A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The impact of the 2009 heat wave on Melbourne's critical infrastructure
The impact of the extreme heat wave that affected Melbourne, Australia, in two distinct phases in January and February 2009 was severe, with 374 (heat) and 173 (bushfire) excess deaths. Whilst the human health issues have been covered in detail in policy and academic arenas, much less attention has been paid to the adverse impacts on urban infrastructure. Analysis of this event, underpinned by participatory actor-based research, has shown that the impacts were experienced disproportionately across different infrastructure types. For water, telecommunications and airports, the impacts were relatively minor and the impact on rail transport and roads (and to a lesser extent, seaports) was of moderate significance, whereas research findings indicate that the electricity sector was found to be the most vulnerable. This paper focuses on the sectors that were worst impacted: electricity, rail and road transport. Commentary identifies the direct and indirect impacts of the heat event, including associated cascading effects, as well as considering actual and potential adaptation responses both before and after the event. Concluding, the authors reflect on the implications of the heat wave for urban resilience, emphasising the crucial importance of understanding the urban environment as a complex and interconnected system.
The impact of the 2009 heat wave on Melbourne's critical infrastructure
The impact of the extreme heat wave that affected Melbourne, Australia, in two distinct phases in January and February 2009 was severe, with 374 (heat) and 173 (bushfire) excess deaths. Whilst the human health issues have been covered in detail in policy and academic arenas, much less attention has been paid to the adverse impacts on urban infrastructure. Analysis of this event, underpinned by participatory actor-based research, has shown that the impacts were experienced disproportionately across different infrastructure types. For water, telecommunications and airports, the impacts were relatively minor and the impact on rail transport and roads (and to a lesser extent, seaports) was of moderate significance, whereas research findings indicate that the electricity sector was found to be the most vulnerable. This paper focuses on the sectors that were worst impacted: electricity, rail and road transport. Commentary identifies the direct and indirect impacts of the heat event, including associated cascading effects, as well as considering actual and potential adaptation responses both before and after the event. Concluding, the authors reflect on the implications of the heat wave for urban resilience, emphasising the crucial importance of understanding the urban environment as a complex and interconnected system.
The impact of the 2009 heat wave on Melbourne's critical infrastructure
McEvoy, Darryn (author) / Ahmed, Iftekhar (author) / Mullett, Jane (author)
Local Environment ; 17 ; 783-796
2012-09-01
14 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
| Engineering Index Backfile | 1924
Diversity in design: applying inclusive solutions to Melbourne’s infrastructure boom
| Taylor & Francis Verlag | 2019
Integrating Green Infrastructure into Urban Planning: Developing Melbourne’s Green Factor Tool
| DOAJ | 2021
Integrating Green Infrastructure into Urban Planning: Developing Melbourne’s Green Factor Tool
| BASE | 2021
Protecting Melbourne's Green Belt
| Taylor & Francis Verlag | 2003