Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The majority of the global population lives in interlinked urban systems. While in a city different infrastructures and systems are interdependent, there is also an interlinkage of urban agglomeration. The resilience of such systems provides a measure of how they can cope with expected and unexpected shocks and stresses.

The enhancement of the resilience of urban systems and their infrastructures (e.g., water supply, urban drainage, transportation, communication network, and electricity) is an emerging topic for research and industry. There is a strong need for existing systems to adapt to tackle various challenges, such as climate change, increasing urbanization, natural disasters, cyber–physical attacks. This task requires resilience evaluation and intervention planning—the former entails developing a comprehensive understanding of the inherent resilience of the entire underlying system, and the latter comprises provision of evidence-based strategies for optimizing urban resilience at the lowest possible cost within its life cycle.

While there is comprehensive research on the independent resilience of different parts of urban systems, studies on the resilience of interdependent components of different parts of urban systems are rare. This topic, Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems, aims to include papers addressing the emerging research gaps in urban resilience, including (but not limited to) the following:

• The resilience of interdependent infrastructures (e.g., water supply, drainage system, transportation, communication network, and electricity), and the nature of the interdependencies between them;
• Enhancing resilience by integrating different infrastructures with IoT-based solutions—smart cities;
• Advances in resilience metrics and standardization of resilience assessments;
• Interlinkage of different urban systems (e.g., different urban agglomerations);
• Trade-off between different intervention strategies, since increased resilience to one failure mode may decrease resilience to another;
• Comprehensive methodologies/frameworks for building resilience by adaptation (e.g., design, rehabilitation, renewal, and replacement) and governance of urban infrastructures;
• Impact of COVID-19 on urban systems and its infrastructures (impact of shutdowns, emergency operation, management strategies, reducing vulnerability to implications, etc.).

This topic aims to bridge this research gap by collecting emerging issues and solutions for the enhancement of urban system resilience and outlines the future directions of urban resilience studies.

Prof. Dr. Robert Sitzenfrei
Prof. Dr. Enrico Creaco
Dr. Kegong Diao
Prof. Dr. Christos Makropoulos
Prof. Dr. Ali Haghighi
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Infrastructures infrastructures	2.6	4.3	2016	16.9 Days	CHF 1800
Smart Cities smartcities	6.4	8.5	2018	20.2 Days	CHF 2000
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400
Urban Science urbansci	2.0	4.5	2017	23.7 Days	CHF 1600
Water water	3.4	5.5	2009	16.5 Days	CHF 2600

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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22 pages, 11459 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Density and Urban Resilience, Cross-Section Analysis in an Iranian Metropolis Context

by Alireza Dehghani, Mehdi Alidadi and Ali Soltani

Urban Sci. 2023, 7(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci7010023 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

While there is a large body of research on sustainable development and urban resilience, the interaction between urban densification and urban resilience remains understudied. This study aims to investigate several facets of urban resilience and densification before analyzing their mutual relationship. Focusing on [...] Read more.

While there is a large body of research on sustainable development and urban resilience, the interaction between urban densification and urban resilience remains understudied. This study aims to investigate several facets of urban resilience and densification before analyzing their mutual relationship. Focusing on ecological, social, economic, and physical elements of urban resilience on the one hand and population density, residential density, built-up area ratio (BAR), and parcel density on the other, a combination of spatial and quantitative methodologies is applied. Our empirical investigation revealed that the spatial distribution of all resilience indicators is varied. In other words, the cumulative form of urban resilience indicators has a different significance than the individual version. Similarly, different types of density have varying orientations and degrees of connection with measures of resilience that should be evaluated in empirical investigations. In addition, our research revealed that density has a stronger relationship with social and physical resilience than with ecological and economic resilience. The findings drawn from this research have the potential to inform the design of secure, resilient cities across a range of spatial dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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27 pages, 4534 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Measurement and Spatiotemporal Evolution Analysis of an Ecological Niche for the High-Quality Development of Resource-Based Cities in China

by Zhaohan Lu, Yuping Wu, Shiwei An, Yun Zhang and Jiahao Zhu

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912846 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1712

Abstract

The global carbon neutrality target and policy context of China’s high-quality development cause pressure to and are the driving forces of the transformation and development of resource-based cities. The current paper constructs an indicator system based on the ecological niche theory to measure [...] Read more.

