The scope of this minisymposium concerns the mitigation of seismic responses of existing structures. Towards this direction, vibration control advancements focus lately on the development of passive, semi-active, and active control techniques. Among others, these include the incorporation of additional oscillating masses, that introduce damping to the structural system (i.e., Tuned Mass Dampers - TMD), the application of negative stiffness elements (i.e., Negative Stiffness Devices – NS, and Quasi-Zero Stiffness Oscillators - QZS), and TMDs with Inerters (i.e., Tuned Mass Dampers Inerter - TMDI).

This minisymposium encourages the submission of research papers presenting new findings in the field of computational modelling, experimental testing, and optimization of novel vibration control approaches implemented in existing structures for seismic protection.

Topics relevant to this minisymposium include, but are not limited to:

1) Seismic protection techniques for civil engineering structures against horizontal or vertical component of ground motions

2) Innovative vibration control systems (negative stiffness elements, inerters, tuned mass dampers)

3) Advanced and simplified numerical modelling of vibration isolation and energy dissipation devices

4) Experimental and qualification testing of isolation/dissipation devices

5) Analytical methods for simplified modelling and analysis

6) Seismic absorption concepts for foundation of structures

The urgency of proactive actions for improving the resilience and sustainability of the built environment is one of today’s critical tasks in Civil Engineering. In this perspective, robust and reliable optimization procedures offer immense promise and transformative potential for mitigating seismic risk.

Traditional seismic design methodologies often prioritize safety, leading to solutions that are either cost-prohibitive or require time-consuming design iterations. On the other hand, advanced optimization algorithms and frameworks can be strategically employed throughout the structure's entire lifecycle, allowing practitioners to explore a broader range of design options that are not only structurally sound but also cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

This mini-symposium proposes a paradigm shift in this domain.

From structural monitoring and assessment to the design of retrofitting strategies, optimization tools allows to glean deeper insights into structural health, predict potential vulnerabilities with enhanced accuracy, and design more targeted and cost-effective retrofitting interventions when necessary.

The aim of this mini-symposium is to convene academics and practitioners in the field of civil engineering, computer science, and disaster risk management in order to foster the exchange of latest advancements and experiences on the optimum design and control of structures for seismic risk reduction.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following themes:

• advanced algorithms and computational technologies specifically tailored for design and control of structures;
• application of Artificial Intelligence tools for seismic risk reduction;
• establishment of best practices for successfully integrating optimization algorithms with traditional design methodologies on real-world structures.

This minisymposium focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects concerning the transient solution of structural dynamics problems in science and engineering. Particularly, novel numerical methods and solution strategies as well as discretization schemes in space and time for wave propagation, structural vibration, structural health monitoring, coupled problems (e.g., fluid-structure-interaction) and impact problems are of interest. This includes, but is not limited to, the development or the application of:

• isogeometric and high-order finite element methods (e.g., IGA, SEM, p-FEM, etc.);
• fictitious domain methods;
• meshfree methods;
• mass lumping and mass scaling techniques;
• advanced time integration schemes (e.g., novel implicit and explicit time integration schemes, implicit-explicit or asynchronous time integration schemes, sub-cycling, parallel implementation, etc.).

Furthermore, contributions dealing with large-scale, industry-relevant applications are expressly welcome.

Offshore wind energy is currently one of the most rapidly expanding sectors within the global energy industry. In parallel with the growth in demand for renewable energy, there has been a proportional increase in the size and capacity of wind turbines (WTs). Larger turbines can capture more wind energy, making them more efficient and cost-effective. Consequently, the current design trends for WTs are characterized by the development of increasingly larger rotors and the construction of more slender and taller towers. These structures are subjected to a multitude of environmental loads that can significantly impact their design and operation. The most critical of these loads include the combined effects of wind and sea waves, as well as seismic forces in areas prone to earthquakes. These loads result in substantial structural vibrations and fatigue within the tower and foundation, which may ultimately lead to structural failures. To ensure the longevity and reliability of wind turbines, it is imperative to both mitigate the induced structural vibrations and enhance their design.

This minisymposium focuses on addressing the critical challenge of mitigating ambient vibrations, such as those caused by earthquakes, wind, and wave loading, particularly in wind turbine structures. Experts and researchers from multidisciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to propose innovative strategies and technologies aimed at strengthening wind turbine towers, ensuring their structural integrity and operational efficiency. Among the topics of discussion are recent vibration control strategies, including passive, semi-active, and active control techniques. Some of these strategies involve the utilization of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs), TMDs with inerters (TMDIs), and devices incorporating negative stiffness (NS) elements.

This minisymposium encourages the submission of research papers presenting new findings in the fields of computational modeling, experimental testing, and optimization of novel vibration control systems implemented in wind turbine structures for vibration mitigation.

Artificial Intelligence can process vast amounts of data using fast, iterative, and intelligent algorithms, enabling software to automatically 'learn' from diverse input data. One key application of AI is Machine Learning, which automates the creation of analytical models. Machine Learning allows computers to learn without explicit programming. In recent years, Machine Learning has advanced rapidly, promising to significantly transform and enhance the role of data science across various fields. A comprehensive review reveals that Machine Learning has been utilized in four key areas of earthquake engineering: seismic hazard analysis, system identification and damage detection, seismic fragility assessment, and structural control for earthquake mitigation.

Machine Learning is poised to significantly advance research and practice in earthquake engineering. Currently, there are two main approaches in this field: physics-based methods, which are transparent, interpretable, and somewhat predictable, and data-driven Machine Learning models, which are often not unique and can be difficult to interpret. Consequently, there is a growing trend toward finding a balance between these approaches. Since the lack of physical interpretation in Machine Learning models can limit their applicability to similar problems, integrating physical knowledge into Machine Learning-based earthquake engineering studies is essential. Despite the increasing number of studies, the application of Machine Learning in earthquake engineering is still in its early stages compared to other disciplines. However, with the support of next-generation data sharing and sensor technologies, Machine Learning holds great potential to revolutionize earthquake engineering.

As previously mentioned, Machine Learning has been applied in four key areas of earthquake engineering: seismic hazard analysis, system identification and damage detection, seismic fragility assessment, and structural control for earthquake mitigation. The literature identifies seven classes of Machine Learning methods: artificial neural networks, support vector machines, response surface models, logistic regression, decision trees, random forests, and hybrid methods that combine multiple soft computing algorithms, such as fuzzy logic. This Minisymposium invites presentations on all these topic areas and Machine Learning methods in earthquake engineering.

The engineering community has widely acknowledged and accepted the importance of accounting for the effects of uncertainty on the performance of engineering systems subject to time-varying loading. Among others, this is also dictated by the need to efficiently account for the uncertainty pertaining to modelling natural excitations such as seismic and wind loads. The latter often exhibit time-varying characteristics, which are better captured by resorting to a stochastic processes-based modelling. In addition, the explicit quantification of the uncertainty in structural systems, in particular, is an extremely challenging task since highly refined numerical models are already used to characterize the system performance. It is thus clear that accounting for uncertainties adds additional levels of complexity over the (already challenging) dynamic deterministic analysis. Hence, there is an evident and ever-increasing need to develop efficient numerical methods that allow quantifying uncertainty for analysis of dynamical systems.

This mini-symposium aims at presenting the latest developments and approaches for uncertainty quantification in the field of computational stochastic dynamics. The scope of the mini-symposium is broad, as it includes different types of linear and nonlinear structural problems; the development of novel advanced simulation approaches, path integration- and probability-density-based methods, as well as metamodeling-based frameworks; model identification in stochastic systems; and practical applications of methods for uncertainty quantification in stochastic dynamics comprising, e.g., robust design, reliability-based design, multi-objective optimization, life-cycle optimal design, sensitivity analysis, model updating, etc. Both theoretical developments and practical applications involving systems of engineering interest are particularly welcomed.

Key words: stochastic dynamics, uncertainty propagation, dynamical response.

Most part of masterpieces and art collections are stored in historical buildings used as Museums. Such buildings are usually very sensitive to vibrations since they were built without any anti-seismic regulations. Their dynamic properties, therefore, can largely affect the safety of the exhibited artifacts, which can easily be very vulnerable, due to their age, materials, and features. At the occurring of seismic excitations, art collections can experience relevant damages, and the most vulnerable items can be destroyed. However, even for ordinary occurrences, the vibrations can be a threat, affecting the safety and the conservation properties of some items.

This session is focused on the dynamic monitoring and analysis of both historical buildings used for exhibition and pieces of art. A special attention is devoted to the combined effects of the dynamic response of container and content due to external excitations. Both exceptional excitations, such as earthquakes and explosions, and ordinary ones, such as micro-seismic activities, wind, visitors walking, vehicular traffic and construction works, should be taken into account. The session collects all the contributions, both theorical and experimental, devoted to this field, ranging from general issues to specific case-studies.

The main topics faced by the session include:

- Dynamic monitoring and/or analysis of masterpieces, artifacts and art collections
- Dynamic monitoring and/or analysis of historical-monumental buildings
- Dynamic monitoring and/or analysis of Museums
- Seismic assessment of masterpieces, artifacts and art collections
- Seismic assessment of historical-monumental buildings
- Design of innovative devices for increasing the seismic safety of art collections and monumental building

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in developing predictive models towards the design and assessment of structures is gaining significant momentum. This minisymposium aims to serve as an ideas exchange hub that will help scientists to share their current research work on AI and ML algorithms that have as a main objective the development of:

1. algorithms for automatic extraction of closed form design formulae,

2. machine learning models for the assessment and design of structures and materials,

3. data analytics, visualization and interpretation algorithms dealing with the mechanical behaviour of structures

One of the main objectives of this minisymposium is to generate a broad discussion on how AI and ML algorithms can be utilized in assisting towards establishing a safer built environment in both low and high seismically active countries.

Time integration and response history analysis are of key importance in numerical study of many phenomena. The behavior of structural systems against earthquakes is a sample. Meanwhile, there are still many details of time integration and response history analysis to be improved for special applications. These two issues have motivated the proposal of MS 9. The aim of this mini-symposium is to bring together different ideas from around the world on time integration and response history analysis. Accordingly, the organizers of MS 9 deeply welcome abstracts on all aspects of time integration and response history analysis. Meanwhile, the organizers of MS 9 have succeeded to get the conceptual agreement of a SCOPUS Q2 journal for a Special Issue publication, also from the full papers presented in MS 9 (further details will be announced later). Hopefully, the attendees will leave the mini-symposium with good memories from the COMPDYN and Greece, as well as new scientific achievements, and plans for future collaborations and submission to the Special Issue.

Knowledge, preparedness, prevention, and mitigation of seismic risks are central to the work of numerous scientific and engineering communities in Europe and beyond, driven by the significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure experienced in recent decades. In the face of ongoing disruptive climate changes, both natural and human-induced hazards increasingly affect urban areas and communities. It is now recognized that safeguarding human settlements and natural heritage from natural hazards requires a holistic and comprehensive approach, considering the potential simultaneous occurrence and interaction of various hazards. This principle forms the basis of the RETURN project—Multi-risk Science for Resilient Communities under a Changing Climate, funded by the NextGenerationEU Program of European Union.

This Minisymposium seeks to promote discussion on the seismic response of structures that have previously been impacted by other natural or human-induced hazards (such as volcanic activity, landslides, ground instability, fires, and floods), as well as on the response of structures to such hazards following an earthquake.

While the primary focus is on analytical and numerical investigations, contributions on related topics, including impact chains, risk management, population preparedness, multi-criteria analysis of mitigation actions, and civil protection activities, are also welcome.

