This book introduces readers to the fundamental properties and practical applications of shape memory alloys (SMAs) from the perspective of seismic engineering. It objectively discusses the superiority of this novel class of materials, which could potentially overcome the limitations of conventional seismic control technologies. The results, vividly presented in the form of tables and figures, are demonstrated with rigorous experimental verifications, supplemented by comprehensive numerical and analytical investigations. The book allows readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the working mechanisms of various SMA-based structural devices and members, including beam-to-column connections, dampers, and braces, while also providing them with a broader vision of next-generation, performance-based seismic design for novel adaptive structural systems. Helping to bridge the gap between material science and structural engineering, it also sheds light on the potential of commercializing SMA products in the construction industry. The cutting-edge research highlighted here provides technical incentives for design professionals, contractors, and building officials to use high-performance and smart materials in structural design, helping them stay at the forefront of construction technology.

This anthology of scholarly essays on climate change, sustainable development, and human security presents a comprehensive analysis of severe global warming and its potential to impact all aspects of human life and security. It has been observed that climate change will most drastically impact poor tropical regions of the world for various reasons. The main focus of this collection of essays is to analyze the pro and cons of the global warming and climate change debate among scholars, policymakers, and scientists, as well as to examine the potential adverse impact of global warming/climate change on social and economic development and human security (food, health, immigration etc.). Much controversy exists on the topic, and many scientific reports issued by think tanks, United Nations, groups of scientists, NGOs, environmentalists, and policymakers are concerned about it. An extensive discussion and review of literature sets the tone and framework for the volume, and facilitates the volume's analyses of the relationship between prevailing climate change/global warming models and their ability to provide us information on the topic. Exclusion of North America is deliberate; included are case studies from countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

This book introduces readers to the fundamental properties and practical applications of shape memory alloys (SMAs) from the perspective of seismic engineering. It objectively discusses the superiority of this novel class of materials, which could potentially overcome the limitations of conventional seismic control technologies. The results, vividly presented in the form of tables and figures, are demonstrated with rigorous experimental verifications, supplemented by comprehensive numerical and analytical investigations. The book allows readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the working mechanisms of various SMA-based structural devices and members, including beam-to-column connections, dampers, and braces, while also providing them with a broader vision of next-generation, performance-based seismic design for novel adaptive structural systems. Helping to bridge the gap between material science and structural engineering, it also sheds light on the potential of commercializing SMA products in the construction industry. The cutting-edge research highlighted here provides technical incentives for design professionals, contractors, and building officials to use high-performance and smart materials in structural design, helping them stay at the forefront of construction technology.