SPECIAL SESSIONS

SS01: Waste and Recycled Materials in Concrete for Sustainable Construction
Mingyang ZHANG Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, CHINA	Peng WANG Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, CHINA
Jiyu XIN Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, CHINA
In response to the pressing environmental challenges and the imperative for sustainable construction practices, this special session aims to spotlight innovative research and advancements in the field of concrete technology, particularly focusing on the integration of waste materials, shedding light on innovative approaches and recent developments concerning the partial to total substitution of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with alternative binders, and the incorporation of diverse waste and recycled materials as aggregates in concrete mixtures. By exploring the potential utilization of industrial by-products and wastes such as fly ash, slag, metakaolin, and rice husk ash, this session endeavors to seek innovative strategies that not only address the issue of waste disposal but also enhance the microstructural characterization, mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability of concrete structures.

SS02: Is Steel Reuse Feasible?
Taichiro OKAZAKI Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, JAPAN	Masatoshi Wada Nippon Steel Metal Products, Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JAPAN
The building sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emission. A substantial one third of greenhouse gas emitted by a building through life cycle is attribute to embodied energy. Steel reuse is recognized as a direct means to improve such environmental impact of buildings. Effort is ongoing worldwide to overcome recognized barriers and thereby make steel reuse a common norm. This session will provide a forum for structural engineers to exchange latest ideas and experience in steel reuse. Potential topics include, but is not limited to, design for disassembly, modular construction, region specific barriers to steel reuse, material studies to identify reuse limits, and steel reuse examples.

SS03: Resilient Bridge Infrastructure

Supasit Srivaranun

Kasetsart University, Bangkok, THAILAND

This session is committed to unveiling the latest engineering innovations and strategies that reinforce the durability, sustainability, and adaptability of bridge structures to meet contemporary challenges. This session will span a diverse range of topics from groundbreaking research and advancements in materials science to innovative design and maintenance practices. These areas are crucial for developing resilient solutions that enable bridges to endure environmental, climatic, and operational stresses. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, the session is designed to catalyze comprehensive discussions among engineers, urban planners, policymakers, and industry professionals, aiming to weave resilience into every phase of the bridge infrastructure life cycle, from planning and construction to ongoing maintenance. Our objective is to compile and disseminate a set of best practices, pioneering technologies, and collaborative frameworks. Through these collective insights, we strive to ensure that bridge infrastructure not only remains safe and functional across its lifespan but also sustains its utility and integrity, thereby fortifying urban and rural landscapes against the backdrop of changing global conditions.

SS04: Adaptation, Mitigation, and Resilience to Climate Change
You DONG The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, CHINA	Yaohan LI Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, CHINA
Climate change is altering environmental conditions, giving rise to more extreme weather events, and accelerating the aging and deterioration of structures and infrastructure systems. These adverse effects pose significant challenges to the long-term performance and reliability of our built environment, increasing the risk of structural failure. This special session aims to foster discussions on potential actionable solutions for building a sustainable and equitable future that is resilient to the impact of climate change. This session will report on the latest advancements that enable civil infrastructure systems to adapt to extreme weather and changing conditions, mitigate their environmental footprint, and strengthen their resilience against future climate risk. Example topics include, but are not limited to: (1) Advanced modelling approaches that integrate adaptation and mitigation strategies; (2) Enhancement of system resilience against extreme events and changing conditions; (3) Uncertainty modelling, vulnerability assessments, risk management, and decision-making methods in response to climate change.

SS05: Enhancing Resilience in Infrastructure Asset Management

Kiyoyuki Kaito

Osaka University, Osaka, JAPAN

In this special session for the IABSE symposium Tokyo 2025, we will explore the integration of resilience in the asset management of bridges and structural frameworks, with a nuanced consideration of aging infrastructure. As bridges and structures age, they encounter unique challenges that necessitate innovative, resilient management approaches. This session will highlight advanced strategies to enhance the durability and adaptability of these aging assets in the face of environmental, technological, and operational changes. We will feature a diverse panel of experts in structural engineering, resilience planning, and sustainability, focusing on adaptive design, maintenance practices, and retrofitting techniques for aging infrastructure. Through a mix of academic research and practical case studies, the session will offer insights into effectively managing the lifecycle of bridge and structural assets, ensuring their safety and functionality amidst evolving demands and stressors.

