Methods for development of building codes and disaster recovery measures

ABSTRACT

The reduction of the impact of an earthquake disaster involves planning for mitigation of earthquake effects both before and after the seismic event. Building codes provide the basis for implementation of pre-event measures to minimize the impact of an earthquake. Planning can also facilitate recovery after such an event and minimize long term impacts upon society. The paper will suggest methodologies to be used in the development of building codes which can encourage the use of local building practices while developing safer standards for construction. The discussion will focus on the processes used in the United States to formulate building codes and on the application of these processes to formulation of codes appropriate for developing nations. The paper will also explore disaster recovery through the training of personnel to perform post earthquake evaluation of damaged structures to ascertain levels of damage and suitability for occupancy (AU)