Revista Internacional de Desastres Naturales, Accidentes e Infraestructura Civil / International Journal of Natural Disasters, Accidents and Civil Infrastructure

The scope of this publication covers engineering systems that provide support and help in the design of civil infrastructure, and to the natural disasters and accidents caused by human which may affect the infrastructure. The journal emphasizes contributions which address one or more of the areas identified in the title. The term infrastructure refers here to the physical facilities which allow moving or storing products, raw materials, water, solid waste, energy, information or people. This includes bridges, ports, canals, airports, railroads, systems of urban traffic, roads, lifelines, energy transportation, pipelines, dams, water treatment plants, tanks, silos, and others. Emphasis on natural disaster is placed on hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods, drafts, fire, landslides, and others. The journal also deals with man-made accidents, such as design or construction errors, explosions, impacts with vehicles, and others.

El alcance de esta publicación comprende los sistemas de ingeniería que dan apoyo y sirven para el diseño de la infraestructura civil, y a los desastres naturales y accidentes de origen humano que pueden afectar esa infraestructura. La revista publica contribuciones que se refieran a la conjunción de más de una de las áreas temáticas definidas en el título, o a una de ellas. El término infraestructura civil se usa aquí para designar al conjunto de instalaciones físicas que permiten movilizar o almacenar bienes, materias primas, agua, residuos, energía, información o personas. En general, se incluyen aquí puentes, puertos, canales, aeropuertos, ferrocarriles, sistemas de tránsito urbano, carreteras, líneas de comunicación y energía, tuberías, represas, plantas de tratamiento de aguas, tanques, silos, etc. El énfasis en desastres naturales está en el estudio de acciones de huracanes, tornados, terremotos, inundaciones, sequías, fuego, deslizamientos, y otros. Asimismo la revista publica temas relacionados con accidentes y eventos producidos por causas humanas, incluyendo fallas por diseño o construcción, colisiones con vehículos, explosiones, entre otras.

DOCUMENTS280
VIEWS5353
SCORE5

SCORE PERCENTILE100

Volume 19-20

PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
C. Chang

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 20

Abstract
Pavement management is a decision-making process of vital importance at the international level for the preservation of road infrastructure. The planning, programming, and execution of maintenance and rehabilitation activities to preserve the road infrastructure at an adequate level of service requires a large investment of resources. The availability of these resources, including budgetary constraints, and the progressive deterioration of the pavements due to the action of cumulative traffic loads and environmental factors create a complex problem to be solved during the management process. The purpose of pavement management practices is to find the best strategy to provide the desired level of service. From a broader perspective, pavement management covers all phases of planning, programming, analysis, design, construction, and research. A Pavement Management System (PMS) is a tool that helps agencies make cost-effective decisions about maintenance and rehabilitation policies. PMPs allow evaluating alternative strategies and predicting the impact of maintenance and rehabilitation interventions on the future performance of the pavement network. This technical article describes the evolution of pavement management systems in an effort to face the great challenge of preserving road infrastructure efficiently and sustainable to provide an adequate level of service to present and future users.
Abstract
Pavement management is a decision-making process of vital importance at the international level for the preservation of road infrastructure. The planning, programming, and [...]
- 21
- read
RISE-UP: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING TOOL TO GENERATE SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
C. Puerto, H. Cavallín, J. Perdomo, J. Muñoz, M. Suárez, D. Vázquez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 17

Abstract
The damage caused to Puerto Rico's infrastructure by Hurricane María in 2017 and the seismic sequence in 2020 provided evidence that, after a natural disaster, the collaboration of different disciplines is necessary to rebuild the damaged infrastructure using new paradigms. To develop a new generation of engineering and architecture professionals who work in an integrated way to face the challenges caused by natural events, the Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainability Education - Undergraduate Program (RISE-UP) was created. The program is structured using a collaborative platform between three campuses of the University of Puerto Rico system and is based on an interdisciplinary approach using Project-Based Learning (PBL). RISE-UP consists of four courses that are part of a minor degree that is complemented by internship and undergraduate research opportunities. The courses are taken sequentially in a process that starts with the presentation of basic content and techniques, to the application of that knowledge in an integrated design project. To date, a total of 64 students have entered the program, divided into two cohorts according to their admission into the program. Students in both cohorts reflect the diversity that the project seeks in terms of specialty area, campus, and gender. The results of the student evaluations indicate that 100% of the students find the PBL methodology "valuable" or "very valuable" to understand the importance of a sustainable and resilient infrastructure, putting into practice the concepts learned. This program serves as an example of the benefits of information technology integrations to allow students from different campuses to work together toward a common goal.
Abstract
The damage caused to Puerto Rico's infrastructure by Hurricane María in 2017 and the seismic sequence in 2020 provided evidence that, after a natural disaster, [...]
- 17
- read
EVALUATION OF MONTHLY RAINFALL CALCULATED WITH TRMM FOR METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT STUDIES
L. Vicario, C. Marcelo García, F. Domínguez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 16

