Preface [New materials and structures for ultra‐durability - RSC2020 conference]

Abstract

[Excerpt] The world is changing fast and getting confronted with many challenges that could impact the well-being and happiness of society. Among the most severe are rapid urbanization, climate change and resource scarcity. In this scenario, the construction industry is transforming itself and the challenge of current civil engineering is to find a proper balance between increasing the lifespan of structures as much as resources and technology available allow, and keeping the overall costs (construction, exploitation and recycling) both affordable and sustainable to the society. This change presents engineers and designers with an opportunity to redefine the methods and materials with which new civil engineering projects are undertaken. Engineers must look to innovations, taking into account resilience to natural hazards, efficiency in design, sustainability and durability of materials and structures, while cultivating new structural concepts. [...]