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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Faezeh Nejati, Mahmood Hosseini and Amir Mahmoudzadeh

Almost design code is required for repairability of the buildings after a major earthquake. One such idea is “directed-damage design” (DDD), which means guiding the damage to some…

Abstract

Purpose

Almost design code is required for repairability of the buildings after a major earthquake. One such idea is “directed-damage design” (DDD), which means guiding the damage to some pre-decided parts of the structural system. To use the DDD idea for creation of repairable buildings, in this study, a structural system with seesaw motion with respect to a central massive support has been considered for steel buildings with square plan, and the bottom ends of the all circumferential columns at the lowest story have been equipped with double-ADAS (DADAS) dampers, which dissipate a great portion of the seismic input energy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the hysteretic behavior of DADAS dampers by using finite element analysis. At first, a set of regular steel multistory buildings with five stories have been designed based on the conventional code provisions. Then, the structures of the designed buildings have been changed into the structure with seesaw motion by using, at the base level of the building, a massive central column, eliminating other middle columns, and equipping circumferential columns with DADAS dampers.

Design/methodology/approach

For repairability buildings in the last three mentioned studies a set of orthogonal strong girders, in the form of grid, has been used. In the present study, the number of bays in the considered building is four in both directions. A major modification has been made in the yielding-plate energy dissipating elements of the circumferential columns, which makes their manufacturing and installation much practical as illustrated in the following sections of the paper.

Findings

In the proposed rocking structural system for regular multistory steel buildings, creation of the possibility of rocking motion has been done by using a space truss resting on a huge central hinge support at base level with a series of circumferential energy dissipating columns at that level.

Originality/value

One such idea is DDD idea, which means guiding the damage to some pre-decided parts of the structural system.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1985

Terry Ford CEng. and MRAes

AGAINST the background briefly outlined together with the development of increasingly sophisticated powerplants as well as the research activities conducted into the operational…

Abstract

AGAINST the background briefly outlined together with the development of increasingly sophisticated powerplants as well as the research activities conducted into the operational aspects of rotating wing aircraft, it was realised that major benefits could be expected from fully exploiting health monitoring techniques. Applications would not only be for future helicopters but also for retrospective action for those currently in service. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has conducted extensive investigations into many aspects of these proposals and published a report by a working group in 1985, the membership of which was drawn from industry, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had the CAA. This report has been prepared to satisfy HARP recommendation No 11.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 57 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2009

Miranda P.M. Meuwissen, Alex L.A. Van Andel, Marcel A.P.M. Van Asseldonk and Ruud B.M. Huirne

The purpose of this paper is to assess direct and indirect damages of dairy processors and pig and poultry slaughterhouses in The Netherlands following the occurrence of a feed…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess direct and indirect damages of dairy processors and pig and poultry slaughterhouses in The Netherlands following the occurrence of a feed crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from a number of feed crisis scenarios the paper analyses processing industry damage parameters through a combination of sector data and individual company assessments. In case of confidential data, outcomes are presented as indices.

Findings

The paper finds that, in the most likely scenario, it is expected that a feed crisis affects 15 processors, i.e. 20 per cent of processing business in The Netherlands. Processors' direct damage is largely (>90 per cent) determined by the mixing of produce during various phases of processing. Indirect damage is on average perceived not to exceed direct damage.

Practical implications

The results are useful in current stakeholder debates on sharing damage burdens of feed crises across supply chain partners.

Originality/value

This paper extends currently available risk analyses of feed contaminations by eliciting damage beyond farm level.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 111 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Masahiko Haraguchi and Soojun Kim

This study aims to investigate the impact of Hurricane Sandy from the perspective of interdependence among different sectors of critical infrastructure in New York City and to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of Hurricane Sandy from the perspective of interdependence among different sectors of critical infrastructure in New York City and to assess the interconnected nature of risks posed by such a hurricane.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses indirect damages of each sector to estimate the degree of functional interdependence among the sectors. The study examines the impact of the hurricane on different critical infrastructures by combining hazard maps of actual inundation areas with maps of critical infrastructure. The direct damages of each sector are calculated from the inundation areas in the flood map. The indirect damages are estimated by considering the areas that were not inundated but affected by Sandy through the interconnected infrastructure.

