Most of the decisions that determine a building's ability to withstand the effects of natural hazards are determined during the original sitting and design of the structure. To assist with compiling and disseminating information on building design appropriate to the hazards prevalent in the Caribbean, the PGDM supported the Council of Caribbean Engineering Organizations in the development and implementation of a multi-hazard building design course. The objectives of the course are twofold:
The 5-day course is structured in two modules. A first module of 2 days introduced the conceptual and construction administration elements. The second module covered the more technical material geared at practicing design engineers. The course also introduced participants to the standards proposed for CUBIC 2000 for wind- and earthquake-resistant design. The specific topics covered in the course include:
The PGDM sponsored the first offering of the Multi-hazard Building Design course at the Ocean Terrace Inn in St. Kitts during the week of 13 November 2000. Sixteen public- and private-sector engineers participated in the full week-long course. PGDM sponsored the participation in this course of Public Works Directors and Engineers from Antigua/Barbuda and St. Kitts/Nevis, as well as two participants from the Engineering Faculty of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Private sector engineers from the project countries participated in the course free of charge. Private-sector engineers from other countries could participate upon paying a course fee. A final report on this course was produced by the CCEO.
The University of the West Indies is undertaking a critical review of the course, to determine which components could be incorporated into both final year undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the Department of Civil Engineering. The Engineering Faculty also intends on incorporating this course into its continuing education course series.
Course Outline (HTML)
Cover, Table of Contents and Introduction (PDF 360k)
Architectural Practice and Earthquake Hazards. California State Seismic Safety Commission.
Wind Engineering in the Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project. Tony Gibbs 2001.
| USAID/OAS Post-Georges Disaster Mitigation: http://www.oas.org/pgdm | Page last updated on 20 Apr 2001 |