Abstract
Precipitation is considered the main variable for the evaluation of meteorological drought in a basin. Droughts are phenomena of different spatial scale, so that is convenient to have simultaneous rainfall records in time and in different locations, in order to analyze their evolution in space, depending on the size and the variability of the characteristics in the basin. In Argentina, specifically in the central region, the availability of information on the spatial variability of rainfall is not usual, so drought studies in this region are limited. Due to this it is convenient to validate the rainfall information obtained through satellite missions. The present work evaluates the validity and applicability of monthly rainfall data estimated through TRMM in ten stations in the basin of the Carcarañá River in the central region of Argentina and its subsequent application to studies on meteorological droughts through a representative index (SPI). Statistical parameters such as the concordance coefficient, the correlation coefficient and the bias were used for this analysis. There was a significant variation of the parameters with respect to the height. Was observed better coefficients in stations located in plain compared with stations located in mountainous areas.
Abstract
Precipitation is considered the main variable for the evaluation of meteorological drought in a basin. Droughts are phenomena of different spatial scale, so that is convenient [...]
- 4
- read
A FLUTTER-BASED NON-CONVENTIONAL CONCEPT FOR ENERGY HARVESTING
M. Segura, E. Beltramo, B. Roccia, M. Valdéz, M. Verstraete, L. Ceballos, S. Preidikman

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 15

Abstract
Energy harvesting has currently taken a central role due to its application to feed low power devices, such as wireless sensors, radio-frequency transceivers, charging devices and cameras. Among other alternatives, wind energy harvesting based on aeroelastic phenomena plays a pivotal role in providing sufficient power for extended operation of such devices with little or no battery replacement. In this article, a concept that explores the possibility of harvesting wind energy using an array of harvesting devices is presented. Each device is built as a long span multifunctional wing that exhibits oscillatory motions under the action of the wind. The efficiency of these systems depends on inherently non-linear phenomena, as well as on the aerodynamic synergy between the harvesters, and between them and their wakes. In addition, a preliminary study of the feasibility of the concept is conducted through co-simulation techniques that allow one to investigate the fluid-structure interaction. The results of this effort are encouraging since they highlight the potential not only of the proposed concept but also of the combination of these new technologies with aeroelastic analysis and design methods to create a new generation of power harvesters.
Abstract
Energy harvesting has currently taken a central role due to its application to feed low power devices, such as wireless sensors, radio-frequency transceivers, charging devices [...]
- 2
- read
USE OF THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR DRIVERS BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND VEHICULAR CRASHES GENERATION
W. Arias-Rojas, J. Córdoba-Maquilón, G. Hernández-Pérez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 14

Abstract
This research is the result of the analysis of drivers´ behavior in a controlled scenario, using a driving simulator, in which, by measuring brain waves, the degree of concentration was (measured when driving and through the use of networks neuronal and artificial intelligence, a model of behavior of drivers was proposed to be subjected to a distracting effect while driving, which allows analyzing the most relevant factors that are reflected in errors and bad practices at the time of driving. In this research it was determined a population sample of men and woman whose ages oscillate between 16 to 90 years, from a universe obtained from a database of fatalities for 7 years. A driving simulator was built, and it was using a software for the simulation that allows different driving scenarios. Finally, risk behaviors were classified to be a factor of distraction. .
Abstract
This research is the result of the analysis of drivers´ behavior in a controlled scenario, using a driving simulator, in which, by measuring brain waves, the degree [...]
- 0
- read
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH THAT CONTRIBUTES TO SAFETY, SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
B. Colucci, A. Medina, D. Díaz

