Development of a Composite Index and Integrated Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model for Evaluating Urban Infrastructure Resilience Against Flood: A Case Study of Fujian Province, China

Abstract

Infrastructure is critical for mitigating flood impacts and supporting post-disaster recovery. However, comprehensive and validated approaches for evaluating urban infrastructure resilience (UIR) remain limited. A novel composite index system is developed based on the resilience dimensions of resistance, recovery capability, and adaptability, with both engineering and social infrastructure incorporated into the evaluation framework. An integrated AHP&EWM&KL-TOPSIS model is proposed to evaluate the UIR levels of nine cities in Fujian Province, China, over the period 2012–2021. The effectiveness and reliability of the integrated evaluation model were validated through cross-validation and comparative sensitivity analysis. Key findings reveal that the Environmental Protection System consistently exhibits the highest resilience with minimal inter-city variation across Fujian Province, whereas other infrastructure systems show significant disparities, suggesting effective province-wide environmental policies. In 2021, Fuzhou had the highest UIR, while Putian and Nanping showed the lowest. The UIR of Fujian exhibited a “higher in the south, lower in the north” spatial pattern, with enhanced regional coordination in Southern Fujian, and widening disparities within Eastern Fujian. This study provides practical guidance for policymakers and urban planners for identifying critical system-level vulnerabilities and spatial disparities, thereby supporting targeted resilience enhancement, balanced regional development, and improved flood preparedness.