A fuzzy methodology to evaluate the landslide risk in road lifelines

Abstract The purpose of this study is identifying, through the fuzzy logic methodology, the stretches of the road SS106 Reggio Calabria – Bova Marina, considered like a “lifeline” in the metropolitan area of Reggio Calabria, subjected to landslide risk. The mentioned infrastructure has a very low qualification level due to the old design and construction, other than to the land morphology. Its importance comes from its use since it is the only highway which could be considered important strategically for a probable emergency management. Thanks to the elaboration of thematic maps by PAI (Piano di Assetto Idrogeologico, 2001), made available by the Autorita di Bacino of Calabria Region, the landslide risk is evaluated by the combination of the software Quantum – GIS and by a hierarchical system at one level with two inputs and one output through Fuzzy Logic Toolbox in MATLAB environment, where the input number corresponds to the linguistic variables (“Indicators”) and the output represents the “Level of Attention” evaluated for the considered infrastructure. Fundamental step of the process is analysing the importance of the road and considering it like a “lifeline” in case of catastrophic events (e.g. earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc). Through the presented model, it would be possible to identify the road portions subjected to landslide risk, classify them and understand how their damage and their reduced functionality would be a problem for the emergency management other than for the costs.