Modeling Interdependencies in Infrastructure Management Using Complex Systems

The inherent complexity of decision-making related to transportation infrastructure systems can be formalized using complex systems theory. Complex systems are characterized by: 1) many agents or decision-makers acting in parallel with dispersed control, 2) the presence of many organizational levels, 3) the ability of agents to adapt depending on the decisions made at other levels, and 4) the use of internal models to anticipate the future. We use a simulated pavement network to explore the behavior of the pavement condition, and user and agency costs, under various scenarios and relate this behavior to the attributes of a complex system. We conclude that infrastructure management systems must recognize the inherent complexity of these systems to better manage these assets.