The rapid advancement in computational tools has significantly transformed earthquake engineering, enabling more precise and comprehensive analyses of seismic risks and their impacts. This mini-symposium will focus on recent developments and applications of computational tools in earthquake engineering, providing a platform for researchers and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge innovations and their practical implications. Key topics to be covered include ways to characterise seismic fragility and vulnerability and advancements in ground motion tools for structural analysis and design. Discussions on computational approaches for assessing potential damage and economic losses due to seismic events are encouraged, integrating physical damage models with socio-economic factors. Presentations that showcase methods for conducting regional seismic risk assessments using GIS and large-scale simulation tools, and innovations in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems, including sensor technologies and data processing algorithms are also welcome. This session aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, enhancing attendees' ability to mitigate seismic risks and improve community and infrastructure resilience.

This minisymposium will explore the synergies between earthquake, wind and geotechnical engineering through experimental testing, facilitated by the Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies (ERIES) project. ERIES is a transnational access project connecting leading experimental facilities across Europe and Canada. The project enables the research community to access physical and numerical facilities, as well as to share and develop new methods for seismic, wind and geotechnica engineering. The minisymposium will provide an overview of the research that is being conducted through ERIES, with a focus on loss-driven design and mitigation approaches, risk quantification and prioritisation, and green and sustainable development. It will include presentations from user groups detailing their progress to date. The minisymposium will also highlight the latest advances in experimental testing related to seismic and wind engineering, and discuss best practices and future directions for research. This session is aimed at researchers and other professionals interested in earthquake and wind engineering, as well as anyone interested in learning more about ERIES.

Many Reinforced Concrete (RC) buildings in seismic-prone regions were constructed before the implementation of current seismic regulations and therefore do not adhere to modern anti-seismic design philosophies. As a result, the structural safety of these buildings is often inadequate when subjected to seismic forces, posing significant risks to renovation investments in the event of an earthquake. Replacing existing buildings with new, compliant structures is not economically feasible and would entail substantial environmental and social repercussions.

Also, masonry infill walls play a critical role in modifying the seismic response of RC buildings. Their irregular distribution can lead to various failure mechanisms. Most existing structures were not designed to account for the effects of masonry infill walls, which significantly increases their vulnerability. Nevertheless, the high out-of-plane vulnerability of these infill walls has been responsible for numerous collapses, casualties, and economic losses during seismic events. Extensive numerical and experimental research is being conducted to understand how different parameters of these infill walls affect their seismic performance.

Moreover, considering the impact of buildings on global energy consumption, future renovation efforts must address both seismic and energy performance improvements. This special session will feature presentations followed by a round-table discussion, focusing on several key topics including but not limited to:

• Seismic performance assessment methodologies of RC structures
• Experimental testing and numerical simulation of RC individual elements and/or RC frames
• Experimental and numerical studies on the seismic behaviour of masonry infill walls and/or infilled RC frames
• Independent or integrated retrofit techniques for reinforced concrete frame structures
• Cost-effectiveness evaluation of retrofitting strategies at regional or national levels

By addressing these topics, the session aims to advance the knowledge and application of integrated retrofitting approaches, ensuring the structural integrity and sustainability of buildings in seismic zones.

Masonry structures and infrastructures worldwide pose a significant concern for seismic safety. These structures are highly susceptible to both structural and non-structural damage, potentially leading to collapses under medium to strong seismic events. Over the years, this vulnerability has resulted in numerous fatalities and substantial economic losses, prompting the development of various methods for seismic assessment and retrofitting.

In this context, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Non-Destructive (ND) testing are crucial, as they provide essential information on building conditions and existing damage, enabling the formulation of appropriate remedial measures. Additionally, recent experiences with reconstruction and retrofitting have underscored the necessity for innovative, practical, and cost-effective seismic strengthening solutions.

From this perspective, the scientific community has developed various approaches to achieve a comprehensive description of historical masonry structures and infrastructures. Additionally, recent advances in data science, particularly in artificial intelligence, neural networks, and machine learning techniques, assist in processing large volumes of data and the complex methodologies required to address inherent uncertainties.

This mini-symposium aims to discuss the new advances in the conservation and preservation of masonry structures and infrastructures, plain or strengthened, with specific applications to cultural heritage. Topics to be covered, but not limited to, are:

• Constitutive models for masonry materials
• Comparisons of different modelling strategies
• Structural assessment
• Homogenization techniques
• Multi-scale analysis
• SHM in earthquake, flood, and landslide-prone regions
• Structural Dynamic identification methods and uncertainty quantification
• Continuous dynamic monitoring techniques
• Damage detection, localization, and quantification
• Automated model updating
• Digital Twins
• Bayesian methods
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques
• Big data analytics, interdisciplinary ways of making sense out of data
• Restoration, requalification and retrofitting strategies

Predicting the dynamic behavior of periodic structures via advanced numerical methods is a challenging problem which has gained large popularity over the past decades. This includes the analysis of resonant metamaterials with band gap phenomena where the need of efficient numerical methods is becoming crucial, e.g., for fast reanalysis and design of engineering systems with optimized vibration levels. In this framework, this minisymposium aims at discussing advanced modeling strategies for periodic structures and metamaterials with complex cells like those encountered in practical engineering applications. These cells can represent 2D or 3D substructures or multi-physic subsystems that usually involve many internal and boundary degrees of freedom. In this context, the development of reduced order models is becoming crucial to undertake numerical simulations in affordable times. The topics of the minisymposium include:

• Wave-based approaches: wave finite element (WFE) method, plane wave expansion (PWE) method, Bloch mode expansion, energy-based methods…
• Nearly periodic structures, substructures with parametric changes, uncertainties.
• Nonlinear periodic structures.
• Model reduction strategies.

Seismic performance of non-structural components (NSCs) in buildings is currently one of the hottest topics in structural engineering, considering that their seismic response turned out to have a high impact on the life safety and economic losses. Some NSCs may directly affect the serviceability of buildings (partition walls, piping systems), whilst other NSC typologies have direct and indirect economic and social consequences (artistic assets) as well as safety issues (equipment in nuclear power plants). In all cases, according to the NSC sensitivity to dynamic actions (to floor accelerations, displacements, or both), the correct definition of the seismic demands is needed both for design and assessment purposes, and it is commonly provided in terms of floor response spectra (FRS). The most important factors that influence FRS have been recognized by the scientific community, and there is a constant tendency to improve the state-of-knowledge on them. In this field, the main goal of the research efforts is to provide engineers with more accurate but simple approaches for the NSC seismic design and assessment. At the same time, significant efforts are still required to provide the practitioners with seismic performance parameters, obtained from experimental testing or advanced numerical analy`ses, useful in the performance-based seismic design framework.

This Minisymposium aims to promote and share the latest achievements about the definition of the seismic demands to which NSCs are prone and the assessment of their performance both through advanced numerical analyses and experimental testing.

The expected contributions may include (but are not limited to):

- Numerical and experimental studies on NSCs.
- FRS in new and existing structures.
- Methodologies for the performance-based seismic design of NSCs.
- Assessment of NSCs in existing structures.
- NSCs response in elastic and inelastic field.
- Monitoring techniques for NSCs.
- Retrofit solutions for seismic risk mitigation.
- Approaches and provisions in design codes.

Existing structures designed/constructed without modern seismic design provisions represent one of the largest seismic safety concerns worldwide. Such structures are vulnerable to significant structural and non-structural damage and even collapse when subjected to medium-to-strong ground shaking. This resulted in number of fatalities and significant economic losses, which promoted the development of seismic assessment and retrofit procedures for existing structures.

Recent devastating earthquakes pointed out the need for new, practical, and cost-effective seismic strengthening solutions that can be applicable at regional and with minimum level of disruption to the occupants. Over the past three decades, several techniques emerged. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM), High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (HPFRCC) composites, base isolation, dissipative devices, low-damage systems gained popularity as attractive solutions for repair and retrofit of civil infrastructures. They are successfully used for strengthening/rehabilitation of existing buildings and bridges. However further research effort is needed to improve their effectiveness, develop new applications, numerical modelling, design procedures, and techniques for installation. Furthermore, computational efficient simulations are needed to assess the benefits of seismic risk mitigation strategies at regional scale.

In this context, the mini symposium intends to attract academic staff, researchers, post-graduate students and professional engineers dealing with seismic repair and retrofit of structures, such as buildings and bridges, with innovative materials or with innovative seismic devices. The refinements in the analysis, assessment of residual capacity, design procedures and simulation to assess the benefits of interventions at regional scale are of particular interest.

To guarantee the safety of roadway and railway networks, transport authorities’ operators daily perform structural safety assessments of existing bridges and viaducts, dealing with several challenges. First, in developed countries such as Italy and Greece, there is a significant number of existing bridges, which were designed in the past according to obsolete design codes, in need of appropriate structural assessment considering the current service needs. The multitude of bridges to be evaluated contrasts with the limited availability of financial resources, time, and manpower of transport authorities. Furthermore, bridge structural assessment should consider the detrimental actions of natural and human-induced hazard sources which, as shown by recent disasters, can affect the safety of bridges and were not appropriately considered by design prescriptions in the past. In addition, many existing bridges located in aggressive environments suffer degradation phenomena severely impacting the structural capacity of bridge components.

To prevent relevant economic losses and to safeguard life safety, the definition of reliable risk-informed prioritisation and assessment to address mitigation strategies on critical bridges is essential. To this scope, different levels of investigation are required, from the large-scale screening of bridge portfolios to the detailed bridge-specific assessment. To this scope, the scientific community is called upon to develop new methodologies for efficient structural assessment approaches to be implemented in bridge management systems and possibly supported by advances in new technologies (e.g., remote-sensing approaches, sensor-based monitoring) or novel computational strategies (e.g., machine-learning techniques).

This Minisymposium aims to promote and share the latest research advances and achievements in risk-informed prioritisation, assessment, and mitigation to ensure the safety of existing bridges. The expected contributions may include (but are not limited to):

• Innovative methodologies for onsite bridge inspection;
• Photogrammetry, 3D lidar scanning, and point cloud processing for bridge digital twinning;
• Automatic defect detection using artificial intelligence algorithms.
• Monitoring techniques for bridges;
• Adoption of monitoring and onsite inspection data for refined finite element modelling calibration;
• Risk-informed prioritisation considering multiple hazard sources;
• Advances in bridge structural assessment;
• Numerical and experimental studies on structural behaviour of bridge components;
• Maintenance and retrofit solutions for risk mitigation;
• Cost/benefit analyses aimed at the identification of the optimal retrofitting solution.

As urban populations grow, cities face the challenge of accommodating diverse structures while increasing the spatial density of buildings.

In this regard, the seismic resilience of structures has become an important parameter in earthquake engineering. In particular, it is well known that the effects of the soil structure interaction (SSI) may reduce the resilience of the systems and urban communities. In addition, the traditional seismic analysis considers buildings as stand-alone structures, with no neighbouring structures. Yet dense urban configuration introduces a significant, often unquantified interaction between adjacent buildings through the underlying soil, known as Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI). Therefore, it is non-conservative to neglect SSI in the assessments of the seismic resilience of structures, particularly in those cases of interbuilding dynamic interactions. This potential risk to existing property owners represents an unquantified liability within the current seismic code framework. Thus, neglecting the increased seismic risk for some particular cases due to coupling adjacent buildings through the underlying soil is no longer reasonable.

This minisymposium focuses on novel approaches that can assess seismic resilience by addressing the leading developments of SSI, SSSI and Site-City Interaction effects (SCI), using different techniques such as:

(i) Numerical methods (Finite Element Method, Boundary Element Method or hybrid Finite/Boundary Element Method),

(ii) Analytical methods or reduced-order methods.

(iii) Experimental methods (centrifuge and shaking table tests).

(iv) Instrumented measurements of real structures and response spectrum.

(v) Site-City Interaction (SCI) or city effects.

Contributions from the structural and geotechnical arena are both welcomed in order to discuss the state of the art and new perspectives.

