Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025): In Progress

This study introduces a multivariate demand model for Engineering Demand Parameters (EDPs) in Performance Based Seismic Design (PBSD), utilizing Gaussian copulas to characterize the dependence structure of the demand vector. The effectiveness of this approach is assessed by comparing EDPs generated using Gaussian copulas against those assumed under a joint lognormal distribution. This validation study is further carried forward to values of economic loss for the four special steel moment frames obtained via the three sets of EDPs. The Performance Assessment Calculation Tool (PACT) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P-58 (2015) is used for loss estimation. Results indicate that using copulas to represent the dependence structure of EDPs better captures the characteristics of the population of EDPs rather than assuming a joint lognormal distribution. Distributions of economic loss generated using copulas match the loss generated from the true observations of EDPs better than loss generated assuming a joint lognormal distribution. The sample size of the selected and scaled ground motions required for the generation of realizations of building response via nonlinear dynamic analysis is also investigated, which proves to yield more accurate values of response but, at the expense of using a larger number of initial observations.

The occurrence of disasters is increasing in frequency and magnitude in Australia as a result of climate change. According to projections, disasters related to climate change and also other types of disasters are expected to impose an increasing burden on Australian communities and will increasingly challenge the capabilities of governments and other agencies to manage the post-disaster response and recovery. This paper explores whether Australian post-disaster recovery practices can be augmented to support and empower those impacted by catastrophic disasters. The research used a case study methodology to explore examples of major recent disasters in Australia and suggests how disaster recovery can be augmented by extending existing practices and/or utilising alternative practices. Recovery practices were identified from the literature and the selected case studies, and were analysed for importance, effectiveness and future potential improvements. Community engagement has been identified as a key factor in assessing the appropriate disaster recovery decisions and actions. The research on the disaster context and practices coupled with a review of the current scholarly discourse has been used to propose an indicative community recovery support matrix as a way of assisting governments and agencies involved in disaster recovery to develop strategies in the initial stage of supporting impacted communities.

We examined the impacts and lessons learned from the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado, one of the most devastating tornadoes in U.S. history. The review covers various aspects, including vulnerability and resilience, building codes, preparedness, risk communication, damage assessment, economic impacts, and response and recovery strategies. Key findings highlight the role of building codes and structural integrity in mitigating damage, the importance of effective communication and preparedness in enhancing community response, and the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on recovery processes. Studies on community resilience emphasize the necessity of integrated approaches that combine engineering, social, and economic perspectives. The review also underscores the value of empirical data from building permit records, spatial‑temporal analyses, and economic models in understanding recovery trajectories. Contributions from interdisciplinary research provide insights into improving disaster preparedness, response strategies, and long‑term resilience. The analysis offers valuable lessons for policymakers, emergency management officials, and urban planners, aiming to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to future tornadoes and other natural disasters. The review’s findings suggest that proactive planning, robust building practices, and effective communication are crucial for fostering resilient communities capable of withstanding and recovering from severe weather events.