The National Academy of Engineering recently released the Grand Challenges for Engineering for the 21^st century.  Among the challenges posed was to restore and improve urban infrastructure.  The report noted that urban areas are particularly susceptible to damage from natural disasters, and solutions should be economical so as to be broadly distributed.  The January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and the February 27, 2010 Chile earthquake are stark reminders of the importance of earthquake resistant design.  While the earthquake design practices in Haiti and Chile are distinctly different, both countries sustained significant damage to buildings, with estimates of approximately $11 billion for reconstruction in Haiti, and $30 billion in Chile.  In both earthquakes, significant damage occurred to reinforced concrete buildings. (read more)