Chairs: D. Malomo, B. Pulatsu, D. Chung, P. Tidwell

This special session focuses on innovative and sustainable approaches to the repair, rehabilitation, and retrofit of existing masonry structures. Emphasizing both traditional and contemporary techniques, the session will cover cutting-edge research in design methodologies, testing protocols, and analytical models.

Participants will explore the latest advancements in materials, technologies, and strategies that ensure structural integrity while promoting sustainability and resilience of masonry constructions. This session aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and industry experts dedicated to preserving and enhancing the built environment.

Chairs: L. Pelà, J. Adam, B. Riveiro

Existing bridges, such as those built in masonry, steel and concrete, are crucial for transportation networks, even though they have exceeded their service life and may be deteriorating due to age, environmental factors, and heavier traffic loads. To ensure safety and extend the lifespan of ageing bridges, there is a global need for better ways to analyse and monitor them. Early detection of damage is key to preventing catastrophic failures.

The special session focuses on advanced monitoring and analysis tools for collapse prevention of ageing bridges. The prospective participants shall address different ongoing challenges in the field, among others those referring to

• inspection techniques (ranging from non-destructive to minor-destructive experimental ones) aimed at the characterisation of the construction materials and the identification of the existing pathologies;
• advanced numerical analysis methods to assess the structural response of existing bridges subjected to multiple loading scenarios;
• reliable and cost-efficient structural health monitoring systems able to detect changes in the bridge’s response characteristics that might indicate damage;
• reliable analysis of monitoring data allowing for quick assessments and early warnings;
• efficient data collection and processing for informed decision-making about bridge maintenance and repairs.

Chairs: A. Drougkas, V. Sarhosis

Masonry structures form a significant part of our infrastructure stock internationally. Nowadays, most masonry structures are ageing and showing significant signs of deterioration and distress. Natural (such as earthquakes and floods) and anthropogenic hazards (such as vibrations due to induced seismicity) introduce an uncertainty into their life-long performance. Moreover, most masonry structures form part of our cultural heritage and thus there is a need to “retain and repair” rather than “demolish and replace”. There is urgent need for engineers and researchers to better assess the in-service performance of such structures, and to provide detailed and accurate data that will better inform maintenance programmes and asset management decisions.

However, assessing the structural performance of ageing masonry infrastructure is a complex task. Condition assessment for historic structures is faced with challenges at every step, from geometric survey to material behaviour and structural degradation mapping and damage quantification. Manual inspection and traditional non-destructive techniques are invaluable but also labour-intensive and error-prone. Additionally, structural health monitoring operations relying on off-the-shelf sensors can result in measurement setups that compromise the function and aesthetic aspects of the structure. Therefore, as technical capabilities are constantly expanding, collection of data from cultural heritage structures related to geometry, pathology and structural performance needs to increasingly rely on advanced digital technologies and novel sensing techniques.

This session aims at bringing together contributions in the areas of digital technologies for geometric survey, FE mesh generation, monitoring, damage mapping & quantification and digital twinning, relying on image segmentation techniques, remote sensing, multi-functional materials and information management systems.

Topics

• Automated and semi-automated FE mesh generation
• Development of high fidelity models
• Image-based damage mapping
• Structural health monitoring of masonry structures
• Digital twinning
• Self-sensing materials

Chairs: R. Esposito, F. Ferretti

Assessing the mechanical response of masonry is key for structural assessment and for the design of retrofitting interventions. The quasi-brittle nature of the masonry composite and its constituents largely influences the performance of masonry constructions to static and, mostly, seismic loading conditions. Understanding and characterising this mechanical performance remains an active field of research.

There are numerous challenges in identifying suitable and reliable testing methods that meet the investigative needs of existing constructions, especially heritage structures. Achieving a comprehensive mechanical characterisation, which is essential for estimating progressive structural damage and potential collapse, with minimally invasive testing methods remains difficult. This task is further complicated by the spatial variability of masonry properties caused by workmanship, aging, and renovations.

Moreover, to preserve the built heritage against natural and human-made hazards, a thorough understanding of the fracture processes in masonry is essential. Evaluating the interplay between de-cohesive and friction mechanism in the progressive failure of masonry material is crucial. Additionally, the impact of time-dependent actions such as deterioration mechanisms, fatigue, blast, fire, and flood on mechanical performance is critical in the context of structural durability.

In this special session, we will spotlight the latest advancements in understanding the mechanical characteristics of masonry materials, addressing the challenges, limitations, and future outlooks. Our goal is to bring together experts in this field who focus on the development of testing methods for the mechanical characterisation of various types of unreinforced masonry (e.g., brick, block, stone) in both field and laboratory settings.

