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Moderator:  Timothy D. Stark, Ph.D., PE., M. ASCE

INSTRUCTORS: 
Farshid Vahedifard, Ph.D., PE., M.ASCE
Amir Aghakouchak, Ph.D., M. ASCE
Michelle Hummel, Ph.D., A.M. ASCE
Timothy D. Stark, Ph.D., PE., M. ASCE
Todd Thalhamer, PE., M. ASCE

Course Length: 2 Hours

Purpose and Background

These presentations were recorded at the 2020 GI Web Conference.

A Risk-Based Framework for Climate Adaptive Design of Infrastructure (26 minutes)

This presentation introduces a risk-based framework for designing infrastructure that can adapt to climate change. It discusses the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events and their impact on infrastructure resilience. The speaker presents methodologies for integrating climate projections into engineering design without over-investing in conservative measures. The approach builds on the observational method, incorporating risk thresholds, adaptation capacity, and long-term monitoring. Case studies, such as seawall design under different climate scenarios, illustrate how adaptive measures can be implemented.

Multi-Hazard Scenarios for Compound Extremes under Climate Change (27 minutes)

This session explores the complexities of multi-hazard scenarios, where extreme weather events interact and amplify risks. The presentation covers different types of compound hazards, such as simultaneous flooding from storm surge and heavy rainfall, and cascading hazards where one disaster triggers another. The speaker introduces statistical models, including copula-based analyses, to assess dependencies between hazards. Real-world applications demonstrate how risk assessments incorporating multi-hazard interactions can better inform infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness.

Sea Level Rise Impacts on Wastewater Infrastructure (26 minutes)

This presentation examines the vulnerability of wastewater treatment systems to rising sea levels and coastal flooding. Using case studies and national assessments, the speaker highlights how low-lying wastewater plants face increasing risks of inundation and service disruptions. The discussion includes the compounding effects of groundwater rise, infrastructure deterioration, and the broader public health and environmental consequences. Adaptation strategies, such as plant relocation, protective barriers, and system redesigns, are explored to enhance resilience against future sea-level rise.

Hurricane Debris and Elevated Temperatures in Landfills (27 minutes)

This session focuses on the challenges associated with hurricane debris management and the occurrence of elevated temperatures in landfills. The speakers provide case studies of post-hurricane waste disposal sites, including instances where improper handling led to smoldering fires and safety concerns. The discussion covers landfill stability, fire prevention techniques, and the role of emergency response planning in debris management. Thermal imaging and site assessments are presented as key tools for monitoring landfill conditions and mitigating risks associated with extreme events.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe a framework for integrating risk-based adaptive design into infrastructure planning to enhance resilience against extreme climate events.
• Explain the impact of compound hazards and how multi-hazard scenario modeling can improve risk assessment for infrastructure.
• Identify key vulnerabilities of wastewater infrastructure to sea-level rise and strategies for mitigation.
• Discuss the challenges of managing hurricane debris in landfills and the risks associated with elevated temperatures.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend

Containment Professionals, Water Management Entities, Hydrologists, Land-use Planners, Property Owners, and Contractors.

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]