In spite of more than 30 years of research and application of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC), the
potentialities that discrete fibres can provide to cement based materials are not yet well explored.
Furthermore, in the recent years new types of fibres, admixtures, and sophisticated numerical tools are
potentiating the scientific and rational conception of advanced FRC materials for the development of
innovative, sustainable and durable concrete structures. The bridge between research and design needs
to be consolidated by the adoption of reliable and well accepted design guidelines. The techniques for
the experimental characterization of the FRC properties that are representative of the real behaviour
of FRC structures are still a controversial topic. Quality control also needs more clear rules since fibre
orientation and distribution, which affect significantly the reinforcing performance of FRC materials,
depend considerably of the geometry of the structural element, casting conditions and FRC composition
characteristics. In this context, BEFIB2012 has the purpose of being a forum for the discussion of the
potentialities and challenges of fibre reinforced concrete.

The Conference will be held at Centro Cultural Vila Flor, in Guimarães, Portugal. The city of Guimarães
is like no other city in Portugal. Its past is so intimately intertwined with the History of Portugal that it
is commonly and proudly referred to as the Cradle of the Nation. The Historic Centre of Guimarães is a
wonderful example of the medieval town that developed into a modern city, showing the development
of the Portuguese architecture between the XV and the XIX century and the use of traditional construction
materials and techniques. Guimarães was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001 by UNESCO, due to
its Middle Age historical monuments and was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture in 2012.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BEFIB2012
University of Minho - Civil Engineering Department - Azurém
4800-058 Guimarães, PORTUGAL
Tel. +351 253 510 218 • Fax. +351 253 510 217
befib2012@civil.uminho.pt • Eighth RILEM Symposium on fibre reinforced concrete - Universidade do Minho