• Computational Structures Technology
    (where structures is interpreted in its widest sense.)
• Computational Stochastic Mechanics
• Integration of Computational Structures Technology
    and Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Computational Nano-mechanics
• Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics
• Computational Geotechnics
• Computational Biomechanics

Stream 1: Developments in Methods and Techniques

• Finite and Boundary Element Analysis
• Discrete Element Methods
• Particle Methods
• Meshfree Methods
• eXtended Finite Element Method
• Adaptivity
• Isogeometric Analysis
• Eigensolvers
• Spectral and Wave Element Methods
• Differential Quadrature Methods
• Partial Differential Equations
• Peridynamics
• Fractional Methods

• Static and Dynamic Analysis
• Non-Linear Analysis
• Stochastic and Reliability Analysis
• Chaotic Phenomena
• Impact and Contact

• Material Models
• Functional Graded Materials
• Geomaterials
• Smart Materials
• Piezoelectric Materials
• Composite Materials
• Fracture and Fatigue
• Brittle Materials
• Materials Characterisation
• Poromechanics
• High Performance Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites

• Error Estimation, Verification and Validation
• Visualisation and Graphics
• Mesh and Grid Generation
• Tools for Post- and Pre- Processing
• Managing Large Data Sets including data compression

• Computer Aided Design
• The Role of Finite Element Method in Design
• Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimisation
• Structural Re-analysis & Sensitivity Analysis
• Shape and Topology Optimisation
• Computational Tools for Integrated Design
• Reliability-based Optimal Design
• Stochastic Optimal Structural Control
• Stochastic Optimisation Methods
• Swarm Intelligence Techniques
• Machine Learning Algorithms
• Surrogate Modelling in Structural Optimisation
• Robust Design
• Additive Manufacturing (3D-Printing)

• Software Standards and Quality Control
• Verification and Validation
• Autonomic Computing
• Parallel, Distributed and Cloud Systems
• Use of High Performance Computer Architectures
• Supercomputing
• Domain Decomposition and Partitioning
• MIMD Architectures
• Distributed Computing and Networking
• Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge-Based Systems
• Novel Software Tools and Development Environments
• Virtual Reality and Immersive Systems
• Algorithms for Vectorisation and Parallelisation
• Genetic Algorithms and Evolutionary Processes
• Neural Networks
• Object Oriented Methods
• Data Mining
• Solution Procedures for Large Scale Problems
• Hardware and Software developments for HPC
• Grid and Cloud Computing
• WWW Applications
• Large Scale Systems
• Computational Steering
• Digital Twins in Structural Engineering

• Numerical Modelling of Foundations
• Soil-Structure Interaction
• Structural Modelling
• Computational Methods for the Structural Assessment of Historical Structures
• Damage Identification
• Micro-Mechanics Model
• Dynamic Systems
• Smart Structures
• Building Information Modeling in Structural Engineering.
• Fluid-Structure Interaction
• Large Scale Systems
• Earthquake and Structural Dynamics
• Active Control
• Damage Tolerant and Fail Safety Computer Design
• Uncertainty and Probabilistic Analysis
• Multi-Scale Modelling
• Multi-Body Dynamics
• Material Modelling and Characterisation
• Acoustics and Vibrations
• Damping
• Inverse Problems
• Human Induced Vibrations
• Multi-Hazard Applications
• Pipeline engineering
• Multiphase flow modelling

• Plate and Shell Structures
• Aerospace Structures
• Offshore Structures
• Lightweight, Membrane and Fabric Structures
• Retractable Roofs
• Composite and Concrete Structures
• Timber Structures
• Steel and Aluminium Structures
• Brick, Blockwork and Masonry
• Geotechnical Structures
• Smart Structures
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Computer Simulated Demolition
• Structures under Extreme Loading (e.g. Blast and Fire)
• Protective Structures
• Forming and Coupled Problems
• Heritage Structures
• Subsea structures and Pipeline Design
• Onshore pipelines

• Course Development
• On-line Training Systems

• CST-S1: Data Science in Civil Engineering Materials
  organised by:
  Dr. S. Czarnecki and Prof. Lukasz Sadowski
  Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
  

  The special session "Data Science in Civil Engineering Materials" aims to present recent trends in data analyses and usage of machine learning techniques in materials science. With the increasing complexity of civil engineering projects and the growing demand for sustainable and durable materials, data science offers a unique opportunity to optimize material selection, design and performance. This session will explore various aspects of data science applications in civil engineering materials, including predictive modeling and decision support systems. Researchers and practitioners will present the approaches for collecting, processing, and analyzing large datasets generated from material testing and field performance. Key topics will include the development of advanced computational models to simulate material behavior under different external conditions.

