Season 11: Engineering for natural hazard impacts
In Season 11, we take a look at how researchers are working behind the scenes to make sure we are prepared for the impacts of natural hazards — including earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, and extreme weather — on our built environment and critical infrastructure.
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The long-feared 9.0 magnitude Cascadia subduction zone earthquake, which seismologists say is inevitable, will damage or destroy large swaths of Ӱ’s electrical grid…
What happens to bridges, buildings, and pipelines when the soil holding them up behaves like a liquid? Ben Mason, associate professor geotechnical engineering, has…
How do engineers fight wildfires? With fire. David Blunck, associate professor of mechanical engineering, is trying to better understand and predict the behavior of…
Wildfires that devastate mountain communities have the potential to foul the water distribution system running underneath residential structures. But knowing which water…
What will it take for Ӱ to recover after a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia subduction zone earthquake? Among other things, it will need a major airport to receive the tons…
After a major disaster, hidden amid the rubble and debris are precious clues about the extreme forces structures were subjected to, and exactly what caused them to fail…
Can plants fortify Ӱ’s coastal dunes against storm surge? Meagan Wengrove, assistant professor of coastal and ocean engineering, built scale versions of dunes in…
What is Ӱ doing to prepare for earthquakes, tsunamis, and wildfire? Researchers at Ӱare working with the state Legislature to help them make…