in the design of structures within urban regions as populations expand. This presentation will summarize new developments to create sustainable and resilient structures and urban regions through research on the built environment across several themes... Read full abstract and profile

Development of the Future with Smart Infrastructure Management System

The Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) is a national R&D program managed by the Cabinet Office of Japan. Established in 2014, SIP aims to foster science and technology innovation beyond the boundaries of government ministries and conventional research domains under the advanced management of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI). The third phase of this program commenced in 2023, with the ultimate goal of realizing Society 5.0, the future society envisioned by Japan...Read full abstract and profile

Advancing Sustainable Structural Engineering: Expanding the 3D Framework of Environmental, Social, and Economic Dimensions through Resilient Design and the Key Role of IABSE

In an era marked by pressing environmental challenges, the IABSE Symposium in Tokyo (2025) serves as a crucial platform to explore the transformative potential of structural engineering for advancing sustainability. Under the theme "Environmentally Friendly Technologies and Structures - Focusing on Sustainable Approaches," the keynote lecture will address the interplay of environmental, social, and economic dimensions in civil engineering. The environmental focus will emphasize minimizing ecological impact through sustainable energy solutions and advanced materials. The social aspect will highlight community engagement and resilience, ensuring that structures enhance quality of life while meeting technical standards. Economically, the discussion will explore circular economy principles that promote waste reduction and resource efficiency...Read full abstract and profile

Towards intelligent design and cracking analysis for concrete bridges based on a new stress indicator system

A new stress indicator system is proposed for concrete bridges with box section. The system includes the in-plane and out-of-plane representative stresses of each slab of box section covering global and local effects. Some of the indicators were already adopted in the codes for decades, but they were not complete, leaving bugs for cracking analysis of concrete bridge structures. The indicator system can establish an intelligent road map for cracking analysis: to compare cracks with the system to obtain relevant stress indicators; to determine the load condition that contributes the most to those stress indicators from refined analysis model. The load conditions include deadload, live load, concrete creep and shrinkage, prestressing, thermal effect etc. Example of cacking analysis using this system is given...Read full abstract and profile

The Art of Bridge Design

The talk will describe the authors holistic approach to conceiving and designing bridges from a blank sheet of paper, in many parts of the world, to address the particular requirements of a site in terms of the owner’s aspirations, aesthetics, maintainability and cost effectiveness...Read full abstract and profile

Structural Behaviorology in Architectural Behaviorology

Architectural Behaviorology being a design theory and methodology that we have adopted with the objective of rediscovering the forgotten values of resources through the lens of ethnography. In essence it tries to find existing barriers and deficits and then challenge them in order to create better accessibilities to local resources. The aim is to activate the behaviors of actors, both human and resource, to create commons and rejuvenate community livelihoods...Read full abstract and profile

How twin transition will solve the main challenges towards the sustainable management of the built environment

Twin transition indicates the double transformation towards a greener and digitalized ecosystem. We all know the current challenges society is facing, which concerns the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the built environment (e.g. buildings, roads, railways, among others), in face of progressive (e.g. durability aspects) and extreme events (e.g. earthquake, flood, among others) (amplified in some cases by climate change effects). In line with that, the implementation of resilience based systems, as well as of integrated digital tools (e.g. AI tools, among others), will support owners, first responders, and society in general, facing such challenges...Read full abstract and profile

The role of facades contributing to sustainable buildings

As a building envelope, façades make a significant contribution to the ecological footprint of buildings - both during construction and operation. The façade must perform various functions such as thermal insulation, sound insulation, fire protection, natural ventilation and natural lighting and should contribute to the resilience of the building. While the service life of the primary construction is around 80 years, façades currently have a service life of around three decades...Read full abstract and profile

More sustainable construction of buildings – every little bit helps

Construction of buildings results in very important environmental impacts. All actors in the industry – from architects and structural engineers to providers, constructors and owners but also educators and researchers – have a big responsibility in the search for more sustainable construction practices. Possible reductions of the environmental impacts must be pinpointed at every possible spot, from today and by all involved – some miraculous disruptive technologies will not appear soon or will be too late for mitigating the worsening climate crisis...Read full abstract and profile

Young Engineers Programme

Delegates born in 1991 or later are eligible for reduced registration fees. In addition, the Outstanding Contribution Award will be presented to two young authors, born in 1991 or later, who have presented their papers in person during the Symposium. The award is sponsored by the IABSE Fellows and the Organising Committee. The award consists of a cash prize and a certificate that will be presented during the closing ceremony.