The John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center at Stanford University is devoted to the advancement of research, education and practice in earthquake engineering. The Blume Center, part of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has a strong commitment to serve the profession and the community in reducing earthquake risk. Through its activities, the Blume Center contributes to the understanding of earthquakes and their effects on structures. These activities include research, instruction, publication of reports and articles, and sponsorship of seminars and conferences.