Full-Scale Shaking Table Tests on a Substandard RC Building Repaired and Strengthened with Post-Tensioned Metal Straps

The effectiveness of a novel Post-Tensioned Metal Strapping (PTMS) technique at enhancing the seismic behavior of a substandard RC building was investigated through full-scale, shake-table tests during the EU-funded project BANDIT. The building had inadequate reinforcement detailing in columns and joints to replicate old construction practices. After the bare building was initially damaged significantly, it was repaired and strengthened with PTMS to perform additional seismic tests. The PTMS technique improved considerably the seismic performance of the tested building. While the bare building experienced critical damage at an earthquake of PGA = 0.15 g, the PTMS-strengthened building sustained a PGA = 0.35 g earthquake without compromising stability.     

Librarianship in Kuwait after the Gulf War

A general view of the field of librarianship in Kuwait is presented with special emphasis on the impact of the Iraqi aggression on libraries and information centers in the country. First, a review of the damages and future plans of the main library and information sectors is presented (school, public, academic, central libraries), followed by a summary of the effect of the Iraqi occupation on education in library and information science.