Findings

The electricity sector was the key sector to propagate risks to other sectors. The examination of new initiatives to increase the resilience of critical infrastructures in New York City after Sandy reveals that these initiatives focus primarily on building hard infrastructures to decrease direct damages. They understate the importance of interdependent risk across sectors. Future disaster risk reduction strategies must address interdependent infrastructures to reduce indirect damages.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on estimating the direct and indirect damages caused by Hurricane Sandy in each critical infrastructure sector, using GIS mapping techniques. It also introduces a Bayesian network as a tool to analyze critical infrastructure interdependence.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2007

Verine Etsebeth

The purpose of this research is to show that companies world‐wide are being placed under increasing pressure by an onslaught of cyber risks and malware is one of the most common…

2195

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show that companies world‐wide are being placed under increasing pressure by an onslaught of cyber risks and malware is one of the most common sources of security failures at present. The position in South Africa is no exception and malware presents a very real danger to corporate South Africa's information assets, resources and systems, as it has the capacity to undermine firewalls, hijack Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) and defeat digital signatures. The threats associated with malware have several salient legal issues embedded in it and these are elaborated in the paper. Unfortunately, corporate South Africa is still largely ignorant of the range of tools available to the “Darkside” and the potential legal consequences which may ensue if this cyber risk materialises. The article helps in the understanding of the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines malware, and more specifically legal liability for malware from a South African perspective. The account contained in this contribution deals with the question whether or not a company who falls victim to a malware attack or unwillingly facilitates such an attack, may be held legally liable. This is done by giving a brief overview of the nature of the cyber risk malware, before moving on to observe the consequences which may ensue if a malware attack occurs. Corporations who fall victim to malware attacks or unwittingly facilitates such an attack may suffer: direct damage; indirect damage; and physiological damage.

Findings

It will be pointed out that malware attacks may result in legal liability in civil law for the “victim” company because of its failure to take reasonable steps to secure the information assets, resources and systems of the company.

Research limitations/implications

It will furthermore be observed that companies who unwillingly facilitate malware attacks, where for instance the company's own employee uses company resources to launch a virus attack, may be faced with legal liability in the form of vicarious liability.

Practical implications

Suggestions are made on how to avoid legal liability for failed information security.

Originality/value

No such a study has yet been undertaken in South Africa as most view the law and technology as strange and perhaps dangerous bedfellows. The study will also be of use, value and interest to the library and information community outside South Africa since it raises an issue of real significance.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Yang Ge, Yongbing Yang, Fujin Yi, Hao Hu and XiaoBai Xiong

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of surface ozone pollution on rice profit, output and variable inputs in China.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of surface ozone pollution on rice profit, output and variable inputs in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates the rice profit function using county-level rice production data and ozone monitoring data in 2014 and 2015 to capture the impact of ozone pollution on rice profit. Then, it uses dual approach to identify the impacts of ozone on the supply of rice and the demand for variable inputs. The ozone concentration data are obtained from 1,412 monitoring stations established by the National Environmental Monitoring Centre of China.

Findings

The results show that surface ozone would significantly reduce rice profits; a 1% increase in (the daily average ozone concentration from 9 am to 4 pm) leads to a 0.1% decrease in profits. In addition, ozone has a negative impact on the levels of inputs and the supply of rice, and the elasticities of rice output, fertilizer input and labour input with respect to are −0.87, −0.86 and −0.78%, respectively. These results suggest that ozone pollution affects rice production via two channels: the direct damage on rice growth and the indirect negative impact of reducing variable inputs.

Originality/value

This study estimates the impacts of surface ozone pollution on rice profit and output, and quantifies its influence on variable inputs in China, which provides a better understanding of farmers' adaptation behaviour.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 November 2018

Nadine Habermann and Ralf Hedel

Damage functions constitute an essential part of the modelling of critical infrastructure (CI) performance under the influence of climate events. This paper aims to compile and…

4206

Abstract

Purpose

Damage functions constitute an essential part of the modelling of critical infrastructure (CI) performance under the influence of climate events. This paper aims to compile and discuss publications comprising damage functions for transport assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The research included the collection of contemplable literature and the subsequent screening for damage functions and information on them. In conclusion, the derived damage curves and formulae were transferred to a unified design.

Findings

Damage functions for the transport sector are scarce in the literature. Although specific damage functions for particular transport assets exist, they mainly consider infrastructure or transport in general. Occasionally, damage curves for the same asset in different publications vary. Major research gaps persist in wildfire damage estimation.

Research limitations/implications

The study scope was restricted to the hazards of fluvial floods and wildfires. Despite all efforts, this study did not cover all existing literature on the topic.