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 13

Abstract
Transportation infrastructure systems are vital for the effective, efficient, safe, and sustainable movement of people and goods, and promote the economic development of cities and countries for present and future generations. This article presents pertinent statistics related to mobility, safety, accessibility, equity, reliability, and resilience of transportation systems in the United States (U.S.) and internationally, and present some of the present and future challenges. Safety, congestion, and the human factor are emphasized in combination with innovative ideas and research-based remedial measures at the State and Federal level to mitigate congestion and improve safety for all users. Innovative ideas include the U.S. Federal Highway Administration's Every Day Counts program initiatives, findings from University Transportation Centers (UTC) SAFER-SIM ,and the National Institute for Congestion Reduction (NICR), and the use of driving simulators, virtual reality, unmanned aerial systems and alternative modes of transport such as e-scooters, and the successful management of knowledge transfer of these innovative initiatives at in person seminars and webinars through the Puerto Rico Transportation Technology Transfer Center.
Abstract
Transportation infrastructure systems are vital for the effective, efficient, safe, and sustainable movement of people and goods, and promote the economic development of cities [...]
- 2
- read
CLASSICAL STRESS ANALYSIS OF A FUSE PLATE THAT FAILED DURING HURRICANE MARÍA IN PUERTO RICO
J. Morales, J. Sánchez, S. Jesús, J. Caraballo

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 12

Abstract
A large number of breakaway-type highway signs toppled over during hurricane María in Puerto Rico. The cause was the unintended rupture of the fuse plates, a key component of the breakaway system. The design of fuse plates is unusual because two opposing constraints must be precisely balanced: 1. they must be weak enough to rupture during collision of an errant vehicle, thus minimizing injuries to passengers and damage to the vehicle, but 2. strong enough to resist wind loads. These uncommon constraints attracted the interest of the authors. The following question guided the research: Could classical stress analysis, in conjunction with established failure theories, predict the failure of an actual fuse plate that fractured during hurricane María? This investigation fills a gap in the literature by examining a more refined classical model of the stresses than previously considered. A wind gust speed of 155 mph at the top of the sign was assumed. The yield and ultimate strengths were obtained experimentally with one tensile specimen machined from a failed fuse plate. The classical stress analysis, in conjunction with the von Mises yield failure criterion, accurately predicted yielding of the fuse plate; however, higher wind speeds would have been required to reach fracture. It was concluded that the simplified model available in the literature is adequate to predict yielding. Its error was less than 1% when compared to the more refined model developed in this study.
Abstract
A large number of breakaway-type highway signs toppled over during hurricane María in Puerto Rico. The cause was the unintended rupture of the fuse plates, a [...]
- 71
- read
LANDSLIDE SCIENCE IN PUERTO RICO: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
K. Hughes, A. Morales-Vélez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 11

Abstract
This article presents an overview of landslide investigation in Puerto Rico from the time of Spanish control until the present. In addition, a projection for future developments is offered. The island’s tectonic and geographic situation combined with a history of intense agriculture practices yield a predisposition of landslide hazard. Mass wasting manifests itself in several modalities with shallow soil failures being most common and deep bedrock slides being most destructive. Movements can be provoked by seismic activity but are regularly triggered by high-intensity rainfall events associated with tropical cyclone systems. Advances in landslides science made during the latter 20th century were made possible by earlier topographic and geologic mapping efforts by the United States Geologic Survey. In the 21st century, instrumentation and monitoring endeavors have been made more effective with the use of emerging technologies. In the near future, advanced real time systems and forecasting programs are possible, and the continued investigation of landslides as principal agents of erosion will lead to a more focused understanding of surficial processes over geologic time. In a landscape faced with natural disasters, it is necessary to meet these phenomena with an adequate level of commitment in order to mold a more resilient society.
Abstract
This article presents an overview of landslide investigation in Puerto Rico from the time of Spanish control until the present. In addition, a projection for future [...]
- 1
- read
NEW BUILDING CODES 2018 AND EDUCATION TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE OF COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN PUERTO RICO
C. Puerto, I. Pagán-Trinidad, L. Aponte-Bermúdez, S. Adams

