A new approach to protect soft-targets from terrorist attacks

Abstract

This paper presents a method to evaluate hazard level of soft-targets spaces based on their susceptibility toterrorist acts. This contribution illustrates a mixed approach (qualitative-quantitative) to assess an unknownprobability of situations which may well put the lives of citizens in serious danger. A case study is conducted on abuilding adapted from one of the University of Cantabria campus in case of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) delivered by a terrorist. The present study shows how the method can provide valuable information todecision makers based on quantitative results for use in risk management. Potential applications and opportunities of this approach are discussed in detail.