The analysis of safety parameters in selection of optimal routes for search & rescue (case study: quarter of 13 Aban in Tehran)

Earthquake seriously threatens urban environments of Iran especially Tehran. Earthquake causes widespread damage, destruction and many casualties and injuries. The basic need of people affected by earthquake is to provide rescue and relief services in the least possible time. Thus, to speed up relief, the most optimal route should be considered based on safety. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a series of parameters regarding their importance to evaluate safety of road networks and to determine the most optimal route at the phase before an earthquake. The analytic multi-factor approach has been paying attention to identify and evaluate effective safety parameters for selecting optimal urban rescue and relief routes after earthquake. This study is conducted as a pilot study at quarter of 13 Aban in Tehran city. In this case study, some effective parameters were determined and examined for roads network safety and their relationship; also the effect of each parameter was analyzed in selection of the optimal route at the district 20 of Tehran, quarter of 13 Aban. In addition, analysis hierarchy process (AHP) as the basic model and GIS software were used. Some parameters are the most important in determining and optimizing rescue and relief routes and each has different significance level including dangerous usages, population density, vulnerability and heavy damages to buildings, transportation constructions. In addition, the effect of some factors cannot be ignored such as streets slope and distance from the fault and canals. According to this study, determination and optimization of rescue and relief routes can provide maximum relief services in the least possible time. The main parameters influencing the determination of safe road networks are such as population density, vulnerability and heavy damages to buildings, transportation constructions and dangerous usages.