Development of a Multi-Level Dynamic Model to Measure the Resilience Level of Transportation Infrastructure Networks

The recent increase in disasters is making the largest critical infrastructure system namely the transportation infrastructure system susceptible to unexpected damage. Discontinuation of services provided by transportation infrastructures will create significant societal, economic, and collateral damages. Therefore, this study aims to identify dimensions to measure the resilience of the transportation infrastructures. This study also aims to develop a model to measure the resilience of the transportation infrastructures resilience. To fulfill the aims of this study, a questionnaire was developed which was supported by a comprehensive literature review. 92 valid responses were received and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Statistically significant variables were used to develop a resilience measurement tool. The developed tool will provide relative resilience measures for multiple projects which will help in identifying the most vulnerable segment of the transportation infrastructure network. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to identify the constructs and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to develop the model. Without previous experience in reconstruction works, handling integrated assets becomes very critical. Also, such inexperience makes it difficult to handle emergency resources properly. However, such issues regarding integrated assets can be resolved by investing in locating integrated assets away from the roadways, so if a break in a railroad crossing or utility line occurs or emergency repairs are needed, the impact on the roadway operations can be minimized. To avoid issues related to access to previous disaster data for the roadway this study suggess investing in preparing an interactive online platform for recording and reviewing data related to disasters as well as previous resilience enhancing activities for the roadway with easy access credentials. The findings of this study will support practitioners and decision-makers in investing in the appropriate resilience enhancement activity project for funding and investment.