Welcome Message
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Conference on Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways, and Airfields (12 BCRRA 2026), taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from June 22 to June 24, 2026.
This prestigious event serves as a unique platform for experts, researchers, academics, industry professionals, and policymakers from around the world. Whether you are involved in the design, construction, maintenance, or management of roads, railways, and airfields, or specialize in the development and application of cutting-edge materials and technologies in these sectors, 12 BCRRA 2026 provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with professionals in your field.
We are also pleased to welcome representatives from governmental and regulatory bodies, as well as experts from leading global organizations, including the International Road Federation (IRF), the World Road Association (PIARC), and the Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL), all dedicated to advancing transportation infrastructure worldwide.
The conference is proudly hosted by a consortium of established Slovenian institutions: DRI Investment Management, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), and the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering (FGG), with technical support from DRC d.o.o. This event promises to be an enriching professional experience set against the backdrop of Ljubljana’s stunning surroundings.
We look forward to welcoming you to Ljubljana in June 2026.
Chairperson Suzana Svetličič, DRI investment management, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Co-chairman, Dr. Aleš Žnidarič, ZAG, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Co-chairman, Dr. Vojkan Jovičić, UL FGG, Ljubljana, Slovenia
BCRRA Conference Background and History
The International Conference on Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways, and Airfields (BCRRA) is a prestigious global event dedicated to exploring advancements, innovations, and research in transportation infrastructure. Since its inception, BCRRA has served as a vital platform for connecting academic researchers, industry experts, and public-sector stakeholders who are committed to enhancing the performance, safety, and sustainability of roads, railways, and airfields.
Origins and Vision
The conference traces its origins to the early 1980s and was founded through the visionary efforts of Professor Rasmus S. Nordal, a distinguished figure in civil engineering. During a sabbatical in the United States, Professor Nordal was inspired by pioneering developments in transportation infrastructure. Recognizing the need for global collaboration and knowledge exchange, he envisioned an international platform where experts could unite to drive innovation in the design, construction, and maintenance of roads and airfields.
To bring this vision to life, he rallied support from academic institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies. These efforts led to the organization of the first conference in Trondheim, Norway, in 1982, under the original title “Bearing Capacity of Roads and Airfields (BCRA)”. This inaugural event laid the foundation for decades of international cooperation and technical exchange.
Evolution of the Conference
Over the years, the conference has expanded significantly in both scope and influence. At the 6th BCRA Conference, held in 2002 in Lisbon, Portugal, railway infrastructure was formally added to the program, acknowledging its essential role in global transport systems. This expansion prompted the adoption of the updated name: Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways, and Airfields (BCRRA).
The 8th BCRRA Conference, held in 2009 in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA, marked the official use of the acronym BCRRA, symbolizing the conference’s broadened focus across all major modes of surface transport infrastructure.
Joint Organization and Global Reach
BCRRA has been organized by a consortium of renowned academic institutions, including the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). These collaborations have helped expand the conference’s international reach, attract world-leading researchers, and ensure high-quality contributions to the field.
Previous BCRRA Conferences and Organizers
• 1982 – Trondheim, Norway, Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), now part of NTNU
• 1986 – Plymouth, United Kingdom, University of Plymouth
• 1990 – Trondheim, Norway, Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), now part of NTNU
• 1994 – Minneapolis, USA, University of Minnesota
• 1998 – Trondheim, Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• 2002 – Lisbon, Portugal, National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC)
• 2005 – Trondheim, Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• 2009 – Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• 2013 – Trondheim, Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• 2017 – Athens, Greece, Jointly organized by NTUA, UIUC, and TU Delft
• 2022 – Trondheim, Norway, Organized by NTNU in collaboration with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, AVINOR, and Bane NOR (Norwegian Rail Administration)
• 2026 – Ljubljana, Slovenia, Jointly organized by DRI Investment Management, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), and the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering
Today and Beyond
Today, BCRRA stands as a cornerstone event in the field of transportation infrastructure. The conference continues to foster innovation, stimulate technical dialogue, and contribute to the development of global standards and best practices. It unites a dynamic international community working to address the evolving challenges of modern transport networks, with the shared goal of building more resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure systems worldwide.
