Urban resilience analysis in civil engineering: A systematic review

Urban resilience is fundamental for cities to adapt and recover from challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and rapid urbanization. This study conducts a systematic review to examine the intersection between urban resilience and civil engineering, applying the PRISMA methodology to analyze recent contributions to the field. The research focuses on studies published between 2014 and 2024, targeting four key areas of civil engineering: water resources, underground structures, transportation, and electricity systems. To assess urban infrastructure strategies and identify gaps in the literature, the study employs ISO 37,123 resilience indicators. The results reveal that while 31.2% of the analyzed studies address resilient infrastructure, significant gaps persist in specific fields, particularly underground constructions and electricity systems. These areas are critical for urban functionality during disasters but remain underexplored in the existing body of research. The findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary approaches and investments in innovative technologies to address these deficiencies. Furthermore, the integration of nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure, emerges as an essential strategy for enhancing urban resilience. This review also identifies geographical disparities in research representation, with regions such as South America and Africa being underrepresented. In contrast, China stands out for advancements in renewable energy and sustainable urban planning, despite facing significant environmental challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning resilience strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 13 (climate action). By providing actionable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and civil engineers, this study contributes to the advancement of resilient and sustainable infrastructure. It advocates for the adoption of ISO 37123 as a framework for evaluating and improving urban resilience, fostering inclusive and efficient strategies to address the complex challenges of urbanization.
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