The mini symposium "Interpretable Machine Learning for Natural Hazards, Exposure, and Risk Modelling" aims to address the critical need for transparency and explainability in the application of advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques to natural hazard, exposure, and risk modelling. Despite the versatility of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for engineering applications, the practicing communities face challenges in implementing these due to their Blackbox nature. Hence it is critical to provide sufficient analytics for model interpretability and its response in terms of predictions based on variability in the inputs. Transparent/translucent models not only enable better decision-making, foster trust among stakeholders, and ensure better safety measures but are also easier to debugging and regulating.

With the emergence of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and physics/domain-informed ML, various concepts and algorithms have been developed that improve the understanding of AI systems output and operation, such as global and local feature importance-based metrics, game-theory-based algorithms, physics-informed optimization, physics-informed neural networks, counterfactual and contrastive example-based techniques, and causal inferences. The symposium focuses to bridge the gap between advanced ML/DL methods and their practical, interpretable applications in the field of natural hazard, exposure, and risk modelling.

Key topics include (but are not limited to) the application of XAI and physics/domain-informed ML/DL for:

• Earthquake Early Warning Systems.
• Ground Motion Modelling and Ground Motion Simulations.
• Probabilistic Hazard Analysis (for Earthquakes, Floods, Winds, etc).
• Structural Health Monitoring.
• Surrogate Modelling of Structures.
• Multi-Hazard Modelling and Analysis.
• Exposure Modelling.
• Performance-Based Engineering.
• Risk-Based Design and Assessment.
• Community Infrastructural Modelling.

This mini symposium invites contributions that highlight advancements in the interpretability of ML/DL models through XAI and/or physics-informed modelling, case studies demonstrating practical applications, and innovative methodologies that enhance the reliability and transparency of predictive modelling in the context of mitigation of natural hazards and structural modelling.

Precast concrete buildings were observed to be affected by significant damage following the recent strong earthquakes around the world.
The conducted surveys highlighted how the most widespread damages resulted in loss of support of horizontal structural elements caused by the absence of mechanical connections, overturning of closure external panels due to collapse of the connection with the structure, as well as damage to several non-structural elements.
Particular attention should be therefore paid to the seismic safety of structures constituted of precast elements.

The goal of this Minisymposium is to address several gaps still present in the current literature, concerning the design of precast concrete buildings, seismic performance of existing and retrofitted structures, their numerical modelling, experimental data and life cycle environmental impact, among other aspects.

The Minisymposium aims to collect contributions from researchers, practitioners and manufacturers on the latest advancements in the field of precast constructions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Proposals of new seismic design concepts, for instance related to dowel-based connections;
2. Retrofitting solutions, of the traditional (e.g. concrete jacketing) or innovative type (e.g. dissipation-based interventions);
3. Seismic assessment of existing and retrofitted, single-storey and multi-storey buildings;
4. Local and global modelling strategies;
5. Experimental campaigns;
6. Life cycle environmental impact of buildings and retrofitting solutions;
7. Seismic vulnerability of nonstructural elements typically employed in precast industrial buildings, such as external and internal panels, equipment, supports for gas or liquid distribution systems, racks, electrical cabinets, tanks.

This mini-symposium welcomes a variety of numerical techniques for dynamical problems, including data-driven modelling, analysis and optimization methods arising in reduced order modelling, partitioned modelling, uncertainty quantification, multidisciplinary design optimization of multi-component, multi-physics problems. Specific coupled problems may include fluid-structure interaction, thermo-mechanical problems, electro-mechanical problems, multiphysics problems in solid mechanics, smart materials, adaptive structures.

Topics relevant to the mini-symposium also include research focused on new and advanced strategies for meshing and coupling domains, interface dynamics, its accuracy, energy conservation and stability of numerical methods capturing the dynamics of interface problems, contact and impact problems, and transient analysis methods for handling interface mechanisms are also accepted. Finally, the mini-symposium welcomes examples of industrial applications and production-level software development using these techniques.
 

The introduction of engineered wood products (Glulam, Cross Lam, Laminated Veneer Lumber, etc.) has offered new possibilities and encouraged a massive use of timber-based elements in the last decades, making timber-based systems with wide possibilities of use in seismic-prone areas. Moreover, the peculiarities of material sustainability, to be ecofriendly and carbon removal offer high potentialities against the climate changes and for reducing the impact of the construction in urbanised areas. Thus, the excellent seismic response together with their environmental sustainability and energetic efficiency, have stimulated a huge use of timber systems not only in countries particularly devoted to the timber practice (i.e., North America, Japan, Australia, and North Europe) but also in the Mediterranean basin area. In addition to long-span roofs, bridges and floors, timber elements are effectively used to realize highly performing timber structural systems for commercial and residential destinations in seismic zone. Nowadays, studies concerning alternative and innovative uses of timber elements are ongoing by the scientific community. Among these, timber elements used for combined seismic and energetic retrofit of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, innovative connection systems, vertical additions on existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, new structural elements, high-rise timber buildings.

This minisymposium welcomes contributions that focus on (i) theoretical, experimental and numerical results concerning the seismic behaviour of engineered timber buildings and its subassemblies; (ii) seismic behaviour of mechanical and carpentry connections and their effect on the overall seismic response of the buildings; (iii) timber systems for retrofitting existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings; (iv) restoration techniques and testing for existing timber structures in seismic-prone area; (v) vertical additions; (vi) high-rise timber buildings, (vii) code practices: recent advancements and urgent needs.

Enhancing resilience to earthquake events involves an in-depth understanding and quantification of risk along with a continuous effort to improve the reliability of infrastructure and communities against such hazards. Recent seismic events across the world, including Turkey and Taiwan, stress the need to better understand the interconnections among the experienced regional seismic hazards, the infrastructure’s performance and the community’s ability to prepare, respond, and recover from such disasters. In such complex interactions, several uncertainties need to be addressed at a systems’ level to offer a better understanding of the interventions necessary to achieve a more resilient state. Current efforts extend in multiple directions, including: (1) onsite investigations either in a pre- or post-disaster setting, to record the responses of the infrastructure inventory along with the community’s actions to better understand the impact that such events have, and inform retrofitting and building regulations, (2) use of novel numerical and computational models to better simulate both the hazard and the infrastructure inventory response, in some cases using machine learning and artificial intelligence in order to robustly address the associated uncertainties and (3) community preparedness, such as emergency planning and early warning systems, community response, including rapid damage assessment, and recovery. Such efforts collectively, aim to reinforce the resilience of seismic-prone regions, by better informing them of the different ways that such an imminent disaster can be mitigated fast and with minimal disruptions/fatalities.

This Mini-Symposium aims to promote and share the state-of-the art approaches to reliability estimation for structural systems and their components, along with the quantification of seismic risk, using novel methodologies that aim to improve the resilience of communities against such events.

The expected contributions to this Mini-Symposium may include (but are not limited to):

 • (Community-level) Seismic Risk Assessment

• (Community-level) Infrastructure Inventory Reliability Assessment

• Resilience and sustainability of infrastructure against earthquakes (including metrics, ways to integrate them and quantify them simultaneously)

• Pre- and post-disaster assessments

• Digital Twins/ Surrogate modeling / Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques for risk and reliability estimation

• Risk Design and Assessment of infrastructure (including powerline/gas networks, transportation, water supply, etc.).

• Structural Reliability and Probabilistic Methods

Seismic mitigation design, based on techniques such as energy dissipation and base isolation, is aimed at preventing structural damage, increasing life-safety and achieving a desired level of performance. The successful implementation of these techniques was made possible by the progress in the technology of anti-seismic devices, such as hysteric and hydraulic dampers, and isolation bearings. However, the remarkable potential of these strategies can be further broadened and refined to meet the demands of a more resilient society. Consequently, the search for improved solutions and more effective design procedures is the object of ongoing cutting-edge research.

The Minisymposium aims to engage academics, researchers, practitioners and manufacturers, by displaying progresses and highlighting research needs in the field of seismic mitigation systems for buildings and infrastructures. It will present the latest contributions aimed at enhancing current technologies and retrofit strategies, with the goal of fostering a discussion on the future developments of seismic code prescriptions. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

• experimental assessment of novel base isolation and energy dissipation systems;
• risk analysis of structures equipped with seismic mitigation systems;
• design procedures for seismically upgrading existing structures;
• advances in numerical modelling and simulations of the real experimental response of seismic isolation and energy dissipation systems;
• recent developments in standards and codes.

Civil infrastructures have gained great importance for local and regional economies because of the major role of communication and networking in modern society. The accurate assessment of their integrity from a comprehensive perspective is, indeed, increasingly encouraged by stakeholders and governments. In this regard, the behaviour of critical assets such as bridges represents a key issue when analysing the resilience of transportation networks and the evaluation of their performance decay over time allows for avoiding catastrophic events. This symposium aims to contribute to structural degradation analysis, structural health monitoring and network resilience assessment. The subjects addressed are considered fundamental bullet points to consider for a broad resilience assessment and for retrofit interventions design of infrastructures at both local and global levels.

The topics included in this symposium include, but are not limited to:

• Traditional monitoring techniques to detect damage or degradation
• Numerical models for the analysis of the effects of degradation on structural performances of bridges
• Advanced performance decay analysis of bridges over their lifespan
• Structural health monitoring, also by the use of interferometric satellite data
• Smart monitoring by using machine learning techniques
• Data-driven or Model-based algorithms for structural health monitoring
• Monitoring by means of photogrammetric technologies (e.g. crack detection or digital image correlation) and Computer Vision approaches
• Resilience assessment for networks of infrastructures

Considering the numerous factors influencing environmental changes, engineers and researchers are increasingly confronted with challenges in developing sustainable constructions. A comprehensive understanding of the behavior of new structural materials is essential. Key design issues include the computational modeling of construction materials incorporating recycled components, the behavior of structural elements composed of diverse materials, the modeling of interfaces between different materials, and the application of innovative materials in structural elements.

This minisymposium will showcase recent advancements in this field, drawing together academics, researchers, students, and professional engineers. The scope of discussion will encompass, but is not limited to, the following topics:

Behavior of Reinforced Concrete with Recycled Aggregates: Utilizing advanced computational modeling techniques to explore the structural performance and durability of reinforced concrete elements made with recycled aggregates, highlighting advancements in recycling techniques and the reduction of construction waste.

Modeling Techniques for Multi-material Elements: Developing sophisticated computational models to investigate the structural behavior and integration of elements made from a combination of materials, such as timber-concrete composites and hybrid steel-concrete structures, to enhance sustainability and performance.

Laboratory Testing Protocols: Defining and simulating standardized laboratory tests using computational tools to evaluate the mechanical properties, durability, and environmental impact of sustainable construction materials.

Strengthening of Existing Constructions: Employing computational simulations to optimize the use of sustainable materials and innovative techniques, such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), for the retrofitting and strengthening of existing structures.

Design of Non-standard Construction Materials: Leveraging computational modeling to design and analyze the use of non-traditional and sustainable materials, including rammed earth, bamboo, and bio-based composites, in structural applications to promote environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

This minisymposium aims to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration, advancing the frontiers of sustainable construction practices and contributing to the development of eco-friendly building solutions through state-of-the-art computational modeling.

Earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, with subsequent direct and indirect impacts. Several procedures are available to assess and/or design assets to ensure satisfactory levels of seismic safety. However, comparatively fewer procedures also integrate additional society requirements such as environmental sustainability. Moreover, only a few procedures allow considering the exacerbation of impacts due to additional hazards in close temporal proximity to an earthquake. Existing literature on cascading effects shows that the combination of multiple events can lead to higher impacts than the sum of those of the individual hazards. In other words, these multi-hazard scenarios should be integrated into frameworks aimed at quantifying different typologies of impacts, including environmental (e.g., carbon emissions), economic (e.g., replacement costs) and social (i.e., well-being losses) impacts. To tackle the challenges of designing and maintaining structures exposed to multiple events, it is crucial to develop multidisciplinary approaches that integrate these factors into retrofit or new design.

