Zembaty Z., De Stefano M. (Eds.) Seismic Behaviour and Design of Irregular and Complex Civil Structures II

Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 2016, 346 p., ISBN: 978-3-319-14245-6Structural regularity was a logical preference for traditional civil engineering design when the hand, static calculations motivated early researchers to simplify structural models. What is more, application of the simplified separate, planar models of the actual three-dimensional structures in most cases resulted in a conservative design. However, when it comes to modern structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, the results of similar simplifications are quite the opposite. The actual three-dimensional seismic response of irregular structures generates substantial additional design burdens compared to the results of direct applications of simple planar, code formulas. The same is true when it comes to complications in the seismic load models resulting from the wave propagation effects, i.e. spatial, non-uniform excitations or rotational ground motion. To address such formulated research aims, contributions coming from modern seismology are also required. In most cases, accounting for these effects will increase the seismic design load. Nonlinear effects during strong motion excitations, as well as modern passive and active control of irregular structures, require yet more advanced research methodology.Furthermore, major seismic codes are still in the need of improvement regarding both regularity criteria and analysis methods. That is why these effects are being intensively studied.This book presents a second collection of the state-of-the-art papers devoted to these subjects and published within the framework of the Springer Geotechnical, Geological and Earthquake Engineering series. The first book1 appeared in 2013 and had a positive response, particularly from the earthquake engineering community. The second volume contains 30 reviewed and edited contributions presented during the 7th European Workshop on the Seismic Behaviour of Irregular and Complex Structures, which took place in Opole, Poland, on October 17–18, 2014.The book consists of 30 chapters and is divided into 3 parts:
The first part, devoted to the complexity issues of ground motion modelled as wave propagation effect, consists of seven papers referring to seismic engineering and modern seismology issues.
The second part, consisting of 20 chapters, covers the key area of structural irregularity effects on seismic response, both the horizontal ones, leading to structural torsion and vertical setbacks often leading to the amplification of the overall seismic response.
The third part consists of three papers devoted to active and passive control of the irregular structures.