A microcomputer model for assessing the relative risks and vulnerabilities of streets and jurisdictions to the shipment of hazardous materials

The comprehensive planning of transportation systems resource allocations and operating regulations so as to minimize the danger to localities from hazardous materials shipments is a growing concern among transportation planners. Standing in their way are a number of difficulties inherent in the data collection and modeling practices currently in use. Additionally, such current practices do not afford practical means for comparing large numbers of jurisdictions which is necessary for equity among jurisdictions and cost effectiveness. In response to these difficulties, this research is intended to develop a microcomputer based model to quantitatively compare the susceptibility of different streets and jurisdictions to the resulting effects of different types of hazardous materials accidents. Implied in the development of this model are such worthwhile considerations as: ease of use, maximum ability for user customizing, ability to work with existing and future data and data types, and clarity as well as variety of output formats. An evaluation of the appropriateness of this model for 1984 through 1987 Pennsylvania data is then undertaken. In addition, a brief assessment of the applicability of this macro level model in the total risk reduction environment is incorporated.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Civil Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Taylor, Charles E.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04252009-040537

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/42206