Assessment of the Dynamics of Human System Networks in Water Infrastructure Adaptation to Sea-Level Rise Impacts

The objective of the study presented in this paper is to propose and test a network analysis framework for better understanding the risks involved in infrastructure adaptation processes in response to sea-level rise (SLR). In pursuit of this objectives, this study developed a meta-network framework that conceptualizes human systems as interacting networks of actors, infrastructure, tasks, policies, and knowledge in order to characterize risks based on the structure of networks embedded in the adaptation processes. The application of the proposed framework was demonstrated in the analysis of water infrastructure system in Southeast Florida region. The results show that the adaptation process of water infrastructure system in Southeast Florida is suffering from 15% compliance risk that caused by both non-availability of appropriate policies and not complying with the existing policies. This study enables a better understanding of the effectiveness and efficiency of adaptation processes and identifies areas to improve coordination and communication to enhance the adaptation of infrastructure systems to SLR in coastal urban areas.