Behaviour of Steel Structures in Seismic Areas is a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the field of seismic resistant steel structures. It comprises a collection of papers presented at the fifth International Specialty Conference STESSA 2006, held in Yokohama, Japan, in August 2006. The latest progress in both theoretical and experimental research on the behaviour of steel structures in seismic areas is presented under the followings themes:Performance- Based Design of Structures; Seismic, Wind and Exceptional Load; Material Behaviour; Member Behaviour; Connection Behaviour; Global Behaviour; Analytical and Experimental Methods; Mixed and Composite Structures; Passive and Active Control; Strengthening and Repairing; Codification; Design, Fabrication and Practice. The intention of the book is to transfer the findings of scientists and experts involved in research, codification and application to the practical level, giving a complete framework of the most recent trends in this field, with particular reference to the utilisation of the multiple level design concept, the differentiation of earthquake types between near-field and far-field, the analysis of all factors influencing the steel structure behaviour during a strong ground motion, and the evaluation of the ductility erosion due to unexpected conditions. Innovative seismic protection techniques utilising passive and active control devices are also analysed. The book is a valuable resource for engineers, scientists, and post-graduate students in Civil Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, Structural Engineering, Steel Construction, Steel Development, and Building Disaster Prevention.