Earthquake Spectra

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.

Prepared by the Earthquake Investigations Committee of the Technical Council of Lifeline Earthquake Engineering ASCE. This TCLEE Monograph summarizes the damage done to various lifelines from the 6.8 Mw earthquake that occurred in the coastal waters off the Boumerdes Department, east of Algiers, Algeria, on May 21, 2003. An estimated 2,266 people were killed, 10,260 injured, and more than 200,000 left homeless. Many of the three- to five-story reinforced concrete apartment buildings, less than three years old, were destroyed by either total or partial collapse. Topics include: geosciences and geotechnical engineering; general building damage; potable water systems; power systems; the highway system; ports and airports; railroads; communication systems; oil and liquid fuels; hospitals; and emergency response. Readers will benefit from the lessons learned sections, which analyze other lifeline systems and compare expected earthquake performance, thus helping to minimize damage, save money, and reduce recovery time.

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.

Prepared by the Council on Disaster Reduction and Earthquake Investigation Committee of Technical Council on Lifeline Earthquake Engineering of ASCE. This TCLEE Monograph details the effects of two earthquakes that occurred in El Salvador on January 13 and February 13, 2001. The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6, and the second had a magnitude of 6.6. Catastrophic damage was estimated at $1.6 billion. Significant lifeline disruption was the result of landslides, which closed the major Pan American Highway and the highway to the international airport and disrupted power, communication, street lighting, roads and water systems.

Learn from the personal experience and insights of leading earthquake engineering specialists as they examine the lessons from disasters of the last 30 years and propose a path to earthquake safety worldwide Why Do Buildings Collapse in Earthquakes?: Building for Safety in Seismic Areas delivers an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the key lessons taught by building failures during earthquakes around the world. The book uses empirical evidence to describe the successes of earthquake engineering and disaster preparedness, as well as the failures that may have had tragic consequences. Readers will learn what makes buildings in earthquake zones vulnerable, what can be done to design, build and maintain those buildings to reduce or eliminate that vulnerability, and what can be done to protect building occupants. Those who are responsible for the lives and safety of building occupants and visitors - architects, designers, engineers, and building owners or managers - will learn how to provide adequate safety in earthquake zones. The text offers useful and accessible answers to anyone interested in natural disasters generally and those who have specific concerns about the impact of earthquakes on the built environment. Readers will benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to how buildings have behaved in earthquakes, including a description of the world’s most lethal earthquakes and the fatality trend over time An exploration of how buildings are constructed around the world, including considerations of the impact of climate and seismicity on home design A discussion of what happens during an earthquake, including the types and levels of ground motion, landslides, tsunamis, and sequential effects, and how different types of buildings tend to behave in response to those phenomena What different stakeholders can do to improve the earthquake safety of their buildings The owners and managers of buildings in earthquake zones and those responsible for the safety of people who occupy or visit them will find Why Do Buildings Collapse in Earthquakes? Building for Safety in Seismic Areas essential reading, as will all architects, designers and engineers who design or refurbish buildings in earthquake zones.