The global carbon neutrality target and policy context of China’s high-quality development cause pressure to and are the driving forces of the transformation and development of resource-based cities. The current paper constructs an indicator system based on the ecological niche theory to measure and spatiotemporally analyze the ecological niche for the high-quality development in 115 resource-based cities in China. The results show that, firstly, the high-quality-development niches in resource-based cities are clustered on a medium level. Secondly, the differences in the sub-dimensional niche breadths are greater overall, with minor differences in the niche of resource and energy and considerable differences in the niche of innovation potential. Thirdly, we characterize the overall development imbalance following a more pronounced temporal evolution from the low to high niche over the decade. Based on the results, recommendations are made for resource-based cities to pinpoint and classify their strategies. The exploration of the comparative status, evolutionary dynamics and development paths for high-quality development in Chinese resource-based cities in this paper provides a systematic reference for building a new pattern of synergistic and sustainable development under the new normal of China’s economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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33 pages, 4931 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Bridge Network Seismic Risk Assessment Using ShakeMap/HAZUS with Dynamic Traffic Modeling

by Arman Malekloo, Ekin Ozer and Wasim Ramadan

Infrastructures 2022, 7(10), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7100131 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2723

Abstract

Bridge infrastructures are critical nodes in a transportation network. In earthquake-prone areas, seismic performance assessment of infrastructure is essential to identify, retrofit, reconstruct, or, if necessary, demolish the infrastructure systems based on optimal decision-making processes. As one of the crucial components of the [...] Read more.

Bridge infrastructures are critical nodes in a transportation network. In earthquake-prone areas, seismic performance assessment of infrastructure is essential to identify, retrofit, reconstruct, or, if necessary, demolish the infrastructure systems based on optimal decision-making processes. As one of the crucial components of the transportation network, any bridge failure would impede the post-earthquake rescue operation. Not only the failure of such high-risk critical components during an extreme event can lead to significant direct damages, but it also affects the transportation road network. The consequences of these secondary effects can easily lead to congestion and long queues if the performance of the transportation system before or after an event was not analyzed. These indirect losses can be more prominent compared to the actual damage to bridges. This paper brings about seismic performance assessment for the Cyprus transportation network from which the decision-making platform can be modeled and implemented. This study employs a seismic hazard analysis based on generated USGS ShakeMap scenarios for the risk assessment of the transportation network. Furthermore, identification of the resiliency and vulnerability of the transportation road network is carried out by utilizing the graph theory concept at the network level. Moreover, link performance measures, i.e., traffic modeling of the study region is simulated in a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) simulation environment. Finally, for earthquake loss analysis of the bridges, the HAZUS loss estimation tool is used. The results of our investigations for three different earthquake scenarios have shown that seismic retrofitting of bridges is a cost-effective measure to reduce the structural and operational losses in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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17 pages, 3020 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on Structural Toughness of Railway City Network in Yellow River Basin and Case Study of Zhengzhou 7–20 Rainstorm Disaster

by Yajun Xiong, Hui Tang and Xiaobo Tian

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912515 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1349

Abstract

With the gradual networking of inter-city relations and the increase in acute impact and chronic stress, the measurement of the resilience of urban network structures is particularly prominent. Based on the construction of the urban network by passenger train trips in the Yellow [...] Read more.

With the gradual networking of inter-city relations and the increase in acute impact and chronic stress, the measurement of the resilience of urban network structures is particularly prominent. Based on the construction of the urban network by passenger train trips in the Yellow River Basin, this paper analyzes and assesses the characteristics of the structural resilience of the urban network, and probes into the network resilience and urban response under the circumstances of node failure and line failure in Zhengzhou. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The urban network in the Yellow River Basin was clearly hierarchical, with a significant spatial distribution of “low in the north and high in the south”, and the overall characteristics of “robustness” in small areas and “fragility” in large areas. The network connection forms were diversified and open. The network transmission efficiency was high, and the edge cities depended on the core cities with prominent characteristics, and the risk load of regional core cities rose. (2) The network structure was “robust” as it maintained high operational efficiency and connectivity under random attacks. Under deliberate attacks, the city network operated efficiently with a small increase in connectivity before the 60% threshold, and after the threshold, the overall network started to split into many sub-networks, and the network fragmentation gradually increased until the network collapsed. (3) Zhengzhou node failure and line failure states in the Yellow River Basin urban network were resilient, in the sense that when suffering important nodes and lines going down it could still maintain good network operation efficiency, and the core nodes in the impact of natural disasters could adapt to the destructive nature of the network through the urban network structure self-regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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16 pages, 3416 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability of Network Infrastructure in a Geospatial Resilience Context