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 10

Abstract
The archipelago of Puerto Rico is prone to multiple hazards due to its very particular location in the Caribbean and its frequent exposure to extreme natural events. Since 2017, the Island has faced hurricanes, tropical storms, a sequence of earthquakes, drought, and various flood events caused by extreme cyclonic rainfall that have caused damage to coastal infrastructure. To support Puerto Rico's recovery after Hurricane María, numerous projects were developed and implemented. Many of these projects were funded through FEMA and acted as key catalysts for response, recovery, and public policy. FEMA's Mitigation Assessment Team, also known as MAT, developed recommendations to rebuild a more resistant infrastructure. Among the key recommendations is the adoption of the Puerto Rico Building Code of 2018. To facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the community in general (students, teachers, professionals, first responders and the workforce), the Center for Coastal Resilience (CRC) established two educational programs: the first is a continuing education program open to the general public; and the second is a formal program for university students that includes courses leading to degrees, projects, research, and internships. Adoption of the latest building codes and FEMA recommendations provide the tools for a resilient coastal infrastructure. The continuing education program has impacted 2,311 community members to date, increasing their knowledge and understanding of the different stages of prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and risk mitigation of coastal infrastructure.
Abstract
The archipelago of Puerto Rico is prone to multiple hazards due to its very particular location in the Caribbean and its frequent exposure to extreme natural events. Since [...]
- 2
- read
FORENSIC EVALUATION AND LESSONS LEARNED OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE POLE FAILURES IN PUERTO RICO DURING HURRICANE MARIA
F. Costa, O. Esquilín-Mangual, D. Valdes, C. Crane, S. Wood, W. Long

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 9

Abstract
This article summarizes the lessons learned from the evaluation of failed concrete utility poles in Puerto Rico as a consequence of Hurricane Maria. Teams were deployed between October 3rd to 11th 2017, to cover the west, northwest, south, and east of the island. The evaluation presents sample cases of the failed poles around the island but does not attempt to conduct an inventory. The Puerto Rico building code was being updated based on changes in the International Building Code and the effects of Hurricane Georges. However, many poles made from previous designs are still in service, and many of them failed as a consequence of design deficiencies and improper construction practices. Poles manufactured under the updated codes failed mostly due to foundation issues or structural overload from nearby vegetation impact and the failure of in-line poles, especially wood poles and pre-Georges concrete poles.
Abstract
This article summarizes the lessons learned from the evaluation of failed concrete utility poles in Puerto Rico as a consequence of Hurricane Maria. Teams were deployed between [...]
- 1
- read
THE ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL FAILURES IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE USED TO ESTIMATE WIND SPEEDS OF HURRICANE MARIA IN PUERTO RICO
G. Pacheco-Crosetti, H. Cruzado

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 8

Abstract
Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Its strong winds and rainfall intensity were responsible for significant damages to the infrastructure and to all types of construction in Puerto Rico. The hurricane and its effects have been intensively studied over the past three years. These studies include estimates of the gust speeds that the hurricane produced. These estimates appear to be lower than those expected for a hurricane of Maria’s category. The present study sets out to contribute to these estimates by analyzing the failures of elements of the transportation infrastructure, obtaining as a result that the gust speeds required to produce the analyzed failures were significantly higher than those of previous studies. This findings suggests that a review of the estimated gust speeds for Hurricane María is pertinent, which would make it possible to better interpret its effects. In turn, this could have an impact on the definition of relevant design speeds for Puerto Rico to design resilient systems under a future update of the building codes of the island.
Abstract
Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Its strong winds and rainfall intensity were responsible for significant damages to the infrastructure [...]
- 3
- read
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STRONG MOTION SEISMIC NETWORK FOLLOWING HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA AND THE SEISMIC SEQUENCE
J. Martínez-Cruzado

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 7

Abstract
The Puerto Rico Strong Motion Program (PRSMP) has 114 strong motion stations and 21 seismically instrumented structures in five (5) countries. This paper explains how the PRSMP has been able to recover from the detrimental effects of Hurricane María to become a more robust, strong motion network in terms of instrumentation with 100% of the data loggers with recent technology, in terms of energy with 48/90 (53%) of the free field stations in the Island with photovoltaic systems, and in terms of communication with 51/90 (57%) transmitting its data real time and developing two data centers. In addition, the southwest Seismic Sequence, with its main event on January 7, 2020, has allowed the increment of strong motion stations and the improvement of its communication in the region that covers from Ponce to Mayagüez.
Abstract
The Puerto Rico Strong Motion Program (PRSMP) has 114 strong motion stations and 21 seismically instrumented structures in five (5) countries. This paper explains how the [...]
- 0
- read
BEHAVIOR OF TYPICAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS USING PREFABRICATED DOUBLE-T-TYPE ROOFS DURING EARTHQUAKES IN JANUARY AND MAY 2020 IN PUERTO RICO
J. Guevara

