Title: Modelling the interdependencies of critical infrastructures during natural disasters: a case of supply, communication and transportation infrastructures

Authors: Yoshio Kajitani, Shigeo Sagai

Addresses: Earthquake Engineering Sector, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, 1646 Abiko, Abiko City, Chiba, 2701194, Japan. ' Mathematical Informatics Sector, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, 2–11–1, Iwatokita, Komae City, Tokyo, 2018511, Japan

Abstract: This paper introduces the methodological challenge of identifying and quantifying the interdependencies among several critical infrastructures. First, interdependency structures during a natural disaster are modelled-based on past events, considering supply (electricity, water and gas), communication (internet and telephone) and transportation infrastructures (road networks). Interdependencies are defined with respect to physical, functional and socioeconomic interrelationships. A quantification strategy is then introduced based on empirical surveys and economic models. As a case study, the developed model is applied to the 2004 Mid-Niigata Earthquake, which severely damaged infrastructure systems in the central mountainous area of Japan.

Keywords: natural disasters; critical infrastructures; interdependences; resiliency factors; modelling; supply infrastructure; communication infrastructure; transportation infrastructures; electricity industry; water industry; gas industry; communications; internet; telephone networks; road networks; Japan; earthquakes; infrastructure damage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2009.022848

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2009 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.38 - 50

Published online: 30 Jan 2009 *

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