Structural engineers design modern buildings to withstand earthquakes, but many older and non-engineered buildings are destroyed by large events. Here, we provide an overview of how structural engineers support humanitarian and recovery operations when a disaster occurs:
- Structural engineers within specialist search and rescue teams form part of the immediate emergency response and relief efforts, which are co-ordinated by the host country where the event happened. Structural engineers advise and support the recovery teams to reduce the risks associated with accessing damaged and partially collapsed buildings.
- As the recovery operations are wound down, the profession’s expertise is essential to assess damage to buildings and advise on repairs or strengthening required for stabilisation of structures and reoccupation, as well as supporting the establishment of emergency shelter and infrastructure.
- Often, this also leads to a review of the existing building stock and infrastructure to understand the risk profile of structures for future earthquakes and ensure that strategies are developed to ensure a safer and more resilient building stock going forward. Building Regulations, codes, policies, and their implementation mechanisms may be reviewed and, if necessary, updated for improved seismic resilience.
- Structural engineers’ advice and guidance are vital to understand how buildings perform in seismic events, and to develop future strategies for safer and more resilient building design and construction practices, globally.
- The overall aim is to help the wider built environment community, policy and law makers learn and implement lessons to help societies mitigate the effects of natural hazards, even as climate change increases their likelihood of occurring.
- Working in post-disaster environments, all parties must be collaborative, supporting in-country engineers and other stakeholders who have essential local knowledge and an understanding of the context. Engineers are a key part of efforts to ensure recovery, restoration, remediation and improved resilience.
Further background
The disaster recovery cycle is explained in this blog about structural engineers in disaster recovery, risk reduction and management.
https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/structural-engineers-and-humanitarian-response-to/
Insights from the IStructE-supported
Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) 2024 research into the Turkish earthquakes is also insightful background. EEFIT is a joint venture between industry and universities, conducting field investigations following major earthquakes.
The IStructE is a member of the
UK Built Environment Advisory Group (UKBEAG). Its purpose is “to provide a more effective conduit for globally sharing built environment expertise.” It has a focus on disaster risk reduction.
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For further information, please contact:
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Newsroom on +44 (0)7930 34 55 43.
Notes to Editors
About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/
The Institution of Structural Engineers dates from 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.
It has 30,000 members working in 139 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.
The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.