Systematic analysis of vulnerability and resilience in road networks: A study of critical components and recent trends

Abstract

The systematic literature review conducted addresses vulnerability in road networks, highlighting the relevance of this topic for urban mobility and the economy. The main findings of this review reveal that vulnerability is directly associated with concepts such as resilience, robustness, and reliability of road networks. The analyses indicate that vulnerability is not limited to physical failures in infrastructures but also includes disruptive events that impact the accessibility and recovery capacity of these networks. Through a bibliometric analysis of over 12,000 documents from three databases (SpringerLink, SCOPUS, and TRID), four primary keywords were identified: vulnerability, resilience, robustness, and reliability. For instance, the vulnerability of road networks was predominantly related to reduced accessibility in adverse event situations, underscoring the importance of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Resilience was frequently associated with the ability of networks to maintain functionality following disruptive events, while robustness was linked to the structural resistance of road infrastructure. Reliability, on the other hand, addressed the predictability of the transportation system, focusing on the consistency of travel times and the overall performance of the network. One of the central findings of the review is the increasing importance of considering vulnerability in future studies, given its connection to accessibility and the resilience of networks. This becomes crucial for urban planning and the formulation of public policies that promote sustainable and safe mobility. Furthermore, the study suggests that new approaches, such as the use of intelligent technologies and predictive analysis, may enhance vulnerability management and strengthen the resilience of road networks, contributing to a more robust and efficient infrastructure. Considering vulnerability is essential for developing road networks that are more resilient and capable of withstanding adverse events, ensuring effective mobility and minimizing economic impacts.