Hazard and Risk Assessment in Civil Engineering Design

This book offers a modern perspective on hazard and risk assessment in civil engineering, with special attention to sustainable infrastructure development. Through its comprehensive coverage of theoretical concepts and its thoughtful integration of sustainability into engineering practice, it serves as a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and students.

It bridges the gap between hazard and risk assessment and the principles of sustainable development, presenting a holistic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with natural hazards while advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions. Beyond outlining core concepts, the book provides practical examples, user‑friendly code, and step‑by‑step software guidance. Readers will find numerous illustrations, diagrams, tables, and case studies that deepen understanding and support the application of risk assessment methodologies.

Ultimately, the book is a guide to unlocking innovative solutions and shaping the future of civil engineering. Civil engineers, environmental scientists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding risk assessment will benefit from its insights into building a sustainable, resilient world.

Dr. Hossein Bonakdari holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and is an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, as well as a registered professional engineer in Ontario. With more than 20 years of experience in civil infrastructure, research, and professional practice, he specializes in risk‑informed infrastructure design and decision‑making under uncertainty. His work spans natural hazard assessment, environmental variability, and practical risk mitigation.

His research focuses on analytical algorithms and AI‑based decision-support tools for water resources, environmental systems, and infrastructure resilience, integrating probabilistic modeling, machine learning, and scenario analysis. He has authored six textbooks and over 360 journal articles (h‑index 59) and is listed among the world’s top 2% of scientists in Engineering and Technology by Stanford University.

Dr. Isa Ebtehaj is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in AI applications in civil and environmental engineering. Her expertise includes machine learning, hybrid modeling, evolutionary optimization, hydrological time‑series analysis, and scientific programming. She has contributed to applied research at institutions such as the Water and Wastewater Research Center and the Environmental Research Center at Razi University, focusing on hazard and risk assessment in water and environmental systems.

She has published over 160 journal articles (h‑index 50) and is recognized for her contributions to data‑driven modeling, predictive analytics, and uncertainty quantification. She also develops practical computational tools and code frameworks that support probabilistic and decision‑analysis methods.

Joseph D. Ladouceur is a Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa and an Engineer‑in‑Training with Professional Engineers Ontario. His research focuses on water engineering, including drinking water treatment, membrane systems, and environmental system performance. He has collaborated with international partners on applied water infrastructure projects, contributing to journal publications and conference presentations.

He also has hands‑on experience in heavy civil construction and water infrastructure systems, strengthening the applied relevance of his work, particularly in infrastructure reliability, environmental risk, and lifecycle decision‑making.