The recent rise of terrorist attacks has reinforced the need for mitigation of damage caused by blast loading on unreinforced masonry walls. The primary goal of the techniques is to prevent the loss of life while simultaneously preserving the integrity of the structure. This paper presents a compilation of recently available literature on blast protection of unreinforced masonry walls. It seeks to present the state of the art in this field, including mitigation techniques considered as well as testing methods selected. Fiber reinforced polymers and polyurea are the two dominant retrofitting techniques being assessed in the field. Other techniques include but are not limited to polyurethane, steel sheets, and aluminum foam. Since there is no widely implemented standard for blast loading test procedures, direct comparisons between the efficiencies of the mitigation techniques proposed are not always feasible. Although fragmentation is an indicator of the efficiency of retrofits, it is currently measured by subjective observation of postblast debris.

Dynamic displacement measurement of objects can be challenging due to the limitations of conventional methods and pricey instrumentation of unconventional methods, such as laser scanners. In this research, Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) is used as an affordable non-contact method to measure 3D dynamic displacements. It is proposed as a reliable alternative to traditional dynamic deformation measurement methods such as displacement sensors or accelerometers. For this purpose, dynamic displacements of a three-dimensional one-story building frame model on a one-dimensional shake table are determined by using the traditional method of attached accelerometer and CRP. The results of the CRP method are compared with the results of the traditional methods as well as numerical models. The results show a good agreement which evidences the reliability of the CRP with regular cameras.

Soil permeability is an important factor in the mining and geotechnical industry, impacting slope stability and tailings management. It directly influences the stability of structures, the control of water in tailings ponds, and the safety of workers. Various additives, such as cement kiln dust (CKD), bentonite, fly ash, polymers, lime, and asphalt, are incorporated into soil structures to improve permeability and stability. Any significant changes in soil permeability will alter the soil’s behavior. However, the long-term effect of most additives on structures remains unexplored. This study investigates the long-term impact of CKD on the permeability of a CKD-treated slope. The slope surface was treated with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of CKD by the dry weight of the soil in 2008 and was evaluated in 2024. The permeability test results of the collected soil sample from the slope (2024) showed that the permeability of the soil decreases with an increase in the soil CKD content. The coefficient of permeability, k, is more than 100 times less for a CKD content of 15% by the dry weight of the soil compared to the permeability of the untreated native soil. The treated soil becomes almost impermeable when the CKD content increases to 20% (by the dry weight of the soil). However, the treated slope’s permeability increased over time, possibly due to erosion, resulting in a reduction in CKD content. The surface permeability of the slope exhibits an irregular distribution, resulting from the evolving spatial distribution of Cement Kiln Dust over time.

Although vital to any preparedness plan, a comprehensive database of facilities essential in aiding the state of New Mexico, USA, to recover from an earthquake does not currently exist. Therefore, as a first step in assisting the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NM-DHSEM) to improve the state's preparedness to earthquakes, the seismic performance of essential facilities in eight counties was assessed using the Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) method developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA 2002). The counties studied were: Valencia, Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, San Miguel, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and Taos. These counties were selected by the NM-DHSEM due to the vulnerability of the region to seismic events, the population density, and the high number of unreinforced masonry and adobe buildings present in the area. This paper summarizes the findings of this project and, more importantly, highlights the challenges encountered in the obtention of data, and the implications of using incomplete or inaccurate data for RVS of facilities. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the development of a database of essential facilities and their seismic assessment.