COST action FP1101 assessment, reinforcement and monitoring of timber structures

This paper reports on the new COST Action FP1101 "Assessment, Reinforcement and Monitoring of Timber Structures". The objective of the Action is to increase confidence of designers, authorities and end-users in use of timber in the design of new and in the repair of old structures by developing and disseminating assessment, reinforcement and monitoring methods and guidelines. COST Action FP1101 will build on previous findings, target the existing shortcomings, benefit from multidisciplinary views and innovative solutions by the involved stakeholders, enable synergies between them, and provide an effective way of discussing and disseminating the results from on-going projects. The paper summarizes the relevant results from COST Action E55 and RILEM committee AST-215, provides the rational for the new Action, and gives an overview of the proposed scientific program.