Road accessibility model to the rail network in emergency conditions

Abstract

This research project considers a quantitative model for analysing the accessibility of open-air stretches of a railway line in emergency conditions using the road system (Borghetti, 2014). The project derives from a previous study (Borghetti and Malavasi, 2016) which illustrated the problems regarding the vulnerability of a railway stretch with particular reference to accessibility in emergency conditions; a method for evaluating accessibility was proposed, with reference to a specific territorial situation. This work will examine in detail the analytic structure of the individual indicators that make up the model.An Accessibility Index was determined for each railway link i of homogeneous length, starting from an evaluation of the territorial and contextual characteristics in which the line is positioned. The analysis procedure consists firstly of identifying those parameters that compete in implementation of the Accessibility Index, and secondly in aggregating the Indicator parameters which, through the use of relatively important weights, are part of Index determination.The model is based on a comparative approach that places the Accessibility Index in relation to the links that make up a railway stretch, therefore identifying the priorities and a hierarchy of the management and/or infrastructural interventions carried out to improve accessibility should important events occur.