UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 1 Research Projects

Project No.: CY1-TAMU-OU-03
Title: Risk-Based Assessment of System-Wide Vulnerability and Interdependency of Transportation Infrastructure Networks in a Changing Climate
Performing Institution: Texas A&M University and University of Oklahoma
Principal Investigator: Maria Koliou, Texas A&M University; Arif Sadri, University of Oklahoma
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 09/01/2023-08/31/2024
Abstract: Transportation networks comprise components such as bridges and roadways, which are made up of different subcomponents such as decks, girders, abutments, piles, embankments, and pavements. Many of these components are designed to withstand natural hazards expected with a given probability of recurrence. Given that transportation networks are often impacted by changing conditions and disruptions in the face of changing climate and societal expectations, it is important to prioritize our infrastructure improvements to provide the greatest enhancement to system resilience. Assessing the impacts of systemwide vulnerabilities and interdependencies is critical to prioritizing infrastructure enhancement for optimum system performance. This project will develop a framework based on network science theories and risk-based reliability analysis to account for the following: (1) the relative importance of system components; and (2) the interconnectedness of components and sub-components. In this project, the Texas A&M University (TAMU) research team will develop a risk-based reliability analysis framework for assessing and enhancing the resilience of bridge infrastructure networks in selected coastal regions in Texas susceptible to hurricane loads. This framework will be used as a tool for state DOTs across the country to optimize and prioritize investments while ensuring that the transportation system can absorb shocks, adapt to changing conditions, and rapidly recover from disruptions (e.g., hurricane occurrence). Specific tasks of this project will be focused on the following: (1) defining resilience goals and targets for representative transportation networks; (2) characterizing disruption scenarios (including flood due to hurricane and bridge deterioration due to aging); (3) estimating consequences (including economic losses, downtime, travel delay, and loss of accessibility); and (4) proposing optimal solutions for potential improvements (including maintenance and mitigation measures). The research team at the University of Oklahoma (OU) will develop a new framework of interdependency modeling for Region 6 based on network science theories, sources of uncertainties, critical interaction rules, and guidelines for implementation. The proposed framework is based on topological credentials (i.e., the rank of relative importance) of network components (such as roads, bridges, and pavements) that carry significant implications as it is critical to identify components that contribute the most to the overall network performance. Specific tasks include the following: (1) develop an interdependency and vulnerability analysis framework for road and stormwater networks for inland flooding; (2) obtain accurate road and stormwater network data for the study area and identify the scale and scope of the network to be inspected; (3) perform multi-layer network experiments and analyses; (4) compile results and report the results. The framework and the models developed in this project will help transportation agencies in Region 6 to run potential scenarios and develop contingency plans for future events, as well as prioritize infrastructure enhancements so that the overall performance and resilience of transportation networks can be enhanced in the face of natural hazards.
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