ABSTRACT: The concepts and procedures underlying modern earthquake engineering ae described. This paper provides a study of the introductory material on engineering analysis, and the seismic design procedures for buildings.

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.

New developments in the response spectrum method have led to calculations in seismic stresses that are more accurate, and usually lower, than those obtained by conventional methods. This new textbook examines the wealth of information on the response spectrum method generated by the latest research and presents the background theory in simplified form. Applications of these methods is essential in the seismic design of critical structures, such as nuclear power plants and petroleum facilities. In new construction, the reduced seismic stresses will result in efficient and economic design. For facilities already built, these more accurate methods can be used where the facility is being reassessed for higher loads and in the calculation of margins. Written by an acknowledged expert in this and related fields, this volume is ideal as a graduate text for courses in structural and earthquake engineering. It is also an excellent reference for civil, structural, mechanical, and earthquake engineers.

This volume comprises papers presented at the China-US Millennium Symposium on Earthquake Engineering, held in Beijing, China, on November 8-11, 2000. This conference provides a forum for advancing the field of earthquake engineering through multi-lateral cooperation.

This handbook contains up-to-date existing structures, computer applications, and infonnation on planning, analysis, and design seismic design of wood structures. A new and very useful feature of this edition of earthquake-resistant building structures. Its intention is to provide engineers, architects, is the inclusion of a companion CD-ROM disc developers, and students of structural containing the complete digital version of the handbook itself and the following very engineering and architecture with authoritative, yet practical, design infonnation. It represents important publications: an attempt to bridge the persisting gap between l. UBC-IBC (1997-2000) Structural advances in the theories and concepts of Comparisons and Cross References, ICBO, earthquake-resistant design and their 2000. implementation in seismic design practice. 2. NEHRP Guidelines for the Seismic The distinguished panel of contributors is Rehabilitation of Buildings, FEMA-273, Federal Emergency Management Agency, composed of 22 experts from industry and universities, recognized for their knowledge and 1997. extensive practical experience in their fields. 3. NEHRP Commentary on the Guidelinesfor They have aimed to present clearly and the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings, FEMA-274, Federal Emergency concisely the basic principles and procedures pertinent to each subject and to illustrate with Management Agency, 1997. practical examples the application of these 4. NEHRP Recommended Provisions for principles and procedures in seismic design Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and practice. Where applicable, the provisions of Older Structures, Part 1 - Provisions, various seismic design standards such as mc FEMA-302, Federal Emergency 2000, UBC-97, FEMA-273/274 and ATC-40 Management Agency, 1997.