Alexander Newman, P.E., F.ASCE, is managing engineer in the Natick, Massachusetts, office of Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, a nationwide company involved in accident and collapse investigations. He has more than 25 years of experience in building design, construction, and failure investigation. His areas of expertise include design and failure analysis of pre-engineered metal buildings, metal roofs, and other structures. Immediately prior to joining Exponent, he was principal structural engineer with Maguire Group Inc., an architectural, engineering, and planning firm with the offices throughout the Northeast. His earlier experience includes engineering positions with a consulting… engineering firm, a light-gauge steel contractor, and a precast concrete manufacturer. He has also served as manager of the fabrication division with a steel fabricator. Mr. Newman has been responsible for structural design of many projects throughout the country utilizing metal building systems and conventional structures. His experience includes both new building construction and renovation projects ranging from residential to multistory industrial facilities, including a Boston Edison switching and conversion station that won the 1990 American Consulting Engineers Council of New England Award for Engineering Excellence. Mr. Newman holds an advanced degree in structural engineering from the Moscow Civil Engineering Institute in Russia and a master's degree in business administration with high honors from Boston University. The first edition of this book received wide acclaim and was translated into Chinese. His other popular engineering textbook, Structural Renovation of Buildings, was published by McGraw-Hill in 2001. Mr. Newman regularly conducts educational seminars on metal building systems and other topics for design professionals and governmental agencies around the country. He has served as expert consultant in litigation involving metal building systems and other structures.