Venue
Cankarjev dom located in the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia, is the largest congress and cultural centre in the country. It will serve as the official venue for the 12th BCRRA 2026 conference.
- Versatile Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Cankarjev dom offers multiple halls, with the largest—Gallus Hall—accommodating up to 2,000 participants.
- Central Location: Situated at Prešernova cesta 10, it is within walking distance of Ljubljana’s historic city center and major attractions.
- Cultural and Professional Hub: Renowned for hosting international congresses, exhibitions, and top cultural events, blending business with cultural experiences.
- Modern Design and Services: Offers high-quality services, including technical support, catering, and accessibility for diverse event requirements.
For more information, visit Cankarjev dom’s official website.
About organizers
The BCRRA 2026 conference is proudly organized by the DRI Investment Management, ZAG (Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute) and Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, in partnership with, DRC Ltd. These leading institutions bring together extensive expertise in transportation infrastructure, civil engineering, and geotechnics to deliver an exceptional event focused on the bearing capacity of roads, railways, and airfields
DRI Investment Management, Company for the Development of Infrastructure formally known as “DRI upravljanje investicij, d. o. o.”, is the largest engineering and consulting firm in Slovenia, established in 1994. The company’s reputation as a trusted partner is built on decades of successful collaboration with both public and private sector clients, particularly in the domains of railway, road, public utility, water infrastructure, building construction, and transport.DRI’s multidisciplinary team, which includes civil engineers, legal experts, economists, and other specialists, is committed to delivering high-quality technical solutions while adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards.
DRI operates under a public law model, primarily serving government entities in Slovenia. The company’s mission includes supporting public infrastructure projects from the planning phase through to construction, management, and maintenance. Internationally, DRI is also involved in various projects, further establishing its role as a key player in the engineering and consulting industry.
The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) is Slovenia’s leading research and testing organization in the construction and civil engineering sectors. Established as a public, non-profit, state-owned entity, ZAG is dedicated to a wide range of activities, including fundamental and applied research, the development of innovative testing methods, product certification, and professional training. The institute also plays a pivotal role in developing technical standards and codes.
Renowned both nationally and internationally, ZAG is recognized for its expertise in sustainable construction, energy efficiency, recycling, fire engineering, and disaster resilience, among other fields. As a member of numerous international organizations, ZAG continues to contribute to and shape the forefront of global construction research and innovation.
The Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering (FGG) at the University of Ljubljana is one of Slovenia’s leading educational and research institutions, particularly in civil engineering, geodesy, and environmental engineering. Established in 1919, FGG has been instrumental in shaping Slovenia’s infrastructure and environmental policies through its strong educational programs, research contributions, and collaborations with industry.
FGG offers a broad range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical training. The faculty is known for its significant research in structural engineering, hydrology, geoinformatics, and sustainable construction, with its work often applied in real-world projects and published in top international journals. The faculty is equipped with advanced laboratories and research facilities that support both teaching and research, and it maintains strong industry ties to ensure that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market. FGG also has a strong international presence, actively participating in global academic networks and hosting various conferences, workshops, and seminars. Overall, FGG is recognized as a leader in its field, known for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and close industry connections.
DRC – the Company for Research in Road and Transport Infrastructure of Slovenia Ltd., DRC d.o.o. (Družba za raziskave v cestni in prometni stroki Slovenije d.o.o.) is a Slovenian company specializing in research within the road and traffic sectors. Their primary focus is to encourage the development, promotion, and cooperation of various professions in the field of transport and transport infrastructure. They are also involved in publishing professional literature and organizing professional meetings and training sessions in this field.
DRC d.o.o. is also known for organizing congresses related to transport and infrastructure, providing a platform for professionals to share knowledge and advancements in the field.