Metanetwork Framework for Analysis of Actor-Plan-Task-Infrastructure Networks in Resilience Planning and Management

Abstract

This paper proposes a metanetwork framework for modeling dependent Actor-Plan-Task-Infrastructure networks. The proposed framework is able to quantitatively evaluate the extent to which coordination among actors and integration among plans reflect infrastructure dependencies in resilience planning. Because resilience planning involves multiple actors and various plans, it is critical that actor coordination and plan integration are consistent with infrastructure dependencies. The absence of an objective evaluation of infrastructure dependencies during the resilience planning process inhibits the formation of integrated plans that reduces the vulnerability to hazards. The proposed metanetwork framework provides quantitative measures to identify missing links in actor coordination and plan integration. The application of the proposed framework is indicated using a case study of Houston in the context of flood resilience planning. Three different regional plans representing infrastructure development, flood control, and environmental conservation are examined to map the Actor-Plan-Task-Infrastructure networks. The results of the analysis reveal that (1) dependencies between flood control and transportation infrastructure systems are not fully considered in the studied plans, which leads to inconsistent plans, policies, and tasks, and (2) the plans do not highlight the required level of coordination among actors to implement them based on the consideration of infrastructure dependencies. The application reveals the capabilities of the proposed framework for modeling Actor-Plan-Task-Infrastructure dependencies and evaluating the gaps in actor coordination and plan integration related to the resilience planning of a dependent infrastructure. The proposed framework not only contributes to the dependency modeling among actor, plan, task, and infrastructure networks but also provides a new means to help stakeholders improve their coordination and plan integration by taking into account infrastructure dependencies in resilience planning.