Structural irregularities are one of the most frequent causes of severe damages in buildings, as evidenced by the numerous earthquakes in recent years. This issue is of particular importance, since real structures are almost all irregular. Furthermore, structural irregularities depend on several factors often very difficult to predict. This book is an essential tool for understanding the problem of structural irregularities and provides the most up-to-date review on this topic, covering the aspects of ground rotations, analysis, design, control and monitoring of irregular structures. It includes24 contributions from authors of 13 countries, giving a complete and international view of the problem.

The recent earthquake disasters in Japan and a series of other disasters in the world have highlighted again the need for more reliable geotechnical prediction and better methods for geotechnical design and in particular dealing with geohazards. This book provides a timely review and summaries of the recent advances in theories, analyses and methods for geotechnical predictions and the most up-to-date practices in geotechnical engineering and particularly in dealing with geohazards. A special section on the geotechnical aspects of the recent Tohoku earthquake disaster in Japan is also presented in this book.
Key Features: This book is written by a group of internationally renowned researchers and practioners to honour and mark the 40 years contribution of one of the greatest educators, researchers and engineers in the world, Professor Hideki Ohta, to geotechnical engineering. Professor Ohta is presentlyprofessorat Chou University after his retirement from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan. The book provides some first-hand information on the 2011 Tohuko earthquake disasters in Japan, the most recent update on the theories and methods for geotechnical analyses and predictions, and the latest methods and practices in geotechnical engineering, in particular, dealing with geotechnical hazard. It is a rare occasion for some 30 plus international authorities to write on their best topic that they have been working on for years. The book is a must-have collection for any libraries and professionals in geotechnical engineering.

Concise but comprehensive, "Structural Elements for Architects and Builders" is primarilyfocused onthe design and analysis of structural elements: columns, beams, tension members and their connections. The material is organized into a single, self-sufficient volume, including all necessary data for the preliminary design and analysis of these structural elements in wood, steel, and reinforced concrete.

Every chapter contains insights developed by the author and generally not found elsewhere. Additionally, the Appendices included at the end of the text contain numerous tables and graphs, based on material contained in industry publications, but reorganized and formatted especially for this text to improve clarity and simplicity, without sacrificing comprehensiveness.
Based on the standards and codes from For timber: The American Institute of Timber Construction's (AITC), The American Institute of Steel Construction's (AISC) The American Concrete Institute's (ACI) Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary (ACI 318 and ACI 318R)and the American Society of Civil Engineers
Contains graphs, charts, and tables to solve basic structural design problems
Step-by-step illustrative examples
Cover common connectors such as nails, bolts, and welds
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The increased level of activity on structural health monitoring (SHM) in various universities and research labs has resulted in the development of new methodologies for both identifying the existing damage in structures and predicting the onset of damage that may occur during service. Designers often have to consult a variety of textbooks, journal papers and reports, because many of these methodologies require advanced knowledge of mechanics, dynamics, wave propagation, and material science. Computational Techniques for Structural Health Monitoring gives a one-volume, in-depth introduction to the different computational methodologies available for rapid detection of flaws in structures. Techniques, algorithms and results are presented in a way that allows their direct application. A number of case studies are included to highlight further the practical aspects of the selected topics. Computational Techniques for Structural Health Monitoring also provides the reader with numerical simulation tools that are essential to the development of novel algorithms for the interpretation of experimental measurements, and for the identification of damage and its characterization. Upon reading Computational Techniques for Structural Health Monitoring, graduate students will be able to begin research-level work in the area of structural health monitoring. The level of detail in the description of formulation and implementation also allows engineers to apply the concepts directly in their research.

This is an essential resource and practical guide for anyone working in the field of foundation engineering. Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations is a practical guide for structural and geotechnical engineers as well as graduate students working in foundation engineering. Included are detailed descriptions of practical methods of analysis of various foundations including simple beams on elastic foundations as well as very complex foundations such as mat foundations supported on piles. Methods for fast and easy hand analysis in addition to methods for exact computer analysis are presented. Most of the methods are developed for three soil models: Winkler foundations, elastic half-spaces, and elastic layers. Numerous numerical examples illustrate the applications of these methods.

