Reliability and risk analysis : Vol. 2: Experimental and numerical methods in earthquake engineering

This book is based on the lecture notes prepared for the advanced course on experimental and numerical methods in earthquake engineering held at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the Commission of the European Communities, Ispra Establishment, in October 1991. The topic of the course was chosen to coincide with the setting up of an integrated eu ropean programme on the response of civil engineering structures to severe earthquake loading, in collaboration with the European Association of Structural Mechanics Labora tories. This association was formed to help define and carry out the programme in such a way as to maximise the benefits to be obtained from the use of the large "Reaction-Wall" facility currently nearing completion at the JRC. The book presents a state-of-the-art exposition of experimental techniques and computa tional methods for the analysis of the non-linear response of complex structures subjected to severe dynamic loading, the emphasis being on the simulation of earthquake behaviour. On the experimental side the various techniques in use in earthquake engineering are investi gated, demonstrating their complementarity. Methods range from quasi-static displacement control to real-time dynamic loading, using shaking-tables for laboratory testing or ambi ent loading in the field. In particular a detailed study of the pseudo-dynamic test (PDT) method is presented. This comparatively new method, invented in Japan, is under active development also in the USA and Europe. A PDT test is one which, although carried out quasi-statically, uses on-line computer calculation and control together with experimental measurement of structural properties to generate a realistic simulation of the dynamic be haviour of the structure. Recent developments in numerical methods for representing the nonlinear cyclic behaviour of structures are also described. This includes a discussion of advanced constitutive models for concrete and masonry based on plasticity and damage mechanics concepts, as well as "member-type" models simulating the overall behaviour of various types of structural ele ments. The book should prove of interest to engineers and scientists engaged in research and development activities in structural engineering, as well as to designers of structures in various fields, such as civil, mechanical, nuclear and off-shore engineering. We wish to thank the authors and course lecturers for their efforts. Also we would like to express our appreciation to all those who have supported the idea of integrating earth quake engineering research in Europe, in the hope that we can make a major contribution to progress in the field of structural safety.