Chairs:  S. Langenberg, M. Brenner

This session presents a dynamic exploration of the transformative potential of digital tools and processes in the maintenance and repair of historic structures, navigating the intersection of heritage preservation, technological innovation, and sustainable conservation practices. In the field of heritage conservation, the integration of digital tools has revolutionized the approach to repairing historic structures. This session delves into the forefront of technological advancements, exploring how innovative digital processes are shaping the maintenance, repair, and preservation efforts for construction heritage.

The session will explore an array of digital techniques being employed to assess, analyze, and document historic structures to serve as a base for subsequent maintenance and repair interventions. Experts are invited to present case studies highlighting the entire process pipeline – from assessment to surveying and modeling for fabrication, and finally, to implementation of necessary measures.

Moreover, this session aims to elucidate the synergies between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. By bridging the gap between heritage conservation principles and digital innovation, participants will gain insights into how these processes are not only preserving the authenticity of historic structures but also enhancing their lifespan and resilience to environmental threats. In terms of building stock and case studies, the session sets the focus on the “younger heritage structures” of the second half of the 20^th century.

Chairs: F. Messali, R. Esposito

Historical infrastructures such as bridges, quay and canal walls, retaining walls, aqueducts, and dams are crucial to the transport system, especially in Europe but not limited to it. Nowadays, they increasingly face structural challenges and necessitate intervention. This is often due to a combination of rising traffic loads, far exceeding the original design parameters, material degradation, and interactions with soil and water. Climate change adds further hazards, such as an increased frequency of exceptional events like floods. For these reasons, despite their varied typologies, all types of infrastructure share a pressing need for structural assessment. This necessitates meticulous inspection, often complemented by structural health monitoring (SHM), and, when required, the design and application of strengthening solutions.

This special session will highlight advancements in the fields of:

• inspection
• SHM
• structural assessment
• strengthening interventions.

Special emphasis will be placed on the use of innovative technologies and methodologies, and how these can be synergistically combined. The session aims to bring together experts from diverse fields to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and foster sustainable and effective maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Chair: P. Garnier, R. Walker, Y. Sieffert, P. Wordsworth 

Archaeoseismology is a transdisciplinary field which consists of developing tools to identify traces of earthquakes on archaeological sites and on ancient buildings. Finding its origins in the 18th century in the great scientific debates which followed the Lisbon earthquake (1755), then redeveloped around thirty years ago by researchers working mainly on the Mediterranean basin, it now knows a renewed interest in broader applicability, particularly in the Andean areas and Central Asia. This approach, initially very centered around the community of archaeologists and seismologists, has seen several other disciplines (architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, geosciences among others) become interested in the subject or approach it from another angle.

The aim of this section is to present a variety of researches from different scientific perspectives as well as cross disciplinary approach from all over the world. The goal is to show and map this interdisciplinary field and discuss new perspective offered by archeoseismology “sciences” to contribute to earthquake and seismology sciences together with cultural and vernacular heritage issues, reverse engineering and disaster risk reduction issue.

Chairs: J. Ortega, M. Schuller 

The great advancement of digital technologies in recent years has empowered professionals with efficient methods for the conservation and management of existing structures. Indeed, the construction sector is an important focus of the European policies on digital transformation. These technologies include advanced geomatics surveying methods, robotic systems, novel computer vision techniques or machine learning algorithms to classify data. The application of these techniques is not limited to surveying and inspecting visible elements, but can also be applied to investigate subsurface conditions.

This special session will explore novel applications of nondestructive techniques (NDT) to image subsurface conditions of heritage structures. Such techniques are based on wave propagation methods, namely acoustic (sonic or ultrasonic) and electromagnetic waves (Ground Penetrating Radar or GPR), or electrical resistivity measurements. They have been widely applied in research and practice for the assessment of different types of heritage structural elements, such as masonry, reinforced concrete or timber. The session aims to discuss how state-of-the-art digital technologies can help to overcome common limitations encountered in current inspection systems and improve our capabilities to see through construction elements. Both research and case study applications are welcome for the session.

Chairs: D. Oliveira, P. Lourenço

We are pleased to announce a special session dedicated to the alumni of the Master Course in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions (SAHC). This session aims to highlight the exceptional scholarly contributions of SAHC students from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 cohorts.

This session is open to students from the 2022/2023 to 2024/2025 SAHC editions, fostering a broad representation of SAHC academic excellence. We invite interested candidates to submit an abstract based on their SA7 projects or dissertations. Each participant may submit only one paper, with a maximum of 12 papers to be selected. Participants in this special session can register as students, benefiting from a discount on the registration fee.