This book reviews the theoretical framework of nonlinear mechanics, covering computational methods, applications, parametric investigations of nonlinear phenomena and mechanical interpretation towards design. Builds skills via increasing levels of complexity.

The dynamics of the earthquake rupture process are closely related to fault zone properties which the authors have intensively investigated by various observations in the field as well as by laboratory experiments. These include geological investigation of the active and fossil faults, physical and chemical features obtained by the laboratory experiments, as well as the seismological estimation from seismic waveforms. Earthquake dynamic rupture can now be modeled using numerical simulations on the basis of field and laboratory observations, which should be very useful for understanding earthquake rupture dynamics.
Features:
* First overview of new and improved techniques in the study of earthquake faulting
* Broad coverage
* Full color
Benefits:
* A must-have for all geophysicists who work on earthquake dynamics
* Single resource for all aspects of earthquake dynamics (from lab measurements to seismological observations to numerical modelling)
* Bridges the disciplines of seismology, structural geology and rock mechanics
* Helps readers to understand and interpret graphs and maps
Also has potential use as a supplementary resource for upper division and graduate geophysics courses.

Geomaterials exhibit complex but rich mechanical behaviour with a variety of failure modes ranging from diffuse to localized deformation depending on stress, density, microstructure, and loading conditions. These failure modes are a result of an instability of material and/or geometric nature that can be studied within the framework of bifurcation theory. Degradation is another related phenomenon arising from cyclic loading, ageing, weathering, chemical attack, and capillary effects, among others. The methodology of analyzing the various types of instabilities is crucial in the adequate modelling and safe design of numerous problems in geomechanics. The present volume contains a sampling of enlarged versions of papers presented at the International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradations in Geomaterials (IWBDG 2008) held in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, May 28-31, 2008. These papers capture the state-of-the-art in the specialized field of geomechanics and contemporary approaches to solving the central issue of failure. Some engineering applications are presented in the areas of energy resource extraction and soil-machine interaction.

This book provides an insight on advanced methods and concepts for the design and analysis of structures against earthquake loading. This second volume is a collection of 28 chapters written by leading experts in the field of structural analysis and earthquake engineering. Emphasis is given on current state-of-the-art methods and concepts in computing methods and their application in engineering practice. The book content is suitable for both practicing engineers and academics, covering a wide variety of topics in an effort to assist the timely dissemination of research findings for the mitigation of seismic risk. Due to the devastating socioeconomic consequences of seismic events, the topic is of great scientific interest and is expected to be of valuable help to scientists and engineers. The chapters of this volume are extended versions of selected papers presented at the COMPDYN 2011 conference, held in the island of Corfu, Greece, under the auspices of the European Community on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences (ECCOMAS).

This book examines in detail the entire process involved in implementing geotechnical projects, from a well-defined initial stress and deformation state, to the completion of the installation process. The individual chapters provide the fundamental knowledge needed to effectively improve soil-structure interaction models. Further, they present the results of theoretical fundamental research on suitable constitutive models, contact formulations, and efficient numerical implementations and algorithms. Applications of fundamental research on boundary value problems are also considered in order to improve the implementation of the theoretical models developed. Subsequent chapters highlight parametric studies of the respective geotechnical installation process, as well as elementary and large-scale model tests under well-defined conditions, in order to identify the most essential parameters for optimizing the process. The book provides suitable methods for simulating boundary value problems in connection with geotechnical installation processes, offering reliable predictions for the deformation behavior of structures in static contexts or dynamic interaction with the soil.

This book addresses applications of earthquake engineering for both offshore and land-based structures. It is self-contained as a reference work and covers a wide range of topics, including topics related to engineering seismology, geotechnical earthquake engineering, structural engineering, as well as special contents dedicated to design philosophy, determination of ground motions, shock waves, tsunamis, earthquake damage, seismic response of offshore and arctic structures, spatial varied ground motions, simplified and advanced seismic analysis methods, sudden subsidence of offshore platforms, tank liquid impacts during earthquakes, seismic resistance of non-structural elements, and various types of mitigation measures, etc. The target readership includes professionals in offshore and civil engineering, officials and regulators, as well as researchers and students in this field.

