Provides architects designing buildings in seismic risk areas with the information needed to effectively utilize the National earthquake Hazards Reduction program (NEHRP) Recommended Provisions. Rigorously updated, this manual includes the best & most current technological information for reducing safety hazards. Chapter topics include: fundamentals, structural analysis, structural steel, reinforced concrete, timber & masonry, & nonstructural elements. List of symbols. Metric unit conversion tables. Graphs & charts.

Intended for the reader concerned about seismic safety in buildings but without a professional background in design or construction. Provides a relatively nontechnical introduction to the building guidelines set forth in the 1994 Provisions by providing information on the nature of ground motion generated by an earthquake; how buildings are affected by ground motion; what techniques are used to design against earthquake forces; and how the Provisions translates this information into simple, uniform, and realistic criteria and requirements to be followed by designers and builders. Maps, charts and tables.