The Bled workshops have traditionally produced reference documents
providing visions for the future development of earthquake engineering
as foreseen by leading researchers in the field. The participants of the
2011 workshop built on the tradition of these events initiated by
Professors Fajfar and Krawinkler to honor their important research
contributions and have now produced a book providing answers to crucial
questions in today's earthquake engineering: "What visible changes in
the design practice have been brought about by performance-based seismic
engineering? What are the critical needs for future advances? What
actions should be taken to respond to those needs?" The key answer is
that research interests should go beyond the narrow technical aspects
and that the seismic resilience of society as a whole should become an
essential part of the planning and design process.
The book aims to provide essential guidelines for researchers,
professionals and students in the field of earthquake engineering. It
will also be of particular interest for all those working at insurance
companies, governmental, civil protection and emergency management
agencies that are responsible for assessing and planning community
resilience.
The introductory chapter of the book is based on the keynote
presentation given at the workshop by the late Professor Helmut
Krawinkler. As such, the book includes Helmut's last and priceless
address to the engineering community, together with his vision and
advice for the future development of performance-based design,
earthquake engineering and seismic risk management.
