Evaluation of Security Measures to Mitigate the Effects of Bioterror Attacks on Buildings Using a System Dynamics Method
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper describes the use of a system dynamics (SD) computational method to evaluate initial designs or upgrades of security measures to protect a building and its occupants from bioterror attacks. The paper identifies variables to be modeled in regard to security measures, explains the SD model for use in decision making, and provides a detailed description of the steps needed to develop a meaningful framework for collecting the diverse types of data needed to apply a model of this type. Every attempt was made to obtain meaningful experimental, simulated, or surrogate data that could be used to model performance in quantitative terms, allowing comparisons to be made between potential security measures. Results are presented as time-histories of specific performance attributes of the building or as the influence of different levels of mitigation strategies over a selected time period. Results show that different types of mitigation strategies are indicated for different levels of protection and resource availability. This information can be used to inform design and operation decisions in a risk-averse and resource-constrained building industry.
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Acknowledgments
This research was conducted while both authors were affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It was supported by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) under grant number 2007-ST-061-000001. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect views of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 1 • March 2020
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 11, 2018
Accepted: Apr 3, 2019
Published online: Nov 13, 2019
Published in print: Mar 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Apr 13, 2020
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