We extend a result of Neves, Lopes and Ribeiro on the computation of the es
sential spectral radius of semigroups associated to one-dimensional hyperbo
lic systems to the case of multiple eigenvalues. Applications to the expone
ntial stabilization of systems of wave equations by one control force are p
roposed. (C) 1999 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales
Elsevier SAS.