Abstract
Computer simulation is increasingly being used by emergency planners as a tool to improve disaster response given that it can model real-world scenarios, such as earthquakes. Although there has been an increase in simulation research focused on disaster response, much of this literature is from disparate fields and across disaster scenarios. To bridge this gap, this paper surveys simulation-based models for post-earthquake response from the year 2000 onward. Advantages of simulation over closed-form statistical models are discussed. Three main subproblems in post-earthquake response models are explored: (1) service distribution (e.g., food, water), (2) infrastructure restoration (at the building and transportation system level), and (3) emergency healthcare provision (i.e., casualty treatment). Additionally, the underlying simulation-optimization model in its canonical form and numerical results from case studies are presented to illustrate the nature and size of the problems encountered in the real world. Thereafter, gaps in the literature are identified keeping in mind the objectives of FEMA's recent strategic plan, which focuses largely on equity and resilience. This paper revealed key misalignments between policy priorities and existing literature - specifically, that there is a gap in equity-based simulation modeling.
Recommended Citation
A. Gosavi et al., "Simulation-Based Models for Postearthquake Response: A Survey and Research Directions," Natural Hazards Review, vol. 26, no. 1, article no. 04024045, American Society of Civil Engineers, Feb 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1061/NHREFO.NHENG-2061
Department(s)
Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
Second Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Building collapse; Disaster response; Equity; Infrastructure restoration; Simulation
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1527-6996; 1527-6988
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Feb 2025
Included in
Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons, Structural Engineering Commons, Structural Materials Commons