This minisymposium brings together researchers and practitioners to share their expertise in analysing buildings and infrastructure subject to earthquakes and other hazards, paving the way towards a shift in standard approaches to risk modelling. We welcome any application surpassing traditional/conventional practices in earthquake risk modelling, including but not limited to (a) decision-making methods coupling earthquake consequences with other dimensions (e.g., energy cost); (b) multi-hazard risk assessment involving earthquakes as the “primary” hazard and capturing realistic multi-hazard interactions; (c) consequence-based design of new assets or retrofitting. The target audience for this session includes academics, researchers and professionals from various fields, including architecture, civil engineering and sustainability. The session also appeals to policymakers and stakeholders involved in planning, designing and maintaining eco-friendly, safe and resilient systems.

The global priority for a resilient and sustainable built environment is clear. In seismic-prone areas, this means improving seismic safety and energy efficiency while reducing embodied carbon of buildings. Achieving these goals requires adopting resilient technologies to minimize post-earthquake damage and related socio-economic and environmental impacts. These technologies should adopt natural-based materials and plug-and-play systems to reduce construction and demolition waste, considering demolition, recyclability and waste minimization in a circular and life-cycle perspective. Efforts are now increasingly directed towards sustainable building designs for nearly-zero energy or net-zero carbon structures. However, renovating existing buildings in a low-carbon manner also remains a significant challenge, yet essential for driving the development of future-proof, safer buildings that align with current policy targets.

This mini-symposium focuses on the development and implementation of damage-control low-carbon technologies. We welcome applications on innovative solutions, including but not limited to: (a) Integrated design of earthquake-proof and environmentally sustainable technologies for new buildings and retrofitted solutions, encompassing local to global intervention strategies; (b) Experimental studies and/or numerical modeling of resilient structural and non-structural technologies; (c) Case study applications and comparisons with conventional solutions. The target audience includes academics, researchers and professionals from various fields, including architecture, civil engineering and sustainability, who are interested in designing, constructing and maintaining eco-friendly, safe and resilient systems.

Bridge structures are fundamental components for the transportation system of a nation. In many cases, these structures are close to or have already exceeded their design life and an advanced deterioration state can be observed. Deterioration and lack of proper maintenance have been important factors in bridge collapses observed in recent years, as occurred in 2018 for the Morandi Bridge in Italy. As a consequence, the activities of structural management and assessment, together with the definition of advanced maintenance programs, pose a significant challenge to bridge owners. The situation is furthermore complicated by the safety level led by older design codes, which results to be significantly lower than what is provided by modern standards.

The present Mini-symposium aims at promoting the discussion on the challenges that have to be faced in assessing existing bridge structures, also considering the presence of deterioration phenomena, and to share the most recent advances in the assessment and retrofit approaches developed by both the research community and practitioners.

The topics of the Minisymposium include (but are not limited to):

• Advances in bridge assessment approaches
• Maintenance, repair and retrofit of existing bridges
• Numerical and experimental studies on the effects of deterioration on the structural performance
• Numerical and experimental studies on bridge components
• Innovative materials applications in bridge structures
• Seismic vulnerability and reliability of existing bridges, including or not including the time dependent response of the structure
• Active and passive seismic protection of bridge structures
• Seismic isolation and energy dissipation retrofit design
• Advanced numerical modeling of bridge components
• Seismic Resilience of existing bridges
• Service Life Design applications

Prediction and control of ground-borne noise and vibrations are one of the largest environmental challenges for railway exploration in urban areas. These phenomena affect the comfort and life quality of the inhabitants in the railway surroundings. Buildings in residential areas can also be affected by vibrations produced by nearby construction work (some examples: pile driving, compaction work, blasting, etc). This minisymposium aims to collect numerical and experimental studies dealing with the generation and propagation of ground-borne noise and vibrations and its interference with nearby structures.

Recent earthquakes highlighted the vulnerability of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings, constituting a significant portion of our cultural heritage. The seismic risk assessment of URM structures has proven to be challenging, as their behavior may involve the activation of both in-plane and out-of-plane mechanisms. Various modeling approaches were developed over the last few decades to address this critical issue related to the assessment of their seismic response, prediction of potential collapse mechanisms, and design of non-invasive and sustainable strengthening interventions.

This minisymposium will collect various studies exploring methodologies and tools for evaluating the seismic response and risk analysis of existing masonry buildings. It will offer the opportunity to present contributions covering different advanced and simplified methods within computational modeling techniques, analysis approaches, experimental investigations, and case studies focusing on the seismic risk assessment of ordinary and monumental URM structures. Submissions may also address restoration activities and traditional or innovative rehabilitation and strengthening techniques.

Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following issues:

• Comparison of different modeling strategies
• Comparison of different seismic risk assessment approaches
• Structural dynamic identification methods and uncertainty quantification
• Sustainable retrofitting solutions for masonry structures
• Efficiency of low-impact interventions
• Parametric analyses for the optimization of effectiveness, costs, and impact of interventions
• Comparison of the effects of traditional and innovative strengthening systems
• Experimental investigation and modeling of integrated interventions
• Analytical and computational strategies for identifying and strengthening local mechanisms in masonry buildings, even based on parametric analysis and visual programming
• Characterization of seismic input for atop local mechanisms
• Consideration of the soil-structure interaction in masonry structure modeling
• Rocking response of masonry walls under earthquakes
• Case studies

Several novel computational modeling approaches are currently available for capturing damage growth and fracture propagation in materials and structures. However, many of the available methods encounter major challenges, such as the elevated computational cost, need for extensive calibration and validation, uncertainty quantification in the model predictions, and more. This has led to the emergence of research directions focused on enhanced predictive modeling of damage and fracture phenomena, including several classes of deterministic, data-driven, and stochastic methods as well as methods that attempt to develop combinations of these methods. This minisymposium aims to provide a platform for discussion on the recent advancements in these methods, and offer an outlook on the current needs and future trends. Topics of interest include, but they are not limited to, the following:

• Numerical simulation techniques, such as continuum damage, phase-field, XFEM, cohesive zone methods, peridynamics.
• Brittle, cohesive and ductile fracture of materials and structures, including material characterization and model validation
• Machine learning and data-driven approaches to improve the accuracy of the prediction and efficiency of the computational solution
• Multi-scale modeling techniques to accelerate simulations across different length scales
• Multi-physics considerations including fluid transport, thermo-plasticity, chemo-mechanical couplings, etc.
• Continuous-to-discontinuous modeling formulations
• Improvements in nonlinear numerical solution algorithms
• Stochastic analysis and uncertainty quantification in the context of damage modeling

Microstructured and soft materials, including biomaterials and polymers, are increasingly adopted in various high-tech applications due to their unique mechanical properties and adaptability. Metamaterials, engineered with precise geometrical configurations, exhibit extraordinary characteristics such as auxeticity, exotic elastic couplings, negative refraction, and tailored wave propagation. Heuristic-based approaches and shape and topology optimization techniques can be exploited to enhance the mechanical performance of these materials and structures, leading to innovative advancements across multiple domains.
Recent research has extended to the design and modelling of periodic lattice-like solids with kinking prohibition directions, high fracture toughness micro-architectured materials, and indentationresistant microstructures. Soft materials, including biological tissues and hierarchical bio-inspired materials, are integral to applications in biomedical devices and flexible electronics due to their adaptability and biocompatibility. The complex behaviour of these materials under dynamic loads poses significant challenges and opportunities for researchers, as their mechanical integrity and performance can be significantly affected by external impacts such as vibrations, thermal fluctuations, and mechanical stresses.

This mini-symposium aims to address these challenges. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Vibrational Characterization Techniques: Computational models to analyse and predict vibrational responses of microstructured solids.
• Dynamic Behaviour of Soft Materials: Investigating how vibrations affect the mechanical integrity and functional performance of soft, pliable materials.
• Metamaterial Innovation: Exploring the vibrational and indentation resistance properties of novel metamaterial designs and their implications for future technologies.
• Impact Mitigation Strategies: Developing techniques to mitigate adverse effects of vibrations in sensitive materials and structures.
• Multiscale Modelling and Simulation: Bridging the gap between micro-scale material properties and macro-scale structural behaviours through advanced simulations.
• Microstructure Design Based on Shape and Topology Optimization Techniques.

Modern probabilistic risk assessment procedures often require many nonlinear dynamic analyses to consider the (i) inherent aleatory uncertainties in the hazard and (ii) the epistemic uncertainties associated with the exposure and predictive engineering models. In this context, High-fidelity finite element models can faithfully describe the inelastic response, capturing all the essential features of the hysteretic behaviour even for large deformations, thereby supporting high-accuracy risk predictions.

Large numbers of deterministic analyses might become inevitable to fully consider the uncertainties associated with material properties, structural attributes, and seismic hazard. This leads to a high impractical computational cost for routine applications that may be needed to run in real-time for large-scale analyses or emergency management. Consequently, researchers have been incentivised to explore the use of low-fidelity models that approximate the structural behaviour, improving the computational efficiency in various structural dynamics problems, but that also introduce some biases that lead to a reduced degree of accuracy or resolution.

Examples of low-fidelity models considered for earthquake engineering applications include (i) surrogate models, a pure data-driven approximation of the model outputs, and (ii) reduced order models, simplifying the original finite element models condensing dynamic degrees of freedom and simplifying hysteretic response characteristics. While low-fidelity models offer a significant speedup to assessment procedures, the corresponding estimation might be biased when compared to the ones obtained using higher-fidelity numerical models. Therefore, the fidelity of the structural models should strike the right compromise between the accuracy and the computational efficiency objectives. 

This mini-symposium aims to provide a forum for researchers to discuss recent advances and results on low-complexity models to predict the global performance of structures under different types of loading conditions for the computational and structural dynamics community. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

• Calibration of Reduced Order Models (ROM) or Surrogate Models (SM)
• Techniques or probabilistic frameworks to reduce or adequately account for the biases related to the use of low-fidelity models
• Validation at the building level or a large geographical scale (with high-fidelity or empirical observations)
• Applications to different fields of structural dynamics (e.g., seismic, tsunami, debris flows)

Construction 3D printing is an emerging technology that has the potential to transform the construction industry by automating the construction process and pursuing new structural and architectural designs and forms that can optimize performance, aesthetics and functionality. Currently, printing with various materials, both cementitious, such as concrete, and metals has been achieved and large-scale structures have been built. Also, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of construction, there is a recent emphasis on printing with environmentally friendly materials, such as green concrete and hempcrete. Despite these advancements, methods to analyze, design, optimize and evaluate 3D printed components and structures remain an open question.

This Mini-Symposium aims to collect, promote and share the state-of-the art in these fields. Expected contributions to this mini-symposium may include (without being limited to):

• Experimental evaluations at material, component and/or structural scales.
• Optimization strategies for 3D printed components and structures
• Analysis and Design methods for 3D printed components and structures
• Numerical simulation techniques for 3D printed components and structures, including constitutive modeling and discretization techniques

Over the past decade, structures and transport infrastructures have faced a number of significant safety issues, which have occasionally resulted in collapses that have had major social and economic impacts. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques provide a logical solution for the detection of structural deterioration or damage through the assessment of changes in structural characteristics, including displacements, eigenfrequencies, damping factors and mode shapes, using on-site sensors. The recent advancements in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing have significantly enhanced SHM by providing extensive satellite data for monitoring displacement rates of structures over large areas. A significant challenge in SHM is the minimisation of false positives, particularly in instances where minor frequency variations do not indicate actual damage. A substantial proportion of SHM systems focus on the correlation between damage and fluctuations in modal parameters. However, non-stationary inputs (such as wind and traffic) and stochastic environmental alterations can also influence modal parameters. It is therefore appropriate to employ statistical thresholds in order to distinguish between linear non-stationary behaviour and nonlinear structural damage. The objective of this MS is to explore strategies for integrating on-site and remote sensing data, establishing unified damage detection strategies, and discussing advancements in SHM techniques and algorithms. The programme will address a number of key topics, including information integration strategies, signal processing advancements, and case studies on structures, infrastructures, tunnels, dams, and cultural heritage sites.

