In the last few decades, a considerable amount of experimental and analytical research on the seismic behaviour of masonry walls and buildings has been carried out. The investigations resulted in the development of methods for seismic analysis and design, as well as new technologies and construction systems. After many centuries of traditional use and decades of allowable stress design, clear concepts for limit state verification of masonry buildings under earthquake loading have recently been introduced in codes of practice.Although this book is not a review of the state-of-the-art of masonry structures in earthquake zones, an attempt has been made to balance the discussion on recent code requirements, state-of-the-art methods of earthquake-resistant design and the author's research work, in order to render the book useful for a broader application in design practice. An attempt has also been made to present, in a condensed but easy to understand way, all the information needed for earthquake-resistant design of masonry buildings constructed using traditional systems. The basic concepts of limit state verification are presented and equations for seismic resistance verification of masonry walls of all types of construction, (unreinforced, confined and reinforced) as well as masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frames, are addressed. A method for seismic resistance verification, compatible with recent code requirements, is also discussed. In all cases, experimental results are used to explain the proposed methods and equations.An important part of this book is dedicated to the discussion of the problems of repair, retrofit and rehabilitation of existing masonry buildings, including historical structures in urban centres. Methods of strengthening masonry walls as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings are described in detail. Wherever possible, experimental evidence regarding the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening methods is given.

The overall objective of this work program is to enhance the awareness of the public against vulnerability of upcoming earthquakes. The specific objective of this work is: “To make our students capable to design a regular building independently”. The above-mentioned specific goal is achieved with the help of following three tasks (defining the scope of current work): i) To calculate the external stability checks problem ii) To design the superstructure of the building project by using SAP (Structure analysis program) software, in order to create and analyze FEM (Finite Element Model). The analysis results will be used for the drawings of structural members of the building. iii) To Design the substructure of the building project by using SAFE software. The analysis results of the building foundation will be used for the structural drawings of isolated footings.

This well recognized and established book, a companion volume to the author’s book on Building Materials, explains the basics of building construction practices in an accessible style. It discusses in detail every element of building construction from start to the finish—from site preparation to provision of services (such as water supply, drainage and electricity supply). Besides, the text describes acoustics and maintenance of buildings, which are important considerations in building construction. This book is primarily designed as an introductory text for undergraduate students of civil engineering as well as those pursuing diploma courses in civil engineering and architecture. Practicing engineers and any person who has a keen interest in the construction and maintenance of his/her own building will also find the book very helpful.

The second volume in a projected series on dynamic analysis and earthquake resistant design, this text includes topics such as: dynamic analysis of soil-structure interaction system, rupture of ground due to earthquake and its prediciton, basic method response calculations and nonlinear problems.

The subject of earthquake engineering has been the focus of my teaching and research for many years. Thus, when Mario Paz, the editor of this handbook, asked me to write a Foreword, I was interested and honored by his request. Worldwide, people are beginning to understand the severity of the danger to present and future generations caused by the destruction of the environment. Earthquakes pose a similar threat; thus, the proper use of methods for earthquake-resistant design and construction is vitally important for countries that are at high risk of being subjected to strong-motion earthquakes. Most seismic activity is the result of tectonic earthquakes. Tectonic earthquakes are very special events in that, although they occur frequently, their probability of becoming natural hazards for a specific urban area is very small. When a severe earthquake does occur near an urban area, however, its consequences are very large in terms of structural destruction and human suffering.

Recent advances in the development of high strength materials, coupled with more advanced computational methods and design procedures, have led to a new generation of tall and slender buildings. These structures are very sensitive to the most common dynamic loads; wind and earthquakes. The primary requirement for a successful design is to provide safety while taking into account serviceability requirements. This book provides a well-balanced and broad coverage of the information needed for the design of structural systems for wind- and earthquake-resistant buildings. It covers topics such as the basic concepts in structural dynamics and structural systems, the assessment of wind and earthquake loads acting on the system, the evaluation of the system response to such dynamic loads and the design for extreme loading. The text is generously illustrated and supported by numerical examples and will be of great interest to practising engineers and researchers in structural, civil and design engineering and also to architects. The author has drawn on his experience as a teacher, researcher and consultant.

The problem of protecting the built environment in earthquake-prone regions of the world involves not only the optimal design and construction of new facilities, but also the upgrading and rehabilitation of existing structures and infrastructures. The latter is a laborious and expensive task, which can be accomplished only gradually. However, the inestimable loss of life and the colossal costs following a major earthquake in a metropolitan area provide sufficient reason to make it an important challenge for the scientific and technical community.Containing papers presented at the Sixth International Conference on Earthquake Resistance and Engineering Structures, this book will be invaluable to engineers, scientists and managers working in industry, academia, research organizations and governments. The book encompasses a wide range of topics such as: Site Effects and Geotechnical aspects; Earthquake resistant design; Seismic Behaviour and Vulnerability; Structural Dynamics; Monitoring and Testing; Bridges; Heritage Buildings; Masonry Construction; Retrofitting; Passive Protection Devices and Seismic Isolation; Lifelines; Design Codes and Response Spectre.

Building Construction covers the entire process of building construction in detail, from the stage of planning and foundation building to the finishing stages like plastering, painting, electricity supply and woodwork. Each of the basic components of a building are covered separately, including doors, windows, floors, roof, walls, partitions, as are the basic finishing works like plumbing, damp-proofing, ventilation, air conditioning and so on. Essential features of construction like accoustics, fire-resistance and earthquake-resistant design are also covered. In keeping with contemporary needs, the book also inlcudes a chapter on the environmental impact of a building and how to make it green. The text, presented in simple, precise and reader-friendly language, is amply supported by figures and tables. Together with its companion volume, Building Materials, the book will meet the academic requirements of degree, as well as diploma courses in civil engineering and architecture.