Infrastructure Link Survivability Analysis via Risk-Weighted Path Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrastructure link path planning for communication cables, such as submarine cables, fails to adequately consider terrain instability and risk factors, leading to high construction costs and potential failures due to natural hazards and human activities, resulting in severe social and economic consequences.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for analyzing survivability by determining an optimal path arrangement for infrastructure links between geographic locations, incorporating quantified cost and risk factors, and applying weighting to calculate a risk index representing the expected number of failures or uncertainty in future costs, while displaying the optimal path and risk index on a geographic map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cable path planning considers only construction cost minimization, then construction cost is reduced, but cable survivability and reliability deteriorate due to exposure to natural hazards and human activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the cable path planning problem from a single-objective construction cost minimization into a multi-parameter optimization problem. It introduces quantified risk factors (earthquake, landslide, flooding, human activities) and cost factors (construction, operation, repair) as separate parameters, allowing the system to evaluate and compare different path arrangements based on multiple criteria simultaneously, thereby achieving both cost efficiency and improved survivability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cable path into multiple sections and evaluates each section independently against different hazard types and cost factors. By dividing the overall path planning into manageable segments, the system can apply specific risk assessments and cost calculations to each portion, enabling more precise optimization of both construction costs and survivability for different geographic conditions
2Reliability
If cable path is selected to avoid high-risk areas, then cable survivability is improved, but construction cost increases due to longer or more complex routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optimization approach where the cable path planning is not static but adapts to different weighting scenarios. The system allows dynamic adjustment of weights assigned to various risk factors and cost factors, enabling flexible optimization that can balance survivability improvements against construction cost increases based on specific project requirements and risk tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the cable path to traverse through some risk areas when the overall risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis justify it. Rather than completely avoiding all high-risk zones, the system selectively routes through areas where the incremental survivability gain does not disproportionately increase construction costs, achieving a balanced compromise
3Reliability
If comprehensive risk factors are incorporated into path planning, then cable survivability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple quantified factors and weighting calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational system with automated algorithms as an intermediary between the complex multi-factor risk assessment and the final path planning decision. This intermediary system handles the complexity of quantifying multiple risk factors (earthquake, landslide, flooding, human activities), calculating cost factors, applying weightings, and generating optimized path arrangements, thereby managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive survivability improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational modeling and simulation to create virtual representations of different cable path scenarios and their performance under various hazard conditions. By copying and testing multiple path arrangements in a simulated environment before final deployment, the system can evaluate complex risk factors and cost implications without the full complexity impacting actual construction operations
4Reliability
If optimal path arrangement is determined using multiple cost and risk factors, then future repair costs are reduced, but initial analysis and planning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary quantification of risk factors and cost factors during the planning phase, establishing baseline data for earthquake, landslide, flooding, and human activity risks before conducting the optimization analysis. By preparing these quantified factors in advance, the system reduces the time required for the actual path optimization calculation while ensuring comprehensive consideration of all relevant factors for reducing future failures
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing survivability of an infrastructure link includes determining an optimal path arrangement of the infrastructure link between two geographic locations; and determining a risk index associated with the determined optimal path arrangement based on one or more quantified cost factors and one or more quantified risk factors associated with the determined optimal path arrangement. The risk index represents a survivability of the infrastructure link.