Book excerpt: This book offers a current image of modern mechanics. The book reflects current state of the art in the field of continuum mechanics and mechanics of structures including recent achievements in classic and non-classic approaches. The chapters are written by leading specialist in the field, so the book collects cutting edge investigations in the field. As a target we consider the society starting from beginners, i.e. master and PhD students, and also leaders in the field, that is professors of universities and civil, mechanical and aerospace engineers.