Evangelos I. Kaisar, Ph.D. (FAU PI)
Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Florida Atlantic University
ekaisar@fau.edu

Elif Akcali, Ph.D. (UF PI)
Associate Professor, Civil & Coastal Engineering
University of Florida
akcali@ise.ufl.edu

Scott Washburn, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor, Civil & Coastal Engineering
University of Florida
swash@ce.ufl.edu

Proposal Summary and Objectives

Florida is extremely vulnerable to many natural disasters such as flooding and hurricanes. Due to its several miles of coastline, significant drainage systems, and relatively low elevations, the entire state is especially susceptible to flooding at any time of the year. Extreme disruptions to the transportation networks and communications is one of the impacts of flooding and any kind of natural disaster or emergency situation. Hence, the importance of an integrated, comprehensive approach to disaster loss reduction is not neglectable. The transportation system in Florida needs to overcome many disruptions during the hurricane season caused by the heavy rains, strong storms, and many other local events. In these critical situations, the safe, fast, and reliable shipment of cargo is vital to ensure the continuation of the demands for society. Above that, the safety of truck drivers at all conditions remains the first priority.

Funding Amount: $145,000
Status: Active
Duration: Sep 1, 2020 - Aug 31, 2021