The Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is scheduled to become operational in 2004. These network sites will perform a range of experiments to test and validate complex computer models being developed to simulate the behavior of structures subjected to earthquakes. To assist in this effort, the NSF requested the National Research Council(NRC) to frame the major questions to be addressed by and to develop a long-term research agenda for NEES. Preventing Earthquake Disasters presents an overview of the grand challenge including six critical research problems making up that challenge. The report also provides an assessment of earthquake engineering research issues and the role of information technology in that research effort, and a research plan for NEES.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1. Preventing Disasters: The Grand Challenge for Earthquake Engineering Research
2. Issues in Earthquake Engineering Research
3. NEES and Grand Challenge Research
4. Revolutionizing Earthquake Engineering Research Through Information Technology
5. Achieving the Grand Challenge: A Research Plan for NEES
6. Recommendations for Meeting the Grand Challenge
Appendix A: The George E. Brown, Jr., Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation
Appendix B: Biographies of Committee Members
Appendix C: Time Line of Precipitating Events, Discoveries, and Improvements in Earthquake Engineering, 1811-2004
Appendix D: Agendas for the Committee's Public Meetings
Appendix E: The Stakeholder Forum