Discovering the global landscape of vulnerability assessment method of transportation network studies: a bibliometric review

Abstract

Vulnerability assessment is an effort to assess the risk of disasters on transportation networks. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of vulnerability assessment method of transportation networks research from 1978 to 2021 to see the trend of publications in this study area. To perform a comprehensive statistical analysis of worldwide vulnerability assessment method, research knowledge that exhibit research trends, growth, collaborations and hotspots, quantitative and qualitative data from bibliometrics were used. According to the findings of the study, the number of studies on vulnerability assessment methods have increased to a considerable degree since 2004. Researchers on the topic are predominantly from Europe, with the majority based in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and China. The contribution of developing countries was relatively minimal, with China being the one notable exception. Based on the analysis of the keywords and the review, simulations using computer software, statistical and mathematical approach are the most used methods in the vulnerability assessment of transportation networks. The results also indicated that research on traffic control and accident prevention on roadways is still the most prevalent. In addition, this study meticulously outlined the hotspots in this topic (floods and seismic hazards). However, the vulnerability assessment of transportation network studies concerning the aspects of climate change during disasters is less explored. Lastly, the findings are expected to provide a reference that is both helpful and relevant for academics and practitioners who are interested in the future paths of this study.