A vulnerability assessment with freight flow data of railway freight transportation network in Northeast China

Abstract

The large-scale railway freight transportation network (RFTN) exhibits vulnerability when exposed to various disruptions. Assessing RFTN vulnerability is crucial for strengthening network resilience and sustaining economic and social development. Despite its importance, few studies focus on RFTN vulnerability. This paper establishes a vulnerability assessment framework based on simulation and optimization methods to explore RFTN vulnerability comprehensively. The framework constructs a directed weighted network, designs four types of disruption scenarios (complete and partial, single-element and multiple-element), proposes a vulnerability metric integrating topology structure and system function, and incorporates four disruption response strategies (waiting for repair, rerouting, canceling, and using third-party transportation). A case study of an RFTN in Northeast China demonstrates the framework's application, identifying critical stations, sections, and areas. Results show that network vulnerability is highest under malicious attacks based on degree centrality, with critical elements and areas concentrated near the two main railway lines connecting three important cities. These findings highlight the importance of considering both network topological and functional characteristics in vulnerability assessment and provide practical guidance for emergency management and resilience enhancement.