This article presents a taxonomy and represents a repository of open problems in computing for numerically and logically intensive problems in a number of disciplines that have to synergize for the best performance of simulation-based feasibility studies on nature-oriented engineering in general and civil engineering in particular. Topics include but are not limited to: Nature-based construction, genomics supporting nature-based construction, earthquake engineering, and other types of geophysical disaster prevention activities, as well as the studies of processes and materials of interest for the above. In all these fields, problems are discussed that generate huge amounts of Big Data and are characterized with mathematically highly complex Iterative Algorithms. In the domain of applications, it has been stressed that problems could be made less computationally demanding if the number of computing iterations is made smaller (with the help of Artificial Intelligence or Conditional Algorithms), or if each computing iteration is made shorter in time (with the help of Data Filtration and Data Quantization). In the domain of computing, it has been stressed that computing could be made more powerful if the implementation technology is changed (Si, GaAs, etc.…), or if the computing paradigm is changed (Control Flow, Data Flow, etc.…).

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames with masonry infills can be encountered all over the world, especially in earthquake prone regions. Although masonry infills are usually not considered in the design process, in the case of seismic loading they are subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane forces that can act separately or simultaneously. In recent earthquakes it was observed that seismic loads can severely damage masonry infills or even cause their complete collapse, especially when the loads act simultaneously. Due to this, effects of interaction of in-plane and out-of-plane loads on seismic performance of masonry infills have received more attention recently. However, most of studies focus only on fully infilled frames, even though openings, such as windows and doors are essential parts of infills that substantially affect the seismic response of masonry infills. Therefore, this article presents the results of a comprehensive experimental study on nine full-scale traditional masonry RC frames infilled with modern hollow clay bricks for configurations with and without window and door openings under separate, sequential and combined in-plane and out-of-plane loading. Based on the results, a detailed comparison and interpretation for the different infill and loading configurations is presented. The test results clearly show the unfavourable influence of openings and combined loading conditions as well as the importance of the quality of execution of the circumferential mortar joint between infill and frame. The new findings can be used as a basis for the required development of innovative solutions to improve significantly the seismic performance of RC frames with masonry infills.

City centres of Europe are often composed of unreinforced masonry structural aggregates, whose seismic response is challenging to predict. To advance the state of the art on the seismic response of these aggregates, the Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures (AIMS) subproject from Horizon 2020 project Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe (SERA) provides shake-table test data of a two-unit, double-leaf stone masonry aggregate subjected to two horizontal components of dynamic excitation. A blind prediction was organized with participants from academia and industry to test modelling approaches and assumptions and to learn about the extent of uncertainty in modelling for such masonry aggregates. The participants were provided with the full set of material and geometrical data, construction details and original seismic input and asked to predict prior to the test the expected seismic response in terms of damage mechanisms, base-shear forces, and roof displacements. The modelling approaches used differ significantly in the level of detail and the modelling assumptions. This paper provides an overview of the adopted modelling approaches and their subsequent predictions. It further discusses the range of assumptions made when modelling masonry walls, floors and connections, and aims at discovering how the common solutions regarding modelling masonry in general, and masonry aggregates in particular, affect the results. The results are evaluated both in terms of damage mechanisms, base shear forces, displacements and interface openings in both directions, and then compared with the experimental results. The modelling approaches featuring Discrete Element Method (DEM) led to the best predictions in terms of displacements, while a submission using rigid block limit analysis led to the best prediction in terms of damage mechanisms. Large coefficients of variation of predicted displacements and general underestimation of displacements in comparison with experimental results, except for DEM models, highlight the need for further consensus building on suitable modelling assumptions for such masonry aggregates.