The purpose of PROTECT2011 is to bring experts from different backgrounds to exchange ideas on performance, protection and strengthening of structures under extreme loading events and to create a multidisciplinary forum aimed at enhancing our understanding of the underlying complex issues and challenges. The Organizers hope that PROTECT2011 will serve as a catalyst in initiating a meaningful dialogue between the various stakeholders, and will result in the development of innovative solutions based on the idea of cross-fertilization.