Steel and Composite Structures in European Seismic Areas: Research, Codification, Design, and Applications

This paper focuses on the present situation of research, codification, design, and applications in the field of steel and composite structures in the European earthquake-prone countries. Emphasis is first given to recent research projects developed in cooperation among European institutions, providing the basis of the research activity and the main conclusions. Then codification rules are focused on, by examining basic principles and new amendments of Eurocode 8, in relation with the current design methodologies adopted in Europe for both steel and steel-concrete composite structures. Finally, some applications of earthquake-resistant structures recently built in Europe are illustrated.