Overview
Assessing and mitigating compounding risks to building infrastructure and communities.
Our research examines how the combined effects of flooding, saltwater deterioration, and earthquake motion impact coastal buildings and communities. Current seismic risk predictions only consider buildings in their pristine states. However, many buildings in earthquake-prone regions of the United States are also at risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge, high tide and rising sea levels--all factors that are exacerbated by climate change. These buildings may deteriorate from contact with saltwater and be in a weakened state when earthquakes strike.
Communities living in these areas need support evaluating the compounding risk of saltwater deterioration and earthquakes, and identifying a range of effective mitigation options. Our findings will guide designers, building owners, insurers, city officials, and emergency responders in their hazard preparedness and response efforts. The findings will also inform building design, repair, retrofit, and maintenance policies and will raise public awareness of the long-term impacts of coastal flooding and mitigation options in earthquake prone areas.
Research Tasks and Team Expertise
Research Collaboration: SUNY Buffalo, University of Hawaii Manoa, Western Washington University.