Expert and information systems for technical SAR measures and buildings’ state evaluation

The situation after earthquake disasters is for a large part of the deployed field units very exceptional. Expert and information systems offer the possibility to support the decisions of the field personnel in such complex and unfamiliar situations. They can be used for training purposes and to support the operations in real cases. Two different expert and information systems were created. The first system supports the onsite search and rescue (SAR) personnel at building collapses and the second supports inspectors evaluating the buildings' states after earthquakes. In both cases, after the input of information related to a certain situation, the expert system poses context-sensitive subsequent questions and gives assistance for the site inspection. The expert and information system for rescue operations then generates advice concerning suitable SAR procedures and equipment for the given situation. Additionally, basic information, checklists and calculation components are offered as support. The expert and information system for the buildings’ state evaluation will assist the inspectors to decide reliably and in short time whether the buildings are safe to be further used or not after an earthquake. Interactive checklists depending on the building type as well as further auxiliary material will support the inspectors in classifying the buildings. Both systems are part of the also developed Disaster Management Tool (DMT). The presentation will include an overview of the knowledge collection and evaluation process, the development stage of both expert and information systems, their integration into the DMT and their use when coping with an earthquake disaster. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009