Risk assessment and decision support systems for interdependent lifeline infrastructures

Abstract

Lifeline infrastructures are networked systems extending spatially over large areas and essential to the smooth functioning of modern societies. Transportation systems, pipelines, communication and energy transmission systems are examples of lifelines. The performance of a lifeline after a major disaster is critical for a community since damage caused by natural or technical hazards may disrupt the daily life of citizens as well as commercial activities. Disaster-induced damage may also interrupt post-disaster response and recovery efforts, resulting in substantial socio-economic losses. These losses are primarily attributable to the reduction in functionality of various interdependent lifelines in the affected region and the rebuilding costs, and can be reduced through strategic pre- and post-disaster decisions. Risk assessment of such lifeline infrastructures as well as decision making process for risk mitigation is a complex task due to presence of complexity in system size, topology and interdependencies. The papers in the proposed session will present novel methods regarding risk assessment of lifeline infrastructures and decision support systems.

Organizers

Mohammad Bagher Javanbarg, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, (javanbarg@quake.kuciv.kyoto-u.ac.jp)
Charles Scawthorn, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan