We examined panel data (N=297) to evaluate changes in the victim's feeling of recovery after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Then, based on six-years data, we determined the transition pattern of the victim's feeling of the long-term life recovery. We classified the change in the victim's feeling of life recovery into four patterns: ++ type, +type, - type, and -- type.

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It is difficult to create a fire risk evaluation method that is applicable to different map scales from a single building to the whole region of Japan. Conventional simulation methods use city indices or mesh-data, but in the proposed method the fire destruction probability of each single building can be calculated. Thus the method reflects the actual spatial characteristics of a city and can be used for general purposes with no margin of error. It is possible to rearrange the results in different area units and to obtain the numbers of burned out houses and areas. In addition, the method provides appropriate information for conveying the fire risk to the public by showing them cluster data of the simulation. This cluster data is sometimes referred to as the Fatalistic Collaboration Community Unit.

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Pyroclastic flow is a dangerous hazard for people and houses so buildings have to provide a measure of protection to the occupants. In order to improve the structural strength of buildings, we need to know the structural behavior against the lateral pressure of the flow. In this study, dynamic behavior of unreinforced masonry structures affected by pyroclastic flows was analyzed using 2-dimensional (2D) Distinct Element Methods (DEM). DEM is a numerical analysis technique, in which the positions of elements are calculated by systematically solving equations. The structure is modeled as an assembly of distinct elements connected by virtual springs and dashpots where elements come into contact. Masonry structures with simple structural elements; walls, floors, a roof, and furniture were modeled. The strength of mortar was varied to check the effect of pyroclastic flow on the structural behavior under different conditions. Pressure acting on a wall due to pyroclastic flow was modeled as a simple time function of which the peak value was varied from 0.1 MPa to 10 MPa. A pressure model of which intensity changes with height was also treated. Tilting, lateral movement, collapse and swept away within several seconds are the typical collapse process of a weak masonry structure even when the lateral pressure is 1 KPa. The collapse of the masonry structure is controlled by the relation between the overturning moment due to the lateral pressure and the resistant moments due to gravity and mortar joint strength.

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In this paper, we address the needs for reassessing and improving the implementability of the public shelter plan that has been completed exclusively by some local administrative bodies. Using a case study in Nagata Ward of Kobe City, Japan, we propose a simulation and GIS-based model approach to reassess implementability by focusing on residents' accessibility to nearby shelters and their accommodation capacity. The results show that there are significant differences in evacuation time among Cho-Chome community areas within Nagata Ward. It was also found that communities vary in accommodation capacity risk. Policy implications have been derived to identify suspect areas for further investigation and possible improvement, by way of promoting local residents agreement on their temporary shelters, and adding new designated shelters in appropriate locations. The paper concludes with a list of further research needed in order to integrate the proposed approach for implementation of the public shelter plan.

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In this research, involving local people's concerns in the decision on the evacuation route, a dynamic route decision model is proposed by explicitly considering group evacuation, landmarks & evacuation signs, and familiarity with the local environment. A spatial relationship-dependent approach is used to measure the difference in residents regarding local knowledge. To understand the people's decision-making process for evacuation routes, a survey was conducted with members of the Zonta Club in Japan. Based on the survey, a prototype version of a multi-agent simulation (MAS) system is developed for the case area, Nagata Ward, Kobe.

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