Expert coverage of ASCE 7-16–compliant, wind-resistant engineering methods for safer, sounder low-rise and standard multi-story buildingsUsing the hands-on information contained in this comprehensive engineering guide you will be able to design and construct safer buildings that will better withstand extreme wind forces. Written by a recognized structural design expert, the book explains the general concepts and principles involved in the design of buildings and structures for wind forces. Structural systems used to resist wind forces are outlined and explained, in the context of both low-rise and high-rise buildings. Building Design for Wind Forces provides easy-to-follow summaries of complex ASCE 7-16 wind load provisions and shows how to apply the corresponding design procedures using practical examples. A detailed discussion of typical structural damage caused by extreme wind events such as hurricanes and tornadoes is presented along with design recommendations. Current wind engineering activities and recent research developments are discussed, and a general overview of wind tunnel procedures and an introduction to the concept of database-assisted design (DAD) is provided. Building Design for Wind Forces covers:•Wind forces and wind effects on buildings and structures•Wind load provisions of the ASCE 7-16 standard•Damage to structures caused by extreme wind events•Wind engineering activities and research trends•Structural systems for lateral loads•Tall buildings•Wind design procedures and wind load parameters•Wind loads on the Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS)•Wind loads on Components and Cladding (C&C)•Wind loads on building appurtenances and other structures•Wind tunnels and the wind tunnel procedure•Database-assisted design (DAD)

Many coastal areas of the United States are at risk for tsunamis. After the catastrophic 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, legislation was passed to expand U.S. tsunami warning capabilities. Since then, the nation has made progress in several related areas on both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, NOAA has improved the ability to detect and forecast tsunamis by expanding the sensor network. Other federal and state activities to increase tsunami safety include: improvements to tsunami hazard and evacuation maps for many coastal communities; vulnerability assessments of some coastal populations in several states; and new efforts to increase public awareness of the hazard and how to respond. Tsunami Warning and Preparedness explores the advances made in tsunami detection and preparedness, and identifies the challenges that still remain. The book describes areas of research and development that would improve tsunami education, preparation, and detection, especially with tsunamis that arrive less than an hour after the triggering event. It asserts that seamless coordination between the two Tsunami Warning Centers and clear communications to local officials and the public could create a timely and effective response to coastal communities facing a pending tsuanami. According to Tsunami Warning and Preparedness, minimizing future losses to the nation from tsunamis requires persistent progress across the broad spectrum of efforts including: risk assessment, public education, government coordination, detection and forecasting, and warning-center operations. The book also suggests designing effective interagency exercises, using professional emergency-management standards to prepare communities, and prioritizing funding based on tsunami risk.

Responding to a need for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the consequences of climate change, this book brings experts in climate science, engineering, urban planning, and conservation biology into conversation with scholars in law, geography, anthropology and ethics. It provides insights into how climate change is conceptualized in different fields. The book also aims to contribute to developing successful and multifaceted strategies that promote global, intergenerational and environmental justice. Among the topics addressed are the effects of climate change on the likelihood and magnitude of natural hazards, an assessment of civil infrastructure vulnerabilities, resilience assessment for coastal communities, an ethical framework to evaluate behavior that contributes to climate change, as well as policies and cultural shifts that might help humanity to respond adequately to climate change.

ASCE 7 is the US standard for identifying minimum design loads for buildings and other structures. ASCE 7 covers many load types, of which wind is one. The purpose of this book is to provide structural and architectural engineers with the practical state-of-the-art knowledge and tools needed for designing and retrofitting buildings for wind loads. The book will also cover wind-induced loss estimation. This new edition include a guide to the thoroughly revised, 2010 version of the ASCE 7 Standard provisions for wind loads; incorporate major advances achieved in recent years in the design of tall buildings for wind; present material on retrofitting and loss estimation; and improve the presentation of the material to increase its usefulness to structural engineers. Key features: New focus on tall buildings helps make the analysis and design guidance easier and less complex. Covers the new simplified design methods of ASCE 7-10, guiding designers to clearly understand the spirit and letter of the provisions and use the design methods with confidence and ease. Includes new coverage of retrofitting for wind load resistance and loss estimation from hurricane winds. Thoroughly revised and updated to conform with current practice and research.

"The most talked-about education book this semester." —New York Times From the author of Coming Apart, and based on a series of controversial Wall Street Journal op-eds, this landmark manifesto gives voice to what everyone knows about talent, ability, and intelligence but no one wants to admit. With four truths as his framework, Charles Murray, the bestselling coauthor of The Bell Curve, sweeps away the hypocrisy, wishful thinking, and upside-down priorities that grip America’s educational establishment. •Ability varies. Children differ in their ability to learn, but America’s educational system does its best to ignore this. •Half of the children are below average. Many children cannot learn more than rudimentary reading and math. Yet decades of policies have required schools to divert resources to unattainable goals. •Too many people are going to college. Only a fraction of students struggling to get a degree can profit from education at the college level. •America’s future depends on how we educate the academically gifted. It is time to start thinking about the kind of education needed by the young people who will run the country.