01476434

Component

In this paper, the potential effects of sea level rise, coastal storms, flooding and tsunami hazards on communities and transportation assets in Hawaii are described. A framework for assessing the composite hazard analysis is presented. Beginning with a description of the different hazards and the estimated return periods, the hazard areas are delineated and mapped. Then, three different dimensions of vulnerability are analyzed. The first relates to population characteristics, the second is focused on critical infrastructure, and the third addresses transportation system capabilities and usage. A scoring system for assessing the criticality of these different dimensions of vulnerability is devised and implemented using a uniform grid based geography. In addition to comparing the three different dimensions of vulnerability, an overall aggregate score for each grid cell in the affected area is derived and mapped. This allows for the determination of an overall criticality score based on the three different dimensions. In this analysis, the three different dimensions are equally weighted. The composite hazard map and the spatial distribution of the criticalities presented in this study are powerful visualization aids and also provide critical information for disaster mitigation planning and decision making process. Using various proposed approaches, weights and sub-weights for each of the dimensions could be derived based on the preferences and values of community members, elected or appointed officials and or emergency managers. Moreover, as data on hazards and vulnerabilities become available, the vulnerability of locations and their supporting transportation infrastructure can be adjusted. Then locations can be readily identified by the existence of routine and extensive flooding, identifiable natural processes such as streams, wetlands, natural areas suitable for buffering and water retention, and key opportunities for sustainable, green development. Criticality can be seen both in terms of the short term reduction of threats and risks as well as in terms of longer term redevelopment and transformation of vulnerable areas.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ABE40(6) ABE40 Paper Review Subcommittee.

01470560

13-4864

English

21p

2013

Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References; Tables

Disaster preparedness; Floods; Hazard analysis; Infrastructure; Risk assessment; Sea level; Storm surges; Traffic distribution; Transportation operations; Tsunamis

Honolulu (Hawaii)

Security and Emergencies; Transportation (General); I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2013 Paper #13-4864

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 5 2013 12:56PM