Understanding structural response to earthquake loading is essential for the design of new structures and the assessment and seismic upgrading of existing structures. Field experiments will significantly enhance the fundamental knowledge of earthquake effects associated with the behavior of structures and geological layers, thereby reducing loss-of-life and economic losses from future earthquakes.

This special session will cover original and pioneering contributions, theory as well as applications on seismic vulnerability assessment and field testing methods. The objective is to bring scientists and engineers together and discuss the most recent developments and future trends in the targeted area.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Seismic vulnerability assessment
• Identification of fragility functions
• In-situ assessment of structures
• Field testing techniques regarding seismic assessment

For specific questions regarding the scope of this session please contact the organiser:

• Prof. G. De Roeck
  K.U.Leuven, Belgium
  (guido.deroeck AT bwk.kuleuven.be)
• Dr H. Friedl
  AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
  (herbert.friedl AT ait.ac.at)

Please note that papers that are found to fall outside the scope of this session may be considered for other sessions.

To submit abstracts for this special session, please follow the normal abstract submission procedure but please select "CST2012-S17" when asked "Is this paper part of a special session?"