Designing Optimal Protective Strategies

We develop decision-making frameworks and optimization algorithms to implement cost-effective and equitable measures against natural hazards, using hazard and demographic data. Our approach evaluates a variety of protective measures—such as seawalls, green infrastructure, and insurance, individually or in combination—across different times and locations to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Optimal protective measures for critical infrastructures subjected to storm-induced floods and sea level rise
Y. Miura, G. Deodatis, K.T. Mandli. The 13th International Conference on Structural Safety and Reliability (ICOSSAR) (2022).

Optimization of coastal protections in the presence of climate change
Y. Miura*, P.C. Dinenis, K.T. Mandli, G. Deodatis, D. Bienstock. Frontiers in Climate (2021) 4:23. [DOI]

The paper introduces a method for optimizing protective measures for coastal infrastructure in New York, facing threats from storm-induced flooding and sea level rise (SLR). It employs GIS-based techniques and storm surge simulations to refine solutions within budget constraints. The approach evaluates various protective strategies and their effectiveness with stakeholder input.

A methodological framework for determining an optimal coastal protection strategy against storm surges and sea level rise
Y. Miura*, H. Qureshi, C. Ryoo, P.C. Dinenis, J. Li, K.T. Mandli, G. Deodatis, D. Bienstock, H. Lazrus, R. Morss. Natural Hazards (2021) 107(2): 1821-1843. [DOI]

This article proposes a framework for a methodology that combines multiple computational models, stakeholder interviews, and optimization to find an optimal protective strategy over time for critical coastal infrastructure while being constrained by budgetary considerations.