Reliability-based design (RBD) procedures for engineered structures are being developed and quickly gaining acceptance by cade agencies throughout the world. Numerous organizations are involved in the development of national or regional cades without the benefit of interchange of ideas and methodologies. Harmonization and coordination of these activities is absolutely essential if the ever-increasing international commerce is to flourish. This NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) was organized to bring together, for the first time, experts on RBD and related subjects from various countries to assess the current knowledge and recommend new developments. Further, due to their unique nature and great economic significance in most parts of the world, special emphasis was placed on engineered wood structures. For example, in North America more wood products are used in construction than ali other materials (steel, concrete, brick, etc.) combined. However, the wood industry segment, historically, receives less attention and smaller financial support for new developments than other construction materials. RBD developments are being conducted in Similar, but largely independent, Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia. Experts from these regions were brought together to exchange information on current work, propose new developments and to provide means of international coordination. Thus, this ARW provided an opportunity to advance the cause of RBD of engineered wood structures.

Standard ASCE/AF&PA 16-95 provides design provisions based on reliability theory for engineered wood structures.

Many important advances in designing modern structures have occurred over the last several years. Structural engineers need an authoritative source of information that thoroughly and concisely covers the foundational principles of the field. Comprising chapters selected from the second edition of the best-selling Handbook of Structural Engineering,

Continuing the best-selling tradition of the Handbook of Structural Engineering, this second edition is a comprehensive reference to the broad spectrum of structural engineering, encapsulating the theoretical, practical, and computational aspects of the field. The contributors cover traditional and innovative approaches to analysis, design, and rehabilitation. New topics include: fundamental theories of structural dynamics; advanced analysis; wind- and earthquake-resistant design; design of prestressed structures; high-performance steel, concrete, and fiber-reinforced polymers; semirigid frame structures; structural bracing; and structural design for fire safety.