SS06: Advances of Resilience-based Design and Smart Maintenance in Life-Cycle Tunnel Engineering
Zhengshu HE Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, CHINA	Yanyang ZHANG Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, CHINA
Chuan ZHANG Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, CHINA	Wenbo YANG Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, CHINA
Transportation tunnels play an important role in civil infrastructure systems. Because of complex environments, such as aggressive agents, geological disasters, climate changes and extreme events, etc., transportation tunnels encounter great challenges in preserving long-term structural performance; meanwhile, there are several uncertainties associated with engineering hazards and high invisibility of structure damage during tunnel life cycle, conventional approaches shall not satisfy new requirements of tunnel engineering on life-cycle design and maintenance. This special session will provide a forum for international researchers to discuss recent breakthroughs in life-cycle tunnel engineering regarding resilience-based design and smart maintenance with the aid of advanced artificial intelligence technology and vast volumes of field data. Researchers in tunnel engineering, working on (a) resilience-based design and intelligent optimization, (b) intelligent sensing of tunnel damage and defects, (c) multi-source heterogeneous data analysis and (d) smart-based life-cycle assessment, are encouraged to submit abstracts.

SS07: Seismic and Multi-hazard Resilience of Bridges and Infrastructure Systems
Xiaowei Wang Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA	Yutao Pang China University of Geosciences, Beijing, CHINA
Decheng Feng Southeast University, Nanjing, CHINA
The post-hazard recovery time of communities is strongly influenced by the functionality of strategic infrastructure facilities such as bridges, hospitals, and fire stations, among others. This become more influential in multi-hazard scenarios. A well-functioning, high-performing, and adaptable network of strategic infrastructure facilities within a community improves its resilience and allows the community to recover in a timely manner. In this context, we are pleased to announce a Special Session on seismic and multi-hazard resilience of bridges and infrastructure systems. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: • Innovative technologies for resilient bridges and infrastructure • Resilience evaluation methodologies for bridges and infrastructure systems • Life-cycle resilience assessment of aging structures • Multi-hazard resilience analysis of structures and infrastructures • Case study on resilience analyses of special structures, systems, and networks • Restoration optimization of infrastructure network systems

SS08: Condition Assessment and Mitigation of Civil Structures under Natural Hazards and Climate Change
Zhen Sun Southeast University, Nanjing, CHINA	Chao Sun Louisiana State University, Louisiana, US
Sérgio Pereira University of Porto, Porto, PORTUGAL	De-Cheng Feng Southeast University, Nanjing, CHINA
Civil structures are engineered to withstand varying environmental effects, including temperature fluctuations, strong winds, heavy vehicular traffic, and seismic excitations. During service, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events can accelerate the degradation of structures, leading to premature damages like cracks and corrosion. To address this issue, continuous research efforts have been exerted to understand, monitor, and mitigate the impacts of climate change induced extreme conditions on structural integrity and resilience. In this special session, the relevant topics of interest include but are not limited to: 1) Mechanisms of structural damage and failure due to extreme conditions considering the influence of climate change. 2) Experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigations on structural failure. 3) Monitoring of structural behavior under operational and extreme conditions. 4) Mitigation of structural failure using reinforcement and control strategies. 5) AI-based approaches for condition assessment under various loading conditions.

SS09: Structural Performance and Safety Assessment under Extreme Loads
Haiying Ma Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA	Junyong Zhou Guangdong University, Guangzhou, CHINA
Seyedmilad Komarizadehasl Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Catalonia, SPAIN
Structures may encounter extreme loads (natural and man-made hazards) during construction and operation, such as wind, earthquake, impact, fire, heavy vehicle load, even coupled extreme loads. Evaluating structural performance and safety under extreme loads, as well as enhancing the structure performance, are crucial in structural design and disaster prevention and mitigation. The special issue aims to provide a platform to discuss the recent research on structural performance and safety assessment under extreme loads. The list of topics within the scopes of the issue includes: (1)Characteristics and design methods of extreme loads; (2)Failure mechanisms of structures under extreme loads and multiple disasters; (3)Intelligent methods and technologies such as digital twins, machine learning, and machine vision in structural safety assessment; (4)Damage assessment and design methods for structures under extreme loads; (5)New structures and materials to enhance structural performance under extreme loads