• CST-S2: Innovative Methods for Structural Design and Optimization
  organised by:
  Prof. Giuseppe Carlo Marano, Politecnico di Torino, Italy,
  Prof. Gabriele Milani, Politecnico di Milano, Italy,
  Dr. Majid Movahedi Rad, Széchenyi István University, Hungary,
  Dr. Raffaele Cucuzza, Politecnico di Torino, Italy, and
  Dr. Marco Domaneschi, Politecnico di Torino, Italy.

  This session aims to present the latest advancements in the field of structural engineering by integrating various computer-aided design tools and innovative approaches. These techniques enable engineers to overcome the limitations of traditional design methods and achieve better results in terms of structural efficiency and sustainability. The session will provide an ideal platform to discuss recent advances and practical experiences in single and multi-criteria strategies, structural shape, sizing, topology optimization, optimal identification procedure for structural control devices and/or earthquake mitigation systems, and software development. Moreover, topics related to applications of optimized tools for parametric analysis and form-finding in the engineering field are included. Finally, contributions related to the development of new multi-disciplinary and multi-objective approaches mainly related to involve environmental aspects within the design are strongly encouraged.

• CST-S3: Advanced Analysis of Steel and Steel-Concrete Composite Structures
  organised by:
  Prof. J.G. Santos da Silva, State University of Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Brazil
  Prof. L.F. Costa Neves, University of Coimbra, UC, Portugal

  The aim of this special session is to summarize the progress in theoretical, computational and experimental research in the field of structural analysis of steel and steel-concrete composite structures. Special emphasis is always given to new concepts and procedures concerning the computational modelling, structural analysis and design of steel and steel-concrete composite structures. Topics of interest include static and dynamic structural analysis, fatigue analysis, seismic analysis, vibration control, stability design, connections, cold-formed members, bridges and footbridges, fire engineering, trusses, tower and masts, linear and nonlinear structural dynamics and soil-structure interaction. Papers of all research areas related to theoretical, numerical and experimental aspects concerning the computational modelling, analysis and design of steel and steel-concrete composite structures are very welcome.

• CST-S4: Dynamics and Stability of Thin Flexible Structures: Novel Computational Approaches
  organised by:
  Prof. Yury Vetyukov and Dr. Jakob Scheidl
  Institute of Mechanics and Mechatronics, Technische Universitaet Wien, Vienna, Austria

  Increasing demands for functionality and sustainability of flexible elements of modern machines and structures require problem-oriented analysis methods. General purpose simulation software can be inefficient or even useless for systems with complicated material structure, moving frictional contacts, material flow through the control volume, etc. Our goal is to bring together specialists pursuing novel approaches to extraordinary problems in the mechanics of thin flexible structures. The following non-exhaustive list provides examples of various problem classes and approaches relevant in the context of the special session:

  ★ Axially moving structures and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian description;
  ★ Elastic-plastic deformations and stress-resultant formulations of elasto-plasticity;
  ★ Vibrations of damaged structures;
  ★ Frictional contact and transport;
  ★ Locally nonlinear behavior: wave formation or local loss of stiffness of a structural member; and
  ★ Computer algebra-assisted development of simulation tools;

• CST-S5: Resilience and Robustness Analysis of Modular Buildings
  organised by:
  Dr Said Elias¹, Professor Michael Beer¹, Assoc. Professor Agathoklis Giaralis² and Professor Konstantinos D. Tsavdaridis^{3
  1}Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Institute for Risk and Reliability, Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), Hannover, Germany
  ²Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  ³Director of 3DMBC group, Department of Engineering, School of Science & Technology, City, University of London, UK
  