The design of earthquake-resilient structures has been continuously enhanced in the last years, favouring the adoption of innovative systems and technologies to mitigate seismic effects. To this scope, well-established techniques already available on the market include passive and active vibration control systems based on base isolation and supplemental damping.

A relevant topic is the development of devices and technologies aimed at favouring the re-centring of the structure. Examples include dampers with shape memory alloys, displacement gap devices, rocking systems, and variable friction sliding isolators. Another trend involves the proposal of both isolators and dampers featuring an adaptive force-displacement response and/or implementing an active control. Three-dimensional isolation systems, in parallel / in series combination of devices, and tuned mass dampers with inerters applied to case-studies are also matters that currently attracts interest. New design approaches are profiting of the recent spread of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms.

This Mini-Symposium (MS) aims to draw the interest of academics, researchers, and practitioners, by displaying recent progress in the field of seismic isolation and energy dissipation, and presenting the most recent contributions to the improvement of current technologies for vibration control of steel, RC and masonry structures and infrastructures, as well as timber buildings. The MS welcomes original research papers, presentation of case studies, and state-of-the-art reviews that include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• innovative anti-seismic devices with adaptive response;
• devices with self-centring behaviour;
• damping systems with inerters or active control;
• rocking systems implementing damping technologies;
• 3D isolation systems (mitigation of vertical accelerations);
• optimization of anti- seismic devices by means of Artificial Intelligence;
• combined systems (in parallel / in series);
• numerical simulations and prototype testing;
• applications and case-studies.

Assessing earthquake hazards and their impacts on built heritage - such as existing buildings, infrastructure, historic centers, and archaeological sites - is becoming increasingly crucial. While conventional methods have long been employed for seismic evaluation, pioneering techniques such as data-driven and Artificial Intelligence approaches offer promising opportunities thereby fostering the development of more effective and informed intervention and management strategies.

This Minisymposium aims to bring together both conventional and innovative approaches to address seismic assessment of heritage structures and infrastructures.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Seismic assessment of heritage structures and infrastructures;
• Single- and multi-hazard risk assessment studies;
• Application of pioneering approaches, such as data-driven and AI algorithms, for predictive modeling of structural behavior and automatic hazard/vulnerability assessments;
• Integration of remote sensing data and geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial analyses and innovative monitoring approaches of structures and infrastructures;
• Development of decision support systems and tools for risk prioritization and Decision-Making Policies.

Selected papers will receive an APC (Article Processing Charge) waiver and will be published in the Topical Collection "Advances in Seismic Risk Assessment of Built Heritage: Bridging Traditional Methods and Pioneering Techniques" of the Open Access Journal "Prevention and Treatment of Natural Disasters".

The architectural heritage, which includes both monumental and ordinary masonry buildings, has stood the test of time for centuries, serving as a testament to cultural evolution. Preserving this heritage is thus crucial, as it plays an essential role in society. However, many of these buildings are located in areas prone to frequent seismic activity, posing a significant risk. There has been a growing interest in this topic recently, with approaches ranging from linear and nonlinear analyses of individual buildings to large-scale strategies. This has led to the development of tailored conservation methods.

Objectives

This Mini-symposium aims at gathering contributions of leading researchers and practitioners to share and discuss the latest advancements in the seismic risk assessment and mitigation of historical masonry structures (both monumental buildings and historic centres). The session will provide a platform for exchanging innovative methodologies, case studies, and technological applications that improve our understanding and management of heritage structures threatened by seismic activity.

The main topics that this special session is intended to collect are, but not limited to:

• Seismic vulnerability assessment of historical masonry buildings at single-scale by means of numerical methodologies;
• Seismic vulnerability assessment (in both as-built and retrofitted conditions) with large-scale approaches and derivation of vulnerability and fragility curves;
• Advanced methodologies for damage detection, localization, and quantification in heritage structures;
• Non-destructive testing for cultural heritage buildings;
• Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the analysis and management of cultural heritage sites;
• Proposal of innovative retrofitting techniques for masonry buildings;
• Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in seismic-sensitive historic regions;
• Application of nonlinear analysis techniques to Cultural Heritage structures;
• Multi-scale analytical methods;
• Exploring the impact of environmental and operational conditions on the integrity of architectural heritage;
• Detailed case studies demonstrating practical applications and outcomes.

In-service bridges are recognized as critical components of the transportation infrastructure, having been in operation for many years. These structures face challenges such as degradation, outdated regulations, and operating conditions different from those they were originally designed for, including the impacts of increased vehicle loads and climate change. Hence, assessing the vulnerability of existing bridges is crucial to identify critical situations where resources can be allocated effectively.

In this context, intervention prioritization strategies and the development of innovative retrofitting techniques assume strategic importance. Implementing innovative Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) solutions also plays a key role in maintaining bridge integrity and safety. Additionally, considering Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the retrofit process ensures that sustainability aspects are integrated, minimizing environmental impacts and promoting long-term viability.

Furthermore, enhancing resilience in the retrofit of bridges and other existing infrastructure is essential to adapt to future conditions and extend the life span of these critical assets. By incorporating resilient design principles and advanced technologies, infrastructure can better withstand adverse events and recover more quickly.

This session is organized under the auspices of FABRE (www.consorziofabre.it) and will promote the discussion of research results and design experiences regarding these crucial aspects of infrastructure management. Participants will explore strategies for vulnerability assessment, innovative retrofit solutions, SHM, LCA, and resilience improvement, contributing to the sustainable and efficient management of transportation infrastructure.

Effective management of structural and infrastructure assets is critical to the longevity and reliability of critical services. This session will focus on the critical role of asset management in maintaining and improving infrastructure, considering both current and future challenges. Evolving conditions of use, driven by factors such as climate change and human activity, are impacting both existing structures and newly designed infrastructure. These new structures will need to adapt to changing conditions that could alter current regulations and engineering practices.

Key issues include:

Predictive maintenance: Advances in predictive maintenance that utilize data analytics and machine learning are changing the way infrastructure is managed. By anticipating failures and optimizing maintenance schedules, these techniques are helping to extend asset life and reduce downtime.

Improving resilience through digital technologies: The integration of digital technologies, such as real-time monitoring and control systems, increases infrastructure resilience. These technologies enable continuous monitoring of the condition and performance of structures, allowing a rapid response to potential problems and better management of resources.

Sustainability issues: Sustainable infrastructure management practices are critical to reducing environmental impact and promoting long-term viability. Issues include the use of environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient designs and strategies to minimize the carbon footprint of construction and maintenance activities.

Evaluation of Appropriate/Optimal Retrofit Options: Selecting the best retrofit options is essential to prolonging the life of current infrastructure. This entails assessing several retrofit solutions according to criteria including cost, efficacy, and sustainability to guarantee best practices and efficient use of resources.

Blockchain and Smart Contracts for Efficiency: Using smart contracts and blockchain technology can greatly improve infrastructure management's efficiency. Blockchain technology offers a transparent and safe means of tracking and managing assets, and smart contracts minimize errors and administrative overhead by automating procedures and transactions.

The discussion of research findings and design experiences pertaining to the management of both above-ground and underground transportation infrastructure is invited for this mini-symposium. Attendees will investigate how innovative research and useful design techniques may tackle the changing obstacles in infrastructure asset management, promoting social transformation, territorial integration, and economic growth.

Steel storage racks, widely adopted in numerous industries globally for storage and organisational purposes, stand as indispensable elements in modern infrastructure. Their ubiquity reflects their exceptional versatility and efficiency in providing organised storage solutions. In virtually every corner of the world, steel storage racks find application in diverse sectors, including but not limited to warehousing, logistics, retail, manufacturing, and beyond. Such an important role played by racking and storage equipment in the European market can be strongly affected by low-probability/high-consequence events and in particular by earthquakes, as repeatedly shown by past seismic events in Italy and abroad.

The mini-symposium will interest any researcher or practitioner involved in the assessment, design and maintenance of steel storage racks, as well as industry stakeholders interested in promoting sustainable and innovative retrofitting solutions.

The mini-symposium welcomes original contributions on novel research proposals, case studies or advanced discussions on seismic risk assessment and retrofitting strategies for steel storage racks, such as:

• Simplified or detailed modelling techniques and tools
• Fragility models for steel racks
• Seismic performance assessment of steel racks
• Seismic design and/or loss assessment of case-study steel racks
• Innovative and sustainable retrofitting solutions
• Experimental testing of steel racks and their sub-components

In recent years the scientific community has provided several tools aimed at assessing and managing risk using multi-level and multi-criteria approaches, the latter including the interaction among natural (such as seismic, hydrogeological, volcanic, etc) and anthropic (pollution, nuclear, etc.) risk factors. The trend denotes the rising awareness of the need of a holistic approach for risk assessment, based on the understanding of the factors contributing to the specific risk evaluated that are, as known: hazard (e.g., depending on location, intensity, frequency etc), vulnerability and exposure. In general, these factors may refer to different dimensions and scales. Dimensions may be related, as example, to the structural capacity of construction/infrastructure to withstand hazardous events, the social capacity of a community to recover from a disaster, or the territorial capacity to face the emergency and to allow rapid rescue services in the post-disaster emergency phase. Whereas, the scale refers to the level at which the assessment is conducted, moving from the individual construction/infrastructure/component, up to regions within an entire country. For instance, as for the territorial level, at first qualitative data are required in order to rank the risk by means of a certain resulting score. Then, a ranking list is obtained, from which more refined data and, consequently, more refined numerical simulations may be carried out. To this it should be added that within a multi-criteria framework, risk factors evaluated at different scales pose significative challenges because of their different knowledge domains, often suffering also inconsistencies in terms of methodology and glossary.

This special issue deals with recent advances in the multi-risk field, addressing specifically possible computational strategies for risk evaluation and mitigation focused on existing constructions, both ordinary and cultural heritage ones. Some topics, among the possible ones, relevant to this symposium are:

• simplified and refined multi-level approaches seismic risk assessment, also combined with other risk factors;
• analysis and creation of dynamic inventory reporting the systematic seismic damage suffered after an earthquake;
• statistical analysis of seismic damage and simulation tools;
• structural vulnerability;
• fragility and consequence functions of structural and non-structural components;
• risk-based design procedures for retrofit interventions;
• analyses protection and mitigation against risk;
• expected annual losses (EAL);
• data concerning the effects on the economic system due to hazardous events at large and small scale;
• structural vulnerability and fast appraisal methods.

Nonlinear dynamic analyses are becoming increasingly common in engineering practice to support the vulnerability assessment of existing buildings, structures and infrastructures. A central issue in nonlinear dynamic analyses is damping. Damping in structures refers to the ability of a system or structure to dissipate or absorb energy when subjected to dynamic loads. This can occur in several ways: a) Hysteretic damping, which is implicitly considered in the modeling of the inelastic response of the materials that characterize the structural elements (e.g., hysteresis loops of concrete and steel) when performing a nonlinear analysis (whether with distributed or with lumped plasticity); b) damping resulting from other non-negligible mechanisms such as friction, opening and closing of concrete cracks, thermal energy dissipation due to material heating, and other factors. Damping remains a challenging issues: Its mechanical meaning is still to be fully understood and its numerical modeling has a significant impact on prediction seismic demands on structures.

