A unique contribution to the field and the best single reference study for the architects exam. Deals with design for effects of lateral forces on buildings, primarily wind and earthquakes, and also includes effects of soil pressure, thermal change, and structural actions such as thrust of arches. Provides basic definitions and fully explained basic concepts, and proceeds to their application to ordinary problems of design encountered in practice. Displays design solutions for most common building structural components and systems. The scope and level of topic development corresponds closely to the related section of the present architects registration exam--Division F. The math level used in the examples is appropriate for architecture students and others with limited preparation in engineering. Work presented conforms to current codes and industry standards and to design practices. Includes code criteria and data for computations. Extensive illustrations.