Severity of social and economic impact due to flood damaged critical infrastructure on associated communities and industries

Abhijeet Rathindra Deshmukh, Purdue University

Abstract

The functioning of communities and industries depend on infrastructure network. Daily activities (such as production, shipping, supply chain, etc. for industries and commuting for work, business, schooling, etc. for communities) are performed efficiently with the help of infrastructure network. It is vital for infrastructure to function efficiently at all the times. However, during disasters, either manmade or natural, the functioning or serviceability of infrastructure could be severely affected. This in turn has an impact on the activities/services of communities and industries. These activities and services contribute socially and economically. When their functioning is affected and usually reduced in case of disasters, their social and economic contribution is reduced. This reduction can be assessed as social and economic impact on communities and industries due to reduction in serviceability of infrastructure network. This research proposes a framework that explains the flow of disaster impact from damaged infrastructure to communities and industries. The flow of disasters is based on the relationship that is established between activities of communities and industries and related infrastructure. The framework identifies activities as an important factor for measuring social and economic impact. The research also proposes a Severity Assessment Tool (SAT) which is based on the aforesaid relationship. The tool uses analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for prioritization of activities based on social/economic contribution they offer and infrastructure required for supporting activities based on the assistance level they can provide. The tool uses excel spreadsheets for performing simulation using Monte Carlo technique. The results are interpreted using frequency diagrams in terms of social and economic impacts. This model would help the city managers and emergency response agencies in understanding the social and economic impact of disasters on communities and the associated industries and would assist them in preparing appropriate disaster mitigation strategies.

Degree

M.S.C.E.

Advisors

Hastak, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Civil engineering

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