This Minisymposium aims to collect and discuss contributions focused on damping, both in its theoretical aspects and in applications and modeling.

The prediction of the seismic response is the key issue to bring to light deficiencies and qualities provided by the considered structural systems. This topic is of paramount importance for both new and existing conventional structures, but it becomes even more important when new structural systems or seismic protection devices are developed. On one hand, it is rather obvious that experimental tests, whether dynamic or cyclic tests, provide the most realistic, thus trustworthy, structural response of a considered case study. On the other hand, experimental tests require facilities that are not always available, or can be performed rarely on full scale specimens, but more often on rather small portions of the considered structure or only at component level. Based on this observation, the development of a numerical model represents a practical, as well as easily accessible, alternative to assess the structural response of the considered system. Indeed, numerical analysis can be performed many times, without any economic or material losses, can be used to determine the response of either full scale structures or single structural components, and is the only available tool to conduct wide parametric analysis. However, every numerical model entails unavoidable assumptions and simplifications, that affect the results. Hence, a very effective strategy, which gathers the advantages given by experimental tests and numerical modelling, is to develop numerical models and calibrate the parameters ruling the monotonic/cyclic response of the elements so that the numerical response match as well as possible the experimental one. On one side, this approach allows to develop reliable numerical models that can be used for further extensive analysis, on the other side exploits the realistic response of the experimental tests. The present Minisymposium aims at collecting and discussing contributions focused on (i) the development of numerical models, at building, sub-assembly or member/device level, able to fit the structural response determined by experimental tests, (ii) calibration strategies that can be followed to tune the parameters ruling the numerical model and (iii) possible approaches to evaluate the accuracy of the numerical model in predicting the experimental responses.

Over the past twenty years, the global incidence of natural hazard-related disasters has nearly doubled compared to the preceding two decades. This increase primarily stems from the significant vulnerability of built environments, resulting in escalating impacts on economic and social sectors. Comprehensive assessment and understanding of disaster risks represent the basis for managing the entire cycle, encompassing prevention, forecasting, emergency response, recovery, and fostering adherence to safety-enhancing regulations and standards.

This minisymposium aims to showcase seismic fragility and vulnerability methodologies focused on assessing risk, predicting damage scenarios and ensuing consequences. Various approaches, including empirical methods, analytical or mechanical models will be explored. The discussions will evaluate the strengths and limitations of each approach in terms of their applicability and outcomes. The debate will handle the different methodological approaches and their implications, such as the uncertainty levels associated with different scales of application—whether at the level of individual buildings, at urban level, regional areas, or broader scales. It will also examine how the choice of intensity measures influences fragility assessment outcomes.

The relevant topics to this minisymposium include, but are not limited to:

• Applicability and results of different approaches for seismic vulnerability and fragility assessment.
• Impact of using different intensity measures (IM) on fragility assessment, considering the definition of "efficient" and "sufficient" IM, potentially handling also post-earthquake damage data.
• Effect of stratigraphical amplification in fragility assessment.
• Uncertainty estimates in fragility results considering the scale of and/or the methodological approach.
• Influence of aging and deterioration on vulnerability trends.
• Integration of smart monitoring technologies (remote sensing, UAV) and machine learning in seismic capacity assessment and damage estimation.
• Effectiveness of shakemap or ground motion prediction equation in forecasting seismic hazard
• Case studies with a critical discussion about the accuracy level of exposure knowledge, ground motion characterization, and the methodological approach adopted.

The field of moving loads and interaction problems is an active area of research in structural dynamics, of particular interest to large civil structures such as railway and road bridges. In developed countries, the extensive amount of resources invested in such structures is an asset of principal value, that motivates the need to improve the theoretical bases and computational techniques for their optimal assessment and design. Such need is further strengthened by the relevant role played by civil infrastructures in current environmental concerns.

A number of dynamic research areas are engaged in keeping the field of moving loads and interaction problems at the frontiers of knowledge. Those areas include advanced numerical simulation, improved mathematical methods and algorithms, simplified and refined formulations of the various interaction phenomena implicated in bridge dynamics, deterministic and stochastic approaches (both in time and frequency domains), characterisation of fast and ultra-fast vehicles (high-speed trains and maglevs), deployment of systems to mitigate vibration; and last but not least, innovative approaches for the assessment of venerable -but widespread- structures such as the masonry bridges.

The Minisymposium aims to collect state-of-art contributions from researchers and practitioners in the field of theoretical and numerical analysis of moving load and vehicle-bridge interaction problems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Closed-form solutions in advanced moving load problems
2. Refined numerical modelling of bridge responses under moving forces
3. Vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) and track-bridge interaction (TBI) phenomena
4. Soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects in road and railway bridge vibration
5. Vehicle scanning methods for bridge characterisation
6. Nondeterministic methods and surrogate modelling in moving load and interaction problems
7. 3D modelling for VBI and running safety assessment of railway bridges
8. Dynamics of bridges in Maglev rail systems
9. Simplified methods to consider VBI, TBI and SSI effects in bridge vibration
10. Discrete and continuous methods for simulation of masonry bridge dynamics
11. Passive and active damping systems to supress moving-load induced resonance
12. Open software for moving load and VBI analysis

Most engineering structures are subjected to a great variety of dynamic loads in their lifetime. The latter can be caused by earthquake, wind, traffic, wave, blast, rotating machinery or other types of natural or anthropic events. The goal of structural engineering is to limit the damage of structures to achieve functional recovery and resilient design. In particular, the need is to meet acceptable performance levels at present and in the years to come without compromising the ability of future generations to use them, maintain them and benefit from them.

In order to achieve such goals, in addition to traditional approaches, structural engineers have introduced sophisticated dynamic response modification techniques and devices. These range from the use of seismic and vibration isolation, to energy dissipation devices, and to rocking isolation. Also, the development and use of new materials with structural capabilities, such as metamaterials and shape memory alloys, are in the forefront.

To guarantee a suitable design of the above-mentioned engineering structures, researchers need to conduct a significant number of experimental tests, required to study and fully understand their actual nonlinear dynamic behavior. They also need to develop accurate and efficient mathematical models and design procedures.

To this end, the aim of the Mini-Symposium is to share the most recent advances related to the complex dynamic response of engineering structures with particular reference to:

• Experimental Studies: experimental test results describing the nonlinear dynamic behavior of structures, devices, and innovative materials; video-based vibration analysis of structures; experimental verification of numerical methods and mathematical models; experimental calibration of nonlinear model parameters.
• Mathematical Modeling: solution strategies and numerical methods to perform nonlinear dynamic analyses; mathematical models devoted to simulating the nonlinear behavior of structures and devices; model parameters identification procedures; simulations performed by adopting existing computer programs, such as OpenSees, Abaqus, ANSYS, MIDAS, NextFEM, Sap2000, and 3D-BASIS.
• Structural Design: design strategies for structures employing linear or nonlinear devices; optimization design methods; case studies of challenging applications.

The increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme events have underscored the critical need for resilient structures that can sustain minimal damage and can be quickly recovered. This Mini symposium aims to consolidate and disseminate innovative research and practical approaches to for damage assesment, control and rapid recovery to enhance the resilience of various structures. By focusing on both theoretical advancements and real-world applications, this session seeks to drive significant progress in the field of resilient infrastructure.

Scope:

This Mini symposium invites research contributions that address the development and implementation of resilient structures capable of withstanding dynamic and extreme conditions and can quickly be repaid following an event. Emphasis is placed on novel structural damage assesment, control and modular construction techniques that enhance the robustness, adaptability, and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. Contributions may span from computational modeling and experimental testing to practical applications and policy recommendations.

Topics:

Topics relevant to this Mini symposium include, but are not limited to:

1. Assessment of Resilient Structures: Evaluating the current state of infrastructure resilience and identifying critical challenges and opportunities.
2. Modular Construction for Extreme Conditions: Application of modular construction techniques in environments subject to dynamic loading and extreme conditions. Focus on rapid deployment and reconstruction in post-disaster scenarios.
3. Advanced Computational Modeling: Development of sophisticated numerical models for simulating the behavior of resilient structures under dynamic loads. Integration of advanced computational techniques for design optimization.
4. Sustainable and Adaptive Design: Incorporation of sustainability and adaptability principles into the design of resilient structures under dynamic loads. Use and performance of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions under dynamic loads.

The special session " Sustainable Approaches in Optimum Design of Structural Systems" aims to explore the latest developments and applications of automatic routine, optimization processes and Artificial Intelligence for the design of new smart structures and/or retrofitting systems to minimize structural, economic and environmental impact. This session will bring together experts, researchers, engineers, and practitioners from academia and industry to share their knowledge, experience, and research findings in the field of earthquake engineering.

Specifically, contributions in the following research areas are strongly encouraged:

• Single and multi-objective/criteria approaches for the design of new structures or retrofitting systems considering structural, economic, social and environmental indicators;
• Methods and tools for the assessment of lifecycle economic and environmental sustainability in Civil Engineering applications (e.g. buildings and bridges);
• Automation in the production and construction stage to reduce material waste, encourage recycling, and/or lead to significant time-savings within the construction process;
• Case studies applications, Experimental and numerical modelling as well as advanced numerical analysis of steel structures.

Seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices are well established techniques employed all around the world for the seismic design and retrofit of structures , with proven ability to enhance structural resilience to the seismic hazard.

With continuous advancements in these devices and in performance assessment and design techniques, there is a need to share recent developments and foster collaboration among researchers and practitioners in the field. 

This mini-symposium aims to provide a platform for presenting and discussing the latest research findings, innovative technologies, and practical applications in seismic isolation and energy dissipation.

Contributions from researchers, manufacturers and practitioners are expected in (but not limited to) the following areas: 

1) novel and/or low-cost isolation and energy dissipation devices; 
2) experimental and qualification testing of isolation/dissipation devices;
3) advanced and simplified numerical modelling of seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices;
4) performance-based assessment procedures and risk/resilience-based design;
5) structural health monitoring and dynamic identification of isolated structures and structures equipped with damping devices;
6) use of isolation/dissipation devices for seismic protection of non-structural components
7) case studies or emblematic examples of implementation of isolation/dissipation technologies in the case of unconventional structures.

This mini-symposium focuses on the latest advancements in the optimization-driven design of new structural systems and seismic and energetic retrofit interventions aimed at improving sustainability. The session will provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to discuss innovative methodologies, case studies, and practical applications. Emphasis will be placed on integrating optimization techniques with sustainable practices and aesthetic considerations to create efficient, resilient, and visually appealing structures. The session aims to facilitate the dissemination of advancements in this field, concentrating on synergistic research and practice-oriented design methods for new structures and retrofitting strategies that contribute towards developing sustainable and resilient communities

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Computational tools and algorithms for optimization in structural engineering
• Performance-based design methodologies
• Integration of aesthetic principles in structural optimization
• Life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis in structural design
• Energy-efficient retrofit strategies for existing buildings
• Case studies on optimized design of new structures and retrofitting projects
• Impact of climate change on structural design and retrofit interventions
• Regulatory and policy frameworks supporting sustainable structural practices

This session aims to gather leading researchers and practitioners to discuss cutting-edge developments and applications of discrete element (DE) approaches in structure and infrastructure engineering. DE approaches have become increasingly important to simulate the behaviour of granular materials, fracture mechanics, and large deformations in structures. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the modelling of structures (e.g. buildings) and infrastructures (e.g. bridges) subjected to both standard and extreme loadings, innovative simulation techniques, validation of DE-based models against experimental data, and practical case studies showcasing the DE-based approaches’ potential in real-world scenarios. This session will facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaborations, and explore future directions for the integration of DE-based methods into engineering practices, thereby contributing to the advancement of reliable and efficient structure and infrastructure assessment. We welcome contributions that push the boundaries of current research and demonstrate significant advancements in the following related topics (but not limited to):

• Structural analysis of buildings and bridges subjected to both standard and extreme loadings (e.g. earthquake, collisions, etc.).
• Historical constructions.
• Demolition scenarios and debris estimation.
• Failure analysis.
• Progressive collapse.
• Forensic engineering.
• Tools based on discrete element approaches for structural analysis.
• Comparison with other numerical approaches (e.g. Finite Element Method).
• Risk analysis.

