Calamity: A Journal of Disaster Technology and Engineering
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Exploring community resilience: A qualitative study on earthquake preparedness and response in vulnerable regions (Kathmandu)
No full textBackground: The way communities handle disasters directly influences earthquake impact reduction most significantly within regions that are easily damaged like Nepal. This research analyzes the subjective elements of preparedness and risk recognition and response approaches among Kathmandu-based communities. Methods: The research used questionnaire surveys to gather information from individuals representing different family sizes, methods of income and age brackets. The study analyzed several driving elements for preparedness that combine information accessibility with neighborhood safety evaluations and citizen involvement and institutional backing. Findings: The data indicates that homeowners showed mixed assessments regarding their house structural readiness for major earthquakes since 46.9% said their homes were strong enough while 50% remained unsure about it. The majority (75.8%) of the population used social media for earthquake information yet fewer than one-third (33.3%) were satisfied with training and nearly nine-tenths (87.9%) had not received preparedness materials. Studies found that an unsatisfactory pace of recovery occurred after disasters because 33.3% of communities needed help months later and 33.3% received no assistance. Community engagement together with traditional knowledge showed promise as potential resilience-builders yet formal disaster planning systems demonstrate minimal integration of these approaches. Conclusion: Research suggests the augmentation of educational campaigns about disasters should be paired with better warning alerts together with financial help for building improvements and more organized institutional cooperation. The establishment of comprehensive measures to bridge these areas will help Nepal construct resilient communities. Novelty/originality of this article: The research adds important knowledge to earthquake risk reduction science along with community resilience approaches that benefits policymakers through their work with disaster management agencies
A multi-hazard approach to disaster-resilient and sustainable infrastructure development
No full textBackground: Indonesia is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, making the development of disaster-resilient and sustainable infrastructure a strategic necessity for disaster risk reduction and long-term development. This study aims to examine the concepts, principles, and challenges of developing resilient and sustainable disaster infrastructure based on recent literature. Methods: The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach through a literature review of scientific journal articles, policy reports, and publications from national and international institutions. Finding: The findings indicate that infrastructure resilience is not solely determined by physical strength but also by the integration of disaster risk analysis, sustainability-oriented planning, and adaptive governance and innovation. Multi-hazard risk-based approaches and the use of digital technologies play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster infrastructure development. However, major challenges remain in terms of institutional capacity and coordination among stakeholders. Conclusion: This study concludes that the development of resilient and sustainable disaster infrastructure requires an integrated approach that combines technical, policy, social, and environmental aspects to support inclusive and sustainable development. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article contributes originality by synthesizing recent literature to frame disaster-resilient and sustainable infrastructure as an integrated multi-hazard system that combines engineering resilience, digital technologies, and adaptive governance, offering a comprehensive perspective aligned with contemporary disaster technology and engineering challenges
Spatial study of environmental vulnerability to earthquakes based on vegetation conditions
No full textBackground: Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural hazards, causing not only structural damage and loss of life but also long-term environmental degradation and vegetation decline. The ecological dimension of seismic vulnerability has often been overlooked in spatial studies, particularly in tropical regions. This research aims to assess environmental vulnerability to earthquakes based on vegetation conditions along the Opak Fault in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Methods: The study employs a quantitative–spatial approach using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze vegetation coverage within three buffer zones at radii of 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km from the active fault line. Secondary data from the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) and PVMBG were processed to calculate the Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) using the ratio of vegetated area to total buffer area, expressed as a percentage. Findings: Results indicate that vulnerability decreases with distance from the fault: 49% (high) for 0–2 km, 45% (high) for 2–5 km, and 40% (moderate) for 5–10 km. The innermost zones, dominated by irrigated rice fields on saturated alluvial soils, exhibit the highest susceptibility to liquefaction and ground shaking. In contrast, areas with greater forest cover show higher ecological resilience. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need to integrate vegetation-based management and Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) strategies into local spatial planning to strengthen environmental resilience in seismically active regions. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study uniquely combines GIS-based spatial analysis with vegetation data to assess earthquake vulnerability, highlighting ecological factors often overlooked in seismic risk assessments and informing ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction strategies
Integration of geotechnical parameters and infrastructure preparedness policy in disaster mitigation in earthquake-prone areas
