Operational Models of Infrastructure Resilience
Abstract
We propose a definition of infrastructure resilience that is tied to the operation (or function) of an infrastructure as a system of interacting components and that can be objectively evaluated using quantitative models. Specifically, for any particular system, we use quantitative models of system operation to represent the decisions of an infrastructure operator who guides the behavior of the system as a whole, even in the presence of disruptions. Modeling infrastructure operation in this way makes it possible to systematically evaluate the consequences associated with the loss of infrastructure components, and leads to a precise notion of “operational resilience” that facilitates model verification, validation, and reproducible results. Using a simple example of a notional infrastructure, we demonstrate how to use these models for (1) assessing the operational resilience of an infrastructure system, (2) identifying critical vulnerabilities that threaten its continued function, and (3) advising policymakers on investments to improve resilience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 24, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1111/risa.12333
Entities
People
- David L. Alderson
- Gerald G. Jerry Brown
- W. Matthew Carlyle
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Naval Postgraduate School
- Office of Naval Research