Conference Dates
| Pre-conference Workshops: | 21 June 2026 |
| 12th BCRRA 26 conference: | 22–24 June 2026 |
| Post-conference technical excursion: | 25 June 2026 |
Latest Updates
Call for Sponsors & Exhibitors
Showcase your organization and connect with a highly relevant audience.
Workshops — One Day Before the Conference 21st June 2026
Hands-on sessions and in-depth learning start one day ahead of the main event.
Recommended event
The week before our conference, the nearby 2nd RILEM International Symposium on Bituminous Materials – ISBM2026 will take place in Padova, Italy, organized by our colleagues of University of Padova.
This will be a complementary opportunity to explore related topics and meet other professionals in the field of the transport infrastructures.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN — Join leading experts in Padova!
REGISTER at: https://isbm2026.org/registration/
12. International Conference on the Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways and Airfields is held under the patronage of:
With the support of:
Sponsors
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
Chairman, Evstahij Drmota, Company for Research in Road and Transport Infrastructure of Slovenia, DRC
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), the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering with technical support from DRC.
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 organised by DRI Investment Management, ZAG (Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute), and the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, in partnership with DRC Ltd. These institutions combine expertise in transportation infrastructure, civil engineering, and geotechnics to present an event focused on the bearing capacity of roads, railways, and airfields.
DRI Investment Management, Company for the Development of Infrastructure (“DRI upravljanje investicij, d. o. o.”) is Slovenia’s largest engineering and consulting company. With a multidisciplinary team, it provides comprehensive professional support for infrastructure investments, particularly in railway, road, municipal and water infrastructure, as well as transport. Founded by the Republic of Slovenia, DRI operates as an in-house provider for public-law entities, delivering investment engineering, public infrastructure investment management, and related consulting services. The company is also active internationally.
The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) is Slovenia’s premier research and testing organisation in construction and civil engineering, known for its work in research, innovative testing, certification, and technical standards. Internationally recognised, ZAG specialises in sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and disaster resilience and plays an active role in shaping global construction research and innovation.
The Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering (FGG) at the University of Ljubljana is a leading institution in civil engineering, geodesy, and environmental engineering, offering a comprehensive range of academic programs and advanced research facilities. FGG is internationally recognised for its impactful research, strong industry connections, and active participation in global academic networks.
DRC – the Company for Research in Road and Transport Infrastructure of Slovenia Ltd., (DRC d.o.o.) specialises in research, development, and professional collaboration within the road and transport sectors of Slovenia. The company organises congresses and professional events to facilitate knowledge sharing and advancement in transport infrastructure.