Reconstruction of transportation infrastructure with high complexity: Mitigating strategies for effective post-disaster reconstruction

The reconstrcution of transport infrastructure is crucial in the restoration of emergency responses and other recovery procedures that are vital to communities following natural disasters, amid a chaotic and complex post-disaster environment. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine and classify the key factors that are innate in the reconstruction complexity of transportation infrastructure (CRTs), and to develop a list of effective strategies to address and minimize the complexity of the projects. To fulfill the study's objectives, the existing literature was comprehensively reviewed and potential CRTs were identified. Then, a structured survey was designed, using the potential CRTs to collect data and information related to completed post-disaster reconstruction. After statistically analyzing the results, it was concluded that ineffective information management and coordination significantly escalate the complexity level of reconstruction projects, and shortages of materials and equipment make the reconstruction of transport infrastructure damaged by disasters highly complex. The results also showed that centralizing the necessary information regarding reconstruction projects would be of significant value to those involved in future disaster recovery. The results of this study will help authorities allocate resources effectively so that they can adopt the most beneficial strategies and mitigate serious consequenses of project complexity.