Keynotes

Special Sessions

SS1 Mechanical modelling and testing of curved masonry structures under complex loads and differential settlements
Stefano Galassi (University of Florence),  Antonino Iannuzzo (Università degli Studi del Sannio Benevento), Carlo Olivieri (Università Telematica Pegaso), Natalia Pingaro (Eucentre European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering)

Curved masonry structures, such as arches, vaults, domes, shells, and complex double-curvature systems, represent a remarkable heritage of construction knowledge and remain widely used in both historical and contemporary engineering applications. Their structural response, however, is governed by geometric nonlinearity, strong material heterogeneity, and negligible tensile capacity, making their assessment under extreme actions and foundation settlements particularly challenging. This Special Session invites original contributions addressing the analysis, design, assessment of curved masonry structures subjected to differential settlements or extreme loading conditions, including high vertical loads and horizontal actions induced by wind and earthquakes. Contributions focusing on numerical modelling for the assessment of reinforcement techniques, such as FRP and FRCM systems, are also welcome. The session aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working on advanced modelling strategies and experimental investigations, with a particular focus on bridging analytical and numerical approaches with testing at multiple scales.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): analytical and semi-analytical models; new numerical modelling strategies, such as nonlinear FE, discrete element, limit analysis, multi-scale approaches; out-of-plane mechanisms and global/local instability analysis due to horizontal actions; effectiveness evaluation of reinforcement techniques, such as FRP and FRCM systems; artificial intelligence-based and data-driven approaches for prediction, assessment, and decision support; physical models and reduced-scale testing strategies; validation of numerical models against experimental benchmark data; structural health monitoring, sensing and damage detection strategies; residual capacity prior to collapse, progressive damage, and near-collapse assessment; uncertainty quantification, including geometric and material imperfections, and reliability-based assessment.

SS2 Advanced materials for the strengthening and retrofitting of existing structures
Pietro Meriggi (Roma Tre University), Natalia Pingaro (Eucentre European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering), Carmelo Caggegi (Université Savoie Mont Blanc – Polytech)

The proposed Special Session aims to gather contributions addressing both experimental testing and modelling/simulation of advanced materials and composite-based solutions for the rehabilitation of civil engineering structures. The session focuses mainly on organic- and inorganic-matrix composite systems (e.g., FRP and FRCM/TRM/CRM/NSM-based solutions), their interaction with existing substrates (concrete, masonry, steel, timber), and the key role of interfaces, connections, and anchoring systems in governing structural performance. Contributions are encouraged that combine laboratory and/or full-scale testing with analytical, numerical, and multi-scale modelling approaches, including the use of innovative measurement and monitoring techniques to support model calibration, validation, and performance assessment. State-of-the-art and review papers are also welcome to summarize current advances and identify research gaps toward reliable design, durability, and wider implementation in practice.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): organic-matrix composites for strengthening and retrofitting (e.g., FRP sheets/laminates/profiles, near-surface mounted FRP, GFRP/CFRP rebars); inorganic-matrix composites for rehabilitation (e.g., FRCM, TRM, SRG, CRM, NSM and hybrid composite systems); composite-to-substrate interfaces: mechanical behaviour, bond–slip laws, debonding and fracture mechanisms; connections and anchorages for composite strengthening systems (mechanical, bonded, hybrid solutions); multi-layer, meso-scale and multi-scale modelling of strengthened members and assemblies; constitutive modelling of composite materials and retrofitted structural components, including tension stiffening and cracking patterns; analytical and semi-analytical solutions for strengthened elements (beams, columns, walls, slabs, arches/vaults); numerical modelling strategies (FEM, DEM and mixed approaches) for retrofitted structures and interfaces; experimental testing on reduced-scale specimens and full-scale structural elements/sub-assemblies, including cyclic and fatigue behaviour; durability, ageing and environmental effects (temperature, moisture, freeze–thaw, chemical exposure, corrosion-related issues); innovative strain/damage measurement and monitoring techniques for laboratory and field applications (e.g., DIC, FBG and distributed fiber optics, acoustic/ultrasonic methods, hybrid sensing); model calibration, inverse identification, and probabilistic and reliability-based assessment; performance-based design, optimization and parametric studies for strengthening interventions; benchmark datasets, round-robin tests, and best-practice recommendations for testing and modelling of retrofitting systems; state-of-the-art papers and critical reviews on materials, testing protocols, modelling approaches, and design frameworks.

