The International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib) is a pre-normative organization. 'Pre-normative' implies pioneering work in codification. This work has now been realized with the fib Model Code 2010. The objectives of the fib Model Code 2010 are to serve as a basis for future codes for concrete structures, and present new developments with regard to concrete structures, structural materials and new ideas in order to achieve optimum behaviour. The fib Model Code 2010 is now the most comprehensive code on concrete structures, including their complete life cycle: conceptual design, dimensioning, construction, conservation and dismantlement. It is expected to become an important document for both national and international code committees, practitioners and researchers. The fib Model Code 2010 was produced during the last ten years through an exceptional effort by Joost Walraven (Convener; Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands), Agnieszka Bigaj-van Vliet (Technical Secretary; TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, The Netherlands) as well as experts out of 44 countries from five continents.

The objectives of MC2010 are to (a) serve as a basis for future codes for concrete structures, and (b) present new developments with regard to concrete structures, structural materials and new ideas in order to achieve optimum behaviour. MC2010 includes the whole life cycle of a concrete structure, from design and construction to conservation (assessment, maintenance, strengthening) and dismantlement, in one code for buildings, bridges and other civil engineering structures. Design is largely based on performance requirements. The chapter on materials is extended with new types of concrete and reinforcement (such as fibres and non-metallic reinforcements). The fib Model Code 2010 also gives corresponding explanations in a separate column of the document. Additionally, MC2010 is supported by background documents that have already been (or will soon be) published in fib bulletins and journal articles. MC2010 is now the most comprehensive code on concrete structures, including their complete life cycle: conceptual design, dimensioning, construction, conservation and dismantlement.

The Model Code for Concrete Structures is intended to serve as a basis for future codes. It takes into account new developments with respect to concrete structures, the structural material concrete and new ideas for the requirements to be formulated for structures in order to achieve optimum behaviour according to new insights and ideas. It is also intended as a source of information for updating existing codes or developing new codes for concrete structures. At the same time, the Model Code is intended as an operational document for normal design situations and structures.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

This design code for concrete structures is the result of a complete revision to the former Model Code 1978, which was produced jointly by CEB and FIP. The 1978 Model Code has had a considerable impact on the national design codes in many countries. In particular, it has been used extensively for the harmonisation of national design codes and as basic reference for Eurocode 2. The 1990 Model Code provides comprehensive guidance to the scientific and technical developments that have occurred over the past decade in the safety, analysis and design of concrete structures. It has already influenced the codification work that is being carried out both nationally and internationally and will continue so to do.

The fib has two major missions now. One is to work toward the publication of the Model Code 2020, and the other is to respond to the global movement toward carbon neutrality. While the former is steadily progressing toward completion, the latter will require significant efforts for generations to come. As we all know, cement, the primary material for concrete, is a sector that accounts for 8.5% of the world’s CO2 emissions. And the structural concrete that fib handles consume 60% of that. In other words, we need to know the reality that our structural concrete is emitting 5% of the world’s CO2. From now on, fib members, suppliers, designers, builders, owner’s engineers, and academic researchers will be asked how to solve this difficult problem. In general, most of the CO2 emissions in the life cycle of structural concrete come from the production stage of materials and the use stage after construction, i.e. A1 to A3 and B1 to B5 processes as defined in EN15978. Cement and steel sectors, which are the main materials for structural concrete, are expected to take various measures to achieve zero carbon in their respective sectors by 2050. Until then, we must deal with the transition with our low carbon technologies. Regarding the production stage, the fib has recently launched TG4.8 “Low carbon concrete”. And the latest low carbon technologies will be discussed there. On the other hand, in the use stage, there is very little data on the relationship between durability and intervention and maintenance so far. The data accumulation here is the work of the fib, a group of various experts on structural concrete. Through-life management using highly durable structures and precise monitoring will enable to realize minimum maintenance in the use stage and to minimize CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it is also possible to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the further stage after the first cycle by responding to the circular economy, that is, deconstruction (C), reuse, and recycle (D). However, the technology in this field is still in its infancy, and further research and development is expected in the future. As described above, structural concrete can be carbon neutral in all aspects of its conception, and it can make a significant contribution when it is realized. The fib will have to address these issues in the future. Of course, it will not be easy, and it will take time. However, if we do not continue our efforts as the only international academic society on structural concrete in the world to achieve carbon neutrality, the significance of our very existence may be questioned. Long before Portland cement was invented, Roman concrete, made of volcanic ash and other materials, was the ultimate low-carbon material, and is still in use 2’000 years later because of its non-reinforced structure and lack of deterioration factors. Reinforced concrete, which made it possible to apply concrete to structures other than arches and domes, is only 150 years old. Prestressed concrete is even younger, with only 80 years of history. Now that we think about it, we realize that Roman concrete, which is non-reinforced low carbon concrete, is one of the examples of problem solving that we are trying to achieve. We have new materials, such as coated reinforcement, FRP, and fiber reinforced concrete, which can be used in any structural form. To overcome this challenge with all our wisdom would be to live up to the feat the Romans accomplished 2’000 years ago. Realizing highly durable and elegant structures with low-carbon concrete is the key to meet the demands of the world in the future. I hope you will enjoy reading this AOS brochure showing the Outstanding Concrete Structures Awards at the fib 2022 Congress in Oslo. And I also hope you will find some clues for the challenges we are facing.