| Summary | Reinforced and prestressed concrete is the material used in more than 70% of the public works and buildings structures. Therefore, any improvement related to design, construction, assessment or strengthening of such type of structures my have huge economic, social and environmental impacts. In order to produce such improvements, scientific research must be carried out to deeply understand the complex behavior of concrete structures whilst technical solutions must be provided and materialized in codes provisions. Thus, close cooperation between researchers is necessary in order to identify and spread the key aspects which need further research to face the challenges of the society, and to joint their efforts in this direction. With this purpose, it is proposed to create a network integrated by researchers of six Spanish universities (UPC, UIB, UPV, UDC, UPM and UDG), with expertise in structural concrete. The objectives of the network are: 1) to establish a solid relationship between the network members, with the aim of creating synergies, sharing knowledge, information, tools and techniques; 2) to propose and spread the identified key research needs in structural concrete: 3) To constitute a forum of debate for the generation of new concepts and solution of scientific and technical problems; 4) to provide international visibility to the research achievements of the network members; 5) to become a forum for debate and interaction between scientists, professionals, infrastructure owners and enterprises to identify common interests and to generate opportunities for technology transfer; 6) to promote the creation of partnership for the development of common projects and 7) to encourage the network members to get involved in international committees for development of technical codes on structural concrete. To achieve these objectives a web platform will be developed and a large number of activities such as seminars, workshops, webinars and meetings will be organized. |