  In the rapidly evolving field of structural engineering, the focus on sustainable and efficient construction methods has brought modular buildings to the forefront of architectural, engineering, and construction industries. As we push the boundaries of what is possible with modular construction, understanding the resilience and robustness of these structures becomes paramount. This mini-symposium aims to address this crucial aspect by integrating advancements in computational structural analysis with the specific challenges and opportunities presented by modular construction. The mini-symposium will concentrate on several key areas, including but not limited to:

  ★ Advanced computational models for predicting the behavior of modular structures under various loading conditions, including seismic, wind, and live loads.
  ★ Innovative approaches to the design and analysis of connections and joints in modular construction, crucial for the overall structural integrity.
  ★ Application of stochastic models and reliability analysis in assessing the performance and life-cycle costs of modular buildings.
  ★ Case studies highlighting successful integration of computational analysis in modular building projects, demonstrating practical applications and solutions to encountered challenges.
  ★ Future directions in research and technology development for enhancing the resilience and robustness of modular structures.
  

• CST-S6: Buckling and Wrinkling of Thin Members: Plates, Membranes, and Thin Films
  organised by:
  Professor Franz G. Rammerstorfer
  Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), Austria
  

  Thin structures, like membranes, are prone to wrinkle not only under compression but also under tensile loading. Typical examples are: Instabilities in thin-band roling processes, wrinkles appearing in stretched or twisted strips, local separation and buckling of thin metallic films on elastic substrates in flexible electronics, face layer wrinkling in sandwich structures, wrinkles in human skin after operations, waviness in plant leaves or other natural structures caused by growing etc. are typical phenomena, the examination of which require careful modelling and appropriate computational procedures.

  The aim of this special session is to create a forum in which such problems and the corresponding solution techniques can be presented and discussed.

• CST-S7: 3D Printed Samples and Structures: Technology, Laboratory Tests and Numerical Simulation
  organised by:
  Professor Jaroslav Kruis
  Department of Mechanics, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
  

  3D printing has become very popular and the number of materials used is constantly growing. In addition to plastic, metals and concrete are used. 3D printing is used for small samples, such as dental implants, up to relatively large concrete elements. There are many technological issues connected with particular materials. Additional challenges are associated with testing the printed samples and structures. Finally, numerical simulation of printed structures is especially difficult in the case of metals. The classical continuum models have some limitations if the particle composition of samples is significant. In such case, particle models have to be used. Contributions concerning technology of printing, testing of samples in the laboratory and the numerical simulations of printed structures are welcome.

• CST-S8: Form-finding and Optimization of Lightweight and Cable-Supported Structures
  organised by:
  Professor Alberto Martins¹, Professor Luis Simoes¹, Professor Janos Logo² and Professor Matteo Bruggi^{3
  1}University of Coimbra, Portugal
  ²Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
  ³Politecnico di Milano, Italy
  

  This session focuses on recent advances in form-finding methods and optimization-based approaches for the design of lightweight and cable-supported structures. These solutions are structurally efficient and aesthetically appealing, owing to their slender and lightweight appearance, and are particularly suited to overcoming long-spans. With the advances in construction materials and erection processes there is a growing interest in the design of these structures, aiming to explore new forms and efficiently use of traditional and novel materials. Form-finding methods, topology optimization and optimization considering shape, mechanical and sizing design variables are efficient strategies to assist in the challenging task of designing these structures aiming at economic and structurally efficient solutions. Other contributions on the use of optimization algorithms in the design of new structures, as well as in the assessment and retrofitting of existing structures, are also welcome.

• CST-S9: Capacity Evaluation Tools for Existing Structures
  organised by:
  Professor Emre Erkmen
  Concordia University, Canada
  

  In many parts of the world especially in EarthQuake regions, decision making tools on aging structures are much needed. Computer modelling for the Capacity Evaluation of an Existing Structure is significantly more demanding as opposed to the modelling when its newly designed, in which case guidance is often provided by Structural Design Codes as the behaviour can be controlled during the design. Often simplifications in the computer modelling are allowed in the design of new structures. On the other hand, when modelling existing structures the computer model should be sufficiently equipped to be able to capture potential modes of failure. Identifying the existing situation of the structure and incorporating into the computer model as well as full simulation of the failure behaviour constitutes many challenges. This session aims to provide attendees with insights on modelling strategies and the scope of applicability of the currently available tools and scientific an methodologies.

