Agent-Based Modeling for Assessment of Coastal Transportation Network Durability

This collaborative research project between Texas A&M University and Oregon State University focuses on developing an innovative agent-based modeling (ABM) framework to assess and extend the lifespan of coastal transportation infrastructure. Principal Investigator Amirali Najafi from Texas A&M University, alongside project partners Joseph Louis and Haizhong Wang from Oregon State University, are directing this project from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026, with $40,000 in federal funding and a $20,061 match from Texas A&M. The proposed ABM framework integrates coastal community dynamics, physical infrastructure durability, climatic hazards, and agency decision-making to provide a holistic understanding of coastal transportation networks. By aligning with federal priorities in climate sustainability, system transformation, and environmental justice, the project seeks to analyze how climatic hazards affect different communities to ensure that mitigation and response strategies are both effective and fair. Ultimately, this research will deliver advanced scenario planning and policy-testing tools to improve the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of coastal networks, ensuring that vulnerable populations are better protected and that resilience benefits are distributed fairly.