Risk-based decision-making for multi-hazard mitigation for wood-frame residential construction

Damage to wood-frame residential construction in the United States caused by hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural hazards can be significant. To mitigate risk from natural hazards cost effectively, decision-making tools must be based on a better understanding of residential building performance with different levels of hazard-resistant design practices. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate a framework for optimal engineering decision-making utilising multi-hazard performance and risk assessment tools for residential building construction. The framework contains the following key ingredients: probabilistic modelling of the occurrence and intensity of the natural hazard; structural system fragility modelling to represent the conditional probability of damage; and a model of total expected cost during different service intervals. The risk framework is illustrated using a typical one-storey wood-frame residential building in Charleston, South Carolina, that is exposed to significant hurricane and earthquake hazards. This framework can support improvements in construction practices, appropriate underwriting by the insurance industry, and planning community response to natural hazards. © Institution of Engineers Australia, 2009