Each selected paper must be accompanied by a poster. This visual presentation will form the basis for a dedicated poster discussion segment within the session. The scientific committee members will evaluate the posters, and the best poster will be awarded a diploma of recognition, acknowledging academic and presentation skills.

All eligible students are encouraged to participate in this special session, which provides an excellent platform for showcasing their research, engaging with the academic community, and enhancing their professional profiles.

We look forward to your participation and to celebrating the innovative research and dedication of our MSc SAHC alumni.

Chairs: M. Uroš, J. Atalić, I. Tomić

The restoration of historical buildings is generally a difficult and demanding task. In addition to the criteria of meeting the historical and artistic values of the building, it is necessary to ensure the minimum criteria of safety and usability. It is necessary to find the optimal limit of intervention that will target and prevent the critical failure mechanisms.

The Balkan region is rich in historical and cultural heritage, often in the form of buildings with inestimable cultural importance. The methods and techniques of retrofitting and reconstruction of such buildings has recently been an actual issue primarily due to the seismic activity in the region.

The aim of this section is to present reconstruction and retrofitting projects of significant historical and cultural buildings in the Balkan region. The goal is to show and explain the entire process of seismic assessment of an existing building: from the assessment of present state to the selection of measures and reinforcement techniques, and finally the assessment of the capacity and safety of a reconstructed building. A special aspect will be given on how the current engineering regulations affect the selection of retrofitting measures and balancing between the safety of a building and preservation of historical values.

Chairs: P. Hannewald, I. Tomic, I. Bozulic

The earthquake assessment of these types of monuments presents a number of challenges to researchers and practitioners, mainly due to their geometrical complexity. Experimental research data for any given type of structure is scarce, also owing to the sheer variety of existing geometries, such as circular domes, vaults in different shapes, the presence or absence of ribs and their influence due to their type of execution, etc. To numerically reproduce the experimental data, perform sensitivity analyses and further investigate the behaviour of these structures, complex modelling approaches, such as discrete element models DEM, are necessary. While these are needed to improve understanding of the behaviour of an isolated vault or dome, they are not well suited to model an entire monument. Apart from the computational time necessary to analyse such a structure and appreciate the related uncertainties, the level of structural knowledge is typically far inferior to that required for such detailed analyses. Practicing engineers must therefore seek to employ modelling approaches with which reliably safe results can be obtained based on the structural knowledge available, which is often limited to the geometry and the type of material. However, few simplified modelling approaches exist that allow for this type of earthquake assessment.

This session aims at bringing together researchers and practitioners to share advances in research and practical applications in case studies and to discuss challenges faced in developing modelling approaches and in the practical assessment of existing structures.

Chairs: E. Coïsson, F. Ottoni

The structural analysis of historical constructions, to which this conference is dedicated, is often intended only as a quantitative evaluation of capacity (in terms of strength or acceleration) compared to a foreseen action. However, the structural behavior of ancient buildings is significantly influenced by elements that are challenging to reliably quantify. These include the building phases, historical evolution (including recent interventions), types of materials (with varying degrees of degradation), and construction technologies (linked to the building rules of different eras and regions). This Special Session at SAHC2025 aims to highlight the impact of these “uncountable” factors on the static and seismic behavior of historical constructions. It seeks to facilitate a discussion on how these factors can be considered in identifying vulnerabilities and assessing safety levels, without necessarily relying solely on numerical values.

Chairs: N. Tarque, D. Oliveira, S. Saloustros

Earthen construction, a tradition dating back to 8000 BC, remains widespread for dwellings in many countries. However, compared to modern materials like reinforced masonry and concrete, earthen structures usually exhibit uncertain seismic performance due to the lack of seismic design characteristics. This can lead to damage and potential collapse during earthquakes, resulting in loss of human life and cultural value in case of heritage structures.

This special session focuses on current practices and advances on the structural assessment of earthen structures. We welcome contributions focusing on experimental and/or numerical approaches used for the mechanical and structural characterisation of vernacular and heritage earthen materials and structures.

Chairs: K. Beyer, I. Tomic, M. Haindl

The structural assessment of existing masonry structures implies significant uncertainty, mainly due to modelling assumptions and simplifications (e.g., material and modelling parameters, seismic input, and qualitative modelling decisions). Systematically quantifying several sources of uncertainty involved in the structural assessment of a building is a challenging task, particularly when uncertainties overlap and their disaggregation is not straightforward. On the other hand, recently developed data-driven methodologies, such as machine-learning techniques, have assisted in detecting trends between several sources of uncertainty. Effectively managing these uncertainties requires thorough investigation and the application of advanced methodologies.