SS10: Uncertainty Characterization of Natural Disasters and Its Implications on Safety Assessment and Resilience Enhancement of Engineering Structures
Meng-Ze Lyu Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA	Xu Hong Hefei University of Technology, Anhui, CHINA
De-Cheng Feng Southeast University, Shanghai, CHINA	Jian-Bing Chen Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA
Michael Beer Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hanover, GERMANY
The significance of understanding and effectively addressing uncertainties associated with natural disasters cannot be overstated. Events such as strong winds, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters pose significant threats to the safety and resilience of urban buildings and bridges. Uncertainties inherent in these disasters, ranging from variability in environmental conditions to unpredictability in structural response, play a crucial role in determining the resilience and reliability of engineering structures. This mini-symposium aims to delve into the complexities of uncertainty characterization in engineering disasters and explore strategies to enhance structural safety assessment and resilience under their influence. It will address the challenges encountered in modeling and simulating stochastic excitations, as well as in conducting refined assessments of reliability and resilience for complex structural engineering systems. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: l Uncertainty modeling and simulation of dynamic excitations associated with natural disasters, such as strong winds and earthquakes; l Disaster statistics calibration and sampling based on big data and machine learning techniques; l Dynamic reliability analysis of engineering structures and systems under stochastic dynamic actions; l Assessment and enhancement measures for the resilience of structures and infrastructure systems under dynamic/time-varying disasters; l Impact of climate change on the safety and decision-making of multi-hazard and civil engineering structures; l Multi-hazard encounter analysis and post-disaster repair decision-making for engineering structures and infrastructure systems throughout their service life cycle. Through collaborative discussions and knowledge exchange, this mini-symposium aims to foster innovative approaches and practical solutions to address the uncertainties surrounding engineering disasters and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure worldwide. We invite researchers, engineers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to contribute their expertise and insights to this important discourse.

SS11: Updated Technologies on Seismic Isolation and Response Control for Sustainable Social Infrastructure
Toru Takeuchi Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, JAPAN	Andreas Lampropoulos University of Brighton, Brighton, ENGLAND
Gregory MacRae University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND	Fatih Sutcu Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, TURKEY
Yoshikazu Takahashi Kyoto University, Kyoto, JAPAN
Over the past 30 years, seismic isolation and response-controlled structures with energy dissipation devices have been widely applied to numerous buildings in seismic areas such as Japan, USA (West Coast), China, Turkey, New Zealand, etc. The past experience of severe earthquake damage has given impetus to the active use of these technologies, which allow their continuous occupancy after a severe earthquake, in the reconstruction of these areas, and therefore they can no longer be called special structures. As a result, a wider range of structural systems has been developed using these techniques, and the boundary between seismic isolation and damping structures is becoming blurred. In addition, experimental facilities are being developed around the world to ensure the quality of the technology. In this session, the current applications and facilities for seismic isolation and response control for sustainable social infrastructure in major seismic areas will be presented and discussed.

SS12: Performance Assessment of Long-Span Bridges
Joan R. Casas The Technical University of Catalonia, Catalonia, SPAIN	Xin Ruan Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA
Existing long-span bridges are subjected to important operational and environmental hazards due to increasing traffic loads and climate change. As these bridges are key elements within the transportation network, their correct in-service performance of as well as warning to damage detection and prediction of future performance is of paramount importance. This special session will be devoted to the response of long-span bridges to natural hazards and appropriate management under increasing traffic loads. Specific load models for assessment including vehicular traffic and other actions will be also considered.

SS13: System Identification and Active Control
Di Su University of Tokyo, Tokyo, JAPAN	Achim Bleicher Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Brandenburg, GERMANY
Dionysius Siringoringo Yokohama National University, Yokohama, JAPAN	Mayuko Nishio University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, JAPAN
This special session explores innovative methodologies and advancements in understanding and managing structural system dynamics. This session will focus on the critical task of system identification, which involves deriving accurate models from observed dynamic responses of structural systems. A key aspect of the session will be the discussion of various techniques and technologies used to interpret and analyze these dynamic characteristics effectively. Additionally, the session will delve into the application of active control strategies. These strategies are crucial for enhancing the adaptability and resilience of structures to external forces and environmental conditions. By integrating cutting-edge research and practical applications, this session seeks to foster a deeper understanding of dynamic systems and promote the development of more responsive and sustainable structural designs.

