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This paper discusses the possibility and challenges of the assessment of the structural integrity and safety of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures by virtue of the nonlinear finite element method (FEM). The possibility and viability of applying this tool to predict the mechanical behaviour of existing RC structures are discussed through two sample applications, which deal with the estimation of the actual loading capacities of a RC column-slab joint strengthened by steel plates and a RC parapet element with inadequate transverse reinforcements according to current design codes. The numerical results demonstrate that when properly used, the nonlinear FEM is able to effectively remedy the inadequacy of conventional design and analysis procedures. Some remaining challenges for the utilisation of nonlinear FEM to assess existing RC structures are then discussed.

Five years ago, at the previous anniversary of the NCK days, an overview was presented of the state of the art of “Measuring and modelling coastal dune development in the Netherlands” (De Groot et al., 2012). At that moment, new coastal-dune research had sprung up in the Netherlands after a relatively quiet period of about two decades, and the individual research projects were just starting to interconnect. Since then, research has blossomed. A large number of PhD students, postdocs and staff of many institutes are involved, and coastal aeolian processes have become a permanent topic of recent NCK days. Young researchers are meeting a couple of times per year to discuss their work informally, and several PhD theses were defended.