On Structural Rehabilitation and Retrofitting for Risk Reduction

Abstract

Structures which resist the normal as well as accidental loads due to natural hazards or manmade hazards have major role on risk. Risk may be synonym of loss of life or economy. In this script, qualitatively, it is referred as low risk and high risk and is a function of hazard levels and structural vulnerability and exposure time. In this paper, structures are referred to civil engineering buildings, equipment and piping systems. Every structural system will contribute to the risk. The risk levels are function of type of structural systems such as residential structures, office buildings, Industrial structures and lifeline structures. The risk level in industrial structures handling poisonous gases and liquids is high. Lifelines such as transport related structures, hospitals, water supply piping systems, evacuation centers including schools have to be treated exclusively/specially since these will contribute to the risk during and also after hazards especially natural one. For brevity, qualitative description is made on hazards and risk reduction targeting clear vision. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.