SS3 Characterization and modelling of materials and structures for nuclear applications
Nicola Cefis (Politecnico di Milano), Roberto Fedele (Politecnico di Milano), Valerio Mascolino (Colorado School of Mines), Federico Piccagli (Politecnico di Milano, XNano srl)

The proposed Special Session solicitates contributions focusing on materials and components for nuclear applications. The session focuses on structural and functional materials operating in radiation environments (metals, advanced alloys, ceramics, composites, coatings, and thin films), with particular attention to coupled phenomena governing mechanical response and damage under particle irradiation, thermal gradients, and severe operating conditions. Contributions combining experimental testing (laboratory, in-pile, or ex-pile) with analytical, numerical, and multiscale modeling are encouraged, including innovative measurement and monitoring techniques, inverse analyses exploiting also artificial intelligence, and reliability assessment. Contributions highlighting new research achievements or reviewing the state of the art and existing gaps to be filled are equally welcome.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): neutronics modeling and neutronics-thermal- mechanical couplings in materials and components; thermomechanical analysis under irradiation and severe thermal cycles; micromechanics of damage in irradiated materials (point defects, dislocations, cavitation, swelling, radiation creep, embrittlement); nuclear fuel materials and cladding; thermomechanical behavior, fracture, and fuel-cladding interaction; thin films, functional coatings, and advanced materials for nuclear applications, including stability under irradiation; advanced constitutive models for irradiated materials and structural plant components and their calibration and validation; chemical-mechanical modeling of cementitious and ceramic materials for radioactive waste management.

SS4 Advanced methods for the characterization of materials and structures, in civil and industrial engineering
Roberto Fedele (Politecnico di Milano), Nicola Cefis (Politecnico di Milano), Giulia Fava (Politecnico di Milano), Cristina Tedeschi (Politecnico di Milano)

This MS aims at favoring a fruitful debate within the engineering community on methods for the characterization of materials and structures at different scales, in civil and industrial applications. Contributions to this MS are welcome, investigating the nonlinear phenomena in multiphysics framework, thus contributing to filling the gap between the academy and the engineering practice on one side, and between theoretical, numerical and experimental approaches on the other. In particular, as an indicative list absolutely not exhaustive, the following topics are included in the MS: methods for the experimental assessment of material and structures in the lab and in situ (structural monitoring and diagnostics of existing structures, DIC, X-ray microCT), modelling of heterogeneous structures (such as reinforced masonry elements and aerospace composite structures), coupling between chemical-physical processes and thermomechanical response of materials and structures (possibly affected by ageing phenomena such as alkali aggregate reaction or sulfate attack.

SS5 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Techniques in Monitoring and Modelling of Engineering Structures
Michele Betti (University of Florence), Francesco Clementi (Politechnic University of Marche), Giulia Misseri (University of Florence), Francesca Roscini (Cusano University)

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms into seismic engineering is rapidly transforming the field, offering powerful tools for predictive modeling, structural assessment, dynamic monitoring, and design optimization. Advances in computational methods and access to large datasets enable researchers and practitioners to address complex challenges associated with structures subjected to earthquakes and other hazards.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: machine learning-assisted structural static, dynamic, and stability analysis; dynamic monitoring of structures and infrastructures using AI and ML techniques; seismic hazard analysis and 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 and localization using image processing and data-driven techniques; structural resilience and performance of infrastructures under earthquake and multi-hazard scenarios; data analytics, visualization, and interpretation of mechanical behavior in structures; hybrid models combining AI and physics-based approaches; integration of AI/ML into design codes and standards; uncertainty quantification; ethical considerations in automated decision-making. Applications cover a wide spectrum, ranging from laboratory-scale specimens (such as masonry walls, small arches, and sub-assemblies) to large-scale civil engineering structures and infrastructures. Contributions may include fundamental research, practical applications, case studies, and innovative methodologies, reflecting the versatility and impact of AI and ML across all scales of seismic engineering.

