Nonlinear Dynamics of Structures Under Extreme Transient Loads

The effect of combined extreme transient loadings on a structure is
not well understood - whether the source is man-made, such as an
explosion and fire, or natural, as an earthquake or extreme wind
loading. A critical assessment of current knowledge is timely (with
Fukushima-like disasters or terrorist threats).

The central issue in all these problems is structural integrity, along
with their transient nature, their unexpectedness, and often the
uncertainty behind their cause. No single traditional scientific
discipline provides full answer, but a number of tools need to be
brought together: nonlinear dynamics, probability theory, some
understanding of the physical nature of the problem, as well as
modeling and computational techniques for representing inelastic
behavior mechanisms.

The book covers model building for different engineering structures
and provides detailed presentations of extreme loading conditions, A
number of illustrations are given: quantifying a plane crash or
explosion induced impact loading, quantifying the effects of strong
earthquake motion, quantifying the impact and long-duration effects of
strong stormy winds - along with a relevant framework for using modern
computational tools. The book considers the levels of reserve in
existing structures, and ways of reducing the negative impact of
high-risk situations by employing sounder design procedures.