No full textBackground: This study investigates the geotechnical characteristics and seismic response of soils in the Quarry Barbate–Paya Kameng area, Blang Bintang District, Aceh Besar, which lies near the active Seulimum Fault. The research aims to analyze soil behavior under seismic influences through laboratory testing and theoretical calculations. Laboratory tests included determining water content, specific gravity, grain size distribution, and Atterberg limits to classify soil types and evaluate their physical properties. The study also analyzed earthquake acceleration and uplift forces to assess the dynamic response of the soil. Methods: Soil samples were collected from a depth of 10 meters and analyzed for moisture content, specific gravity, particle size distribution, and Atterberg limits to determine their geotechnical properties. Earthquake-induced ground acceleration and uplift forces were then calculated to assess soil behavior under seismic loading. All tests followed standard ASTM procedures to ensure reliable and comparable results. Findings: Results showed that the soil has an average specific gravity of 2.619 and a plasticity index of 38.42%, indicating a highly plastic clay (CH) with low shear strength and high swelling potential. The maximum ground acceleration reached 0.00236 g, while uplift force increased from 0.82 kg to 7.47 kg over 96 hours, suggesting rising pore-water pressure that can reduce effective stress and stability. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of integrating geotechnical results into spatial planning and disaster mitigation policies. This study provides novel insights into linking soil mechanics and seismic risk assessment for infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone zones. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides novel insights by integrating laboratory-based geotechnical analysis with seismic response modeling to evaluate soil behavior near an active fault, offering practical guidance for infrastructure resilience and disaster mitigation in earthquake-prone areas
An integrated framework of community resilience to earthquakes: Implications for disaster risk reduction and recovery engineering
No full textBackground: Indonesia is prone to earthquakes because it is located at the meeting point of tectonic plates, resulting in many coastal areas having a high risk of disaster. Earthquakes not only cause physical damage but also have a long-term impact on the psychological and social conditions of the community. Therefore, community resilience is an important factor in reducing disaster risk and supporting the post-disaster recovery process. This study aims to examine the concept of community resilience in facing earthquakes and the factors that influence it. Methods: This scientific paper uses a literature review method by examining accredited scientific journals, disaster textbooks, official agency reports, and relevant laws and regulations. Findings: The results of the study show that community resilience to earthquakes is shaped by the integration of social, economic, physical and infrastructure aspects, human resources, and the environment. Social aspects and social capital play an important role in accelerating post-disaster response and recovery, while economic capacity and infrastructure quality determine the community's ability to absorb the impact of disasters. These findings are in line with resilience theory, which emphasizes adaptive capacity and collective engagement as key factors in community resilience. Conclusion: Community resilience to earthquakes is built through the integration of social, economic, physical, human resource, and environmental aspects that reinforce each other. Strengthening the adaptive capacity of communities in an integrated manner is key to reducing the impact of disasters and supporting post-disaster recovery and sustainability. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive conceptual synthesis of community resilience to earthquake disasters by integrating social, economic, physical, human resource, and ecological perspectives into a single framework of discussion
Analysis of implementation factors in the application of building information modeling (BIM) in construction projects: Enhancing disaster preparedness
Get PDFBackground: Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is game-changing in the AEC industry. BIM can significantly improve team coordination, construction productivity, project performance, and profits. The conventional construction process, where there are often conflicts between stakeholders regarding the workflow in a job, will change with the application of BIM in construction projects. In the construction sector in Indonesia, the knowledge and experience of construction service provider companies (consultants and contractors) in Indonesia needs to be studied and documented academically to enrich the body of knowledge of BIM implementation. Methods: The data used in this study are primary data obtained through questionnaires. The data used in this study are quantitative data processed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method with SmartPLS 4.0 software. Conclusion: From the results of this study, it is concluded that the implementation factor has a significant influence on Building Information Modeling (BIM). Based on the outer model analysis of the SmartPLS 4.0 software, it is found that the greatest influence of the implementation factor relationship on Building Information Modeling (BIM) is 0.757 or it can be said that it is 75.7%. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a unique contribution by focusing on the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Indonesian construction sector, particularly through the lens of construction service providers' knowledge and experience, using a robust quantitative approach with SmartPLS 4.0 to analyze the influence of implementation factors on BIM adoption
The impact of overtime duration variations on labor productivity in apartment construction projects: A study on engineering and disaster management in the construction sector
