Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering

This book includes many topics in the theory of structural dynamics and applications of this theory to earthquake analysis, response, and design of structures. No prior knowledge of structural dynamics is assumed. The presentation is sufficiently detailed and integrated to make the book suitable for self-study by interested parties, as well as, professional engineers.FEATURES: * Relates the structural idealizations studied to the properties of real structures. * Presents the theory of dynamic response of structures in a manner that emphasizes physical insight into the analytical procedures. * Illustrates applications of the theory to solutions of problems motivated by practical applications. * Interprets the theoretical results to understand the response of structures to various dynamic excitations, with emphasis on earthquake excitation. * Applies structural dynamics theory to conduct parametric studies that bring out several fundamental issues in the earthquake response and design of multistory buildings. * Illustrates analytical procedures by over 100 worked out examples. * Includes over 400 figures that have been carefully designed and executed to be pedagogically effective. * Photographs of structures and their responses recorded during earthquakes are included to relate the presentation to the real world.