Cascading failures in critical infrastructure can be modelled using Actor-Network Theory to understand interdependencies.
Analyzing the interconnectedness of human and non-human actors within critical infrastructure systems can reveal vulnerabilities that lead to cascading failures during extreme events.
Academic Publication · 2014
Key Findings
- 01The interdependencies between different infrastructure systems are complex and often underestimated.
- 02Failures in one system can rapidly propagate to others, leading to widespread disruption.
- 03Emergency response plans may not adequately account for the dynamic and emergent nature of cascading failures.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing critical infrastructure, model the system as a network of interacting human and non-human actors to proactively identify and mitigate potential cascading failures.
How to apply
Use network mapping and stakeholder analysis to visualize the relationships and dependencies within a complex system before designing interventions.
Project actions
- 01When studying a system, think about all the different 'actors' involved – not just people, but also machines, software, and even natural elements.
- 02Try to draw diagrams that show how these actors are connected and how they influence each other.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel theoretical lens for understanding complex system failures.
- +Highlights the importance of non-human actors in system dynamics.
Limitations
It can be challenging to identify and map all relevant actors and their precise interactions, especially in complex real-world systems.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the ANT model relies on the thoroughness of actor identification and the accurate representation of their relationships. Reliability would depend on consistent application of the theoretical framework across different analyses.
Think critically
To what extent can a purely theoretical model like ANT fully capture the chaotic and unpredictable nature of real-world cascading failures?
Design Principles
"Design for systemic resilience by understanding and mapping actor-network interdependencies."
Understanding these complex interdependencies is crucial for designing more resilient systems. By mapping out how different components (physical, technological, human) interact and influence each other, designers can identify potential points of failure and develop strategies to mitigate them.
What This Means for Your Design
Imagine a chain reaction: if one part of a city's power system breaks, it can cause other parts to break too, like dominoes falling. This study shows how to map out these connections to prevent widespread problems.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use Actor-Network Theory to analyse the complex interactions within your design project's context, identifying potential failure points and stakeholder influences.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2014). Cascading Failure in Critical Infrastructure: An Actor-Network Analysis of the 1998 Ice Storm in Ottawa. Academic Publication. https://doi.org/10.22215/etd/2014-10337 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/44e2cadd-7ad0-4220-bf67-645534949973/cascading-failures-in-critical-infrastructure-can-be-modelled-using-actor-network-theory-to-understand-interdependencies
Paragraph starter
This research employed an Actor-Network Theory approach to model the cascading failures in critical infrastructure during the 1998 Ottawa ice storm. By analysing the complex web of human and non-human actors and their interdependencies, the study revealed how disruptions in one system could rapidly propagate, leading to widespread failures and highlighting the need for more robust and interconnected resilience strategies in design.
Source
Academic Publication
Cascading Failure in Critical Infrastructure: An Actor-Network Analysis of the 1998 Ice Storm in Ottawa
journal · 2014
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about cascading failures in critical infrastructure can be modelled using actor-network theory to understand interdependencies?
- When designing critical infrastructure, model the system as a network of interacting human and non-human actors to proactively identify and mitigate potential cascading failures. Evidence: Academic Publication (2014).
- Why does "Cascading failures in critical infrastructure can be modelled using Actor-Network Theory to understand interdependencies." matter for design?
- Understanding these complex interdependencies is crucial for designing more resilient systems. By mapping out how different components (physical, technological, human) interact and influence each other, designers can identify potential points of failure and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing critical infrastructure, model the system as a network of interacting human and non-human actors to proactively identify and mitigate potential cascading failures.
- What were the main findings?
- The interdependencies between different infrastructure systems are complex and often underestimated.. Failures in one system can rapidly propagate to others, leading to widespread disruption.. Emergency response plans may not adequately account for the dynamic and emergent nature of cascading failures.
- What research method was used?
- Actor-Network Theory (ANT) analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2014 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Use network mapping and stakeholder analysis to visualize the relationships and dependencies within a complex system before designing interventions.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis is retrospective and specific to the context of the 1998 Ottawa ice storm; generalizability to other events or locations may vary.
- Is there evidence that critical infrastructure affects design outcomes?
- The research found that the interconnectedness of critical infrastructure systems, combined with human response limitations, created a perfect storm for cascading failures during the 1998 ice storm. Understanding these complex interdependencies is crucial for designing more resilient systems. By mapping out how differe Source: Academic Publication (2014).
- Where does this cascading failures research apply?
- Critical infrastructure resilience during extreme weather events It sits within modelling research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
critical infrastructure design research · evidence on critical infrastructure · does critical infrastructure improve design outcomes · cascading failures studies for designers · critical infrastructure and cascading failures findings · modelling research evidence