34th LISBON International Conference on Building Design, Materials and Civil Engineering: LBDCE-26

Topics/Call for Papers

The Conference is the premier forum for the presentation of new advances and research results in the following fields. The conference will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to:

 I. Structural Engineering and Design

This section focuses on the principles, analysis, and execution of safe and efficient structures.

Individual Topics:

• Structural Analysis and Mechanics: Advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA), computational methods, and structural optimization.

• Earthquake and Seismic Engineering: Base isolation systems, seismic retrofitting techniques (e.g., FRP), structural control devices (dampers), and fragility analysis.

• Wind Engineering: Aerodynamic analysis of tall buildings and long-span bridges, and wind load modeling.

• Special Structures: Design and construction of bridges (stress ribbon, integral), dams, tunnels, and high-rise/mega-tall buildings.

• Forensic Engineering: Failure analysis of materials and structures, and structural integrity assessment.

• Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): Sensor integration (e.g., IoT), data analytics, and real-time monitoring for predictive maintenance.

Interrelated Topics:

• Performance-Based Design (Design & Structural): Designing structures to meet specific, quantifiable performance objectives (e.g., remaining operational after a major seismic event) rather than prescriptive code requirements.

• Disaster Resilience and Risk Management (Structural & Civil): Developing resilient infrastructure that can withstand and quickly recover from extreme events (floods, hurricanes, earthquakes) and assessing associated risks.

• Nonlinear Behavior of Structures (Structural & Materials): Studying the response of structural elements under extreme loading where material behavior is non-linear (e.g., beyond the elastic limit).

II. Construction Materials and Technology

This area explores the composition, properties, performance, and application of materials, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Individual Topics:

• Sustainable and Green Materials: Research on Geopolymer Concrete (low-carbon cement alternatives), recycled aggregates, timber construction (e.g., Cross-Laminated Timber - CLT), and bio-based materials (hemp, bamboo).

• Advanced Concrete Technology: Development of High-Performance Concrete (HPC), Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), Self-Healing Concrete (using bacteria or capsules), and Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC).

• Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering: Incorporating nanomaterials (nanosilica, carbon nanotubes) to enhance mechanical properties and durability.

• Innovative Composites: Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP), fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), and hybrid composite materials for lightweight and high-strength applications.

• Asphalt and Pavement Materials: Performance of asphalt mixtures, recycling, and sustainable pavement design.

Interrelated Topics:

• Life-Cycle Assessment (Materials & Design/Civil): Comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact (carbon footprint, energy consumption) of materials and structures from cradle-to-grave.

• Recycling and Circularity (Materials & Construction): Techniques for upcycling and reusing construction and demolition (C&D) waste to minimize landfill use.

• Smart Materials (Materials & Structural): Materials that sense, react, and adapt to their environment (e.g., temperature-responsive, self-healing, or shape memory alloys for structural applications).

III. Digitalization, Management, and Construction

This focuses on the processes, technologies, and management required to execute projects efficiently.

Individual Topics:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM for collaborative design, quantity take-off, clash detection, 4D (scheduling), and 5D (cost) modeling, and facility management.

• Digital Construction and Automation: Robotics in construction, construction equipment analysis, digital surveying using drones, and automated quality control.

• 3D Printing in Construction: Large-scale additive manufacturing for buildings, infrastructure components, and formwork.

• Lean Construction and Productivity Improvement: Applying lean principles to construction processes to reduce waste and optimize workflow.

• Construction Law and Project Management: Contract law, dispute resolution, risk analysis, and public-private partnerships (PPP).

Interrelated Topics:

• Digital Twins and Smart Infrastructure (Management & Structural): Creating real-time virtual models of physical infrastructure assets (bridges, utility networks) by integrating BIM, SHM, and IoT data for asset management and predictive maintenance.

• Computational Design and AI/ML (Design & Management): Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for generative design, predictive scheduling, and optimizing material use/logistics on-site.

IV. Civil Engineering and Sustainability

This covers the broader civil disciplines and the environmental/social impact of the built environment.

Individual Topics:

• Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering: Water supply and treatment, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), flood mitigation, and river restoration.

• Geotechnical Engineering: Soil stabilization, ground improvement techniques, foundation design in seismic environments, and tunnel/underground structure construction.

• Transportation Engineering: Advanced pavement design, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), traffic flow optimization, and public transportation planning.

• Environmental Engineering: Environmental impact assessment (EIA), air quality, energy and environmental auditing, and hazardous waste management.

• Smart Cities and Urban Planning: Integrated infrastructure design, urban economy, and planning for resilient and sustainable metropolitan development.

Interrelated Topics:

• Green Building Design and Energy Efficiency (Design & Civil/Materials): Techniques for achieving net-zero energy buildings (NZEB), advanced insulation, passive solar design, and green building certifications (e.g., $\text{LEED}$).

• Coastal and Offshore Engineering (Civil & Structural): Shoreline protection, harbor design, and the structural design of offshore wind farms or submerged floating tunnels, often requiring high-durability materials.

• Socio-Technical Systems (Civil & Management): The societal and ethical issues surrounding infrastructure projects, including affordable housing, infrastructure renewal policies, and engineering leadership in national development.