Peer Reviewed Journal via three different mandatory reviewing processes, since 2006, and, from September 2020, a fourth mandatory peer-editing has been added.
A perspective on the very human process by which scientific
paradigms change can help point the path forward in any
science, or in an applied science, such as Structural
Engineering. Understanding this process of change, we can
examine earthquake engineering, seismic building codes and
theories of structural engineering for earthquake loads.
When we take this perspective, we recognize that Structural
Engineering for earthquake resistance is in the midst of a
number of revolutions, from paradigms embodied in current
building codes in which earthquake demands are associated
with forces, to a new paradigm in which earthquake demands
are re-envisioned as resulting from structural displacements or
drift. The new paradigm is embodied in the current national
standard for the seismic rehabilitation of existing structures,
ASCE 41 [2] and the emerging standards for performance-based
earthquake engineering (PBEE). Associated with this is the shift
from design oriented towards life-safety to design for a range of
performance objectives, such as life-safety, damage reduction,
or immediate occupancy.
With this perspective, we further recognize deficiencies in
research and development. We have failed to systematically use
the experimental and computational tools we possess to fill in
the gaps of scientific knowledge. We have not developed and
deployed appropriate frameworks to collect and share ideas and
results. As one example, the formulation of performance-based
codes now outstrips the knowledge-base needed to ensure that
structures designed by the new tools will meet their
performance objectives.
