Quantitative Assessment of Resilience and Reliability in the Urban Road Network of Karbala Using Graph Theory

Abstract

This study applies graph theory to quantitatively evaluate the structural integrity and resilience of Karbala’s urban road network. By modelling roads as edges and intersections as nodes, we assess the system using key metrics such as meshness, organicity, betweenness and closeness centrality, and global efficiency. The reliability of each road segment is evaluated using an exponential failure function derived from segment-specific travel times and estimated failure rates. Findings reveal moderate to strong connectivity and resilience with areas for potential enhancement, particularly in reducing the network’s diameter and improving redundancy. These insights support urban planning strategies aimed at enhancing infrastructure robustness.