Vulnerability Evaluation of Logistics Transportation Networks under Seismic Disasters

Abstract

The concept of vulnerability analysis is related to evaluating the consequences of network degradation caused by incidents such as social or natural disasters. Many methodologies have been proposed to evaluate transportation network vulnerability by quantifying the consequences of partial network degradation. However, the consequences of network degradation without a consideration of the probability of degradation are not enough to show the vulnerability features of a network under a specific disaster. In fact, because degradation of some parts of a network may have great consequences but a low probability of occurrence, it would not be reasonable to say that these parts are vulnerable. A methodology is proposed to scan the vulnerability of logistics transportation networks under seismic disasters. This methodology considers both the difference caused by component degradation and the probability of component degradation caused by a seismic disaster. The results will be helpful in forming a reinforcement policy for resisting seismic damage. An appropriate measurement of performance specific to logistics transportation networks, total generalized cost, is used in this method. Finally, visual results of the vulnerability evaluation of a study network are demonstrated with geographic information system technology.