Building Resilience in Civil Infrastructure Systems: System-Level Biomimicry to Address Complex Managerial Challenges

Abstract

This technical note proposes the adoption of biomimicry at the system level as an innovative method to help solve the complex managerial challenges for civil infrastructure resilience. Although biomimicry has been adopted at the function and process levels to develop new materials and design for civil infrastructures, the full potential of biomimicry in creating system-level solutions has not been explored fully. This technical note discusses the rationale and provides examples of adopting system-level biomimicry as a promising way of finding novel solutions to facilitate resilience in interconnected infrastructure systems against disasters and disruptions.