Structural mitigation measures are proactive actions involving physical changes or construction to reduce the impact of hazards.
According to the provided reference, structural mitigation measures are those that involve or dictate a necessity for some kind of construction, engineering, or other mechanical changes or improvements aimed at reducing hazard risk likelihood or consequence. These measures are often viewed as "man controlling nature" when applied to natural disasters because they physically alter the environment or structures within it to resist natural forces.
Understanding Structural Mitigation
This type of mitigation focuses on modifying the built environment and infrastructure to withstand potential hazards. Rather than preparing people or implementing policies, structural measures involve tangible, physical interventions.
Key Components
Based on the definition, structural mitigation typically includes:
- Construction: Building new structures designed with hazard resistance in mind.
- Engineering: Applying principles to design structures or systems that can withstand specific forces (e.g., seismic, wind, flood).
- Mechanical Changes/Improvements: Retrofitting or enhancing existing structures with mechanical components or reinforcing materials.
The primary aim of these measures is to reduce hazard risk likelihood or consequence. This means they either try to prevent the hazard from occurring (e.g., building a levee to prevent flooding) or reduce the damage and impact if it does occur (e.g., reinforcing a building to survive an earthquake).
Examples of Structural Mitigation
Structural mitigation measures are diverse and depend on the specific hazard being addressed. Here are some common examples:
| Hazard Type | Structural Mitigation Measure | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flooding | Levees, Dikes, Floodwalls | Barriers built to contain or redirect floodwaters. |
| Floodplain Restoration | Returning modified floodplains to their natural state to absorb water. | |
| Elevated Structures | Building homes or infrastructure on stilts or raised foundations. | |
| Earthquakes | Seismic Retrofitting | Strengthening existing buildings or bridges to improve earthquake resistance. |
| Base Isolation Systems | Installing devices under a building to decouple it from ground motion. | |
| Wind (Hurricanes, Tornadoes) | Wind-Resistant Construction | Using stronger materials, reinforced roofs, or impact-resistant windows. |
| Storm Shelters / Safe Rooms | Specially constructed areas designed to withstand extreme winds. | |
| Erosion / Landslides | Retaining Walls | Structures built to hold back soil or rock slopes. |
| Slope Stabilization | Engineering techniques to make unstable slopes more secure. |
These examples demonstrate how construction and engineering are applied to physically alter the landscape or structures to lessen vulnerability to hazards.
The "Man Controlling Nature" Aspect
The phrase "man controlling nature" highlights the ambitious scale of structural mitigation when applied to natural disasters. It reflects efforts to impose human-made solutions onto powerful natural processes. While effective in many cases, these measures can also face limitations when confronted with events exceeding their design capacity.
Structural measures are a critical part of a comprehensive hazard mitigation strategy, often used in conjunction with non-structural approaches like land-use planning, regulations, and public education.