by Francisco Haces-Garcia, Craig L. Glennie and Hanadi S. Rifai

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11415; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811415 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662

Abstract

Increased societal reliance on critical infrastructures, such as the internet, has fueled resilience concerns. However, important geospatial differences complicate large-scale studies of critical infrastructure. This research develops a new geospatial framework to assess spatial disparities in critical internet infrastructure resilience. The framework is [...] Read more.

Increased societal reliance on critical infrastructures, such as the internet, has fueled resilience concerns. However, important geospatial differences complicate large-scale studies of critical infrastructure. This research develops a new geospatial framework to assess spatial disparities in critical internet infrastructure resilience. The framework is demonstrated using a testbed big data analysis for Texas assembled specifically for this study. Data on contributors to internet resilience—specifically, access flexibility, disruption risk, and disruption vulnerability—were incorporated for the study. An overall resilience score was calculated at the census tract level. Important geospatial patterns in network resilience emerged, with rural and urban areas in Texas showing stark differences. The developed techniques can be implemented to assess resilience geospatially, allowing for targeted efforts that ensure the survivability of critical infrastructure and assessments of digital divides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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12 pages, 1678 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Urban Expansion and Its Implication to Build Urban Resilience in Regio-Metropolitan Cities of the Amahara Region, Ethiopia

by Kassahun Gashu and Endalew Terefe Alene

Urban Sci. 2022, 6(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci6030058 - 03 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2387

Abstract

There could be many empirical contexts which could be applied in urban resilience. The general objective of this research is to assess urban expansion and its implication on urban resilience in regio-metropolitan cities in the Amhara Region (Gondar and Bahir Dar). It used [...] Read more.

There could be many empirical contexts which could be applied in urban resilience. The general objective of this research is to assess urban expansion and its implication on urban resilience in regio-metropolitan cities in the Amhara Region (Gondar and Bahir Dar). It used mixed research approaches and cross-sectional design. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected from a survey questionnaire, key informant interview and FGDs while secondary data were gathered from both published and unpublished sources. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to determine sample size, and a proportional sampling method was used. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, SD), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that major factors that influence building urban resilience are lacking proper urban planning, basic infrastructure and good governance in both cities, and both cities are extremely far behind in implementing urban resilience principles. Hence, the study improves the community participation in development policy formulation and implementation for urban resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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21 pages, 3732 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Influencing Factors of Network Resilience in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: A Structural Perspective

by Jialu Shi, Xuan Wang, Chengxin Wang, Haimeng Liu, Yi Miao and Fuyi Ci

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138005 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2336

Abstract

Currently, urban crises are spreading, even tending to be magnified along the urban networks. Improving urban network resilience can effectively reduce the loss and cope with sudden disasters. Based on the dimensions of regional resilience and the framework of urban network, a new [...] Read more.

Currently, urban crises are spreading, even tending to be magnified along the urban networks. Improving urban network resilience can effectively reduce the loss and cope with sudden disasters. Based on the dimensions of regional resilience and the framework of urban network, a new evaluation system of network resilience, including economic, social, and engineering networks, was established to assess the network resilience of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) from a structural perspective. We analyzed the spatial characteristics and influencing factors of network resilience using social network analysis and quadratic assignment procedure. The results were as follows: (1) regional difference was biggest in GBA’s economic network strength while smallest in its transportation network strength, and the east bank of the Pearl River represented an extremely resilient connection axis; (2) the structures of network resilience and its subsystems were heterogeneous, and the connection paths of network resilience were more heterogeneous and diversified than those of the subsystems; (3) network resilience presented an obvious core–edge structure, and the spatial correlation and spillover effect between blocks were substantial; and (4) geographical proximity, as well as differences in economic development, urban agglomeration, and market development, had a significant impact on network resilience. This study provides a more systematic approach to evaluate the regional network resilience, and the results provide references for the construction of bay areas in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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20 pages, 3885 KiB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Water Value Integrated Approach: A Systematic Literature Review

by Jean de Paula and Rui Marques

Water 2022, 14(12), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14121845 - 08 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2886

Abstract

Extreme water incidents point out a value conflict surrounding the resource. While drought and floods echo the inadequate land and resource uses, the increase in social inequalities exposes the practical, physiological, and social consequences. The multiple value action throughout the water cycle also [...] Read more.

