8. The role of Civil Engineers in post-disaster damage assessment

Question 1

Why do we need data?

Answer 1

Although science and engineering related to natural catastrophes have a strong theoretical foundation, they continue to be strong empirically driven disciplines

Pre-event data collection and post-event recognisance efforts provide essential knowledge and help to improve our understanding of natural catastrophes, and their effects on the natural and built environment

Question 2

How do we collect data?

Answer 2

Pre-event: Remote acquisition, field survey

Post-event: Remote acquisition, field survey

Question 3

Methods of data collection - pre-event remote acquisition (8)

Answer 3

1) Satellite imagery (Gmaps)
2) Volunteered geographic information
3) Orthophotos
4) DEM (digital elevation mdoel, 3D representation of a terrains surface)
5) Land cover
6) Geological and geolithological maps
7) Catalogue events
8) Instrument records

Question 4

Methods of data collection- pre-event field survey (6)

Answer 4

1) Built environment (building typologies, construction conditions)
2) Natural environment
3) Previous events
4) Interview
5) Check of remote data
6) Geotechnical tests

Question 5

Methods of data collection - post event remote acquisition (6)

Answer 5

1) Satellite imagery
2) Volunteered Geographic Information
3) DEM
4) GPS
5) Instruments
6) Third-party event reports

Question 6

Methods of data collection - post-event field survey (6)

Answer 6

1) Building/bridges tagging
2) Unmanned aerial vehicles
3) Random sample of material properties
4) Interview
5) Check of remote data
6) Geotechnical test

Question 7

Why do we need to do to collect data - pre and post event?

Answer 7

Pre-event: RA for DRR policies, engineering analyses for policy making (hazard, exposure and vulnerability characterisation)

Post-event: Post-disaster assessment, engineering analyses for empirical assessment

Question 8

6 steps involved in collecting data?

Answer 8

Step 1: Someone has to pay. Open-source data will eventually need to be verified. Trips (flights hotels etc)

Step 2: Acquire as much remote data as possible (pre - area to survey, post - area worst affected)

Step 3: Identify local partners/authority to contact for logistic help and authorisations

Step 4: Tools - survey forms, laser DISTO, GPS tracker, GSP camera, drones, HSE equipment

Step 5: Organise the trip, flight, safe hotels , local transport planning

Step 6: double-check the budget