Designing a developed model for assessing the disaster induced vulnerability value in educational centers

To date, the models developed for assessing the vulnerability of societies have only taken account of the economic problems in the societies. Offering a model based on analytical hierarchy process and failure mode and effect analysis logic, the current study aims to determine the factors influencing the vulnerability of a higher education center and finally defines a vulnerability index. This model divides the factors influencing vulnerability into three categories: (1) the structure and layout of the buildings, (2) the occupants' characteristics, (3) the controlling and warning systems. The academy community center of Science and Research Branch was assessed in terms of vulnerability. The findings indicated that the vulnerability value relating to various sections and university buildings was higher than the acceptable level which entailed the due attention of educational managers. The findings showed that if some parts of the educational and administrative buildings were used for laboratory as well as for the storage of hazardous and flammable materials, then the vulnerability value will be increased to 200. This highlights the impact that the type of buildings application has on the level of vulnerability. The study has been performed in the Science and Research Branch as an educational center in Tehran during 2009-2010. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.