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Volume 40, Issue 4 (2025)
GeoRes 2025, 40(4): 329-338 |
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Received: 2025/10/27 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2025/12/17
Received: 2025/10/27 | Accepted: 2025/12/9 | Published: 2025/12/17
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Ahmady H, Amanpour S, Babaei Morad B. Factors Affecting the Resilience of Urban Infrastructure in Ahvaz within the Framework of Smart City Principles. GeoRes 2025; 40 (4) :329-338
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1- Department of Urban Planning, Ahvaz Campus (Ahv.C.), Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract (768 Views)
Aims: The rapid growth of urbanization and its associated challenges have, in recent decades, emphasized the need to enhance the resilience of urban infrastructure as a key approach in urban planning and management. Smart cities, relying on emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data, were considered an effective means of improving urban resilience. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing urban infrastructure resilience within the framework of smart city principles, focusing on the metropolis of Ahvaz.
Methodology: This applied research adopted a mixed-method approach and was conducted in Ahvaz between 2023and 2025 using a survey methodology. In the qualitative phase, key variables were identified through semi-structured interviews with experts. In the quantitative phase, the relationships between smart city components and infrastructure resilience indicators were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 2020. The statistical population consisted of experts from organizations related to urban infrastructure.
Findings: A resilient smart city required strengthening physical, economic, social, and informational dimensions. Intelligent infrastructure management—through updating, optimization, information technology development, and the smartening of public services—played a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure resilience. The application of emerging technologies such as IoT, communication networks, and big data improved urban performance efficiency, enhanced citizens’ quality of life, and promoted environmental sustainability. Quantitative results revealed that the “resilient city” factor had the greatest impact on urban infrastructure resilience, while “social infrastructure” had the least effect. Indicators, including physical cohesion, smart transportation and routes, and access to services, played the most significant roles. The findings demonstrated that a focus on intelligent infrastructure management and data-driven systems enhanced resilience.
Conclusion: The adoption of a smart city approach in Ahvaz contributed to improving urban infrastructure resilience.
Methodology: This applied research adopted a mixed-method approach and was conducted in Ahvaz between 2023and 2025 using a survey methodology. In the qualitative phase, key variables were identified through semi-structured interviews with experts. In the quantitative phase, the relationships between smart city components and infrastructure resilience indicators were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 2020. The statistical population consisted of experts from organizations related to urban infrastructure.
Findings: A resilient smart city required strengthening physical, economic, social, and informational dimensions. Intelligent infrastructure management—through updating, optimization, information technology development, and the smartening of public services—played a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure resilience. The application of emerging technologies such as IoT, communication networks, and big data improved urban performance efficiency, enhanced citizens’ quality of life, and promoted environmental sustainability. Quantitative results revealed that the “resilient city” factor had the greatest impact on urban infrastructure resilience, while “social infrastructure” had the least effect. Indicators, including physical cohesion, smart transportation and routes, and access to services, played the most significant roles. The findings demonstrated that a focus on intelligent infrastructure management and data-driven systems enhanced resilience.
Conclusion: The adoption of a smart city approach in Ahvaz contributed to improving urban infrastructure resilience.
Keywords:
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