The effect of two types of shear reinforcement, with reference to two types of masonry infills, on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frames was experimentally investigated. Six single-story, one-bay, 1/3-scale frame specimens were tested under cyclic horizontal loading, up to a drift level of 40‰. Bare frames and infilled frames with two different infill compressive strengths were sorted into two groups based on stirrups or spirals as shear reinforcement. From the observed responses it can be deduced that rectangular spiral reinforcement is a first experience and more experiments are needed.

Reliable loss assessment (in monetary terms) for buildings struck by an earthquake is an essential factor in the development of seismic risk scenarios for a given urban area. The evaluation of loss due to building damage in a certain region depends both on seismic hazard and the vulnerability of the building stock in the area. The study presented herein consists of predicting the loss to selected groups of buildings struck by the 1999 Athens earthquake using an analytical methodology and comparison with statistical repair costs collected after the earthquake. Since no near‐field strong ground motion recordings from the main shock were available, a pilot methodology was used for its analytical evaluation for different soil conditions. Different suites of motions were derived, based on various theoretical and semi‐empirical approaches, and were then used in analytical investigations of the seismic behavior of the buildings in the examined area, aiming at the prediction of economic losses. An in‐situ survey of about 10% of the total building stock was performed, and data regarding the structural type, actual earthquake damage, and corresponding repair costs were collected. The statistically derived repair cost for the area was compared with the economic loss estimation obtained using the analytical procedure and various estimates of the seismic action in the area considered, and was found to agree with it reasonably for some of the seismic hazard scenarios.

Southeastern Europe faces a significant earthquake threat, endangering lives, property, and infrastructure thus jeopardizing sustainable development. The development of a Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) designed to deliver crucial earthquake damage information for scenario planning, real-time response, and bolstering public awareness and preparedness is presented. In doing so, REDAS enhances community resilience and safeguards sustainability. REDAS comprises a Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment platform (REDA.p), a smartphone application, and an Educational Hub (Edu.Hub). REDA.p provides both scenario-based and near real-time seismic damage evaluation of structures, gas pipelines, and geotechnical failures, based on harmonized Ground Motion Prediction Equations and a comprehensive building taxonomy scheme covering the area under investigation. To assess regional landslide hazards, the Infinite Slope Model and a statistics-based model have been implemented, alongside a statistical model for liquefaction probability assessment. Validated against historical data, REDA.p integrates real-time input from key earthquake monitoring networks in the region, covering cross-border areas as well, while in designated urban zones, the system is enhanced by real-time data from a dense earthquake monitoring network deployed in selected school buildings. The smartphone app and Edu.Hub disseminate critical information, guidelines, and tools to improve public prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, thereby enhancing societal resilience.