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 19

Abstract
The recent earthquakes that occurred in January and May 2020 in Puerto Rico have revealed the vulnerability of industrial buildings that use prestressed concrete double-T beams, due to poor connections and insufficient support lengths between the double-T beams and the supporting beams that are prefabricated. These beams sometimes are supported by concrete brackets representing an additional risk. In the supports, displacements have been observed in the joints causing diagonal cracks and angle separation related to the horizontal transfer between the joists and supporting beams. In these supports there is a lack of capacity due to shear and poor ductility due to the connection made with metal plates embedded in the web of the joists and angles located along the edge of the prefabricated beams.
Abstract
The recent earthquakes that occurred in January and May 2020 in Puerto Rico have revealed the vulnerability of industrial buildings that use prestressed concrete double-T [...]
- 7
- read
NEAR FIELD EARTHQUAKES CHARACTERIZATION
J. Ordoñez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 18

Abstract
Near field earthquakes are those that have their epicenter at less than 20 km with respect to the site of interest. These earthquakes have particular conditions that pose a high seismic threat and are not covered by the regional seismic hazard parameters established from regional studies. Some design codes require a specific assessment of this situation for structure design, but do not specify methods or references for this evaluation. This article presents a description of the characteristic conditions of near field seismic movement based on the analysis of real records. It shows how near field earthquakes have a coherent pattern of long-period, high-intensity movements that originate from the rupture displacement in the source. Because of the long-period movements they significantly affect the coseismic displacements which can become quite large. This effect is attenuated at distances larger than 20 km. This information is useful in characterizing the seismic threat in cases where there are shallow seismic sources near the site of interest.
Abstract
Near field earthquakes are those that have their epicenter at less than 20 km with respect to the site of interest. These earthquakes have particular conditions that pose [...]
- 6
- read
EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCE IN PUERTO RICO AND THE CARIBBEAN: LESSONS AND WHAT WE HAVE LEARN FROM THEM IN THE LAST TWO DECADES
C. López, J. Cruzado, L. Suarez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 5

Abstract
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, and the smallest island of the Greater Antilles, is approximately 200 km by 60 km; it is also the island with the highest population densities within the Caribbean region. Several historical earthquakes have caused extensive damage to Puerto Rico and have generated Tsunami. There is a great concern to many geophysicists who believe that the subduction zone (Puerto Rico Trench) may be due for a major event because it has not ruptured in over 200 years. This research provides a description of the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and instrumental Intensity (IMMI) distribution of significant moderate magnitude (5.0≤M≤6.4) earthquakes, the temporal-spatial patterns of the regional and local seismicity, within Puerto Rico Island (PRI) occurred during the last two decades, the lessons we have learned from them, and their association with the known mapped faults and the historical earthquakes (M≥7.0), as well as to the un-known faults and the earthquake epicentral clusters within the PRI and Caribbean region. In addition, the tectonic frame and faults of the region and the Puerto Rico Strong Motion Program (PRSMP) seismic network instruments coverage and distribution is provided. Finally, it was found the most recent Puerto Rico Seismic Hazard Map (2003), contained in the current building code, does not take into account the multiple partially studied active seismic faults that were found within the Island and that at least one of them could generate magnitude 7.5 earthquakes. Update the PRI Seismic Hazard Map considering the new identified active faults and the new findings of the seismic studies and the local site effects is plenty justified.
Abstract
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, and the smallest island of the Greater Antilles, is approximately 200 km by 60 km; it is [...]
- 18
- read
INTERACTION AMONG SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES ABOUT THE IMPACT OF EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS IN PUERTO RICO
R. Rodríguez, W. Ramirez-Martinez, V. Huérfano, C. Andrade, E. Machado

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 4

Abstract
The M6.4 earthquake in January 7, 2020 in the Southwest of Puerto Rico caused damage to housing and buildings, and generated anxiety among the residents. The aftershocks were very active in the following months and are still felt, although with less intensity and frequency. A group of researchers from University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) took over the task of going to the communities that requested their visit to deliver informative talks about the events. These included information on the geology of the zone, details on the ground movements, Tsunami threats, the effects on the structures, what to expect in future events, and how to react to the strong ground movement. This article summarizes part of that group experience, including technical information about the earthquake and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from the provided lectures.
Abstract
The M6.4 earthquake in January 7, 2020 in the Southwest of Puerto Rico caused damage to housing and buildings, and generated anxiety among the residents. The aftershocks were [...]
- 9
- read
EVALUATING RISK FROM A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE: A SUBNATIONAL LEVEL EVALUATION IN COLOMBIA
P. Marulanda-Fraume, O. Cardona, M. Marulanda, M. Carreño

