Structural failure and prevention during catastrophic wind events

Abstract

Structural engineers face a new challenge in the new millennium. Rapid climatic changes affect dramatically the role of modern structural designer who is facing natural hazards closer than ever. Structures are subjected to several types of loads and structural engineers have the responsibility of a safe and economic design. Most of these loads are dynamic and/or random (earthquake, wind, snow etc.) and engineers need to make structures withstand the most critical of them. Climate instability influences directly the engineering society which needs to adjust to the unexpected and severe natural catastrophic events. [excerpt from Introduction]