fib Retrospective 2024

Written on 17 December 2024.

The fib sends warm season’s greetings and best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!

 We would like to thank you for being an integral part of the fib journey in 2024. The fib thrives because of the dedication, expertise, and active participation of its members, whose voluntary contributions are at the heart of all our achievements. As we reflect on this year, we take a moment to celebrate the milestones reached and the collaborative efforts that have driven our success.

Here’s a retrospective of 2024, highlighting key moments, initiatives, and the collective progress we have made together.

• fib Symposium 2024 in Christchurch. The fib Symposium in Christchurch Re-Construct Resilient Concrete Structures concluded successfully with 638 participants and 330 papers spanning topics like high-performance materials, seismic design, sustainability, and digital manufacturing. A one-day conference by Concrete NZ on Building Resilience followed the symposium, further emphasising advancements in structural resilience.
• 15^th fib PhD Symposium in Budapest. In 2024, the fib PhD Symposium returned to its roots in Budapest, Hungary, where the first two editions were held in 1996 and 1998. With 282 participants and 166 oral presentations, this conference continues its tradition of providing a dedicated forum for PhD students to present their research, receive feedback, and engage in international discussions, supporting their academic growth.
• fib ICCS 2024. The fib ICCS – International Conference on Concrete Sustainability – took place on 11-13 September 2024 in Guimarães, Portugal. The aim of the conference is to bring together engineers, researchers, academics, producers, investors and developers to exchange and discuss their innovative approaches and ideas focused on sustainable concrete structures and their contribution to sustainable development goals. The conference topics included design and assessment, advanced materials, modelling and analyses, durability, life cycle design, through-life management and care, resilience, dismantlement, reuse and recycling, innovation in buildings and civil structures, and case studies.
• fib Model Code for Concrete Structures (2020). After years of development, the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures (2020) is now available. The fib Model Code (2020) is a comprehensive concrete design code that integrates provisions for both new and existing structures, prioritising sustainability by considering societal needs, life-cycle cost, and environmental impacts. The fib MC (2020) emphasises an integrated life-cycle perspective, addressing aspects like safety, durability, and adaptability while factoring concrete’s significant role in climate change. Developed by over 1’400 contributors from 67 countries, the fib MC (2020) represents the cutting-edge global consensus on concrete structure design, incorporating advancements in science and materials to ensure tested and reliable models.
• fib Model Code plan. The fib Model Code (2020) plan (CHF 280 per calendar year) allows users to digitally access the fib MC(2020) via the fib online viewer. This plan also includes all the relevant fib bulletins and CEB supporting documents (about 60 documents). MC(2020) users will systematically have access to the latest version of the Model Code, which will be kept up to date. Please note this is included in Subscribing Members’ benefits.
• fib Bulletin 111 Modelling structural performance of existing concrete structures. Many existing structures require assessment to determine if they still meet structural safety demands, considering factors such as increased traffic loads, material deterioration, or outdated design standards. This bulletin provides a comprehensive overview of methods for evaluating structural performance, including residual capacity under higher loads, effects of material deterioration, non-compliant details, numerical simulations, and proof loading.
• fib Bulletin 112 fib MC(2020) complementary guidance on concrete durability. The fib Model Code for Concrete Structures (2020) emphasises durability as a critical aspect, especially for existing structures, addressing design, assessment, interventions, and life-cycle management. Commission 8 developed key durability procedures and compiled them into a supporting technical document for MC(2020) users.
• fib Bulletin 113 Polymer-duct systems for internal bonded post-tensioning. Thick-walled polymer ducts for internal bonded post-tensioning have evolved significantly since their introduction in the 1990s, with updates to standards and practices captured in fib Bulletins 7, 75, and now in this revision. Key changes include streamlining factory production control procedures and refining test methods to provide quantitative results while maintaining compatibility with previous specifications.
• fib Bulletin 114 Serviceability Limit States of Concrete Structures Background Document of fib MC(2020). Serviceability limit states are crucial in structural design to ensure structures meet client needs, with cracking as a key focus due to its impact on appearance, function, and durability. fib Bulletin 114 expands on topics from earlier publications, including durability, existing structures, and numerical methods for verification, offering insights, examples, and diverse perspectives to support practitioners and students alike.
• fib Awards 2024. Carmen Andrade and Giovanni Plizzari received the fib Medal of Merit 2024. Alper Ilki and Antonio Caballero were awarded the fib Honorary Membership 2024. Konrad Bergmeister, Agnieszka Bigaj-van Vliet, Robby Caspeele, Albert de la Fuente Antequera, Gerrie Dieteren, Ekkehard Fehling, Larbi Sennour, Teddy Theryo, and Roberto Torrent became fib Fellows in 2024.
• fib Stories. The fib Young Members Group has launched a new podcast series, fib Stories, showcasing members’ journeys within the fib, and how it has supported their networking and career development.
• Corroded Prestressing Database. The database on corroded prestressing strands compiles global experimental tensile test data, including corrosion type, geometry, mechanical properties, and corrosion morphology. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers to validate and calibrate models of degraded prestressed concrete structures.
• SAG Sustainability. The global push for carbon neutrality has accelerated, with over 100 countries committing to these goals despite the concrete sector’s significant CO2 emissions. The fib aims to lead the structural concrete community by providing methodologies for reliably assessing the environmental impact of concrete structures and supporting the shift toward low-emission construction.
• fib TG10.2 Model Codes Updating. This Task Group aims to establish a continuous updating process for the fib Model Code, ensuring its relevance and accuracy in the evolving field of structural concrete. This initiative supports the fib’s long-term vision, aligning with the “Roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050” and advancing materials, technologies, and structural innovations.
• fib TG10.3 Examples of the Model Code. This Task Group focuses on creating practical examples based on the fib Model Code (2020) to aid professionals in understanding and applying its principles. These examples will address diverse real-world challenges, illustrating best practices and enhancing the global dissemination of structural design guidance.
• fib Roadmap to 2050. In 2021, the fib reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and established the Special Activity Group on Sustainability in 2022 to further advance its goals. The “fib Carbon Reduction Roadmap to 2050” provides a central framework for guiding internal efforts and external communications, addressing the full lifecycle of concrete buildings and infrastructure to reduce CO₂ emissions.
• fib Code of Conduct. In a global organisation like the fib, respect is more than just a principle—it’s the foundation that supports collaboration, innovation, and progress. To ensure that every member and participant feels welcomed and valued, we have developed a Code of Conduct. This code reflects our shared commitment to respect, professionalism, and kindness, fostering an environment where ideas can thrive and meaningful connections can be built.

