Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for Natural Hazards

Abstract

• Prepared by the Council on Disaster Risk Management of ASCE.

  Quantitative Risk Assessment for Natural Hazards explains the practical aspects of using quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to develop optimal engineering designs that mitigate the effects of natural hazards, especially on civil infrastructure. Risk analysis of any asset cannot be considered complete without consideration of natural hazards. QRA involves determining the probability of a hazard occurring and estimating the consequences. This monograph demonstrates methods for calculating the vulnerability of infrastructure assets to the common natural hazards—earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods—as well as less-frequent events, such as ice storms, extreme cold, wildfires, avalanches, landslides, mud slides, and tsunamis. Chapters describe QRA for two types of asset (dams and bridges) and three hazards (wind, earthquakes, and hurricanes). Another chapter presents an all-hazards methodology for critical asset and portfolio risk analysis.

  This CDRM Monograph is a valuable reference for engineers involved in safeguarding infrastructure from natural hazards, risk assessment, disaster management, engineering mechanics, and structural engineering, as well as for engineers and government officials tasked with homeland security.

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