This book covers not only practical aspects but also the underlying theoretical approaches. It also covers the fundamentals of rock mechanics. The book addresses not only students but also professionals who are interested to understand the underlying principles and methods and - possibly - to further develop them. Emphasis is given to the mechanical approach rather than to hardly tractable empirical statements. The text is concise and comprises a large list of citations.

This book provides a solid introduction to the foundation and the application of the finite element method in structural analysis. It offers new theoretical insight and practical advice. This second edition contains additional sections on sensitivity analysis, on retrofitting structures, on the Generalized FEM (X-FEM) and on model adaptivity. An additional chapter treats the boundary element method, and related software is available at www.winfem.de.

This book presents and applies a novel efficient meta-heuristic optimization algorithm called Colliding Bodies Optimization (CBO) for various optimization problems. The first part of the book introduces the concepts and methods involved, while the second is devoted to the applications. Though optimal design of structures is the main topic, two chapters on optimal analysis and applications in constructional management are also included. This algorithm is based on one-dimensional collisions between bodies, with each agent solution being considered as an object or body with mass. After a collision of two moving bodies with specified masses and velocities, these bodies again separate, with new velocities. This collision causes the agents to move toward better positions in the search space. The main algorithm (CBO) is internally parameter independent, setting it apart from previously developed meta-heuristics. This algorithm is enhanced (ECBO) for more efficient applications in the optimal design of structures. The algorithms are implemented in standard computer programming languages (MATLAB and C++) and two main codes are provided for ease of use.

All objects and structures transfer their load either directly or indirectly to the earth. The capacity of the earth to support such loads depends on the strength and stability of the supporting soil or rock materials. Pile foundations are the part of a structure used to carry and transfer the load of the structure to the bearing ground located at some depth below ground surface. There are many texts on pile foundations. Generally, these books are complicated and difficult to understand. Easy to use and understand, this book covers virtually every subject concerning pile design, featuring techniques that do not appear in other books on the subject. The book contains design methods with real life examples on pin piles, bater piles, concrete piles, steel piles, timber piles, auger cast piles, underpinning design, seismic pile design, negative skin friction and design of Bitumen coated piles for negative skin friction and many other subjects. The book is packed with design examples, case studies and after construction scenarios are presented for the reader's benefits. This book enables the reader to come away with a complete and comprehensive understanding of the issues related to the design, installation and construction of piles.

* Handy guide for engineers perparing for professional engineer (PE) exam.
* Numerous design examples for sandy soils, clay soils, and seismic loadings
* Methodologies and case studies for different pile types

These proceedings cover the fields of different materials and fatigue of welded joints, thin-walled structures, tubular structures, frames, plates and shells and also incorporate special optimization problems, fire and earthquake resistant design, special applications and applied mechanics, and thus provide an important reference for civil and mechanical engineers, architects, designers and fabricators.
Proceedings cover the fields of different materials and fatigue of welded joints, thin-walled structures, tubular structures, frames, plates and shellsAlso incorporate special optimization problems, fire and earthquake resistant design, special applications and applied mechanicsProvide an important reference for civil and mechanical engineers, architects, designers and fabricators

There are a large and ever-increasing number of structures and buildings worldwide that are in need of refurbishment, rehabilitation and strengthening. The retrofitting of beams and slabs for this purpose is now recognized as the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method of carrying out this essential renovation work.
The authors of Design of FRP and Steel Plated RC Structures are both acknowledged world experts on these techniques and their book has been designed to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the established techniques and their applications as well as thorough coverage of newly emerging methodologies and their uses. The comparison of FRP and steel is a particular focus and the authors provide practical examples of where one material might be used in preference to another. Indeed practical, worked examples of how, when, and why specific solutions have been chosen in real-world situations are used throughout the text and provide the user with invaluable insights into the decision-making process and its technical background. Just as importantly these examples make the understanding and application of these techniques easier to understand for the student and the practitioner. The book is international in appeal, as while no reference is made to specific local codes the authors' approach always follows that of the more advanced structural codes worldwide. As such it will remain an essential resource for many years to come.
Design of FRP and Steel Plated RC Structures is an important reference for a broad range of researchers, students and practitioners including civil engineers and contractors, architects, designers and builders.
-Contains detailed worked examples throughout to aid understanding and provide technical insight
- Covers all types of metal plates and all types of FRP plates
- Uses design philosophies that can be used with any mathematical model
- Provides coverage of all main international guidelines

