A model for seismic vulnerability score assignment of road infrastructure using linear regression technique

Abstract

Past earthquake damages to road and highway structures such as bridges and tunnels demonstrate that it can severely disrupt network performance. These types of lifeline damages negatively impact the economy of the region, as well as post-earthquake emergency response and recovery. The seismic performance of these structures is almost difficult to model, because performance is a function of design, age, and local geotechnical conditions. In addition, earthquake intensity is also highly uncertain. Since the vulnerability of transportation network is not a rapidly quantifiable concept, and road networks are vulnerable to many events, many of researchers tried to find acceptable definitions in this regard. This pilot study presents a Seismic Vulnerability Score Assignment Model (SVSA) applying linear regression technique for two types of road structures; namely bridges and tunnels as samples. This model helps the project managers and decision makers rank the road structures based on seismic vulnerability scores easily.