Extreme water incidents point out a value conflict surrounding the resource. While drought and floods echo the inadequate land and resource uses, the increase in social inequalities exposes the practical, physiological, and social consequences. The multiple value action throughout the water cycle also narrowed disputes to those that neglect its vital importance, and the constraints imposed to the services, such as low tariffs, and lack of local engagement, make sustainable water systems more difficult. This article develops a systematic literature review to understand the academic motivations surrounding water value and gaps in its systematic approach. A sample with 84 papers is created by an interactive keyword selection and its general characteristics are presented. A dynamic reading technique extracts data and classifies the papers according to 14 research motivations, where the water multifunctionality and the user value stand out. The bibliographic coupling analysis identifies a cluster of 16 papers related to integration and connected to planning, decision, and management. There is a lack of contribution with a systemic approach to water resources by way of integrating actors and values, such as including local contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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16 pages, 1942 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of the Coupling Coordination Degree of an Urban Economy–Society–Environment System Based on a Multi-Scenario Analysis: The Case of Chengde City in China

by Yang Li, Xiaotong Zhang and Xiuxiu Gao

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6790; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116790 - 01 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1772

Abstract

Sustainable urban development requires the coordinated development of economic, social, and environmental subsystems. Evaluating the coordination degree of different urban subsystems is of great significance to supporting sustainable urban development. This study explores the method of combining a scenario analysis with the coupling [...] Read more.

Sustainable urban development requires the coordinated development of economic, social, and environmental subsystems. Evaluating the coordination degree of different urban subsystems is of great significance to supporting sustainable urban development. This study explores the method of combining a scenario analysis with the coupling coordination degree model, proposing a new approach to measure the correlation between the level of urban sustainable development and the coupling coordination degree of urban subsystems. This method is used to analyze the correlation between the sustainable development level of 11 district-level and county-level administrative regions in Chengde City and the coupling coordination degree under different scenarios. The evaluation results show that, under different scenarios, the coupling coordination degree of the 11 administrative regions in Chengde City is at three levels: imminent imbalance, near coordination, and primary coordination. Compared with the business-as-usual scenario, the changes in the coupling coordination degree of all administrative regions in Chengde City under the economic-led scenario, social-led scenario, and environment-led scenario are in line with the level of sustainable development evaluation outcomes. The results confirm that there is a correlation between the level of urban sustainable development and the coupling coordination degree in different scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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17 pages, 2160 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Coupling of Urban Economic Development and Transportation System: An Urban Agglomeration Case

by Yaqi Hu and Yingzi Chen

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 3808; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073808 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Urban agglomeration is a new carrier of regional economic development, whose spatial structure can be reflected by the transportation system. The coordination between urban economic development and the transportation system is conducive to promoting balanced urban economic development. As an important urban cluster [...] Read more.

Urban agglomeration is a new carrier of regional economic development, whose spatial structure can be reflected by the transportation system. The coordination between urban economic development and the transportation system is conducive to promoting balanced urban economic development. As an important urban cluster of China, the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration plays an important role in promoting the revitalization of northeast China. Targeting 11 cities of the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration, this paper adopts the coupling coordination degree model to study the coordination level of urban economic development and the transportation system. The results show that large differences exist among the cities, with Changchun at the outstanding position. A more developed transportation system exists in the western Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration, while the east is in a worse condition. The coupling coordination degree of the urban economic development and transportation system shows obvious stratification. Further adjusting the industrial structure, expanding the degree of opening to the outside world, and increasing investment in transportation technological innovation are recommended to promote an integrated development pattern in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Resilience of Interdependent Urban Systems)

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