Reliability Assessment and Management Lessons From Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina disclosed a wide variety of flaws and defects that were embedded in the flood protection system for the greater New Orleans area (NOFPS). One of the primary reasons for this catastrophe was failure in risk assessment and management (RAM). Based on results from several extensive forensic studies, this paper details how RAM failed. Critical limitations in current RAM methodologies and results intended to help rehabilitate and further develop the NOFPS are highlighted. Recommendations are advanced to address these limitations.