This research is motivated by a strong need to provide engineers with computational assistance in the design and evaluation of complex engineering systems. The research investigates ways of harnessing distributed computing and faster CPU processors to significantly increase the range of practical design problems that may be handled in an optimization-based format. Significant improvements in man-machine interaction are expected. The research application to base isolated structures will improve the understanding of the complex cause and effect relationships existing between the characteristics of earthquake ground motions and the response of isolated structures. An important goal of this work is formulating guidelines for proportioning flexible superstructures when limited inelastic deformations are permitted/prohibited under severe lateral loads.
