Modeling Interdependencies between the Building Portfolio, Transportation Network, and Healthcare System in Community Resilience

Abstract

A community resilience model that takes into account the mutual interdependencies between the building portfolio, transportation network, and healthcare system both during and after a seismic event is presented. The model is modularized into independent simulators to facilitate modeling their interdependencies. The transportation network model accounts for the capacity reduction attributed to bridge damage and links blocked by debris from collapsed buildings. It also addresses the increased demand from ambulance trips ferrying injured people to healthcare facilities and trucks hauling away debris. The transportation network model is incorporated into a discrete event simulation environment that models the response of the healthcare system as well as the debris removal process in the aftermath of a seismic event. Measures are proposed to quantify and improve the seismic resilience of each individual system as well as the whole community considering the three systems’ mutual interdependencies. The capability of the proposed model to support hazard mitigation planning is demonstrated through a case study that highlights the effects of interdependencies between the three systems under consideration. Mitigation strategies to improve seismic resilience of a prototype community are proposed and assessed.