ESE Framework for Rapid Post-earthquake Assessment of Repair Cost and Duration for Residential Buildings

This research advances the development of the RELA framework by introducing the ESE (El ements-Severity-Extent) sub-framework for rapid post-earthquake repair cost and duration estimation. Unlike fragility-based models relying on seismic intensity, ESE directly observes damage, enabling deterministic repair assessments. Using a structured decision tree method ology, ESE links observed damage to predefined repair methods, work items, and construc tion norms to quantify materials and labour. Field inspectors document damage through a spreadsheet-based tool, ensuring quick and reliable data collection. The system generates a Repair Bill of Quantities for resource-constrained repair planning. Compared to FEMA P-58 PACT, ESE provides higher accuracy and real-world applicability. While PACT delivers rap id probabilistic estimates, it lacks structured scheduling and resource-driven cost calcula tions. On the contrary, ESE offers precise, implementable outputs to aid post-earthquake re covery. A case study for masonry walls demonstrates ESE’s efficiency, highlighting the fa vourable speed/accuracy/effort trade-off, as RELA-ESE requires low effort from non-expert inspectors while providing accuracy comparable to a building-specific repair design. By combining rapid assessment with structured planning, ESE delivers a fast, scalable, and pre cise tool for disaster recovery. Real-time field validation will enhance its applicability.