Recent earthquakes around the world have confirmed the potential for a large seismic event to cause unprecedented levels of destruction. Shock transmission units (STUs) have been used in several projects as one of the most effective instruments in preventing widespread damage from seismic activities and structural movement. Shock Transmission Units in Construction is the first book to explore the procurement, selection, testing, installation and maintenance processes of STUs, as well as technological developments in the field of seismic protection.

This book covers the use of STUs as both a preventative measure, fitted to a structure before a seismic occurrence, and as a seismic protection system, retrofitted to prevent further damage. Drawing on his experiences of supervising the construction of the first bridges in India and the Philippines to use STUs, Dinesh Patel explores the application of STUs on a number of different projects, including new and existing highway and rail bridges, suspension and cable stayed bridges, buildings, structures, nuclear power plants and pipelines.

Shock Transmission Units in Construction contains case studies, photographs and illustrative diagrams to provide a clear guide to the application of STUs in numerous construction projects, as well as:

• A thorough introduction to this widely-practiced, but still little understood engineering practice, challenging critics by demonstrating the benefits and reliability of STUs in various contexts.
• A study of current STU brands and manufacturers, and the ways in which different types of STUs have been used in existing projects.
• Examples of STU application in India, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Denmark, Rome, Italy, UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Laos, Indonesia, Canada, USA and the UK.
• An analysis of the cost efficiency of retro-fitting practices.

Shock Transmission Units in Construction aims to provide best practice guidance in helping both new and experienced engineers to select the most appropriate STU for construction projects, thus ensuring that they are used to their full potential. It is hoped that this will lead to more varied usage and the development of innovative STU derivatives for application in future projects