Cloud-based risk and economic assessment system for landslide damage of mountain roads

Abstract In Taiwan, landslides triggered by geological activity and extreme weather events such as typhoons frequently disrupt mountain roads and pose serious threats to human life, vehicle safety, and transportation infrastructure. To address these challenges, a comprehensive risk assessment model is developed in this study to help road management decision-makers evaluate landslide risk and maximize the effectiveness of road slope maintenance work. This model considers environmental conditions, slope stabilization measures, and the economic impact of road closures and uses historical landslide cases to assess the potential severity of landslide-induced loss of life, disruptions to transportation, and road obstructions. A key feature of this research is the integration of a Geographic Information System (GIS), allowing for the visual mapping of landslide risks and providing road management authorities a clear, data-driven basis for inspection and repair prioritization. The developed model establishes a mechanism for ranking road slopes based on calculated risk level, ensuring priority attention is given to higher risk areas. The data generated by this model can help decision-makers not only optimize the allocation of public road maintenance resources but also minimize landslide-related societal and economic losses. In addition, the findings of this study underscore the need for improved landslide-related data collection and for establishing risk assessment standards appropriate to Taiwan’s geographical and social conditions. Road management authorities may use the developed model to make better-informed decisions on road maintenance that improve public safety, minimize road closures, and appropriately prioritize current maintenance work in landslide-prone sections of key roadways in Taiwan.