This straightforward text, primer and reference introduces the theoretical, testing and control aspects of structural dynamics and vibration, as practised in industry today.
Written by an expert engineer of over 40 years experience, the book comprehensively opens up the dynamic behavior of structures and provides engineers and students with a comprehensive practice based understanding of the key aspects of this key engineering topic.
Key features
Worked example based makes it a thoroughly practical resource
Aimed at those studying to enter, and already working in industry;
Presents an applied practice and testing based approach while remaining grounded in the theory of the topic
Makes the topic as easy to read as possible, omitting no steps in the development of the subject;
Includes the use of computer based modelling techniques and finite elements
Covers theory, modelling testing and control in practice
Written with the needs of engineers of a wide range of backgrounds in mind, this book will be a key resource for those studying structural dynamics and vibration at undergraduate level for the first time in aeronautical, mechanical, civil and automotive engineering. It will be ideal for laboratory classes and as a primer for readers returning to the subject, or coming to it fresh at graduate level.
It is a guide for students to keep and for practicing engineers to refer to: its worked example approach ensures that engineers will turn to Thorby for advice in many engineering situations.
1.Presents students and practitioners in all branches of engineering with a unique structural dynamics resource and primer, covering practical approaches to vibration engineering while remaining grounded in the theory of the topic
2.Written by a leading industry expert, with a worked example lead approach for clarity and ease of understanding
3.Makes the topic as easy to read as possible, omitting no steps in the development of the subject; covers computer based techniques and finite elements"

Over the past 50 years, strain gradient material theories have been developed for the continuum modeling of size effects in materials and structures in terms of their elasticity, plasticity and fracturing. This book puts forward a unifying perspective to combine existing theories involving the higher order gradient of the strain tensor, or of plastic strain. It begins by reviewing experimental findings on the existence (or non-existence) of size effects on the mechanics of materials. In turn, the book devises first, second and higher order strain gradient theories from general principles, and presents constitutive frameworks that satisfy thermodynamic requirements. The special case of strain gradient plasticity is then developed and illustrated via computational analyses of size effects on the plasticity of metals at small scales. In closing, the book explains the origin of gradient effects in the case of lattice structures by drawing on homogenization theory.

This book presents state-of-the-art information on seismic ground response analysis, and is not only very valuable and useful for practitioners but also for researchers. The topics covered are related to the stages of analysis: 1. Input parameter selection, by reviewing the in-situ and laboratory tests used to determine dynamic soil properties as well as the methods to compile and model the dynamic soil properties from literature;2. Input ground motion; 3. Theoretical background on the equations of motion and methods for solving them; 4. The mechanism of damping and how this is modeled in the equations of motions; 5. Detailed analysis and discussion of results of selected case studies which provide valuable information on the problem of seismic ground response analysis from both a theoretical and practical point of view.

Graph theory gained initial prominence in science and engineering through its strong links with matrix algebra and computer science. Moreover, the structure of the mathematics is well suited to that of engineering problems in analysis and design. The methods of analysis in this book employ matrix algebra, graph theory and meta-heuristic algorithms, which are ideally suited for modern computational mechanics. Efficient methods are presented that lead to highly sparse and banded structural matrices. The main features of the book include: application of graph theory for efficient analysis; extension of the force method to finite element analysis; application of meta-heuristic algorithms to ordering and decomposition (sparse matrix technology); efficient use of symmetry and regularity in the force method; and simultaneous analysis and design of structures.

In an era where climate change, natural catastrophes and land degradation are major issues, the conservation of soil and vegetation in mountainous or sloping regions has become an international priority. How to avoid substrate mass movement through landslides and erosion using sustainable and ecologically sound techniques is rapidly becoming a scientific domain where knowledge from many different fields is required. These proceedings bring together papers from geotechnical and civil engineers, biologists, ecologists and foresters, who discuss current problems in slope stability research, and how to address those problems using ground bio- and eco-engineering techniques.