OpenSees has become a cornerstone for simulating earthquake engineering problems, engaging a large global community of students, professionals, professors, and researchers. Its applications span a wide range, from specific modeling issues involving materials or structural elements to deterministic, probabilistic, and parametric models, as well as the development of new materials and elements. In recent years, there has been significant growth in both the number of OpenSees users and developers, and the breadth of its applications in earthquake structural and geotechnical engineering, alongside the introduction of new graphical user interfaces.

This Mini Symposium, organized in collaboration with the International Association “EOS” (Eurasian OpenSees), invites submissions of contributions showcasing recent applied developments achieved through the use of OpenSees. We encourage the presentation of research and practice results where OpenSees has played a pivotal role. Users and developers are invited to present state-of-the-art computational research in the field of Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering.

Proposed topics (but not limited to)

• Modeling challenges and solutions
• Implementation new material models, elements, and algorithms
• Deterministic and probabilistic analyses on materials, structures and infrastructures
• Comparative studies between numerical and experimental results
• Applications in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
• Applications of OpenSees in Computational Intelligence and Machine learning
• Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for OpenSees
• Presentation of case studies and practical applications

The use of inertial vibration absorbers to harvest kinetic energy from vibrating structures and structural components and/or dampen structural vibrations has recently captured considerable attention among researchers and practitioners. For small-to-medium scale structural components, piezoelectric-based absorbers coupled with energy harvesting circuitry are widely considered for transforming kinetic energy to usable electric energy, while dampening vibrations. For medium-to-large scale structures, electromagnetic motors commonly interface vibrating structures and energy harvesting circuits to enable kinetic energy scavenging from relatively low-frequency large-amplitude oscillations, sometimes amplified by rotational inerter-based mechanisms. Regardless of the scale and underlying technology, the efficiency of dynamic energy harvesters and inertial dampers relies on robust tuning of their properties in both the mechanical/structural and the electrical/circuit domains, which are heavily dependent on the naturally uncertain attributes of the vibrating structures and the dynamic excitation.

In this context, this Mini-Symposium focuses on the analytic/mathematical modelling, optimal design/tuning, and performance assessment, through simulations or experimental/field testing, of kinetic energy harvesting systems and inertial dampers in the presence of uncertainty to dynamic excitation and/or to system properties. Contributions may discuss mathematical uncertainty modeling aspects for dynamic energy harvesting systems and inertial dampers, computational and analytical methods for assessment and/or design of such systems, and experimental field or lab testing aiming to capture and quantify the behavior of such systems. Both theoretical studies as well as work related to practical engineering problems and focused applications are relevant to this Mini-Symposium. Finally, submissions identifying practical needs and unexplored niches on the development, design, testing, and deployment of regenerative inertial dampers in adverse and uncertain environments are welcome.

Existing steel structures are typically exposed to multiple hazards, including earthquakes, wind and climate change effects. The structural response of such structures is also detrimentally affected by ageing effects which tend to jeopardize the pristine stiffness, strength and ductility and, in turn, their energy dissipation capacity. Current codes of practice worldwide provide simplified approaches for the structural assessment of existing steel structures; these code provisions exhibit a number of limitations for applications, especially for structural systems with ageing effects. Thus, there is an urgent need of robust and refined assessment methods to evaluate the structural performance of existing steel structures, plus quantify reliably financial losses. Accurate local response analysis for existing steel systems, e.g. including refined modelling for base-to-column and/or beam-to-column connections designed for gravity-loads only, requires further numerical and experimental investigations.

Current assessment approaches are extensions of methods developed and corroborated for newly designed structures. Furthermore, they are often not adequately calibrated for existing steel systems, especially for those with corrosion and other deterioration effects (stiffness, strength, etc).

Experts in the field of existing steel structures, especially those systems that are not conforming to modern design standards, are invited to contribute to this MS. Emphasis is on the limitations of current approaches for structural response analysis, plus proposing possible adaptations and identification of challenges to foster future experimental and numerical investigations. Use of advanced techniques of machine learning and AI-based methods to replace time-consuming experimental tests is also relevant for the MS.

Finally, the MS intends to discuss state-of-art techniques for structural retrofitting for existing steel structures and proposing a roadmap for sustainable and resilient interventions.

According to the capacity design requirements, earthquake resistant structures have the ability to dissipate energy in plastic mechanisms. Dissipative zones are designed to yield before others, that remain in the elastic range during the seismic action. The capacity design approach allows for a reduction of seismic forces through the seismic behavior factor, as it is assumed that dissipative elements yield and dissipate energy. The reduction of seismic actions involves a reduction in dimensions of structural members and therefore in the cost of the structure. Simultaneously, recent advanced dissipative devices are developed with the aim of ensuring an adequate dissipation of energy, provide stable hysteresis loops and, according to the Loss-Based Design, to be easily replaced after a seismic event. The minisymposium encourages the submission of research papers dealing with adopted/developed fuses of earthquake resistant steel structures, investigated through experimental tests, numerical models and analytical methods.

Topics relevant to this minisymposium include, but are not limited to:

1) Seismic protection devices for earthquake resistant steel structures;

2) Innovative fuses capable of dissipate energy through stable hysteresis loops;

3) Numerical models, experimental tests and analytical methods to simulate the structural response of investigated devices;

4) Novel steel bracing systems.

Keywords: Capacity design, Earthquake resistant steel structures, Bracing systems, Dissipative devices

Bridges play a crucial role in our society, and their collapse can result in significant economic and social losses. At the same time, ageing and deteriorating bridge infrastructure is becoming more vulnerable, as highlighted by recent bridge collapses. Additionally, climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of structural assessment, health monitoring, and retrofitting. Public institutions and infrastructure management entities have become more aware of these needs, particularly under extreme events that cause extensive physical damage and cascading socio-economic impacts. In response to these challenges, this minisymposium aims to present and discuss state-of-the-art methods for assessing bridges exposed to multiple natural and/or human-induced hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, strong winds, fires or vehicle impacts, amongst others.

Contributions including novel research proposals, case studies or advanced discussions are welcome, related to:

• Probabilistic multi-hazard analysis;
• Multi-hazard risk and resilience assessment frameworks;
• Cascading events;
• Multi-hazard structural response modelling and simulation, including ageing, structural degradation, and cumulative damage;
• Life-cycle structural analysis under multiple hazards and/or climate change;
• Exposure models for bridges;
• Retrofitting of bridges against single and multiple hazards;
• Applications and advances in building engineering transferable to bridge engineering;
• Multi-hazard risk assessment approach utilizing logical, mathematical, and statistical tools;
• Machine Learning framework for multi-hazard risk assessment.

Racking systems are widely used all over the world due to the globalization of the market and are fully required in most all the industry and trade sectors. To address this urgent request for the more optimized storage places, structural engineers of racking systems producer companies developed adhoc solutions for steel racking structures, designing customized profiles and structural types. These dedicated solutions aim at meeting the needs for logistics optimization of the storage place and production/construction processes upgrade with structural necessities, these last anyway not always proved to be matched, especially in the seismic field. Many racking structures collapsed or have been strongly damaged after recent seismic events, this highlighting their vulnerability and the need for assessing, studying and developing dedicated design approaches.

In this framework, this session is dedicated to the research and studies around the dynamic behaviour of racking systems, investigating the effects of the current design approaches on this aspect and the development of upgraded strategies and new approaches for their seismic design. Interest is also focused on both accurate and simplified modelling strategies to properly numerically simulate and foresee the structural and dynamic behaviour of these structures.

This mini-symposium explores the multifaceted applications of rocking systems in structural engineering, spanning from the behavior of ancient structures to cutting-edge developments in resilient design and seismic retrofitting. As the field evolves towards performance-based design and life cycle approaches, rocking systems have emerged as a promising solution to address the limitations of traditional linear elastic and plastic design methods.

The session will cover recent analytical, numerical, and experimental contributions that highlight the unique advantages and diverse applications of rocking systems, from the behavior of rocking blocks and subassemblies to Modern Structural Applications.

Experience and research developments have led to significant advances in the subject of seismic engineering over the past years. In the particular field of seismic design, the development and revisions of a new generation of design codes such as the Eurocode 8 is an important milestone. Although this code still promotes the use of classical seismic design approaches deeply imbedded in current practice, e.g. force-based approaches considering the use of behaviour factors (q-factors) and enforcing capacity design principles, Eurocode 8 also encourages the use of more advanced methods of analysis. Although the core of such analysis methods, i.e. nonlinear static and nonlinear dynamic analysis methods, can be seen as reasonably well established, several developments and studies are still needed from the practical use and design process point of views. Namely, an adequate safety format, similar in scope to the one involving linear analysis methods, is yet to be explicitly addressed in a framework which foresees the use of nonlinear analysis methods. Papers that address this thematic are welcome, namely on the following specific fields: nonlinear dynamic analysis; seismic input; structural safety assessment methodologies; experimental characterization of structural elements under cyclic loadings; case studies.

The rapid advancement of computational tools has paved the way for groundbreaking developments in structural engineering, offering unprecedented opportunities to explore more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. The main objective of this minisymposium is to bring together researchers and professionals to discuss and investigate the potential of parametric design methodologies. The emphasis will be on how these approaches can lead to optimal solutions that minimise material usage, reduce environmental impact and lower overall costs, including those associated with construction, assembly, and transportation.

By delving into the fundamentals of parametric structural design, the minisymposium aims to identify best practices and foster collaboration by incorporating case studies of successful applications, algorithms and tools for parametric optimisation, and comparative analyses of different optimisation techniques.

Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- efficient strategies to reduce material consumption;
- innovations in sustainable materials and their integration into parametric design;
- environmental impact assessment and mitigation in structural design;
- life cycle analysis and cost reduction strategies through parametric design;
- emerging trends in parametric structural design, potential challenges and solutions for widespread adoption.

Ultimately, the aim of the minisymposium is to improve understanding of parametric structural design principles. This will also facilitate networking opportunities for professionals and researchers to encourage collaborations, as the target audience includes academics in the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, as well as industry professionals involved in design and construction, and policy makers interested in sustainable building practices.

Nonstructural elements (i.e., architectural elements, mechanical/electric/electrical/hydraulic systems, and building contents) are extremely vulnerable to seismic damage and are associated with critical exposure. The definition of their seismic performance is still an open issue within the international community. Evaluating seismic response and capacity of nonstructural elements involves experimental testing, analytical modelling, and numerical simulations, and advanced studies are needed to quantify their potential impact on the overall seismic risk associated with the hosting building. A proper design and assessment of nonstructural elements accounting for their seismic response can significantly reduce seismic risk, ensuring occupant safety, and minimize post-earthquake repair costs and downtime.

We invite contributions that explore various aspects of the seismic response, capacity, and performance evaluation of nonstructural elements, including but not limited to (a) experimental testing, (b) analytical modelling and numerical analysis, (c) design and assessment procedures and code-related aspects, (e) case study applications, (f) comprehensive and large-scale implementation, and (g) structural to nonstructural interaction problems.