This special session aims to explore the primary sources of uncertainty across various typologies of masonry buildings, and to analyse their impact on structural behaviour and safety. These uncertainties may also include modelling conditions in post-earthquake assessment, multiple-excitation input (both horizontal and vertical ground motion input), and spatial variability of modelling parameters. Through this special session, we seek to improve seismic assessment techniques and incorporate uncertainty considerations into decision-making for practical applications in the field

Topics:

• Modelling conditions in post-earthquake scenario
• Variability of material parameters and sensitivity
• Seismic input and multiple-excitation input uncertainty
• Data-driven methodologies
• Challenges for researchers and practitioners in addressing sources of uncertainty

Chairs: S. Cattari, P.B. Lourenço

Modelling constitutes the essential tool to perform nonlinear analyses at the base of common approches recommended in Codes to address the seismic safety assessment of existing masonry buildings. However, lessons learned from many blind predictions available in the literature have demonstrated a really worrying scatter of achievable results not only when different modelling approaches are compared but also when the same modelling strategy is used by different analysts. Results from some projects – such as the “URM nonlinear modelling – Benchmark project” funded by the ReLUIS consortium and the Italian Department of Civil Protection –  have demonstrated that the scatter of results may be reduced when consistent hyphoteses across models are adopted but still it may remain appreciable, especially in the case of the ultimate displacement capacity of pushover curve. The latter being one of parameters most affecting the safety assessment.

These experiences demonstrated that high user expertise on the adopted modeling approach, material model (and also software) is needed to obtain reliable predictions and that the evolution of users from beginners to experts requires a non-negligible learning time.  In contrast with that, “in real world”,  users are often demanded to perform complex tasks in a limited time associated with budget and contract deadlines. In addition to that, software houses try to simplify as much as possible their graphical interface to appeal for an increased number of users, for example adding default input parameters to provide maximum help. This condition allows a beginner to perform complex structural analyses without having the necessary expertise to control (and even to understand) the results.

Despite that, a very limited guidance is provided in current building codes and user choices based on engineering judgment are allowed mostly in the modeling phase. All these issues highlight the needs of warnings and recommendations aimed at supporting the proper use of these approaches and raising awareness among users about the result’s reliability.

The special session intends promoting a debate at international level with the main goal to outline possible scientific-shared actions and directions toward harmonized guidelines for the modelling of unreinforced masonry, hopefully in the form of practice and commentary document of Codes.

The first part of the special session will host a round table with researchers from different countries and the spark for the discussion will be provided by the results achieved in last 5 years within the “URM nonlinear modelling – Benchmark project”. Then, contributions from other researchers are more than welcome to share their experiences and perspective on the topic.

Chairs: E. Vintzileou, A. Miltiadou-Fezans, L. Pelà

This special session aims to gather experiences from professionals and researchers on the influence of interventions on the performance of heritage structures during past earthquake events. We welcome contributions related to:

• Examples of real case studies of repair/strengthening interventions that were proven to be effective under subsequent earthquakes, along with interpretations (qualitative and/or quantitative) of the observed behaviour
• Diagnosis of the causes of damage to heritage buildings based on in-situ observations and laboratory tests, addressing both mechanical and durability issues.
• Proposals for remedial measures, including the removal of inadequate interventions, replacement with more effective solutions, and treatment of durability problems.
• Modelling strategies to achieve a thorough understanding of the causes of damage and the effectiveness of alternative remedial measures.
• Redesign of structures, incorporating the chosen remedial interventions.

Chairs: A. Miltiadou-Fezans, E. Vintzileou, G. Arun

This special session will focus on the presentation, description, and analysis of historical seismic-resistant structural systems. We welcome contributions that enhance our understanding of seismic performance of these structural systems through in-situ observations, structural analysis, or testing. Submissions may include one or more of the following topics:

• General presentation and detailed description of historical seismic resisting systems with emphasis on the characteristics contributing to their adequate seismic behaviour.
• Examples of the seismic behaviour of historical seismic resisting systems, based on in situ observations after earthquakes
• Modelling strategies to reach a thorough understanding of the seismic behaviour of the examined structural system
• Examples of adequate interventions for their preservation and repair and, if necessary, strengthening.

