2 minute read
WELCOME
from 3rd RILEM International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication Program 25th – 29th June 202
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all, taking away the opportunity to meet in person. This event marks the first time in four years that the community has engaged en-masse. Recognising that we must rebuild our personal interactions the organising and scientific committees have purposely designed the technical program with space and time to meet. We have also used this moment to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and embed supporting principles throughout the review, selection, keynote speaker invitation and decision-making processes. We love being stimulated by new ideas and enjoy the opportunity to debate with colleagues and we hope we have been able to deliver this aspiration.
The technical program is of exceptional quality. The growth of interest and investment in the technology worldwide has been staggering, the community continues to grow and the level of research reaches new highs. The response to the call for contributions for the conference came from 101 organisations in 27 countries. We received over 240 abstracts, which turned into over 164 paper submissions, and around 40 extended abstracts. Nearly 140 oral and poster presentations comprise the parallel sessions. 68 full papers will be published in the proceedings. For ease of reference, the proceedings are divided into sections that reflect the same session groups found in the conference program. The themes on Day one, consider the state of the technology and the importance of quality control. Day two reflects on lessons learnt from the field and broadens the consideration of processes alternative to extrusion based 3D concrete printing. Day three then tackles the future and considers alternative approaches to the deployment of the positioning systems that drive digital fabrication and the big question of sustainability.
Participant interaction is central to the conference and all these topics will be debated with the whole community in the plenary ‘Paper Dart Sessions’ facilitated by experts. In addition, the poster sessions include 60 of the finest, new and most exciting work prepared for discussion that will be led by poster convenors with delegates voting for best posters. Please be ready, engage with a smile and get the most out of the event!
Finally, we offer a huge thank-you to our sponsors and partners without which this event would not be possible: COBOD in partnership with the NEXCON project (Platinum), SIKA (Platinum), Synthomer (Silver) and Elkem (Bronze). We also acknowledge the support from our workshop sponsors HAL Robotics, the enabling support of UK Research and Innovation and our partners, the Institute of Concrete Technology.
From both the scientific and organising committees, we wish you a fantastic conference.
