STREMAH 2013 is the 13th International Conference on Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture. The meeting, which has become a major international event, has taken place on a regular basis since the first conference started in Florence (1989) and continued in Seville (1991), Bath (1993), Crete (1995), San Sebastian (1997), Dresden (1999), Bologna (2001), Halkidiki (2003), Malta (2005), Prague (2007), Tallinn (2009) and Tuscany (2011).

Modern society exerts considerable strain on our architectural heritage, partly due to the increase of population and the associated demands on the built environment, and also because of the pernicious effects of pollution. The difficulties and costs of repairs and maintenance contribute to the neglect of important buildings in times of economic stress. It is hence important that our research addresses not only technical questions, but solutions that can be implemented in practice, where social and economic considerations may be paramount. The STREMAH conference fulfils the important function of bringing together experts from different disciplines from all over the world to discuss problems of common interest and put forward solutions.

The STREMAH conference over the years has addressed interdisciplinary topics and evolved into a meeting that attracts a wide range of expertise. It has also produced many outstanding contributions published in the conference books distributed throughout the world. Furthermore, papers published since 1993 are available in the WIT eLibrary (http://library.witpress.com), where they constitute a permanent record of the most significant work in the field.

Topics include: Heritage architecture and historical aspects Learning from the past Surveying and monitoring Performance and maintenance Structural restoration of metallic structures Preservation and monitoring Earth construction Modern (19th/20th century) heritage Maritime heritage Heritage masonry buildings Stone masonry walls Wooden structures Simulation and modelling Material characterization New technologies or materials Corrosion and material decay Seismic vulnerability Non-destructive techniques Assessment and re-use of heritage buildings Heritage and tourism Social and economic aspects in heritage Guidelines, codes and regulations for heritage Delegates attending STREMAH 2013 will be invited to submit an extended version of their paper for possible publication in the International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, one of the Journals edited by the Wessex Institute. Papers presented at STREMAH 2013 will appear in a volume of WIT Transactions on the Built Environment (ISSN: 1746-4498, Digital ISSN: 1743-3509).