Safe City

Safe City

Factors Influencing the Reduction of Vulnerability in Transportation Networks Against Natural Hazards: A Case Study of the Road Network in Shemiranat County, Tehran Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Senior Research Expert in Crisis Management, Natural Disaster Research Institute
2 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan
Abstract
English Translation (Academic Abstract Style)
Transportation networks connecting regions and settlements play a vital role both under normal conditions and during emergencies. These networks facilitate evacuation from hazardous areas, support rescue and relief operations, and provide the necessary infrastructure for recovery efforts. Additionally, they enable the restoration of livelihoods and maintain spatial, commercial, cultural, and social connectivity across regions.
The aim of this study is to identify the key criteria influencing the vulnerability of road corridors in the event of natural disasters. By understanding these vulnerability factors, the findings can be generalized to other transportation networks, contributing to safer environmental conditions for residents, tourists, and travelers.
The research employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, integrated with GIS-based graphical analysis, to assess and prioritize the criteria. The study focuses on the road network of Shemiranat County in Tehran Province, collecting relevant components that affect vulnerability. Based on AHP scoring within GIS, the criteria were ranked, and routes with varying levels of vulnerability were visualized. 
The core of the investigation lies in establishing the relationship between three main components:

Geographical and physical conditions of the road network
Functional characteristics of the region
Social attributes of the users

By overlaying weighted layers of natural elements (e.g., slope, proximity to rivers, road width), functional elements (e.g., tourism activity), and social elements (e.g., population density, presence of second homes), the study identifies routes with the highest and lowest vulnerability to natural hazards in the target area.
Subjects

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