Numerical Modeling: Special Issue

We are pleased to present this special issue on Analysis of Structural Failures Using Numerical Modeling. The issue includes nine papers, with applications ranging from assessing the seismic safety of historic masonry structures to analysis of buckling of a steel truss roof during construction. Oil storage tank buckling modes when subjected to fire and a geotechnical failure analysis are also included, along with other interesting case histories.

The guest editor for the project is Jose M. Adam, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Spain. Dr. Adam originated the idea of the special issue, solicited high-quality manuscripts from leading experts, and maintained his vision for the previous 2 years to ensure a successful outcome. I am confident that our readers will appreciate this fine collection of papers. Each paper is informative and useful to both academic readers and engineering practitioners.

Such a project as this is only possible through contemporary enhanced communication capabilities. I continue to marvel at the unlimited potential for international cooperation in the modern era. Our younger readers might not fully appreciate my wonder at these capabilities, but I am now a retired professor, 63 years of age, and I have been chief editor of this Journal for the last 26 years. It has only been recently that electronic communication has been available for soliciting, submitting, and reviewing manuscripts. Previously, these tasks were done exclusively by surface mail, with all the attendant delays and miscommunications. In those years, such a project as this would have been inconceivable. Jose Adam and I have never met face to face, yet his diligent work to solicit manuscripts from all over the world, assist with reviews, determine the proper order of papers, and prepare the introduction to the issue proceeded perfectly, as if he and I were working in the same building. In addition, we have become personal friends. It has truly been a pleasure to work with Jose Adam on this project.

We want to acknowledge the extra effort of the ASCE journals staff in assisting with production. In particular, the extraordinary commitment of Kelly Anderson, Publishing Manager, and Holly Koppel, Managing Editor, are noted. The coordination of special topic issues involves considerably more effort for all concerned. They would not be possible apart from the competent guidance of the journals staff.