• CST-S10: Advances in Computational Methods for Fluid-Structure Interaction Problems
  organised by:
  Professor Marta Benítez and Professor Andrés Prieto
  CITMAga, University of A Coruña, Spain

  The robust and efficient numerical computation of coupled phenomena between structures and the surrounding fluid is crucial to obtaining accurate predictions of the intrinsic mechanical responses of complex engineered systems. The special session "Advances in computational methods for fluid-structure interaction problems" aims to present the latest advances in computational methodologies for the reliable numerical simulation of fluid-structure problems using a variety of approaches not only on the classical physics-based methods standard mathematical descriptions using partial differential equations in Eulerian, Lagrangian, semi-Lagrangian or Arbitrary Lagrange-Eulerian (ALE) coordinates but also on the novel data-driven methodologies based on the usage of machine learning techniques and pre-trained algorithms where datasets are used for predicting the fluid dynamics and/or the mechanical response of the structures. This session will also be open to discussing recent advances in different (but not limited to) numerical techniques such as embedded boundary methods, immersed boundary methods, fictitious domain methods, and characteristic line methods, among others, with a special focus on the numerical prediction of realistic scenarios relevant in civil engineering applications.

• CST-S11: Engineering Application of Metamaterials and their Design Methodologies
  organised by:
  Professor José M. Benítez, Professor Luis Saucedo-Mora and Professor Francisco J. Montáns
  Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
  

  Metamaterials are gaining interest due their engineering potential and the 3D printer that enables their manufacturing. The applications range from aerospace engineering to biomedical devices, and all arise from a search for efficiency and the unlocking of previously unreachable capabilities. In this special session we want to focus on those advanced applications and the methodologies developed to design those metamaterials. Also, formulations and models relating to aspects such as the durability and damage in those metamaterial components are very welcome. Finally, topological optimization schemes intended to find new metamaterials algorithmically, as well as new applications of existing design methodologies will also be presented in the special session.

• CST-S12: New Trends in Structural Optimization and its Engineering Applications
  organised by:
  Professor Weisheng Zhang¹, Professor Liang Meng² Professor Tong Gao² and Professor Zhenyu Liu^{3
  1}Dalian University of Technology, China
  ²Northwestern Polytechnical University, China
  ³Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
  

  Structural topology optimization, which is devoted to designing innovative and lightweight products by distributing materials in an optimal way, has been well applied to design materials with specific mechanical, thermal, acoustic properties, etc. Furthermore, with the rapid development of additive manufacturing technology, it almost makes human imagination to be the major limitation. Except for the great opportunity, new challenges are also emerging when topology optimization meets additive manufacturing. It shows that both some new challenges (e.g., manufacturing constraints) as well as some long established issues (e.g., multiscale/nonlinear topology optimization) are not straightforward to solve when using traditional implicit topology optimization approaches. Not only new insights but also new analysis and topology optimization frameworks are highly desirable in the current stage. This session therefore aims to bring together researchers from the structural optimization community to discuss latest achievements in the development of new topology optimization method and techniques in dealing with the current challenge issues. Topics of interest for this session include, but are not limited to the following:

  ★ New frameworks for structural optimization
  ★ Structural optimization considering manufacturing constraints
  ★ Nonlinear structural optimization problems
  ★ Microstructure design and multiscale optimization
  ★ Multi-physics design problems
  ★ Structural design in engineering applications
  

• CST-S14: Classical and Numerical Methods for Buckling, Free Vibration and Response of Structures
  organised by:
  Dr Jiri Naprstek¹ and Professor Ranjan Banerjee^{2
  1}Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Prague, Czech Republic
  ²City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, United Kingdom
  

