Decision-making for civil infrastructure exposed to low-probability, high-consequence hazards: The role of risk-aversion

E. J. Cha, B. R. Ellingwood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The assessment of risk to civil infrastructure has two components: probability of a potentially damaging event and consequence of damage, measured in terms of financial or human losses. Deci-sion models that have been developed and implemented during the past three decades take into account the probabilistic aspect rationally, but address decision-maker attitudes toward risk only to a limited degree. The application of such models to decisions involving low-probability, high-consequence events affecting civil infrastructure requires a fundamental understanding of risk acceptance attitudes and how they affect individual and group choices. The phenomenon of risk aversion may be a significant factor in decisions for civil infrastructure exposed to low-probability events with high consequences, such as earthquakes, hurricanes or floods. This paper utilizes cumulative prospect theory to investigate characteristics of risk-aversion that can be inferred from risk pricing techniques in the insurance industry and explores the role of risk-aversion in assurance of structural safety.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationApplications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering -Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering
Pages840-847
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event11th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering, ICASP - Zurich, Switzerland
Duration: Aug 1 2011Aug 4 2011

Publication series

NameApplications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering -Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering

Other

Other11th International Conference on Applications of Statistics and Probability in Civil Engineering, ICASP
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityZurich
Period8/1/118/4/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Statistics and Probability

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