Look forward to our 2025 projects:

• fib Presidium 2025-2026. The fib is pleased to announce that Ms. Iria Doníak will serve as fib President for 2025-2026, with Dr. Agnieszka Bigaj-van Vliet as Deputy President during the same period.
• fib Conceptual Design 2025 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Join us for the fib Conceptual Design of Concrete Structures conference, taking place from 14 to 16 May 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Focusing on the pivotal role of conceptual design, the event explores how fundamental decisions merge experience, intuition, site constraints, and technical solutions with the designer’s creativity. Aimed at young engineers early in their careers, it also welcomes seasoned professionals to share their expertise, fostering cross-generational collaboration and global networking.
• fib Symposium in Antibes (France). Join us for the fib Symposium 2025 in Antibes, French Riviera, from 16 to 18 June 2025. Focused on extending the lifespan of concrete structures and minimising their environmental impact, the event will feature insightful presentations, dynamic discussions, and ample opportunities for networking and professional connections.
• fib CACRCS Days. Join us for Capacity Assessment of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Structures: from Research to Daily Engineering Evaluation, which will take place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Lecco (Italy) and online. For several years, CACRCS has been an event organized by CTE and aicap on an international level with absolute technical expertise in the field of reinforced concrete structures. It addresses a crucial aspect in the life of all constructions: the study of corrosion phenomena and their impact on the lifespan of the structures themselves, to enable their restoration and preserve their functionality. Experts from all over the world come together at this venue at both technical and practical levels. It's a significant event with many practical implications for our infrastructure and construction.
• fib AAYE 2025 results. The fib Achievement Award for Young Engineers recognises outstanding young talent in two categories: Research, for the quality of a doctoral thesis, and Design & Construction, for contributions to a practical project. The results will be announced in Antibes in June 2025.
• fib AOS 2026. The Award for Outstanding Concrete Structures celebrates the versatility and innovation of concrete as a structural medium, recognising outstanding projects that push the boundaries of design and construction. This prestigious award highlights excellence and ingenuity in concrete structures on an international stage. The AOS 2026 will be presented at the fib Congress 2026. CALL FOR ENTRIES COMING SOON!
• New fib Bulletins will be published in 2025.
• The fib Bookshop will undergo a revamp.
• Additional fib Databases will be made available in 2025.

Here’s to bridging research and practice in 2025!