In the NHERI Science Plan, one of the key research questions addresses the uncertainty of loading actions from earthquakes, windstorms, storm surges and associated events. Uncertainties are particularly challenging for performance-based engineering, and reducing those uncertainties will lead to more efficient and effective designs – and more resilient structures. The NHERI Science Plan suggests that more research is necessary to:

1. Develop better approaches for laboratory testing to evaluate earthquake, tsunami, wind, surge and wave effects.
2. Develop methods to more realistically characterize loading from wind, earthquake, tsunami, storm surge and wave action on buildings and other structures.
3. Improve our ability to connect frequency and intensity geospatial hazard data to site-specific loading actions on geomaterials, geostructures, buildings (including non-structural components), and other structures.

Download the NHERI Science Plan from the NCO Community Data page to explore key research question #1: How do researchers characterize the transient and variable nature of the loading actions imposed on the nation’s civil infrastructure from earthquakes, windstorms, and associated hazards?

Replacement of eastern span of San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge following failure of the existing bridge from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, 2013 (Photo: licensed by © Frank Schulenburg/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Related Links

NHERI Science Plan

NCO Community Data

Network Coordination Office (NCO)