Multi-hazard analysis and design of structures: status and research trends

Multiple hazards, such as, earthquake, strong wind, snow, flood-induced scour, tsunami, landslide, rain, blast, explosion, fire outbreak, etc. have caused extensive global devastations to civil structure and infrastructure systems in terms of physical and socio-economic losses. The catastrophic losses are largely due to the complex effects of these multiple hazards, as the existing provisions currently do not address the intriguing effects of multi-hazard. The associated complex and multifaceted effects, hence, warrant urgent attention for establishing new design code provisions to assess new and retrofit existing structures. In this context, this article presents a detailed and comprehensive review about the multi-hazard effects on structures and infrastructures exposed to different natural and manmade hazards. The prevailing global challenges are addressed for consideration of the complex interaction and inter-relation effects under the multiple hazard scenarios. The existing information on multi-hazard analysis is critically synthesized, and the similarities and differences of existing multi-hazard studies along with the future challenges are provided. Moreover, existing assessment techniques for optimal design of structures are discussed, emphasizing the mitigation strategies adopted under the multi-hazard scenarios. Special attention is also focused in developing the scientific knowhow to protect the structures for better performance under a selection of the complex and intriguing multi-hazard scenarios.