Strategies for Assessing the Mechanical Impact of Climate Change on Urban Networks Using Physical Modeling

Abstract

Understanding the impacts of climate change on urban infrastructure requires analyzing how extreme weather and climatic shifts affect the physical integrity of urban networks. This study presents a framework for assessing these impacts through a mechanical behavior perspective using advanced physical modeling. Scalable models replicate key components of buried water infrastructure, including soils and pipes, to simulate stressors such as temperature fluctuations and humidity changes. Monitoring sensors capture mechanical indicators with high precision in controlled environments, enabling robust vulnerability assessments. The analysis is conducted at the scale of a single network segment, but the results can be extrapolated to more complex urban networks. By integrating climatic uncertainties with experimental data, the framework identifies critical weaknesses and informs targeted strategies for enhancing resilience. The findings provide actionable insights for proactive risk management and urban planning, helping decision-makers develop effective mitigation measures to strengthen urban systems against climate-induced challenges.