From October 17th to 20th, 2023, the 18th International Symposium on Tubular Structures (ISTS 18) was successfully hosted by Tsinghua University in collaboration with Guangxi University. Supported by organizations such as the China Steel Construction Society, China Construction Metal Structure Association, and International Institute of Welding, the conference aimed to facilitate the exchange of the latest research, design and application developments in tubular structures. The event brought together 135 representatives from 15 countries and regions. Topics discussed encompassed various aspects of tubular structures including composite nodes, additive manufacturing, corrosion, seismic performance, and engineering applications. Professors Han Linhai and Associate Professor Li Wei from Tsinghua’s Department of Civil Engineering chaired the conference.

The opening ceremony on October 18^th featured a welcome speech by with Professor Nie Jianguo, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of Tsinghua University’s Academic Committee. Special guests included Professor Liu Yi from the China Steel Construction Society, Mrs. Sun Xiaoyan, from the China Construction Metal Structure Association, and Mr. Cai Chengjun, from the China Association for Engineering Construction Standardization. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Han Linhai.

This conference comprised 12 parallel sessions with a total of 81 academic presentations. Following the opening ceremony, Professor Ben Young from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University delivered the Kurobane Lecture. Over seventy scholars including Professor Leroy Gardener from Imperial College London and Professor Xu-Dong Qian from the National University of Singapore presented in separate sessions, sharing the latest research and applications in tubular structures and engaging attendees in lively discussions and Q&A sessions. s

Photos of the conference.

The closing ceremony on the afternoon of October 19^th featured Associate Professor Li Wei summarizing conferences achievements. The Best Student Paper Award was presented to representatives from Dalhousie University, the National University of Singapore, Seoul National University, Tongji University, and Tsinghua University, as selected by the conference’s scientific committee.

The successful hosting of ISTS 18 has enhanced academic exchanges in the field of tubular structures both domestically and internationally, further elevating the academic influence of the organizing institutions and promoting advancements in tubular structure research and applications.  

Group photo of participants