response modification factor (r-factor) is one of the seismic design parameters to consider nonlinear performance of building structures during strong earthquake. relying on this, many seismic design codes led to reduce earthquake loads imposed to the structure. the present paper tries to evaluate the r-factors of conventional concentric braced frames (cbfs) and special moment frames (mrfs) in ...

Strengthening of un-reinforced masonry (URM) structures to improve its seismic performance is not only well recognized among the research community but also getting attention of practicing engineers around the globe. The estimation of lateral capacity and performance of masonry becomes complex because of heterogeneous nature of its constituent materials and other associated problems. Heterogene...

This study numerically predicts the failure scenario of a cracked concrete gravity dam through a push-over nonlinear analysis. The mixed-mode Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) was employed using the extended finite element method (XFEM). The dam base was considered to be fully fixed without any foundation effects. The hydrostatic pressure on the dam's upstream face was increased incremen...

A decision taken with the intention of protecting society against attack by biological weapons could, perversely, increase the very same danger. That is the implication of a debate now raging in the USA over the support of research on pathogens that might be used by terrorists. An alleged shift in funding in the wake of the 9/11 disaster and the ‘anthrax letters’ sent during 2001 means that mor...