Preface
The primary objective of this new edition of the CRCHandbook of Structural Engineeringis to provide
advanced students and practicing engineers with a useful reference to gain knowledge from and seek
solutions to a broad spectrum of structural engineering problems. The myriad of topics covered in this
handbook will serve as a good resource for readers to review standard practice and to keep abreast of new
developments in thefield.
Since the publication of thefirst edition, a number of new and exciting developments have
emerged in thefield of structural engineering. Advanced analysis for structural design, performance-
based design of earthquake resistant structures, life cycle evaluation, and condition assessment of
existing structures, the use of high-performance materials for construction, and design forfire safety
are some examples. Likewise, a number of design specifications and codes have been revised by the
respective codification committees to re flect our increased understanding of structural behavior. All
these developments and changes have been implemented in this new edition. In addition to
updating, expanding, and rearranging some of the existing chapters to make the book more
informative and cohesive, the following topics have been added to the new edition: fundamental
theories of structural dynamics; advanced analysis; wind and earthquake resistant design; design of
prestressed concrete, masonry, timber, and glass structures; properties, behavior, and use of high-
performance steel, concrete, andfiber-reinforced polymers; semirigid frame structures; life cycle
evaluation and condition assessment of existing structures; structural bracing; and structural design
forfire safety. The inclusion of these new chapters should enhance the comprehensiveness of the
handbook.
For ease of reading, the chapters are divided into six sections. Section I presents fundamental prin-
ciples of structural analysis for static and dynamic loads. Section II addresses deterministic and prob-
abilistic design theories and describes their applications for the design of structures using different
construction materials. Section III discusses high-performance materials and their applications for
structural design and rehabilitation. Section IV introduces the principles and practice of seismic and
performance-based design of buildings and bridges. Section V is a collection of chapters that address the
behavior, analysis, and design of various special structures such as multistory rigid and semirigid frames,
short- and long-span bridges, cooling towers, as well as tunnel and glass structures. Section VI is
a miscellany of topics of interest to structural engineers. In this section are included materials related to
connections, effective length factors, bracing,floor system, fatigue, fracture, passive and active control,
life cycle evaluation, condition assessment, andfire safety.
Like its previous edition, this handbook stresses practical applications and emphasizes easy
implementations of the materials presented. To avoid lengthy and tedious derivations, many
equations, tables, and charts are given in passing without much substantiation. Nevertheless, a
succinct discussion of the essential elements is often given to allow readers to gain a better
understanding of the underlying theory, and many chapters have extensive reference and reading
lists and websites appended at the end for engineers and designers who seek additional or more
in-depth information. While all chapters in this handbook are meant to be sufficiently independent
of one another, and can be perused withoutfirst having proficiency in the materials presented
in other chapters, some prerequisite knowledge of the fundamentals of structures is presupposed.
This handbook is the product of a cumulative effort from an international group of academicians and
practitioners, who are authorities in theirfields, graciously sharing their extensive knowledge and
invaluable expertise with the structural engineering profession. The authors of the various chapters in