  This session is primarily focused on linear and nonlinear analysis of buckling, free vibration, and response analysis of structures using classical and numerical methods. Investigations demonstrating that classical and numerical methods are not incompatible opposites, but, by contrast, they are indeed, complimentary to each other when arriving at the results. Developments of advanced theories using classical methods for bars, beams, membranes, plates, and shells and their validation and verification by computed results using numerical methods such as the finite element and/or the finite difference method will be encouraged. Papers dealing with structures or structural elements made of both isotropic and anisotropic materials are also expected to feature in the session. Wave propagation problems are also included. Experimental techniques to validate and verify classical theories as well as numerical methods will be a major component of the session. To broaden the appeal of the session, the development of solution techniques for solving linear and non-linear problems pertaining to buckling, vibration and response analysis will be given due recognition and importance in the session. Interdisciplinary investigations covering the technical areas of composite structures, material science, fluid-structure interaction and computational methods will be welcome.

• CST-S15: Advances in Safety Assessment through Numerical Analyses
  organised by:
  Professor Paolo Castaldo¹, Dr Diego Gino¹, Dr Elena Miceli¹, Dr Qianhui Yu² and Dr Lenganji Simwanda^{3
  1}Politecnico di Torino, Italy
  ²École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
  ³Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
  

  Numerical methods have become increasingly essential tools for engineers in the safety assessment of structural systems. Over the last decades, researchers have invested substantial efforts in establishing methods and investigating practical applications of numerical analysis, accounting for the uncertainties involved in safety evaluations. The Special Session, titled "Advances in Safety Assessment through Numerical Analyses," aims to collect contributions related to advancements in research associated with the use of numerical analyses for the safety assessment of structures and infrastructures.

• CST-S16: Probabilistic Methods, Reliability Assessment and Entropy Computations
  organised by:
  Professor Marcin Kamiński
  Lodz University of Technology, Poland
  

  This special session is devoted to different numerical methods in probabilistic engineering mechanics, where primary importance is given to the Stochastic Finite Element Method but some other discrete stochastic methods may be presented and discussed as well. The works related to its different implementations, namely polynomial chaos, Monte-Carlo simulations, and stochastic perturbation methods as well as their combinations and extensions are welcome. Probabilistic analysis in engineering is frequently connected with reliability assessment according to the First or Higher Order Reliability Methods so engineering studies in this area would be also interesting. Last but not least some numerical or practical studies devoted to direct determination of probabilistic entropy or the usage of the maximum entropy principle would complete the scope of this session.

• CST-S17: Multiscale Investigation of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering
  organised by:
  Professor Yu Zeng¹, Dr Renyuan Qin¹ and Professor Hexin (Johnson) Zhang^{2
  1}Dongguan University of Technology, China
  ²Edinburgh Napier University, United Kingdom
  

  Composite materials play a vital role in modern civil engineering, offering a wide range of benefits including high strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and versatility. As the demand for sustainable and resilient infrastructure grows, there is an increasing need for comprehensive understanding and exploration of composite materials and structures at various scales. This session aims to delve into the multiscale investigation of composite materials, focusing on cementitious composites, fiber reinforced composites, and natural composites, within the context of civil engineering applications. The objectives fo the session are to discuss recent advancements in the characterization and modeling of composite materials at multiple scales, to explore innovative design methodologies and manufacturing techniques for composite structures in civil engineering, and to examine the performance, durability, and sustainability of composite materials in various civil engineering applications.

• CST-S18: Recent Advances in Structural Health Monitoring and Retrofit Technologies for Structural Integrity and Enhancement
  organised by:
  Dr Jiping Bai¹, Professor Alberto Martins² and Mthabisi Nyathi^{1
  1}University of South Wales, United Kingdom
  ²University of Coimbra, Portugal
  

  Structural health monitoring (SHM) and retrofitting are critical aspects of ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of infrastructure. This special session will theme around recent advancements in SHM and retrofit, and look into innovative methods and technologies aimed at assessing and enhancing the integrity of structures. Discussions will encompass various aspects such as advanced sensor technologies, data acquisition and analytics, damage detection and diagnosis, predictive modelling and optimization algorithms, risk assessment, material selection and compatibility, regulatory compliance and standards, integration with structural design, retrofit techniques and strategies to ensure the longevity and resilience of infrastructure. Participants can expect comprehensive insights into the latest developments and practical applications in the field, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, engineers, and industry professionals.

The Conference Editorial Board is: