| The threat of vehicle bomb attacks against buildings has led several U.S. government entities to formulate building standards related to blast protection. And while much research has been undertaken related to blast loading of buildings, the cost-effectiveness of blast protection has not been extensively explored. This dissertation examines the cost-effectiveness of various blast mitigation measures, how well the U.S. blast standards conform to cost-effectiveness norms, various factors that might drive the diffusion of performance-based standards in a particular hazard area, and the potential pros and cons of more risk-based performance blast standards, and offers policy prescriptions and an outline of further work.;The results of cost-effectiveness models for blast walls, vehicle barriers and setback distance, and various window mitigation measures are presented. The avoided injuries and deaths are modeled using empirical data and regression analysis (vehicle barriers and blast walls) and various analytical models based on data from the literature (window options). The costs and avoided property damage are estimated using data from the literature. It is concluded that blast protection should be used selectively, being reserved only for those buildings believed to be at high-risk.;The distinctions between performance-based and more prescriptive standards for buildings, and the potential relative pros and cons of each, are also discussed. Using data from the literature, a first-order attempt is undertaken to gauge the relative progress of performance standards for buildings in the areas of blast, fire, earthquake, and progressive collapse. It is concluded that performance standards appear most mature in fire and seismic but that, contrary to the general consensus, they appear more advanced in fire than in seismic.;The results of structured interviews with individuals knowledgeable of the U.S. government blast standards are also presented. It is concluded that while these groups do use many performance-based processes, that the standards could still potentially be made more risk- and performance-focused, and recommendations in this area are provided. In lieu of a national blast standard for buildings, it is recommended that the government publish quantitative cost- effectiveness estimates for various blast mitigation measures to help building owners make wiser investments in this area. |
