There are many reasons for challenging the engineering society for proposing and developing methods, tools, solutions and ways for implementing the refurbishment and modernisation of infrastructure. Among them are the need to assure functioning of the infrastructure during the necessary upgrade, the limited financial means, the heritage value, the use of new materials, the confinement of space and most certainly the reliable assessment of the condition and load-carrying capacity of structures. This is why there is such a large variety of concepts and systems in this field, which constitutes an excellent theme for a conference. The Dutch and Belgian Groups of IABSE have pleasure in having organised the Rotterdam Conference 2013, which promises to be an exciting event. The programme includes 6 keynote presentations on the selected themes and more than 260 oral presentations from over 46 countries.

After our first successful joint event, the IABSE Antwerp Symposium 2003, we once again are joining efforts in organising this conference, which will now take place at the conference centre ‘De Doelen’ at the centre of Rotterdam and is easily reached by public transportation. May is the flowering season in the fields of Holland and many historic centres are nearby. Besides the technical programme, the conference offers you a variety of activities, such as an exhibition, technical excursions, social programme, etc. The backing by sponsors, cosponsors, supporting organisations and the Recommending Committee makes it possible to give all participants a warm welcome.