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 3

Abstract
Disaster risk is not only associated with the occurrence of intense hazard events but also with the vulnerability conditions that favour or facilitate disasters when such events occur. Vulnerability is closely linked to social processes and governance weaknesses in disaster-prone areas and is usually related to a set of factors of fragility, susceptibility, and lack of resilience of the exposed human settlements. The holistic risk assessment aims to reflect risk from a comprehensive perspective by using, in one hand, the physical risk or potential physical damage directly linked to the occurrence of hazard events and, on the other hand by capturing how underlying risk drivers or amplifiers –social, economic, environmental factors, non-hazard dependent elements, may worsen the current existing physical risk conditions in terms of lack of capacity to anticipate or resist, or to respond and recover from adverse impacts. This article presents the results of the holistic evaluation obtained at subnational level in Colombia in the framework of the Risk Atlas of Colombia of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, UNGRD. The evaluation was performed using the probabilistic physical risk results obtained in the multi-hazard risk assessment and 16 socio-economic indicators available for 1,123 municipalities of Colombia. These results are useful to identify risk drivers that are associated not only to the physical vulnerability of the buildings and infrastructure but also to social issues that should be examined and tackled in a comprehensive way.
Abstract
Disaster risk is not only associated with the occurrence of intense hazard events but also with the vulnerability conditions that favour or facilitate disasters when such [...]
- 1
- read
FLEET AND FUEL STRATEGIES FOR TRANSPORTATION RESILIENCE
A. Kolpakov, A. Sipiora, X. Li, C. Johnson, E. Nobler

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 2

Abstract
The state of Florida, including the Tampa Bay region, is considered one of the most vulnerable areas in the United States to hurricanes and severe tropical weather. A particular vulnerability stems from the fact that Tampa Bay receives all of its petroleum—gasoline and diesel—through Port Tampa Bay, which can be impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as other disasters. If the port is unable to receive ships due to hurricane wind or storm surge, fuel cannot be delivered to the area, and transportation is impeded. One promising way to avoid this reduction in transportation functionality is to diversify the fuels used. This paper summarizes previous fuel challenges and vulnerabilities experienced by key Tampa Bay fleets after the area’s most recent tropical event—Hurricane Irma in 2017—in order to explore ways to improve the resilience of Tampa Bay to natural disasters. Some of these strategies include maintaining emergency fuel supply, prioritizing fuel use, developing innovative real-time resource sharing mechanisms, strategically placing the assets around the region to assist with the recovery, investing in backup generators, planning for redundancies in fuel supply networks, and diversifying fuel sources by incorporating alternative fuel vehicles into the fleet.
Abstract
The state of Florida, including the Tampa Bay region, is considered one of the most vulnerable areas in the United States to hurricanes and severe tropical weather. A particular [...]
- 17
- read
COLLAPSE OF THE ARECIBO OBSERVATORY IN PUERTO RICO: REFLECTIONS FROM A STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE
J. Morales, L. Suarez

RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 19-20, 1

Abstract
The suspended platform of the Arecibo Observatory collapsed on December 1, 2020, after 57 years of illustrious service to the scientific community. This article reflects on the collapse from a structural engineering perspective. It explores issues that most likely contributed, including the cable terminations and their performance under loading, corrosion, fatigue, safety factors, the dynamic demands on the remaining cables when one of them suddenly snaps, and the dynamics of the suspended platform during its pendular swing. The article is based on publicly available reports from the news media, photographs, and published video recordings of the collapse sequence. These were expanded with relevant studies collected from the literature and with publicly available technical reports from structural engineering consultants that evaluated the structure during its final months. It is organized as a sequence of events, starting with the first cable failure on August 10, 2020, the second failure on November 6, 2020, and the final collapse. Despite the limitations, it is concluded that corrosion does not seem to have played a significant role, and that the failure of the first cable was most likely due to flaws during the fabrication of the cable/socket connection. These will be reviewed and updated once the forensic analyses of the failed elements are concluded and made public.
Abstract
The suspended platform of the Arecibo Observatory collapsed on December 1, 2020, after 57 years of illustrious service to the scientific community. This article reflects on [...]
- 12
- read