Cost Effectiveness of Risk Mitigation Strategies for Protection of Buildings against Terrorist Attack

Abstract

The technical note considers the cost effectiveness of risk mitigation measures for protection of buildings to terrorist threats. Protective measures might include vehicle barriers, perimeter walls, blast resistant glazing, strengthened perimeter columns, etc. Indicative values of attack probability and characteristics of commercial buildings in the United States are described. The cost effectiveness of protective measures are calculated from a preliminary economic decision analysis that includes cost of the protective measures, attack probability, reduction in risk due to protective measures, and failure consequences. Economic risks due to terrorism are compared with risks from hurricane and seismic hazards.