IABSE IASS Symposium 2011 - "Taller Longer Lighter"
The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
and the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS)
London, September 20-23, 2011
Incorporating the 6th International Conference on Space Structures traditionally held at Surrey University
Preliminary Invitation and Call for Papers
The Olympics will be held in London in 2012. This was one reason why IABSE and IASS both decided to hold their 2011 Symposium in the UK, taking advantage of the opportunity to explore the exciting structures under construction for the Olympics.
The decision was made to hold a joint event for the first time since 1994, and the Organisers are delighted that members of both associations and delegates from around the world will come together in September 2011 in London for what promises to be a truly unique occasion.
The event also incorporates the 6th International Conference on Space Structures traditionally held at Surrey University.
The challenge to build taller structures or longer spans using lighter materials has been with us since civilisation began, but to do so using the Earth’s resources in a sustainable way has added extra complexities to the engineer’s task.
Olympic athletes constantly strive to run faster, jump higher or throw further, and the Symposium title of “Taller, Longer, Lighter” reflects the similarly Olympian struggle faced by engineers.
It also provides ample opportunity for authors to contribute interesting and stimulating papers to the Symposium, and acts as an umbrella for a series of sub-themes or topics of interest and relevance to delegates.
As an international venue, London is hard to beat. A vibrant and exciting place with many famous historical and contemporary landmarks, the city throbs with artistic and cultural activity, and provides the perfect backdrop for this unique event.
This invitation is extended to all those who wish to come to London in September 2011 to participate in what promises to be a memorable and significant Symposium. It is aimed at practicing engineers, architects, researchers, clients, constructors and
all those involved in developing or studying the built environment.
For further information see subsequent announcements and www.iabse-iass-2011.com.
Theme and Topics
The Symposium title is “Taller, Longer, Lighter”, with the added theme of “Meeting Growing Demand
with Limited Resources” to reflect the sustainability challenge referred to in the introduction. This main theme is supplemented by the following topics:
• Concepts and planning
• Design and construction
• Analysis and methods
• Materials and durability
• Saving energy and extending life
• Operation and maintenance
• Instrumentation and monitoring
Papers will be allocated to one of the above topics.
Call for Papers
Participants wishing to present a paper should submit a one-page abstract in English using the template available on the Symposium homepage at www.iabse-iass-2011.com. The abstract must be submitted via the link on the web site. Hard copy, email or fax submissions will not be accepted. The subject must relate to the theme and topics or it will not be considered, and the specific topics addressed by the paper should be indicated.
Please note that the one-page abstracts will be printed and published in the Symposium proceedings, so the layout and format must follow the correct template. Illustrations may be included as long as the one page limit is not exceeded.
Abstracts must be received before 30th November 2010.
Note that authors of accepted papers will be expected to attend and be able to present their paper in good English at the Symposium.
Pre-registration
Visit the event web site to register your interest in the event.
Publication
The printed Symposium proceedings will contain the one-page abstracts of all papers accepted by the
Scientific Committee. The full version will be included on a CD-rom enclosed with the proceedings.
Note that publication of the paper is conditional upon registration to attend the Symposium by the author.
Time Schedule
November 30, 2010 Deadline for submission of abstracts
February 14, 2011 Notification of provisional acceptance
April 15, 2011 Deadline for submission of full papers
June 15, 2011 Notification of paper acceptance
September 17-19, 2011 IABSE and IASS Annual Meetings
September 20-23, 2011 Symposium
Symposium Format
The Scientific Programme will include Plenary, Concurrent and Poster Sessions over four days.
Keynote and invited speakers will address the Symposium generally in the plenary sessions, and thematic concurrent parallel sessions will be held for the presentation of papers selected by the Scientific Committee from those submitted. Poster sessions will be structured to encourage interaction with the authors.
A special session and exhibition will be held to celebrate the life and work of Heinz Isler, the genius of concrete shell structures. In addition there will be a special session devoted to the structures for the 2012 Olympics in London.
Symposium Venue
The Symposium will take place in the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster. This venue is adjacent to Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square, and close to many historical sites and places of interest in central London.
Accommodation
A variety of hotel options will be identified for delegates, covering a range of prices, all centrally located near to the Symposium venue.
Language
The Symposium will be conducted in English, with no simultaneous translation. Authors invited to present
their papers must be able to do so clearly in English, and be prepared to respond to questions in English during the discussion periods.
Students and Young Delegates
Delegates born in 1976 or later and Students enjoy reduced registration fees and other benefits. A special programme for young author will be arranged at the Symposium, and one or more awards will be given for the best paper presented by a young author.
Scientific Committee
(For full list see event website)
Co-chair: Professor David Nethercot, UK (IABSE)
Co-chair: Professor Sergio Pellegrino, UK (IASS)
Organising Committee
(For full list see event website)
Co-chair: Ian Firth, UK (IABSE)
Co-chair: Brian Smith, UK (IASS)
Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers.
International Advisory Panel
John Abel, USA (President, IASS)
David Billington, USA
Peter Buckland, Canada
Jacques Combault, France (President, IABSE)
Michael Dickson, UK
Mamoru Kawaguchi, Japan
Klaus Ostenfeld, Denmark
Jörg Schlaich, Germany
R. Sundaram, India
Michel Virlogeux, France
Further information www.iabse-iass-2011.com
Exhibition
An exhibition of relevant products and services will be organised at the Symposium venue. Potential exhibitors should register their interest at www.iabse-iass-2011.com.
Sponsorship
A limited number of sponsorship packages that enable corporate partners to communicate and interact with key audiences through a variety of branding, editorial and thought leadership opportunities will go on sale in April 2010. These packages will offer benefits over a nine month period, culminating in the Symposium itself. Companies wishing to register interest should do so at www.iabse-iass-2011.com
Technical Visits
Technical visits to notable structures either built or under construction in London will be arranged and offered to all delegates, including accompanying persons. These visits are expected to include the new facilities under construction for the London 2012 Olympics, the Shard (which will be the tallest building in Europe) and other interesting structures.
Social Programme
A social programme will be organised for all participants and accompanying persons, including the Symposium Gala Dinner, Welcome Reception and other events.
Post Symposium Tours
Recommendations for post-Symposium tours to various famous destinations in the UK will be publicised and arrangements made if required.
Annual Meetings
The Annual Meetings of IABSE and IASS will take place immediately prior to the Symposium on 17th - 19th September 2011.
IABSE and IASS
The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering was founded in 1929, and the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures was founded in 1959. Both associations have similar goals, namely to promote the exchange of knowledge and achieve technological progress through the interchange of ideas between all those involved or interested in their fields of activity.
IABSE has a broad focus on bridges and structural engineering whereas IASS tends to concentrate on lightweight structural systems such as lattice, tension, membrane and shell structures. To this end, both associations organise conferences and symposia, publish journals and other reports, and also present awards to recognise outstanding achievements.