Evaluating Bridge Network Resilience Using Socio-Technical Attributes in Japan

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Evaluating Bridge Network Resilience Using Socio-Technical Attributes in Japan

This project analyzed Japan’s bridge network resilience by assessing individual structural integrity and interdependencies within the transportation system.

Bridges, often the weakest links, can cause disruptions ranging from minor delays to critical connectivity failures. By examining these socio-technical interactions, the study identifies high-risk bridges, guiding targeted improvements.

This approach enhances infrastructure safety, optimizes disaster preparedness, and strengthens overall network resilience against environmental and operational challenges, ensuring long-term functionality and reliability.

Annual losses in
Japan’s roads and
railways from climate
impacts
$ 0 bn
Annual earthquake losses,
highest among all hazards
in Japan
$ 0 bn

Impact and Key Findings

1

The study assessed bridge resilience by combining structural integrity and traffic flow analysis, revealing how individual bridges impact overall network functionality during disruptions. This approach informs targeted improvements to enhance connectivity and disaster preparedness in transportation systems. 

2

Three recovery strategies—user priority, road type priority, and damage type priority—were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in restoring bridge network functionality. The findings help decision-makers optimize post-disaster recovery, ensuring efficient and resilient transportation infrastructure restoration. 

3

Prioritizing regular maintenance and proactive pre-disaster planning minimizes damage and accelerates recovery, strengthening the resilience and reliability of the bridge network. This approach ensures sustained functionality and adaptability against future hazards and operational disruptions. 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.