Topological Structure Vulnerability Assessment of Shanghai Urban Metro Networks

Topological structure vulnerability assessment approach for Urban Metro Networks (UMNS) was proposed in order to decrease the impact caused by incidents. Failure scale of stations and sections random failure and target attacks was evaluated. The results show that UMNS is more vulnerable to target attacks on stations than random failure on stations. But UMNS is less vulnerable to target attacks on sections than random failure on sections. Additionally, UMNS is more vulnerable to station failure than sections. It could be concluded as more resources should be put on big transfer stations in UMNS operation management to avoid large scale impacts. The proposed methodology is not intended to predict the occurrence of events but rather to be used a management tool. Results from the evaluation are valuable elements in planning UMNS. They can be used for network planning, further detailed hazard studies, deciding on the arrangement of emergency resources.