Standardized structural design for post-disaster modular housing units under clustered environmental loads

Abstract

This thesis addresses current shortcomings in the post-disaster housing response from a structural engineering perspective, proposing a new methodology to approach a multi-design standardized solution. Known environmental loading taken from building codes is analyzed over the entire United States to create a data-set that describes the distinct loading conditions of each region. Loads are clustered into grouping that suggest a single housing typology could address the structural need of the group. Additional non-structural data is added in consideration of performance-driven design metrics that are not structural by nature. To prove viability of the methodology, a case study was implemented to propose a structural design for a selected cluster of regions. Performance-based design was implemented through parametric modeling tools considering multiple objectives including structural weight, transportation logistics, interior thermal comfort, and off-grid utilities. The exercise demonstrated that the cluster analysis serves as a practicable tool for intelligently informed standardized housing design.