A Simulation-Based Approach to the Characterisation of Urban Traffic Network Vulnerability

Snobar, Naser · 2016 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.22215/etd/2016-11575

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

Get this paper ↗ (DOI — opens at the source; we link to it, we don't host it)

Summary

This research addresses the characterization of urban traffic network vulnerability, specifically within Central Business District (CBD) networks, to support the development of resilient infrastructure. Motivated by the need for practical, model-based tools to assess the risk of severe capability loss in road networks, the study moves beyond purely mathematical approaches to employ simulation methodologies. The primary objective is to define critical vulnerability dimensions and quantify the impact of link closures on network performance, thereby aiding strategic and tactical traffic management decisions. The methodology employs a two-phase simulation framework using mesoscopic (VISUM) and microscopic (VISSIM) traffic models. First, an idealized CBD network is constructed, and its properties are varied to analyze three specific vulnerability dimensions: Centrality, Flowability, and Mobility. These dimensions are synthesized into a Combined Vulnerability Index (CVI) to represent network friability. Second, a sequential link closure procedure is performed where unique road segments are closed one by one. The resulting change in traffic flow, termed the "% Effect," is calculated for each scenario. This value is multiplied by the CVI to derive an Adjusted Combined Vulnerability Index (ACVI), which accounts for both inherent network vulnerability and the specific impact of link removal. The framework is validated through statistical analysis, including correlation and regression tests, and applied to a real-world case study of the Ottawa downtown core. Key findings indicate that the proposed framework successfully quantifies network vulnerability through the identified dimensions. Statistical analyses of the idealized network permutations revealed significant correlations and regression relationships between network properties and vulnerability metrics. In the Ottawa case study, the application of the VISUM and VISSIM models allowed for the construction of a specific CVI and ACVI for the CBD. The sequential link closure analysis identified critical links whose removal caused the greatest disruption to network flow. The regression models demonstrated that the ACVI effectively captures the relative importance of road segments, providing a measurable basis for comparing vulnerabilities across different network configurations. The significance of this work lies in its provision of a transferable, simulation-based methodology for assessing urban traffic network vulnerability. By integrating centrality, flowability, and mobility into a unified index and adjusting for link closure effects, the study offers planners a tool to identify critical infrastructure components. This approach supports the prioritization of resilience measures, enabling more robust network design and operational decisions. The findings suggest that understanding the interplay between network topology and traffic flow dynamics is essential for mitigating vulnerability and enhancing the adaptive capacity of urban transportation systems.

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed.

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-26; verification: verified.

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• urban rural setting