Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Admin
Earthquake Engineering is a vital discipline in civil engineering focused on designing structures that can withstand seismic forces. With increasing seismic risks globally and advances in structural dynamics and geotechnical research, it is crucial for engineers, students, and researchers to stay updated with the best resources available. Here is a curated list of highly recommended reference books and learning materials for Earthquake Engineering in 2025.
Table of Contents
Top Recommended Books for Earthquake Engineering
1. Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures
Author:Â Pankaj Agarwal & Manish Shrikhande
Publisher:Â PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Why Read:Â A comprehensive book tailored to Indian codes (IS 1893, IS 13920) and includes practical case studies.
2. Earthquake Resistance Design of Structure
Author:Â Duggal
Publisher:Â Oxford University Press
Why Read:Â This book introduces the fundamentals of earthquake-resistant design with code-based solutions and Indian case studies.
3. Dynamics of Structures
Author:Â Anil K. Chopra
Publisher:Â Prentice Hall India
Why Read:Â A globally renowned book with detailed theoretical explanations and numerical methods. Ideal for graduate students and researchers.
4. Dynamics of Structures
Author:Â Clough R.W. and Penzien J.
Publisher:Â McGraw Hill Civil Engineering Series
Why Read:Â A classic text laying the foundation for understanding structural dynamics and seismic analysis.
5. Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering
Author:Â Mario Paz
Publisher:Â CBSPD
Why Read:Â Offers practical tools for dynamic analysis and is widely referenced in both academia and industry.
6. Earthquake Resistant Design
Author:Â David J. Dowrick
Publisher:Â John Wiley and Sons
Why Read:Â A valuable resource covering both theoretical and empirical earthquake design approaches across regions.
7. Geo-technical Earthquake Engineering
Author:Â Steven L. Kramer
Publisher:Â Prentice Hall India
Why Read:Â Essential for understanding soil behavior under seismic loading and ground response analysis.
8. Earthquake Tips
Author:Â NICEE, IIT Kanpur
Why Read:Â A series of concise and insightful tips for students and practitioners alike, authored by top Indian earthquake engineering experts.
9. Elements of Earthquake Engineering
Author:Â Jaikrishna and Chandrasekaran
Why Read:Â A simple yet effective book for beginners, especially those preparing for competitive exams or undergraduate studies.
10. Introduction to Structural Dynamics
Author:Â John M. Biggs
Why Read:Â Focuses on practical understanding and simplified concepts of dynamic behavior in structures.
11. Mechanical Vibrations
Author:Â V. P. Singh
Why Read:Â Covers the basics of vibrations, which are fundamental to understanding the seismic response of structures.
Latest Additions & Updates (2025)
12. Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Buildings
Author:Â T. Paulay and M.J.N. Priestley
Why Read:Â A go-to manual for advanced understanding of reinforced concrete behavior under seismic loads.
13. Earthquake Engineering for Structural Design
Author:Â W. Hays
Publisher:Â CRC Press
Why Read:Â A well-illustrated book, especially valuable for design engineers working on seismic-prone buildings.
14. IS Codes (Latest Revisions – 2025 Update)
Stay updated with the latest versions of:
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IS 1893 (Part 1): Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures
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IS 13920: Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures
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IS 4326: Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings
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IS 13827: Guidelines for Improving Earthquake Resistance of Earthen Buildings
Additional Learning Resources
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NICEE (National Information Center of Earthquake Engineering):
Download free earthquake tips and access academic resources:Â https://www.nicee.org/ -
EERI (Earthquake Engineering Research Institute):
Get access to global research, reports, and case studies:Â https://www.eeri.org/ -
IIT Kanpur NPTEL Lecture Series on Earthquake Engineering:
Free online video lectures by top faculty: https://archive.nptel.ac.in/courses/105/101/105101004/
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with the right books is a crucial step in mastering Earthquake Engineering. Whether you are a student, academician, or industry professional, these resources will deepen your understanding and enhance your design capabilities to build safer, earthquake-resilient structures.
Tip: Always refer to the latest IS codes and global standards for compliant and safe design.
