Mainstreaming building code practice and risk management principles towards disaster risk reduction

Abstract

Global disaster impacts on the built environment have triggered the call for an operational disaster risk reduction (DRR). The application of building code requirements has shown an acceptable means of minimizing disaster impacts, as it prevents buildings from total collapse and may require an extra drive to boost its capacity to reduce disaster impacts. This study used an integrative literature review method to investigate the synergy between building codes and disaster risk reduction and develop a concept of mainstreaming risk mitigation strategies into building codes. The study findings demonstrate how building code applications could reduce disaster impacts by integrating building code requirements into disaster risk reduction principles and risk management principles. Findings in the study show the necessity of creating a robust link between the disaster risk reduction principles and the building code beyond the construction industry to achieve a safe human-built environment. The study developed a concept of mainstreaming building code and risk management principles into disaster risk reduction. This paper concludes by encouraging the full participation of all stakeholders to harness the full potential of mainstreaming building code practice and risk management principles into disaster risk reduction.