Book excerpt: In earthquake-prone regions of the world it is important not only to ensure that new facilities meet optimal standards but also that existing structures and infrastructure be retrofitted and rehabilitated. As world populations concentrate in urban areas, the stakes in human life and property of such natural disasters as earthquakes becomes higher and higher. This has been driving research on advances in the field. These advances are presented biennially at a conference organised by the Wessex Institute of Technology.The advances presented at the ninth conference in the series, which began in 1991 are presented in this book. The papers cover Plates and other geological risks; Earthquake prediction; Microzoning; Remote sensing / Monitoring / Early warning systems; Seismic codes; Seismic hazard and vulnerability; Tsunamis; Seismic isolation and energy dissipation; Structural dynamics; Building performance during earthquakes; Retrofitting; Lifelines; Material mechanics and characterisation; Nonlinear numerical analysis; Performance based design; Experimental studies; Forensic analysis; Safety and security; Socio-economic issues; Insurance related issues; Innovative technologies; Case studies.