The proposed MS is devoted to collect new contributions on the behavior, design, testing and analysis of steel and steel-composite structures give particular attention to the joint performance. Indeed, both monotonic and cyclic performance of steel and steel-composite joints significantly affects the overall response of steel and steel-composite structures, their safety margin as well as their constructional costs. Therefore, the main topic addressed by this MS will cover analytical, experimental, and numerical analyses of both traditional and innovative types of structures and joints under different conditions, such as seismic loading, fatigue, and robustness actions.

The main topics will include:

• Design of steel and steel-composite structures;
• Influence of joint’s behavior in the overall structural performance.
• Innovative joint typologies;
• Monotonic and cyclic behavior of steel and steel-composite joints;
• Seismic behavior of steel and steel-composite structures;
• Fatigue performance;
• Advanced Finite element analyses;
• Non-linear structural analyses;

In recent years, machine learning (ML) techniques have significantly transformed the field of structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. The integration of ML with image processing (IP) has particularly advanced structural health monitoring, offering groundbreaking improvements in the way we analyze and assess structural integrity. This mini-symposium aims to examine the impact of these advanced techniques on enhancing structural analysis, bolstering earthquake resilience, and advancing the field of structural health monitoring.

The session will explore how the fusion of ML and IP addresses key challenges and optimizes processes within structural dynamics and health monitoring. We welcome contributions that highlight innovative applications and methodologies, including but not limited to:

• Analysis of Material Properties and Degradation
• Detection of Cracks, Voids, and Other Defects
• Real-Time Damage Detection and Diagnosis
• Predictive Maintenance and Failure Prognosis
• Automated Inspection Systems
• Real-World Applications and Case Studies
• Ethical and Practical Considerations
• Future Trends and Innovations

By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and industry experts, this mini symposium aims to foster collaboration and stimulate discussion on the latest advancements and future directions in the integration of ML with IP in the field of structural health monitoring.

Nonlinear response history analysis (NRHA) stands at the forefront of seismic performance assessment methods in structural engineering, utilizing acceleration time histories for precise numerical simulations. A primary challenge lies in accurately modeling seismic excitations. To ensure effective seismic analysis and design, acceleration time histories must faithfully represent the site's seismicity and anticipate expected or design earthquake scenarios, encompassing all potential future events.

Ground motion record selection involves scaling recorded ground motions or generating synthetic and simulated databases. Despite the widespread availability of large ground motion databases, challenges persist in applying NRHA in engineering contexts. Real records often originate from locations different from the site under consideration, introducing variations in hazard scenarios. Additionally, obtaining records of large earthquakes necessary for studying ultimate limit states, such as collapse, remains challenging. Ground motion databases primarily consist of small-to-moderate events, complicating comprehensive performance-based assessments, particularly in regions lacking recordings of large-magnitude earthquakes at small epicentral distances or on soft soil conditions.

To address these challenges, engineers frequently scale ground motion amplitudes to align with targeted seismic hazard scenarios, typically represented by specified acceleration spectra or ground motion models. However, scaling introduces potential biases that may systematically under- or overestimate actual structural responses. Effective record selection algorithms can help mitigate these biases. Recent advancements have also focused on utilizing ground motion simulations in engineering applications, which is particularly beneficial for regions with limited recorded data. This approach reduces dependence on scaling methods for areas with sparse ground motion recordings, thereby enhancing the reliability of seismic assessments.

This minisymposium aims to convene researchers from engineering seismology and earthquake engineering to discuss advancements in techniques for selecting and scaling real or simulated ground motion records in engineering practice along with their practical applications without biasing response estimates. Topics to be covered include:

• Innovations in ground motion selection and scaling techniques
• Generation of artificial acceleration time histories
• Heuristic approaches and algorithms for record selection
• Multi-objective optimization techniques
• Automated and semi-automated procedures in ground motion analysis
• Integration of machine-learning methodologies
• Code spectra, uniform hazard spectra, and conditional mean spectrum
• Case studies and practical applications

By facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, the minisymposium seeks to advance methodologies that improve the accuracy and reliability of seismic performance assessments in structural engineering, contributing to safer and more resilient built environments.

Many structures and infrastructures across Europe are approaching their service lifespan with an accumulation of degradation to several structural elements due to aging and poor maintenance actions. These latter consist in reinforcement corrosion to primary members like deck and piers as well as degradation of bearing devices, regarding both bridges and buildings structures. Usual assessment methodologies adopted in the practice, often neglect the presence of damage and degradation happened to these members, leading to an incorrect risk evaluation with respect to both static and dynamic loads. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the degradation phenomena, which must be accounted for in the assessment phase of structures and infrastructures in order to get a more reliable evaluation of risk at an individual level, giving the opportunity of a more effective prioritization of interventions at regional scale. Hence, this MS wants to collect results of experimental campaigns for the evaluation of the residual capacity of degraded members and bearings and conclusions about their modelling issues as part of a whole construction. Furthermore, numerical simulations of case studies buildings and bridges, where degradation of structural members and bearings has been explicitly considered, are welcome.

A special session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques applied to seismic Engineering will be organized under the framework of the 10th Conference on Computational Methods in Earthquake Engineering to be held in Rhodes on 15-18 June 2025.  We invite papers that focus on the application of various AI techniques such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Deep Leaning (DL), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Random Forest (RM) and all the other machine learning techniques in seismic engineering. The main goal of this special session is to present the cutting-edge integration of AI techniques and seismic engineering and to show how the machine learning can assist the structural engineering to solve complex problems of structures subjected to earthquakes. The special session covers novel AI and data-driven methods, and hybrid models combining AI and physics, in strong motion, structural analysis and seismic design, and multi-hazard engineering that includes earthquakes and other hazards. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) machine learning assisted/related:

• Structural static, dynamic and stability analysis
• Seismic hazard analysis
• Risk assessment, robust structural design and optimization methods
• Surrogate models for structures in seismic engineering
• Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Existing Structures and Infrastructures;
• Damage identification with image processing
• Structural resilience of infrastructures in earthquake and man-made disasters

The symposium wishes to attract researchers active in this area and also to become a forum for information exchange and debate for both researchers and practicing engineers.  As you are an active researcher in this field it is our great pleasure to invite you or one of your co-workers to contribute within this subject area to the 10th COMPDYN conference. Should you be able to accept this invitation, we would be grateful if you could submit an abstract of no more than one A4 page through the conference web page.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Rhodes.

Built Cultural Heritage populate the European historic centers as both secular and sacred monumental buildings. In addition, ancient infrastructure, such as retaining walls, bridges, and aqueducts, continues to serve its original function.

The integration of digital tools and non-destructive testing still holds significant potential for further development, offering innovative methods to evaluate the structural integrity and resilience of built cultural heritage for conservation purposes. On one hand, non-destructive testing is crucial for collecting data on material characterization and aging effects, while on the other, digital tools that incorporate cutting-edge approaches enhance precision and efficiency, particularly in the post-processing of acquired data, supporting stakeholders in decision-making phases and advancing heritage conservation efforts.

In this regard, state of the art strategies should be adopted, and their integration can be pivotal in order to collect and process useful information that would foster the accuracy of structural models. Topics of interest for this symposium include, but are not limited to:

• Novel Structural Health Monitoring approaches with limited invasiveness for built cultural heritage
• Application of Artificial Intelligence in conservation of heritage assets
• Digital Twinning and data driven models to monitor and simulate scenarios heritage buildings and infrastructure
• Risk evaluation, definition of warning and alerts for built cultural heritage conservation
• Best practices and guidelines definition for built cultural heritage conservation

Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction (SFSI) is a critical factor influencing the behavior of geotechnical systems, including retaining walls, structural foundations, and key infrastructures like bridge piers, tanks, and offshore wind turbines subjected to seismic or other dynamic loading conditions. Although recent advancements have demonstrated the significant impact of SFSI on seismic demand and structural performance, there remains a need for robust concepts and procedures to effectively incorporate SFSI into resilient and cost-effective design strategies. Experimental, analytical, and numerical research has supported the importance of addressing this issue.

This Minisymposium seeks contributions on the dynamic analysis and design of retaining walls, foundations, and other engineering solutions such as soil improvement and geotechnical isolation. Emphasis will be placed on, but not limited to: (i) theoretical and numerical studies on the dynamic response of soil-foundation-structure systems; (ii) analyses of real-world case studies of SFSI, including data from instrumented foundations and their associated structures; and (iii) field or laboratory testing of innovative foundation systems or soil improvement techniques with data interpretation. Contributions on specific topics such as kinematic soil-foundation interaction and the behavior of foundations under complex soil conditions are also highly encouraged.

The Minisymposium aims to foster an interactive platform for scientists and practitioners, encouraging stimulating discussions and the exchange of knowledge and new research ideas in the dynamic analysis and design of geostructures.

The field of civil, structural, and earthquake engineering is continually evolving, driven by the need to develop advanced solutions for complex challenges. This minisymposium focuses on the integration and application of soft computing techniques—including fuzzy logic, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and hybrid approaches—to enhance the analysis, design, and optimization of structural systems under dynamic and seismic loads.

The objective of this minisymposium is to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to discuss recent developments and share innovative approaches in soft computing as applied to civil and structural engineering problems. The sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning for structural health monitoring and damage detection.
• Optimization techniques in structural design for improved resilience and efficiency.
• Advanced computational frameworks for seismic response prediction and mitigation.
• Hybrid soft computing approaches that combine traditional numerical methods with intelligent algorithms for enhanced accuracy and reduced computational time.

Participants will benefit from insights into cutting-edge research and practical implementations that push the boundaries of conventional analysis methods. The discussions aim to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and real-world applications, highlighting the transformative potential of soft computing innovations in building safer and more adaptive infrastructure.

Cultural heritage and historic structures play a very important part in preserving the history of the human civilization as well as from an architectural point of view. However, the majority of such structures, constructed of unreinforced masonry, are in high risk of experiencing significant or even extensive damage in case of seismic excitations, even from usual ones of low intensity.

This minisimposium aims at the presentation of data related to the latest developments on the analysis methods and their effectiveness and on the investigation methods, as well as at the presentation of state-of-the-art intervention methods and the application of compatible materials. The data presented will be related to analytical calculations, real retrofitting applications and regulation approaches.

The main issues included in the minisimposium are:

• Investigation methods for historic structures and data collection.
• Evaluation of existing seismic and non-seismic damage.
• Modelling and analysis approaches for historic structures and comparison between them.
• Linear and non-linear analysis methods for URM structures.
• Assessment of the seismic vulnerability of URM structures according to the selected performance level.
• Identification and assessment for out-of-plane mechanisms of failure.
• Mitigation of inventions applied on URM structures.
• Regulation approaches on performance-based design for historical structures.
• Intervention on URM structures case studies.

Over the past years numerous innovative base-isolation technologies have been developed and implemented. This minisymposium aims at the presentation of data related to these developments on the topic of protection of new and existing structures from seismic actions. Specifically, the data presented will be related to modelling and analysis methods, experimental results of various systems, structural design/calculations in order to achieve the desired performance level, regulation/code approaches, and technical solutions/guidelines for the application of such systems.

The main issues included in the minisymposium are:

• Presentation of different types of seismic isolation and energy dissipation – response control systems, their mechanical characteristics and their field of application.
• Evaluation of the response of such systems, as well as of the protected superstructure, acquired from experimental testing or earthquakes events.
• Non-linear behavior of energy dissipation devices.
• Modelling and analysis approaches of seismic isolation systems and comparison between them.
• Linear and non-linear analysis methods for response control systems.
• Assessment of the seismic vulnerability of existing structures after applying response control systems.
• Mitigation of strengthening interventions of existing buildings due to the application of base-isolation and response control systems.
• Regulation/Code approaches on performance-based design for buildings equipped with response control systems.
• Case studies of application of seismic isolation on new or existing buildings.
• Application of response control systems as a retrofit method on existing bridges.
• Presentation of technical-financial analysis of response control systems applied to new or existing structures.