Get PDFBackground: Construction projects, especially apartment buildings, often face challenges such as resource limitations, unpredictable weather, and schedule delays, which lead to increased costs and reduced productivity. Overtime is a commonly adopted strategy to address these issues; however, its effect on labor productivity is complex. Methods: This study investigates the impact of varying overtime durations (1, 2, and 3 hours) on labor productivity and Labour Utilization Rate (LUR) for three critical tasks: rebar installation, concrete casting, and formwork installation in the Sky House Alam Sutera project. The Productivity Rating method and LUR analysis were used to evaluate normal productivity and productivity during overtime, with data collected through direct observation, interviews, and project documentation analysis. Findings: The results reveal that while overtime increases daily output, it also reduces productivity per hour as work hours extend. Rebar installation exhibited the most significant decline in productivity, from 493.529 kg/hour during regular hours to 345.470 kg/hour with 3 hours of overtime. Correspondingly, the LUR improved with overtime, with rebar installation increasing from 68% under normal conditions to 72% with 3 hours of overtime. Similarly, the cost of labor increased by 9%–23% due to overtime, depending on the task and duration. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the optimal overtime duration is 1 hour, balancing productivity gains, cost efficiency, and LUR improvements, while prolonged overtime may lead to diminishing returns due to worker fatigue. This study provides insights into managing overtime in construction projects, emphasizing the importance of controlling overtime durations to achieve project objectives efficiently. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers an original perspective by examining the impact of varying overtime durations on both labor productivity and Labor Utilization Rate (LUR) in the context of construction projects, using a detailed analysis of three critical tasks
Disaster preparedness in vulnerable rural communities: Integrating preparedness index and demographic variables in a post-landslide context
Get PDFBackground: Landslides are natural disasters that often result in significant human and material losses, especially in areas with unstable topography. In Jombang Regency, East Java, a major landslide occurred on January 28, 2014, killing 14 people and destroying infrastructure. This study aims to examine the level of disaster preparedness among the local community of Kopen Hamlet in anticipation of future landslides. Methods: This research employed a quantitative approach using survey and interview methods to collect primary data. A preparedness index was used to measure the readiness level of residents, while the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method was applied to test the normality of the data distribution based on demographic variables such as gender, age, and education. Findings: The study found that 68% of respondents were classified as sufficiently prepared, and 69% were nearly prepared depending on demographic factors. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test yielded an Asymp. Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.063, indicating that the data were normally distributed. Preparedness levels were relatively consistent across different community groups. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of demographic factors in community disaster preparedness and provide a foundation for targeted risk reduction interventions in similar vulnerable areas. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study uniquely integrates a preparedness index with demographic analysis in a post-disaster context, offering empirical insights from a localized rural community that has received limited prior research attention in Indonesian landslide risk studies
Spatial-temporal analysis of built-up land development in landslide-prone areas: Disaster risk assessment
Get PDFBackground: This study aims to analyze the development of built-up land in landslide-prone areas in Ambon City from 2014 to 2024, considering the increased disaster risk due to unplanned urbanization. Methods: The methods used include spatial temporal analysis utilizing Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 satellite imagery data, as well as landslide risk maps from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Findings: The results showed that built-up land in high-risk areas increased sharply, from 429.91 hectares in 2014 to 951.65 hectares in 2024, potentially increasing vulnerability to landslides. Conclusion: The study recommends the need for stricter spatial policies and better risk management to control development in landslide-prone areas. In conclusion, wise management and integration of landslide risk maps in urban planning are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of land use change and protect communities from disasters. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers a unique contribution by combining spatial-temporal analysis using Landsat satellite imagery with landslide risk maps to assess the impact of unplanned urbanization on landslide-prone areas, providing new insights into the relationship between urban development and disaster risk in Ambon City
Erosion levels and comparison of erosion estimation methods in watersheds: Disaster risk assessment and environmental engineering approaches
Get PDFBackground: The Blongkeng Watershed is part of the Progo Watershed, located on the north-western slopes of Mount Merapi. The damage to vegetation and land degradation due to volcanic activity from Mount Merapi has led to surface runoff and erosion on the western slopes of the mountain. The aim of this study is to compare the erosion estimation models of morphometry and USLE. Methods: Morphometric parameters were obtained from the River Network Map and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) map, then analyzed quantitatively, and rankings were applied to determine the erosion sensitivity ranking within the watershed. The USLE erosion values were derived from factors affecting erosion, including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope, and land cover factors. Findings: The erosion levels in the Blongkeng Watershed, calculated using the USLE method, show high values in the upper Sub-Watersheds, ranging from 7.21 to 5.94 tons/ha/year. The comparison between the morphometric and USLE erosion estimation methods yields rankings of erosion levels in the Blongkeng Watershed. The rankings are the same in the upper part of the Blongkeng Watershed, while differences in rankings appear in the middle and lower regions. Conclusion: These differences are likely due to the different input data of the two erosion estimation models and the inclusion of morphometric parameters that may not be suitable for the Blongkeng Watershed ranking calculation. The similarity in rankings in the upper regions is likely due to the area being dominated by slopes greater than 8%. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in offering a measurement and comparison of erosion levels