FEMA 454 Risk Management Series: Designing for Earthquakes, A Manual for Architects  

The present publication consists of a series of chapters that provide the foundation for an understanding of seismic design, each authored by an expert in the field. The authors were given freedom to decide the scope of their chapters; and thus this publication represents expert opinion rather than consensus. Designing for Earthquakes: a Manual for Architects is intended to explain the principles of seismic design for those without a technical background in engineering and seismology. The primary intended audience is that of architects and includes practicing architects, architectural students, and faculty in architectural schools who teach structures and seismic design.