Earthquakes and Engineers An International History; The head of the Oral History Series at the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) by Robert K Reitherman

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Reitherman, Robert K, Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Earthquake engineering--History.

Earthquake engineering.

Engineering.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (764 p.)

Place of Publication:

Reston, Va. : American Society of Civil Engineers, c2011.

Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 2012, c2012

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Earthquakes and Engineers: An International History is the first comprehensive treatment of the engineering techniques devised around the world to address seismic problems. Beginning in ancient times, threading through the Renaissance, and continuing into the latter half of the 20th century, Reitherman traces the evolution of humankind's understanding of the cause and characteristics of earthquakes and the development of methods to design structures that resist seismic shocks. This book examines the responses not only of structural engineers, but also of geotechnical engineers, architects, and planners. International efforts in such countries as Japan, China, India, Chile, Turkey, Italy, and the United States are placed in the broader social, technological, and economic contexts of their eras. This highly readable book is an essential reference for civil engineers who work on projects in seismic regions. For researchers in the field of the history of science and technology, the book presents original source material and an extensive list of references. Written in a straightforward style that is accessible to nonengineers, it will also be valuable to architects, planners, officials, and social scientists.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Approaches to Earthquake Engineering History; Chapter 2 The Complexities of Earthquake Engineering; Chapter 3 Ancient Understanding and Misunderstanding; Chapter 4 Beginnings of the Modern Scientific Approach: Renaissance to 1850; Chapter 5 The First Seismologists and Earthquake Engineers: The Nineteenth Century; Chapter 6 1900-1940: Poised for Further Development but Lacking Essential Analytical Tools; Chapter 7 1940-1960: Major Advances in Understanding and Design; Chapter 8 1960-2000: Computers, Instruments, and Apparatus Provide Needed Analysis and Design Tools; Chapter 9 1960–2000: The Construction Industry Introduces New Innovations and Challenges; Chapter 10 1960–2000: Universities and Research Institutes Provide the Well-Educated Experts for a Growing Field; Chapter 11 1960–2000: Special Design Problems Provide Continuing Motivation for Innovation; Chapter 12 1960–2000: Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Enters Its Growth Phase; Chapter 13 1960–2000: Probabilistic Approaches; Chapter 14 1960–2000: Increasing Funding, Regulations, and Public Expectations Provide Support for a Maturing Field; Epilogue: The Future of Earthquake Engineering History; Appendix Earthquake Engineering History as Delineated by Significant Earthquakes

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Print version record.

ISBN:

0-7844-7635-7

OCLC:

811408143