SS6 Soil-structure and earthquake-structure interactions: Modelling and control of their impacts on the structural systems 
Marco Domaneschi (Politecnico di Torino), Ali Güney Özcebe (Eucentre European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering), Yiwei Hua (Politecnico di Milano), Santiago Londono (Politecnico di Torino)

Many structural systems are subject to soil or infill interactions (hereinafter, SSI) that modify the boundary conditions of the components in contact. Researchers are invited to submit their work regarding any aspect of SSI under static and dynamic conditions, including but not limited to the response of arches/vaults-backfill systems, earth-retaining structures, foundation systems, and buried structures. In addition to SSI, this Special Session also welcomes contributions addressing seismic wave propagation - structure interaction. We particularly encourage studies focusing on wavefield properties in near-fault conditions, including irregular frequency content, velocity pulse directionality, and the spatial coherency of the earthquake ground motion.

The Special Session accepts all means of analysis, encompassing analytical (closed-form solutions, mathematical formalizations), numerical (ranging from classical simplified models – springs & dashpots – to more sophisticated macro-elements and full-scale high-fidelity numerical models such as FDM/FEM/SEM/DEM), as well as experimental, in-situ testing, and observational studies.

SS7 Large-Scale Modeling and Resilience of Urban Structures and Infrastructures  
Panagiotis Asteris (School of Pedagogical & Technological Education of Athens), Francesco Clementi (Polytechnic University of Marche), Antonio Formisano (University of Naples "Federico II"),  Aguinaldo Fraddosio (Politecnico di Bari)

The functionality and productivity of large urban communities are heavily dependent on structures and infrastructures. To guarantee high levels of performance, these systems are interconnected directly and indirectly on several degrees. The complexity of such communities, coupled with high population density, can lead to increased vulnerability to specific or multiple hazards. Implementing new design and retrofit strategies to improve robustness and recovery capabilities requires the development and use of large-scale models and virtual testbeds to assess the vulnerability and resilience of critical systems. The scope includes techniques and approaches for modeling large-scale built environments—such as structures and infrastructures—and evaluating their vulnerability and resilience. Numerical models and virtual testbeds are used to perform vulnerability and resilience analyses against different types of hazards and to test existing resilience frameworks.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: large-scale modeling of structures and infrastructures; resilience and vulnerability analyses of structures, infrastructures, and communities; probabilistic risk analysis and decision making; multi-hazard analysis of structures and infrastructures; resilient design and retrofit strategies; modeling techniques and approaches for vulnerability and resilience analyses of large-scale structures and infrastructures.

SS8 Modelling, Seismic Vulnerability and Retrofit of Cultural Heritage Masonry Constructions 
Antonio Formisano (University of Naples "Federico II"), Francesco Clementi (Polytechnic University of Marche), Georgios Stavroulakis (Technical University of Crete), Marius Mosoarca (University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" Timisoara)

Masonry constructions represent a significant portion of the world's cultural heritage, encompassing historical, architectural, and artistic value. They range from centuries-old urban buildings and monumental structures to religious and civic edifices, many of which define the identity and character of communities. Despite their cultural importance, these structures are often highly vulnerable to seismic events due to factors such as their age, traditional construction techniques, material heterogeneity, lack of maintenance, and progressive degradation over time. In addition, the complexity of their structural behavior, which often involves irregular geometry, non-uniform material properties, and complex load paths, poses significant challenges for accurate seismic assessment and prediction of damage mechanisms. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates structural engineering principles, computational modeling, experimental investigations, and heritage conservation practices. Assessing seismic vulnerability, understanding dynamic behavior, and designing effective retrofit and strengthening strategies are critical not only to safeguard human lives but also to preserve the historical authenticity, aesthetic value, and cultural significance of these buildings. This special session seeks to provide a comprehensive platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between modern engineering methods and heritage preservation needs. It invites contributions that explore innovative computational and analytical modeling techniques, experimental studies on material behavior and structural response, as well as practical case studies that highlight successful interventions. By bringing together researchers, engineers, conservation specialists, and practitioners, the issue aims to foster a collaborative dialogue on best practices, new technologies, and evidence-based strategies for the seismic assessment and retrofit of masonry heritage buildings, ultimately contributing to the sustainable preservation of our built cultural heritage

We welcome contributions on, but not limited to: computational and analytical modeling of historic masonry structures; seismic vulnerability assessment methodologies for heritage buildings; innovative retrofit and strengthening techniques compatible with conservation principles; performance-based seismic assessment and simulation of masonry structures; experimental investigations on material behavior and structural response; case studies of seismic damage and post-earthquake interventions; integration of historical, architectural, and structural data in modeling; guidelines, standards, and best practices for seismic preservation of cultural heritage.