Robert A. Olson

Direct and indirect economic losses from earthquake damage

Earthquakes generate a variety of economic impacts. To obtain a consistent measure, the actual damage state must be linked to the dollar losses of the capital stock, and then translated into direct business interruption losses and the ensuing ripple effects that occur throughout the economy. The Earthquake Loss Estimation Methodology (HAZUS) facilitates a consistent set of loss estimations. The direct loss module of HAZUS calculates loss estimates for repair and replacement of building stock (structural and nonstructural), building contents and inventory, and business interruption losses. The direct losses information provides the inputs to the indirect loss module. The indirect loss module estimates the impacts by economic sectors over time and accounts for both earthquake-induced supply shortages and demand reductions. The results of a case study are presented that focus on the economic impacts of various scenario earthquakes that might occur in the Boston metropolitan area.

Urban Heavy Rescue

Recent foreign disasters reinforce the argument that it is past time to distinguish conceptually post-earthquake “urban heavy rescue” (UHR) from the generic “search and rescue.” It is especially important to appreciate the problematic operational environment of UHR and the political as well as the lifesaving implications of UHR successes and failures. Effective UHR requires complex inter-governmental, public-private, and civil-military preparedness planning. At this point in time, UHR remains the weak link in the entire response chain to the inevitable major urban earthquake in the United States.

Legislative Politics and Seismic Safety: California’s Early Years and the “Field Act,” 1925–1933

Californias first major earthquake safety policy initiative was 1933s Safety of Design and Construction of Public School Buildings Act, popularly known as the Field Act for its author, Assemblyman Don C. Field, who became the Field Acts legislative champion. The foundation for its enactment a month after the 10 March 1933 Long Beach earthquake was laid earlier by the 29 June 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake, the Dam Act of 1929, the drafting of a proposed Building Code for California, the formation of the Structural Engineers Association of California, and general acceptance of Californias earthquake risk. This paper reviews the roles played by the pre-Field Act factors and the politics of the laws enactment, including the central role played by the State Division of Architecture in preparing the legislation and supporting Assemblyman Fields efforts.

A retrospective on the 1906 earthquake's impact on Bay Area and California public policy

The 1906 earthquakes influence has been both a blessing and curse on the Bay Areas and Californias progress to effectively manage earthquake risk. This earthquake, and its impacts noted in the historical record, have both motivated and discouraged policymakers to act through mitigation and improved emergency response. This paper scrutinizes the 1906 earthquake using a public policy perspective. Building from that experience improves the regions future earthquake risk management efforts.

Base Isolation: What We Need to Know to Diffuse This Technology

San Bernardino Countrys willingness to “experiment” with a base isolated building raises broader questions about how engineering innovations are adopted and implemented. Focusing on group decision making, this paper explores the questions that need to be examined if more rapid use of new engineering techniques is desired.