Co-hosted by Guangxi University and Tsinghua University, the 18th International Symposium on Tubular Structures (ISTS18) was held successfully from October 17th to 20th at Tsinghua University. The event received support from prominent organizations including the Chinese Steel Structure Association, the Chinese Architectural Metal Structure Association, the National Technical Standards Innovation Base for Building Engineering, the Chinese Engineering Construction Standardization Association, and the International Welding Society. The conference was co-organized by GXU’s State Key Laboratory of Specialized Metallic Materials and Composite Structures for the Full Lifespan Safety and the New Western Land and Corridor Development Institute, with additional support from the Journal of Civil Engineering. The conference was chaired by Professor Han Linhai, the President of GXU, and Dr. Li Wei, a tenured Associate Professor from Tsinghua University’s School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering.

The conference featured 12 parallel sessions, comprising a total of 81 academic presentations, with over 70 scholars delivering group reports. More than 130 representatives from 15 countries and regions, along with faculty and students from GXU School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, gathered at Tsinghua University to collectively explore the fundamental theories, key technologies, engineering applications, academic frontiers, and international cooperation in the field of structural engineering.

Each presenter shared their latest research and applications in the realm of structural engineering, fostering active discussions and Q&A sessions among participants. The on-site interactions generated a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge exchange.

The International Symposium on Tubular Structures is a renowned international event in the field of structural engineering, held every 2-3 years. The successful organization of this conference further strengthens academic exchanges among peers in the field of tubular structures, playing a vital role in advancing research and applications in this area both domestically and internationally. Hosting this international symposium is of great significance in enhancing the academic influence of GXU, as well as promoting deep collaborations between GXU and relevant international organizations and research institutions.

The 19th International Symposium on Tubular Structures will be hosted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.