Earthquakes can cause immense structural and nonstructural damage to buildings and injury to the occupants of these buildings. This course introduces seismic mitigation with an overview of earthquakes and their effects. This course is the first of a series of six courses that focuses on seismic mitigation. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2021 edition is a substantial update of the original Seismic course first published in 2017.

Earthquakes can cause immense structural and nonstructural damage to buildings and injury to the occupants of these buildings. Through the use of case examples, the seismic vulnerability of a range of common building types and the underlying causes of their failures in the event of an earthquake are reviewed. This course is the second of a series of six courses that focuses on seismic mitigation. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2021 edition is a substantial update of the original Seismic course first published in 2017.

The forensic investigation of buildings and infrastructure has been extensively conducted by engineers, architects, and scientists after every recent major earthquake that has impacted the built environment. This course focuses on how architects can use the analysis and documentation of the effects of seismic movements to design for better seismic response. Included is a discussion of a general design approach for improved seismic response and a review of various design improvements using building design cases. This is the third course in a series of six courses on seismic mitigation. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2021 edition is a substantial update of the original Seismic course first published in 2017.

While the traditional approach to seismic mitigation focused on strengthening building resistance, in recent times more advanced techniques have tended to focus on reducing the level of earthquake-related stress placed on buildings. Through the use of building case examples, this course explores how architects can design for better seismic mitigation. Also presented is a review of a number of common design options available to improve seismic response, including bracing, moment-resisting frames, and pierced shear walls. This is the fourth of a series of six courses that focuses on seismic mitigation. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2021 edition is a substantial update of the original Seismic course first published in 2017.

Ongoing research and experience from recent seismic events have added to the store of knowledge that allows architects to address problems in the design of new buildings. However, it is also essential to address problems in existing buildings that will behave predictably in a major seismic event. This course examines the factors that must be considered when retrofitting existing buildings. In addition, the course reviews seismic design strategies that can be used for mitigating earthquake forces on building structures. Particular attention is paid to the use of base isolation, damping systems, and aseismic design as tools for seismic mitigation. This course is the fifth in a series of six courses on seismic mitigation. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2021 edition is a substantial update of the original Seismic course first published in 2017.

The design of complex objects involving many people and functions requires careful management if progress is to be made toward a successful conclusion. This course examines the role of design management in seismic performance. Particular attention is paid to the use of construction observation and performance-based design as approaches that can be used to design structures with predictable and defined seismic performance goals. Also reviewed are a variety of design resources that can be used by architects when designing for seismic mitigation. This is the last in a series of six courses on seismic mitigation. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2021 edition is a substantial update of the original Seismic course first published in 2017.

Even the most successful individuals keep in mind that failure is a possibility. To properly anticipate failure, the architect must be aware of the many potential sources of errors. Presented here are explanations of how environmental and human-caused forces and agents can cause building failure, along with design and construction recommendations to prevent such failures. This course is one of a six-part series that investigates the sources of building failure. Each part can be taken as an individual course. In 2022, this material was reviewed and updated to remain timely but was not extensively rewritten.