Chairs: A. Miltiadou-Fezans, E. Vintzileou, MR. Valluzzi

The quite intensive research of the last few decades on the topic has proven that grouting may be a very efficient strengthening technique, when adequately designed and implemented. In other words, masonry grouting is a rather delicate method, as strengthening is achieved when grout with appropriate properties reaches not only the large voids and cracks, but mainly the fine discontinuities (voids and micro-cracks) of the mass of masonry. Thus, on one hand, the grout composition has to be adequately designed to comply with injectability, strength and durability requirements, but also its in
situ application methodology has to follow specific rules. It has to be noted that there are several cases, where grouting was reported to be ineffective, due to the characteristics of the grout mix or to the inadequate application.

This special session will host presentations from invited experts on the topic followed by a round table discussion. A comparison of the methodology applied in various countries is very interesting and may highlight various aspects of grouting application. The discussion will be organized on specific topics, such as:

• Preparation of the masonry, cleaning, density and type of the grouting tubes grid
• Characteristics of in situ grouting equipment
• Preparation of grout and execution of injections
• In situ control of prescribed grout properties, of the injection procedure and the grout volume consumption
• Assessment of the grouting effectiveness during and after intervention.

This special session is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Giorgio Macchi.

Chairs: C. Calderini, C. Cirabisi, C. Ferrero, N. Bianchini, N. Mendes, P.B. Lourenço

In this session, we will discuss the lessons learned from a blind prediction competition aimed at predicting the experimental response of a full-scale mock-up representing the behaviour of a representative cross vault from a lateral bay of a three-nave church.

The mock-up, made of masonry and consisting of a cross vault supported by two pillars and a perimeter wall, is being constructed and tested under pseudo-static cyclic loadings at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in ISPRA, Italy.  The tests are scheduled for the first semester of 2025, while the blind prediction competition will be launched in the last trimester of 2024.

This special session will showcase the experimental outcomes and the result of the blind prediction competition. After the chairs present the experimental findings, participants from the competition will share their numerical predictions. These predictions will be compared with the experimental results to explore potential strategies for improving the modelling of complex historic masonry structures.

The experimental tests and the blind prediction competition are organized within the framework of the ERIES – REVAULTs project, an EU-funded transnational project aimed at advancing the understanding of the in-plane shear response of masonry cross vaults under seismic actions. Further information on the project can be found on the ERIES – REVAULTs LinkedIn page.

Chairs K. Beyer, S. Saloustros

Open Research Data (ORD) can accelerate research, improve reproducibility, and facilitate the entry of new researchers by providing accessible, transparent data without requiring established network connections. ORD includes experimental data from lab and in-situ tests, numerical models, and reconnaissance missions, adhering to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

This session will feature presentations and a round table discussion on challenges and best practices for ORD, spotlighting existing data sets, and proposing new initiatives for promoting ORD in historical construction. Additionally, an Open Science award will be given for an outstanding open science contribution in this field. All session entries will be considered for the award.

This session aims to foster a collaborative environment to advance ORD practices and enhance the research impact on historical constructions.

Call for Contributions:

1. Presentations on best practices and challenges related to ORD: These contributions will analyze best practices and challenges related to ORD. Aspects of interest include best practices for ORD, the effort required to make data openly available, opportunities in sharing numerical models, the infrastructure needed for sharing and exploiting ORD, challenges encountered when reusing ORD in research projects, and the longevity of data sets. They will also highlight challenges related to documenting physical models, which are often more difficult to describe than modern constructions with standardized materials.
2. Presentation of data sets relevant for historical constructions: Researchers who have established an ORD set relevant to historical constructions are invited to showcase their data sets. The goals of these presentations are to make these data sets more widely known and highlight their research opportunities.
3. Open data initiatives for historical constructions: Owners or operators of historical constructions are invited to share their current data policies or reflections on future data policies. They are encouraged to discuss with the research community how ORD principles can benefit both owners and researchers, and identify the challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation. Researchers are also invited to propose initiatives or methods to promote ORD principles in the context of historical construction.

Chairs F. Braune, I. Haupt, Y. Mondet

Switzerland is a country of low to moderate seismicity. Therefore, the assessment of vulnerable monuments is a requirement still developing. The central “tool” of a proportional retrofitting approach, introduced to the Swiss engineering practice with the codes in 2004, cannot be applied to monuments in the same matter. An interdisciplinary approach becomes necessary to find interventions that positively influence the vulnerability while respecting preservation principles. Challenges on the engineering side are therefore particularly connected to the exchange with preservation authorities and the cooperation with architecture.

The aim of this section is to present a variety of assessment projects of monuments in Switzerland in an interdisciplinary way. The goal is to show the approach in seismic assessment and discuss the decision process for the selection (or reduction or refusal) of retrofitting measures. A special focus will be placed on collaboration with other relevant disciplines, specifically architecture and preservation.