This book presents a complete and unified treatment of the fundamental themes of structural mechanics, ranging from the traditional to the most advanced topics, covering mechanics of linear elastic solids, theory of beam systems, and phenomena of structural failure. The book considers explicitly all the static and kenetic operators of structural mechanics with their dual character. Topics relating to structural symmetry are covered in a single chapter while dynamics is dealt with at various points. The logical presentation allows the clear introduction of topics such as finite element methods, automatic calculation of framed beam systems, plate and shell theory, theory of plasticity, and fracture mechanics. Numerous worked examples, exercises with complete solutions and illustrations make it accessible both as a text for students and as a reference for research workers and practicing engineers.

The twenty papers included in this volume were presented at an international symposium held in Baltimore and Washington in May, 1986. Planned to coincide with the exhibition of the two largest treasures of Early Byzantine church silver to survive from antiquity, the Kaper Koraon Treasure (found in Syria) and the Sion Treasure (found in Turkey), the symposium sought to place these and other church treasures in their broader contexts examining them from the point of view of economy, history, society, and manufacture. While a number of the papers focus on specific aspects of these two treasures--including six articles devoted to the Sion Treasure--others examine more general questions regarding silver mining, the manufacture of silver vessels, the state control of silver in Byzantium and the Sasanian Empire, the economic and cultural role of silver objects, and the financial power of the institutional church through its vast holdings of silver plate. The precedent offered by pagan cult treasures is also examined. To ensure a broad interdisciplinary approach, the eighteen authors are authorities in the fields of government administration, economic history, cultural history, art history, archaeology, epigraphy, science and conservation.