Title: Modelling interdependencies among critical infrastructures

Authors: Benoit Robert, Renaud De Calan, Luciano Morabito

Addresses: Bureau A-305.31, Departement de mathematiques et de genie industriel, C.P. 6079, succursale Centre-ville, H3C 3A7, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ' Bureau A-305.11, Departement de mathematiques et de genie industriel, C.P. 6079, succursale Centre-ville, H3C 3A7, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ' Bureau A-305.11, Departement de mathematiques et de genie industriel, C.P. 6079, succursale Centre-ville, H3C 3A7, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Abstract: Over the years, Critical Infrastructures (CIs) have become increasingly automated and interlinked. This linkage between CIs results in a very complex and dynamic system which increases their vulnerability to failures. In fact, interdependencies between CIs are a true means of propagation of hazards from one network to another. Thus, when an infrastructure is experiencing difficulties and failures, it can rapidly generate a cascading effect affecting the other infrastructures. Identifying, understanding and modelling these interdependencies is thus necessary to prevent these cascading effects. This paper presents a model developed to understand the interdependencies between CIs and to prevent cascading effects from happening. Based on the resources exchanged by CIs, this model allows the visualisation and the anticipation of domino effects in time and space, allowing CI managers to set up convenient preventive and protective measures in order to avoid their propagation.

Keywords: critical infrastructures; CIs; complex systems; dynamic systems; physical interdependencies; vulnerabilities; domino effects; cascading effect; interdependency modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2008.020158

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2008 Vol.4 No.4, pp.392 - 408

Published online: 03 Sep 2008 *

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