Originality/value

This publication summarises the state of the art of research concerning transport asset damage functions, and hence contributes to the facilitation of prospective research on CI performance, resilience and vulnerability modelling.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 9 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2017

Krisanthi Seneviratne, Dilanthi Amaratunga and Richard Haigh

Post conflict housing reconstruction is crucial to development and peacekeeping. However, the success of it, is hindered by a number of problems related to a lack of addressing…

Abstract

Purpose

Post conflict housing reconstruction is crucial to development and peacekeeping. However, the success of it, is hindered by a number of problems related to a lack of addressing housing needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore how such housing needs can be effectively managed in post conflict housing reconstruction in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the grounded theory method as the research strategy, unstructured interviews were conducted with policy makers, practitioners, beneficiaries and academics in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding to develop the theoretical framework.

Findings

The study reveals the challenges, contributing factors and strategies in addressing housing needs of accessibility, habitability, affordability, location, facilities, cultural considerations and security of land tenure. It also identifies the gaps and recommendations. The paper establishes the links between these and presents a theoretical framework for managing housing needs effectively in post conflict housing reconstruction in Sri Lanka.

Practical implications

This research enhances the success of post conflict housing reconstruction through addressing housing needs effectively, which contributes to sustainable housing development after conflicts.

Originality/value

The study combines the literature from five main areas: conflicts, post conflict, post conflict reconstruction, post conflict housing reconstruction and housing needs and provides a better understanding on how the housing needs can be managed during post conflict housing reconstruction in developing countries based on empirical evidence.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2022

Bahirathan Koneswaran, Chandana Siriwardana and Ravindu Udayantha Jayasekara

The government-led public healthcare services in Sri Lanka became a major strength in managing the COVID-19 comparatively well. However, natural hazards are a major threat to this…

Abstract

Purpose

The government-led public healthcare services in Sri Lanka became a major strength in managing the COVID-19 comparatively well. However, natural hazards are a major threat to this healthcare system, as they cause severe damages, especially to curative healthcare infrastructures such as hospitals. Floods have been the major contributor to the economic loss of the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a proper flood risk assessment framework for Sri Lankan hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study has attempted to develop a flood vulnerability assessment tool for hospitals using the concept of Depth Damage Functions (DDFs). Flood vulnerability curves have been developed for identified critical units of hospitals considering the damage caused to building contents which are predominantly expensive medical equipment. The damage caused only by wetting was considered in generating vulnerability curves. Structured interviews were conducted with government officials in the healthcare sector to gather details on the cost and damages of medical equipment. Pilot studies were carried out in two hospitals identified as located in flood-prone areas and have previous experiences of flooding, to acquire data regarding building contents of the critical units.

Findings

The developed vulnerability curves indicate that no major damage would occur to building contents in critical units (other than the labor room) until the inundation depth reaches a value of 0.6–0.9 m (varies for each type of unit). It is also noteworthy that after a certain range in the inundation depth, the damage increases drastically, and building contents would incur total damage if the inundation depth passes a value of 1.2–1.5 m.

Originality/value

This study explains the initial phase of developing a flood vulnerability assessment framework for Sri Lankan hospitals. Not many studies had been carried out to assess the vulnerability of hospitals specifically for floods using vulnerability curves. The study recommends a zoning system with pre-defined vulnerability levels for critical units during a flood, which can be associated with evacuation planning as well. Further studies must be carried out to verify this system for hospitals in Sri Lanka.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2020

Isaac Greene, Weena Lokuge and Warna Karunasena

Current methods for floodway design are predominately based on hydrological and hydraulic design principles. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a finite element methods…

Abstract

Purpose

Current methods for floodway design are predominately based on hydrological and hydraulic design principles. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a finite element methods approach for the inclusion of a simplified structural design method into floodway design procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a three-dimensional finite element method to investigate numerically the different parameters, geometric configurations and loading combinations which cause floodway vulnerability during extreme flood events. The worst-case loading scenario is then used as the basis for design from which several structural design charts are deduced. These charts enable design bending moments and shear forces to be extracted and the cross-sectional area of steel and concrete to be designed in accordance with the relevant design codes for strength, serviceability and durability.

Findings

It was discovered that the analysed floodway structure is most vulnerable when impacted by a 4-tonne boulder, a 900 mm cut-off wall depth and with no downstream rock protection. Design charts were created, forming a simplified structural design process to strengthen the current hydraulic design approach provided in current floodway design guidelines. This developed procedure is demonstrated through application with an example floodway structural design.

Originality/value

The deduced structural design process will ensure floodway structures have adequate structural resilience, aiding in reduced maintenance and periods of unserviceability in the wake of extreme flood events.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

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