The Eighth International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation (SEMC 2022) was held in Cape Town from 5 to 7 September 2022. Optimistic that the global health situation would eventually improve, the organisers planned this as a predominantly face-to-face event, with provision for remote participation for those who might eventually not be able to travel to Cape Town. In the end, a total of 350 participants attended the conference; 250 of these were present in person, and 100 joined the conference remotely via an online platform. Participants represented 45 countries and 137 universities worldwide (+ 30 other organisations). The top 15 countries in terms of number of participants were Germany, South Africa, Italy, UK, Japan, China, Poland, USA, Canada, Belgium, Sweden, France, Australia, Netherlands and Czech Republic.
The Proceedings comprise 330 peer-reviewed papers. The subject matter reflects the broad scope of the SEMC conference, from fundamental issues of the mechanics of materials and structures, to advances in numerical modelling, simulations and experimental testing, as well as the latest innovations in design, construction and maintenance of engineering structures and systems. The Proceedings have been published by CRC Press (Taylor & Francis) as a printed book of short versions of papers (748 pages), and an e-book with the full papers (2,076 pages), the title of the work being “Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics, Modelling and Design of Structural Systems” (ISBN: 978-1-003-34844-3; DOI: 10.1201/9781003348443). The Proceedings are expected to be indexed in Scopus and ISI Web of Science in the next 3 to 6 months (following the usual process of evaluation by the relevant boards).
Despite challenging initial circumstances, the aims of the conference were amply fulfilled. The organisers wish to thank all participants for their contributions. The next SEMC event will be held in Cape Town in September 2025. Exact dates will be announced in due course.