Impact of Road Conditions and Disruption Uncertainties on Network Vulnerability

Abstract

Researchers have studied the vulnerability of roadway systems to disasters, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. However, the literature has not explicitly addressed other factors, such as infrastructure condition, that can significantly affect the vulnerability of roadway systems. In this study, the authors developed an algorithmic framework to address how the condition of a roadway network affects its vulnerability to disruptions. The vulnerability of the network was computed with respect to two measures: network efficiency and vehicle miles of travel. The results show that the average condition of the roadways in the network, the difference between the conditions of the roads, the uncertainties associated with road disruption probabilities, and link topological positions affect the roadway vulnerability.