Even though reinforced concrete (RC) is one of the most used manmade materials in the world, and adequate models exist for the prediction and design of the ultimate capacity of RC structures, the prediction of service life behaviour is still not mature enough for actual design purposes. This may lead to immediate repair needs, inadequate service life behaviour even when regulatory prescriptions for design are strictly followed, or at other times to unnecessary overdesign of reinforcement, which has negative consequences on both sustainability and economic aspects. This is amplified by development of new more sustainable cements and supplementary materials since the range of material properties needed for SLS-design is considerably wider than for ULS design.
One of the most common issues relevant to many RC structures which is encountered on-site is that of cracking. Understanding the interplay between fundamental mechanisms involved in the processes of hydration-induced temperature, shrinkage, creep, loading and herewith caused cracking requires interdisciplinary integration of materials science and structural engineering. A comprehensive approach to this problem requires the design of robust experimental techniques, development of multiscale models (micro, meso and mainly, macro-scale) and evaluation of code-based and other analytical approaches relevant to crack control in concrete which is also the aim of RILEM TC CCS: Early age and long term crack width analysis in RC structures.
The conference aimed to bring together experts to share the state-of-the-art developments on the aforementioned fields and is the closing event of RILEM TC CCS: Early-age and long-term crack width analysis in RC structures celebrating achievements in the TC over the past 6 years. The event followed on from a very successful conference under the same theme in 2021 (CRC2021) which was held in Paris (ENS-Paris-Saclay) on hybrid format due to Covid-19 measures.
The conference consisted of lectures by researchers and other professionals from a variety of scientific disciplines in works targeted to crack control in concrete. It was intended for researchers and practitioners at any career level who have interest in deepening knowledge on the targeted subjects.
The conference topics fall within the scope of RILEM TC 287 CCS: Early-age and long-term crack width analysis in RC structures.
The topic of cracking in RC structures from a serviceability limit state perspective has been addressed in the past, but not with integrative approaches which consider fundamental material behaviour and structural design. The conference brought about a significant number of new insights of important benefits for researchers and practitioners.
The scope of the conference resonates with industry needs in the field of crack control which adopts relatively unsustainable approaches to the problem, such as overdesigning or excessively repairing.
The authors contributed in the following topics:
The conference was held in the conference centre of the iconic Hotel Monopol in Katowice. This historic five-star hotel is nestled in the vibrant heart of the capital of Upper Silesia.
The city of Katowice is a dynamic urban hub brimming with culture, history, and innovation. At the epicentre of this vibrant metropolis lies its pulsating City Centre, a melting pot of architectural marvels, cultural landmarks, and lively streets that captivate visitors from near and far. The places worth recommending to visit while staying in Katowice include:
A dedicated conference dinner was organised in Katowice City Centre to facilitate scientific discussions.
For those willing to travel from Katowice, they could explore a variety of fascinating destinations that showcase Poland’s rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
Kraków (Cracow) – 80 km
One of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Kraków is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, historical significance, and vibrant cultural scene. Top tourist attractions include: Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, and the historic Jewish quarter Kazimierz District.
Oświęcim – 40 km
The town of Oświęcim and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum – the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camps. It is now a solemn memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.
Częstochowa – 70 km
A major pilgrimage site in Poland, home to the Jasna Góra Monastery, which houses the revered icon of the Black Madonna. It is a spiritual and cultural center of Poland, attracting millions of pilgrims annually.
Ojców National Park – 90 km
A stunning national park featuring limestone cliffs and caves hosted in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Known for the Eagles’ Nests Trail of medieval castles and fortresses, including the largest Ogrodzieniec Castle starring in the TV series “The Witcher”.
Salt mines in Lesser Poland region
The Wieliczka (90 km) and Bochnia (120 km) Salt Mines are two of Poland’s most famous and historically significant salt mines. These mines are renowned for their stunning underground chambers, intricate carvings, and unique saline landscapes. They are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Upper Silesia mines
Historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry (30 km) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating journey underground to explore historic silver mining operations. Guido Mine and Queen Luiza Adit in Zabrze (20 km) serve as museums of the history of coal mining in the region.
Beskidy mountains
The Beskidy Mountains offer a diverse range of experiences, from outdoor adventures and scenic hikes to relaxation and cultural exploration. While in the region, it is recommended to visit a charming town of Bielsko-Biała (70 km) and the town of Żywiec (85 km) with its Brewery Museum.
Pszczyna and Tychy
Pszczyna (40 km) is famous for its beautifully preserved renaissance-baroque castle resided by the Dukes of Pless, as well as the historic city centre. It is also worth visiting the neighbouring city of Tychy (20 km) with the von Pless Tychy Brewery, one of Poland’s most famous breweries which operates until this day.
Conference organisers
Miguel Azenha (Chair)
Fragkoulis Kanavaris (Chair)
Agnieszka Jędrzejewska (Local host)
Małgorzata Pająk (Local host)
Farid Benboudjema (President of the Scientific Committee)
Secretariat and general information
info@crc2025.org
SUBMISSION IS NOW CLOSED
Visit the “Proceedings” section for the conference proceedings.
Key dates
11-12th September – the event
CRC2025 have been published by Springer as RILEM Bookseries and will be indexed in SCOPUS and Google Scholar. Proceedings were made available to the conference participants free of charge.
DAY 1 (Thursday, 11 Sept)
8:00-9:00 | Registration
9:00-9:30 | Opening
9:30-13:00 | Morning sessions with coffee break
13:00-14:20 | Lunch
14:20-18:10 | Afternoon sessions with coffee break
19:00 | Conference dinner
DAY 2 (Friday, 12 Sept)
8:00-9:00 | Registration
9:00-13:10 | Morning sessions with coffee break
13:10-14:30 | Lunch + voting (Best Presentation)
14:30-15:00 | Closing + Best Presentation Award
15:00-18:00 | Summary of the TC 287-CCS work (open)
Registration fees cover participation in the conference, online access to the conference proceedings and meals (coffee breaks, lunches and dinner).
Questions about registration – contact info@crc2025.org
Questions about payment and invoicing – contact management@kongresy.com.pl (in your query make a reference to CRC2025)
