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Ehrambaf Shooshtar A, Samouei P, Messi Bidgoli M. Evaluation and Prioritization of Nodes in Urban Critical Infrastructures for Increasing Resilience Against Disasters Using the DEMATEL Approach. Disaster Prev. Manag. Know. 2025; 15 (1) :30-49
URL: http://dpmk.ir/article-1-709-en.html

Background and objective Critical infrastructures, including water, electricity, and wastewater, are highly interdependent. Disruption in one of these systems can have a cascade effect on other systems and disrupt the entire system. In this research, to increase the resilience of these infrastructures against disasters, we aimed to model the interdependencies between them and prioritize critical nodes.
Method Based on the data for the urban network of Sioux Falls in South Dakota reported in a previous study, and taking into account its critical infrastructures, we used the DEMATEL method and Root Assessment Method (RAM) to identify the critical points of these networks for strengthening them. The study network had 21 nodes and there were five main criteria of node capacity, supply node, transmission node, connection with other networks (such as communication) and repair cost, and three sub-criteria of electricity, water and wastewater systems. To prioritize the nodes, we first obtained the weights of each criterion using the DEMATEL method. Then, using the RAM, we prioritized critical nodes that needed to be strengthened interdependent critical infrastructures in the pre-disaster phase.
Results Using the DEMATEL method, the results showed that the node capacity criterion was the most important criterion in decision-making. Also, in most cases, the electricity sub-criterion had the highest local weight. Using the RAM, the identified critical nodes were the nodes number 5, 6, 13, and 15. These nodes are usually transmission nodes or major facilities. Parameters such as capacity, repair time, and reinforcement cost play an important role in determining the importance of nodes.
Conclusion The node capacity, as the most influential factor, plays a key role in managing and improving urban critical infrastructures. The identified critical points require more attention. Reinforcement of these nodes can significantly increase the resilience and performance of urban critical infrastructures. Also, special attention should be paid to the interdependencies between critical infrastructures and necessary measures should be taken to reduce the interdependency.