Interdependencies between Urban Transport, Water, and Solid Waste Infrastructure Systems

Abstract

Developing integrated, sustainable, and resilient urban systems requires consideration of the different types of interdependencies between their infrastructure systems. The degree and nature of interdependencies among infrastructure systems vary widely. This article identifies and analyzes the interdependencies between urban transport, water, and solid waste. A comprehensive review is conducted, an interdependency matrix for the three systems is developed, and the interdependencies are analyzed qualitatively. The analysis shows that the three systems are highly interdependent, indicating that an integrated approach that considers the mutual impacts, conflicts, and interactions among them at all stages of their life cycles is necessary to promote sustainability and resilience. This article also identifies opportunities for developing new integrated planning and design approaches and emphasizes the need for further research in this area to quantify infrastructure interdependencies. This is particularly important in the context of rapid urbanization and the pressure on cities to adapt to climate change.