1st Edition

Introduction to Natural and Man-made Disasters and Their Effects on Buildings

By Roxanna McDonald Copyright 2003
    258 Pages
    by Routledge

    258 Pages
    by Routledge

    This is a comprehensive guide to all types of natural and man made disasters and their effect on buildings. It gives overall guidance and a basic technical understanding of prevention, mitigation and management of disaster, and outlines a checklist of preventive design elements for each situation.

    Every category is illustrated with a case study which pin points the essential information that is crucial to architects and engineers in designing buildings with disaster prevention in mind.

    The aim of the book is to give a clear understanding of the nature of events and problems, and to enable readers to respond with knowledge to the unique demands placed on their designs.

    A special emphasis is also placed on re-building as an opportunity to start again. For the specialists this is a process of constant learning and improving techniques in the light of events past.

    Introduction: what constitutes a disaster, loss assessment, disaster management, preparedness, risk reduction, strategy trends; Natural Disasters: earthquakes; Case Studies: Romania, Turkey and Taiwan; flooding; Case Studies: France and UK; weather conditions; Case Studies: Florida, France, Alaska, UK; Manmade disasters: conflict; Case Studies: Northern Ireland, New York (WTC), and Romania; fire; Case Study: UK; industrial accidents/pollution; Case Study: Romania; vandalism/neglect; Case Study: UK; Further sources of information; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Roxanna McDonald

    …includes several case studies that are very interesting, perhaps the most interesting part to most people. – Architecture Boston

    The appendices… …are an important contribution – I have not previously found them all together in any single publication. – Architecture Boston

    The appendices also contain an excellent bibliography, which will be helpful to both the serious disaster professional and interested citizen. – Architecture Boston