Page 11 - Dynamic Loading and Design of Structures

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An introductory chapter (Chapter 1) gives the probabilistic background, which is more or
less common for all types of loads, and particularly important in the case of dynamic loads.
This is followed by a chapter (Chapter 2) on analysis of structures for dynamic loading,
making clear the common concepts underlying the treatment of all dynamic loads, and the
corresponding analytical techniques.
The main part of the book includes Chapters 3–9, describing the most common types of
dynamic loads, i.e. those due to wind (Chapter 3), earthquake (Chapter 4), waves (Chapter 5),
explosion and impact (Chapter 6), human movement (Chapter 7), traffic (Chapter 8), and
machinery (Chapter 9). In each chapter the origin of the corresponding dynamic loading is
first explained, followed by a description of its effect on structures, and the way it is
introduced in their design. The latter is supplemented by reference to the most pertinent code
provisions and an explanation of the conceptual framework of these codes. All these chapters
include long lists of references, to which the reader can make recourse for obtaining more
specific information that cannot be accommodated in this book that encompasses all types of
dynamic loading.
A final chapter (Chapter 10) deals with the more advanced topic of random vibration
analysis, which nevertheless is indispensable in understanding the analytical formulations
presented in some other chapters, in particular Chapters 3 and 5.
The book is aimed primarily at practising engineers, working in consultancy firms and
construction companies, both in the UK and overseas, and involved in the design of civil
engineering structures for various types of dynamic loads. Depending on the type of loading
addressed, an attempt was made to present code provisions both from the European
perspective (Eurocodes, British Standards) and the North American one (UBC, NBC), so the
book should be of interest to most people involved in design for dynamic loading worldwide.
The book also aims at research students (MSc and PhD programmes) working on various
aspects of dynamic loading and analysis. With regard to MSc courses, it has to be clarified
that Loading is typically a part of several, quite different, courses, rather than a course on its
own (although courses like ‘Loading and Safety’ and ‘Earthquake Loading’, do currently exist
in the UK and abroad). This explains to a certain extent the fact that, to the best of the editor’s
knowledge, no comprehensive book dealing with all important types of dynamic loading has
appeared so far. The present book is meant as a recommended textbook for several existing
courses given by both Structural Sections and Hydraulics Sections of Civil Engineering
Departments.
The contributors to the book are all distinguished scientists, rated among the top few in the
corresponding fields at an international level. They come mostly from the European academic
community but also include people from leading design firms and/or with long experience in
the design of structures against dynamic loads.
Putting together and working with the international team of authors that was indispensable
for writing a book of such a wide scope, was a major challenge and experience for the editor,
who would like to thank all of them for their most valuable contributions. Some of the
contributors, as well as some former (at