# Special Issue on Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting
## 2 A Brief Overview of the Published Papers  
### Advanced Modelling and Analysis Methods for the Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Structures  
The accurate and dependable modelling and analysis methods of existing structures are the cornerstone for the proper assessment of their seismic vulnerability and the appropriate selection of retrofitting or rehabilitation techniques. The use of advanced analysis methods assisted by modern available software enables a more accurate assessment of their actual seismic response.  
[PERSON] et al. [15] assessed the seismic vulnerability of the bell tower of St. Lucia Church in Cellole (Italy). Following the required procedure for the assessment of an existing structure, they first collected the necessary data (structural geometry, material properties and dynamic characteristics). To capture the geometry, a visual inspection and application of a complete 3D laser scan survey was carried out. For the estimation of the material properties of the structure, a series of non-destructive or minimally destructive methods (e.g., sclerometer tests, penetrometers) were utilised. For the estimation of the dynamic characteristics of the structure, the appropriate instrumentation of the tower and the recording of the ambient vibrations, fast Fourier transform and frequency domain decomposition procedures were used and their evaluation by modal assurance criterion tables were carried out. Thus, the first eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes were identified. This was then followed by an assessment of the seismic behaviour with two levels of evaluation [EL1 (simplified mechanical) and EL2 (kinematic limit analysis)]. Both assessment procedures led to the conclusion that the retrofitting of the structure was required. The results of the assessment are also consistent with the picture of extensive cracking identified during the visual inspection. As a future extension of the research, the authors considered adding existing damage to the structural model, as well as determining the required procedures for rehabilitation.  
[PERSON] and [PERSON] [16] investigated the advanced modelling of pile-supported wharfs using finite element models utilising both inertial and kinematic forces. Considering that a reliable assessment of an existing structure requires feasible modelling, the authors compared frame analysis, which is an analysis method with low computational resource requirements but limited applicability to pile-supported wharfs, with finite element analysis. The aim of the investigation was to develop an extended 2D frame analysis method that is capable of considering a combination of inertial and kinematic forces induced during an earthquake. Models with or without ground slopes were used. The results of the analyses and comparisons of the two methods also showed that the addition of the kinematic force to the analysis is an important factor leading to the extraction of realistic stress magnitudes (bending moments). Finally, through their research, the authors proposed an equation to estimate the damping factor for pile-supported wharfs based on its width and natural periods.