SS14: Dynamic Bridge Assessment and Performance
Fabien Rollet Jacobs University, Bremen, GERMANY	David Lo Jacono Jacobs University, Bremen, GERMANY
A dedicated session will focus on dynamic bridge assessment and structural performance using Digital Twin monitoring, combining Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and advanced computer vision. International bridge and data science experts will share cutting-edge techniques and practical applications for all types of bridges. The session will highlight the crucial role of data science in bridge engineering, offering invaluable insights and fostering collaborations within the global bridge community. The session explores practical applications and advancements, addressing gaps in current standards. It presents an opportunity to engage in discussions and share expertise with fellow bridge experts, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in the intersection of bridge engineering and data science.

SS15: Bridge Weigh-in-Motion for Sustainable Bridge Management
Daniel Cantero Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, NORWAY	Chul-Woo Kim Kyoto University, Kyoto, JAPAN
Bridge Weigh-in-Motion (BWIM) is a technology that provides valuable information to infrastructure owners. Measured bridge responses are processed to obtain good estimates of vehicle’s speed, axle spacing, axle weights and total gross vehicle weights. Even though BWIM is an established technology, new ideas and developments are being proposed to: improve its accuracy, extend its applicability to a wider range of structural configurations, and towards the use of BWIM systems for bridge monitoring and damage detection. With the obtained traffic information and structural evaluation methods, bridge owners can optimize their management, assessment and maintenance procedures to potentially extend the service life of bridges in their network. With this in mind, this special session is aimed at studies reporting new developments in BWIM technology, experiences in operational installations, and their application towards bridge management and structural health monitoring.

SS16: Application of Innovative Data-Driven Methodologies for Enhancing the Decision-Making Processes in Asset Management
José António Silva Carvalho Campos Matos University of Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL	Helder Sousa Helder Sousa University of Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL
Carlos Mendoza University of Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL	Estefanía Cervantes Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECUADOR
Paulo Lourenço University of Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL	Eva Lantsoght Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECUADOR
Mitsuyoshi Akiyama Waseda University, Tokyo, JAPAN
The proposed special session delves into the forefront of utilizing advanced data modeling strategies to assess and quantify the variables that may influence the decision-making process involved in asset management. Over time, many approaches have been proposed to assess risks, vulnerability and fragility of assets to support the decision making when a lack of pre-determined criteria is found. By delving into the forefront of these methodologies, this special session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how innovative approaches can help the quantification of risks by considering the many variables and uncertainties involved in asset management. This thematic special issue is addressed to researchers and designers that are interested in the various methodologies that may be used as alternative procedures for different levels of detail for asset management involving structural collapse, the quantification of damage, the recovery process, and repair solutions.

SS17: Managing a Large Number of Small Bridges with Limited Manpower
Yusuke Kurihashi Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, JAPAN	Shin-ichi Miyazato Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Kanazawa, JAPAN
Many municipalities around the world are faced with the problem of managing a large number of aging bridges of relatively small size with limited manpower. In this session, we invite case studies and ideas for solutions to these problems. Efforts that have been implemented include: prioritizing maintenance based on risk assessment; real-time monitoring technology using sensors, IoT devices, and drones; data analysis and predictive maintenance; efficient use of personnel through dedicated teams and cross-training; cooperation with local communities; periodic inspections and audits; and efficient use of budget and resources. implementation, and efficient ways to allocate budgets and resources. Other new technologies and concepts are also welcome. We look forward to a meaningful exchange of ideas with you.

SS18: Advanced Technologies for the Maintenance Cycle of Structures and Infrastructure
Tetsuya Ishida The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, JAPAN	Ichiro Iwaki Nihon University, Tokyo, JAPAN
The development and integration of individual elemental technologies in construction, inspection, and maintenance are crucial for establishing sustainable infrastructure management systems. This special session aims to provide a forum where researchers can share the latest research findings and explore future trends in enhancing the infrastructure maintenance cycle. We welcome contributions that cover experimental, theoretical, statistical, and machine learning approaches. The main topics to be addressed include: (1) evaluating structural performance and service life of structures, (2) developing and applying models for predicting deterioration, (3) conducting inspections and detecting anomalies, (4) optimizing and making decisions for infrastructure management, and (5) employing innovative technologies and data analysis for repairing and reinforcing existing structures.

