A Comprehensive Assessment of Buildings for Post-Disaster Sustainable Reconstruction: A Case Study of Beirut Port

Abstract

Natural and man-made disasters constitute a considerable threat to humans, especially when intertwined with complex geopolitical situations. Effective decision-making and management during post-disaster reconstruction projects should be based on an effective assessment of damages caused by disasters by considering social, economic, and environmental factors. An analysis of prior research on post-disaster assessment reveals a predominant focus on physical indicators. However, recognizing the crucial role of socio-economic factors in the post-disaster reconstruction process, this paper introduces a comprehensive methodology for evaluating disaster-related damages by considering both physical and socio-economic factors. The proposed method is initiated by identifying relevant physical and socio-economic indicators. These indicators are then synthesized based on the local context and experts’ opinions to derive the Physical Priority Index (PPI) and Socio-Economic Priority Index (SEPI). These indices subsequently guide the prioritization of reconstruction efforts, aligning with the decision-makers’ strategic vision. This method was employed to assess damages stemming from the Beirut port disaster, utilizing three physical indicators and nine socio-economic indicators. The examination of the PPI and SEPI of a major area of Beirut port did not unveil a straightforward correlation between these two indices. The low correlation between these indices increases the complexity of decision-making. However, given the profound socio-economic challenges in Lebanon, this paper recommends placing a higher emphasis on SEPI in the decision-making process. Nevertheless, stakeholders retain the flexibility to tailor their approach by combining PPI and SEPI indicators according to their policies. This adaptive approach ensures a nuanced and contextually relevant decision-making framework.