Transport Infrastructure & Adaptation (Main Topic 102)

How do infrastructure-specific characteristics increase the sensitivity to climate impacts?

Building on the studies investigating the effects of climate change and extreme weather on transport and its infrastructure (Climate Change & Extremes), the main topic Transport Infrastructure & Adaptation addresses the potential vulnerability of transport infrastructure to climate influences and impacts due to route- and object-specific characteristics (sensitivity analysis). The analysis of sensitivities of the transport infrastructure enables the identification of potential adaptation needs for the transport modes roads, railways and waterways.

Climate influences, such as heat, drought, heavy precipitation and sea level rise, and related impacts, such as flash floods, flooding, low water and gravitational mass movements (Climate Change & Extremes), may have substantial effects on traffic flows and transport infrastructure, with the degree of infrastructure vulnerability depending on transport mode-specific characteristics.

Main topic structure of the topic area Climate Change Impacts & Adaptation in the ongoing research phase (from 2020 onwards)

The researchers explore interrelations between the climate influences and climate impacts on transport and transport infrastructure (Climate Change & Extremes), which requires a deep systemic understanding. Information on past events and damages may serve as indicators for underlying interdependencies. Analysis covers both route- as well as object-specific considerations.

One of the route-specific factors influencing the road or railway infrastructure’s vulnerability is the height of a road or railway track. In cases of a flood event, for example, information on the elevation can contribute to a more differentiated analysis of the affectedness. Object-specific characteristics include slope stabilisations and other factors. This kind of information helps to shape a better understanding of potential effects caused by gravitational mass movements.

The established interrelations between a climate influence and related impacts on transport and transport infrastructure must stick as closely as possible to reality, which requires a sensitivity analysis based on extensive information on transport route and object data. Where do existing stabilisation facilities already protect transport infrastructure from gravitational mass movements? Which routes are equipped with highly sensitive structures, such as overhead wires? What is the height (embankment level) of roads and railways, and does this make them prone to e.g. a 1-in-100-year flood? On which sections along waterways does climate-resistant vegetation provide long-term bank protection, for example? In order to address questions like these, the researchers involved collect underlying data on networks and objects, while also considering information on the condition and maintenance of structures. This enables them to assess the vulnerability of transport infrastructure to damages caused by windthrow or floods, for example.

Five potential types of measures to adapt transport infrastructure and transport operations to climate change

Options for adaptation

Several types of adaptation measures (Adaptation Options) were already mapped out within the topic area Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation during the prior research phase (2016–2019): informational approaches, regulatory approaches, engineering approaches and the operational management of transport infrastructure and transport operations. During the ongoing research phase, the scientists will identify examples of practical adaptation measures and explore the effectiveness of individual adaptation options in case studies. Climate impact considerations always involve particular uncertainties.

The river Rhine between Godorf and Wesseling Source: BAW

Therefore, in parallel, the researchers map out courses of action to cope with these uncertainties when planning and implementing adaptation measures. Similarly, it is important to check whether the transport modes’ climate-related standards and policies reflect the current state of climate change research. Working in an advising capacity for different bodies, the scientists shape above all policies and (inter-)national standards.

Buildings networks and increasing reach

Whether or not transport infrastructure vulnerability to climate influences and impacts can be analysed, depends to a high degree on the availability of route- and object-specific data for the transport modes. The authorities BASt, DZSF, BAW and BfG collect these data for roads, railways and waterways, respectively. In the next stage, they analyse any interdependencies established and identify available adaptation options. The data needed to quantify the extent to which transport infrastructure is potentially affected by consequences of climate change and extreme weather events (exposure) are the object of the main topic Climate Change & Extremes. The established interdependencies help to assess potential traffic disruptions (criticality, Traffic & Adaptation). The three analytical steps are bundled in an integrated climate impact assessment (Integrated Climate Impact Assessment & User Dialogue). In the future, the informational approach in the form of the data service DAS core service “Climate and Water” (DAS being the acronym for the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change) will reflect the medium- and long-term climatic changes and resulting consequences for waterways and navigation. By actively participating in different bodies and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with infrastructure operators and users, the scientists involved in the main topic Transport Infrastructure & Adaptation extend the reach of their findings.

Coordination

Anne-Farina Lohrengel
Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)
Lohrengel@bast.de

Fabia Backendorf
German Centre for Rail Traffic Research (DZSF)
BackendorfF@dzsf.bund.de

Participating institutions:

• BASt
• DZSF
• BAW
• BfG
• BSH
• DWD