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TORSION OF BUILDINGS
An important area of application of the displacement-focused design method is the seismic
torsional response of asymmetric ductile buildings. Here too Professor Paulay has made very
creative contributions in recent years. He has shown that the approach, which has been
standard all over the world for the last 40 years and is anchored in the codes, is inconsistent
and may be incorrect. The most important property of a building plan is the centre of strength
and not the centre of stiffness. So a much better solution is, based on the wide freedom of
choice in assigning the strength to the different elements, to shift the centre of strength to the
centre of mass, thus avoiding the torsion problem. The simple but ingenious message is:
“Instead of solving a problem, avoid it!”.
Professor Paulay has addressed displacement-focused design and the torsion problem in about
30 papers published in the last few years. They are all characterised by high creativity and the
courage, when necessary, to depart from traditional ways of thinking. Thereby, he always
managed to keep an overall view, especially of the design-related aims. It is always a case of a
sound overall concept, and not, as with so many researchers, of a detailed consideration of
often rather unimportant partial aspects. This does not mean, however, that important and
perhaps decisive details are not given careful consideration.
INNER VALUES
Now let’s come to the inner values. Dear Tom, I have asked myself the question: What are
your inner values, the roots of your outstanding achievements, of your many creative ideas
and of your important works, of which I could only mention a few?
Of course, I’m not familiar with all these values; many are and will remain a secret, probably
for you yourself too. But I will venture to name some of these inner values, or perhaps aspects
of them, of which I assume that they form the basis of your great success.
Firstly, your human format: You exhibit profound human qualities. You are a person who
always radiates warmth and humour towards other people. I and my many doctoral students
have experienced this time and time again in the famous “Paulay weeks” at the ETH. Each
student had to present his current thesis work, and each time you gave them encouragement
and praise. Your criticism was always moderate, constructive and never damaging. The
“Paulay weeks” always produced many valuable discussions, suggestions and opinions, and
these weeks are among my happiest memories.
A second so to speak “inner” value, indeed a very important reason for your outstanding
achievements, is your dear wife Herta. Without her care for your wellbeing, her tremendous
and constant support, and without her care and excellent cooking for the many and frequent
guests, you would never have been able to attempt or accomplish so much. I know that you
are very thankful to Herta for all this, and likewise all of us here. So I would like to convey to
Mrs. Paulay the deep gratitude of the earthquake engineering community.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF NEW ZEALAND
A very important aspect is the country, New Zealand, and the University of Canterbury here
in Christchurch. You had to flee from persecution by the communists in your homeland
Hungary more than 50 years ago. And New Zealand generously accepted you and provided
you with great opportunities - New Zealand, a small appealing country with a wonderful
culture of willingness to help and of friendliness. Added to this was the harmonious teamwork
and spirit and the excellent experimental facilities and technical staff of the University’s |
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