Asymptotic Approximations for Probability Integrals


Book Description

This book gives a self-contained introduction to the subject of asymptotic approximation for multivariate integrals for both mathematicians and applied scientists. A collection of results of the Laplace methods is given. Such methods are useful for example in reliability, statistics, theoretical physics and information theory. An important special case is the approximation of multidimensional normal integrals. Here the relation between the differential geometry of the boundary of the integration domain and the asymptotic probability content is derived. One of the most important applications of these methods is in structural reliability. Engineers working in this field will find here a complete outline of asymptotic approximation methods for failure probability integrals.




Structural and System Reliability


Book Description

Offers a modern, rigorous and comprehensive treatment of the subject using numerous well-designed examples and end-of-chapter problems.




FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL DYNAMICS AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING


Book Description

The majority of the cases of earthquake damage to buildings, bridges, and other retaining structures are influenced by soil and ground conditions. To address such phenomena, Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering is the appropriate discipline. This textbook presents the fundamentals of Soil Dynamics, combined with the basic principles, theories and methods of Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. It is designed for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students in Civil Engineering & Architecture. The text will also be useful to young faculty members, practising engineers and consultants. Besides, teachers will find it a useful reference for preparation of lectures and for designing short courses in Soil Dynamics and Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. The book first presents the theory of vibrations and dynamics of elastic system as well as the fundamentals of engineering seismology. With this background, the readers are introduced to the characteristics of Strong Ground Motion, and Deterministic and Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The risk analysis and the reliability process of geotechnical engineering are presented in detail. An in-depth study of dynamic soil properties and the methods of their determination provide the basics to tackle the dynamic soil–structure interaction problems. Practical problems of dynamics of beam–foundation systems, dynamics of retaining walls, dynamic earth pressure theory, wave propagation and liquefaction of soil are treated in detail with illustrative examples.







Flow-Induced Vibrations


Book Description

Despite their variety, the vibration phenomena from many different engineering fields can be classified into a relatively few basic excitation mechanisms. The classification enables engineers to identify all possible sources of excitation in a given system and to assess potential dangers. This graduate-level text presents a synthesis of research results and practical experience from disparate fields in the form of engineering guidelines. It is particularly geared toward assessing the possible sources of excitation in a flow system, in identifying the actual danger spots, and in finding appropriate remedial measures or cures. Flow-induced vibrations are presented in terms of their basic elements: body oscillators, fluid oscillators, and sources of excitation. By stressing these basic elements, the authors provide a basis for the transfer of knowledge from one system to another, as well as from one engineering field to another. In this manner, well-known theories on cylinders in cross-flow or well-executed solutions from the field of wind engineering--to name just two examples--may be useful in other systems or fields on which information is scarce. The unified approach is broad enough to permit treatment of the major excitation mechanism, yet simple enough to be of practical use.




Vibration of Buildings to Wind and Earthquake Loads


Book Description

Recent advances in the development of high strength materials, coupled with more advanced computational methods and design procedures, have led to a new generation of tall and slender buildings. These structures are very sensitive to the most common dynamic loads; wind and earthquakes. The primary requirement for a successful design is to provide safety while taking into account serviceability requirements. This book provides a well-balanced and broad coverage of the information needed for the design of structural systems for wind- and earthquake-resistant buildings. It covers topics such as the basic concepts in structural dynamics and structural systems, the assessment of wind and earthquake loads acting on the system, the evaluation of the system response to such dynamic loads and the design for extreme loading. The text is generously illustrated and supported by numerical examples and will be of great interest to practising engineers and researchers in structural, civil and design engineering and also to architects. The author has drawn on his experience as a teacher, researcher and consultant.




Flow-induced Vibrations: an Engineering Guide


Book Description

Designed for engineers, this work considers flow-induced vibrations. It covers topics such as body oscillators; fluid loading and response of body oscillators; fluid oscillators; vibrations due to extraneously-induced excitation; and vibrations due to instability-induced excitation.