International Conference on Deep Foundations and Ground Improvement

Name: International Conference on Deep Foundations and Ground Improvement
Start: 2025-05-21T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-05-23T00:00:00-04:00
Location: Bruges, Belgium

We live in a time of massive transformation. Our economies are striving to become circular, with essential decarbonization at a time when we are expanding the infrastructure our societies need. New technologies, digitalization, automation, and AI are promising new capabilities that need to be tested in the real world. This brings challenges and opportunities for ground engineering in terms of what we can build, how we can use and re-use assets in the ground and how we construct in collaboration with others. In this context, the DFI/EFFC Conference shall show what is innovative right now and explore what the future looks like for ground engineering. The Conference will be held on the Campus of the KU Leuven, Campus Bruges (first day), and at the wonderful Bruges Meeting and Convention Center (BMCC-Second and Third Day).

The day will offer networking opportunities during the welcome reception in the exhibition area followed by a fantastic concert in the beautiful “Concertgebouw” and a walking dinner on the top floor of the building where you can enjoy wonderful sights on the medieval city.

During the second and third day, main sessions will be held at the BMCC, covering with keynote lectures and selected paper presentations, the following topics:

Broadening the Scope of Usual Ground Engineering Techniques: Explore innovative applications beyond the conventional methods.
Embracing Sustainability: Focus on reducing CO2 emissions in foundation design and execution.
Encompassing the Human Living Environment: Incorporate human-centric designs in ground engineering.
Minimizing Impact in Sensitive Areas: Address foundation work challenges in urban and natural environments.
Recognizing Digitalization's Impact: Integrate digital advancements in foundation design and execution.
Reinventing Business and Contractual Practices: Transform business models, procurement methods, and workforce culture.
Reusing and Strengthening Existing Foundations: Evaluate and integrate old and new foundation structures.
Risk Sharing in New Sustainable Foundation Concepts: Address conflicts with existing codes and develop new sustainable concepts.

Special Interactive Exhibition Area

Besides the sessions and the lectures, a huge exhibition will showcase the latest developments in the industry. We are planning a special interactive exhibition area for young professionals and students to learn about our industry and find out how they can enter the industry and thrive in a technologically advanced career at the forefront of the fight against climate change. In addition, and for the first time, a Safety Corner will welcome dedicated demonstrations and workshops of safety material.