SS19: Existing Bridges and Extension of BIM to Bridge Management Systems
Vanja Samec Independent Bridge and BIM consultant, AUSTRIA	ChangSu Shim Chung-Ang University, Seoul, SOUTH KOREA
Bridges are a vital, but also extremely vulnerable part of transportation infrastructure. Infrastructure expansion mirrors the growing population needs. Environmental impact and structural deterioration of transportation network have become a daily challenge for bridge professionals worldwide. Collapses of bridges are often due to natural hazards like storms, heavy rainfall, and mudflows, scouring, and earthquakes. Less obvious than sudden events are the wear and slow degradation of bridges due to ever-increasing traffic and associated fatigue problems, often in combination with insufficient maintenance. Recent bridge disasters throughout the world are a strong reminder of the need for a better knowledge and new approaches to infrastructure management. Building Information Modelling (BIM) for bridges has shown great promise to help infrastructure managers efficiently and effectively manage their bridge assets. Existing Bridge Management Systems serve as a valuable basis for condition data collection and maintenance planning but can be substantially improved to mirror changes of physical objects. For this purpose, BIM can have a decisive role.

SS20: Infrastructure Management and Performance Optimization
Poul Linneberg COWI A/S, Lyngby, DENMARK	Alfred Strauss University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, AUSTRIA
IABSE T5.4 is focussing its efforts on existing structural management systems and possible meetings with key stakeholders. The focus is on the implementation of decision making models involving different regions and representing different stakeholders such as operators, universities, consultants, etc. The objective is among others to identify and implement best practices, emerging improvements and promising research results. This special session explores several topics related to infrastructure management and optimization within the context of digital transformation. Digital transformation in owner and operator organisations, discuss how these organisations enhance their leveraging technology ability to improve efficiency and enhance decision-making. Performance-based bridge management and optimization, discuss utilization of data and predictive models to assess the life cycle performance of individual and portfolio/network of bridges. Use and communication of probabilistic and risk-based methods in bridge management. Methods should enable a stepwise increase of complexity and rely on data that the owners and operators can obtain with reasonable efforts. Highlights the importance of including asset management in academic curricula and continuous training practitioners - the latter should increase their digital affinity/ability and consider that one-size-fits-all does not apply. Quality control during construction to ensure long-term performance during operation.

SS21: Digital Twins of Infrastructure for Enhanced Design, Construction, Management, and Disaster Resilience
Riki Honda University of Tokyo, Tokyo, JAPAN	Pang-jo Chun University of Tokyo, Tokyo, JAPAN
Digital twins are transforming civil infrastructure design, construction, maintenance, and disaster resilience through centralized data management, stakeholder collaboration, and advanced simulations. This session explores the current state and future potential of digital twins in civil infrastructure, providing an overview of data types, acquisition methods, data management, and the role of simulations in predicting and optimizing infrastructure performance. Applications in design, construction, maintenance, disaster prevention, and recovery will be discussed, highlighting benefits such as enhanced collaboration, efficient decision-making, cost reduction, and quality improvement. Challenges and future prospects, including data standardization, security, exploitation of AI and big data, new business models, and societal impacts, are also addressed. Digital twins enable proactive asset management, and optimization of resource allocation throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. The session aims to foster innovation and exchange ideas among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing the role of digital twins in creating more resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems.

SS22: Advanced Digital Twinning Techniques for Civil Infrastructure
Youqi Zhang Aalto University, Espo, FINLAND	Mohamed Moustafa New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Yuguang Fu Nanyang Technological University, SINGAPORE	Zhiyi Tang Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan, CHINA
Pengru Deng Central South University, Hunan, CHINA
This special session will explore cutting-edge digital twinning techniques in civil infrastructure, focusing on their application for enhanced monitoring, maintenance, and management. Participants will delve into the integration of digital twins with IoT, AI, and big data to create dynamic, real-time models of infrastructure systems. The session aims to showcase innovative case studies, discuss technological advancements, and address challenges in implementing digital twins. Attendees will gain insights into improving infrastructure resilience, efficiency, and sustainability through these advanced digital methodologies.

SS23: Data-Driven and Physics-informed Machine Learning Methods for Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges
Chul-Woo KIM Kyoto University, Kyoto, JAPAN	Kai-Chun CHANG Kyoto University, Kyoto, JAPAN
Limin Sun Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA	Ye Xia Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA
Xuzhao Lu Tongji University, Shanghai, CHINA
There are considerable research activities on structural health monitoring of bridges (BSHM). However, BSHM technology has not yet been widely accepted by stakeholders at the working level. One of the main reasons for this is rooted in concerns about the cost-effectiveness of SHM technology, particularly in the public sector responsible for bridge maintenance. In other words, there is a need for technology that can provide better information on the current structural condition of bridges with fewer sensors. Data-driven machine learning methods based on physical information have therefore recently emerged as a solution to existing challenges in BSHM. This special session aims to provide a forum to discuss the recent development of integrating conventional physics and data-driven machine learning technologies for bridge health monitoring but not limited to.

SS24: Digital Twins for Critical Infrastructure

Geralt Siebert

University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Neubiberg, GERMANY

Critical infrastructure - almost all bridges and a huge portion of building structures are part of it - serve civil world as part of transportation routes, as housing for humans or technical equipment, as energy plant or by other means. The concept of digital twin allows to get up to date information about state of structures as well as learn about behavior under different scenarios and even predict maintenance or service. By this concept of digital twin is a key element for efficient use of resources (labor as well as material) and a resilient infrastructure.

SS25: Facades Contributing to Sustainable Buildings
Geralt Siebert University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Neubiberg, GERMANY	Barbara Siebert Dr. Siebert and Partner Consulting Engineers PartGmbB, Munich, GERMANY
As a building envelope, façades make a significant contribution to the ecological footprint of buildings - both during construction and operation. While the service life of the primary construction is around 80 years, façades currently have a service life of around three decades. The service life of the façade elements, or at least parts of them, can be extended by adapting the design, replacing elements such as glass, insulation or plastic seals or ensuring that they are easy to inspect and maintain. The use of photovoltaics can contribute to a positive co2 balance.

SS26: Caisson Foundation - A Trusted Sustainable Solution for Bridges
Alok Bhowmick B&S Engineering Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (India), Uttar Pradesh, INDIA	V N Heggade DECON Solutions，INDIA
Harshavardhan Subbarao INDIA	Joshua Omer UK
Hongbing Xie CHINA	Mahesh Tandon INDIA
Caisson foundation is one of the most commonly used foundation type in India and surrounding countries for centuries. There is a Task Group (TG1.11) working on documenting the state of the art practice of planning, design, analysis and construction of caisson foundation. This special session, initiated by Chair-TG1.11 will publish papers written by task group members on the subject of Caisson Foundation. Papers will deal with case studies of some of the mega bridges where caisson foundation is being used world over.,

SS27: Eddy Current Damping, Electromagnetic Damping, and Vibration Control
Zhiwen Huang Hunan University, CHINA	Xiaodong Ji Tsinghua University，CHINA
Kohju Ikago Tohoku University, JAPAN
Vibration control plays a critical role in civil engineering, especially in bridge engineering, where it ensures structural integrity and longevity. Recent advancements have led to the emergence of innovative vibration control techniques, including eddy current damping, which offers a frictionless and maintenance-free solution. Additionally, active and semi-active control methods provide adaptive and highly effective vibration mitigation. This session invites researchers, engineers, and practitioners to explore and discuss the latest developments and applications in vibration control. We welcome submissions on topics including, but not limited to, eddy current damping, active and semi-active control systems, case studies, theoretical advancements, and practical implementations in vibration control. Join us to share your insights and contribute to advancing the field of vibration control in civil engineering and especially in bridge engineering.

SS28: Practical Applications and Value of Advanced Computational and Probabilistic Modelling in Life-Cycle Engineering
Alfred Strauss BOKU University, AUSTRIA	Helder Sousa University of Minho，PORTUGAL
There are numerous examples in the literature and in the profession of the benefits of advanced mechanical and probabilistic modelling in Civil Engineering. Such additional knowledge is useful throughout the service life of the structure for maintenance, management, and monitoring. However, any modelling effort that goes beyond what is needed for basic design purposes requires qualified experts and substantial additional investments. This session aims to better understand the implications of modelling investments, including additional data acquired by means of suitable monitoring techniques, as well as their relevance, in the context of the life-cycle analysis of engineering structures.