Transmission Strength Evaluation of Metro Safety Risks: An Integrated Study of Causal and Coupling Relationship

Metro construction is characterized by numerous safety risks. Although risk transmission widely exists during metro construction, how to scientifically evaluate the risk transmission strength is still vague. This study aims to address the complex transmission interactions between safety risk factors of metro construction. First, the definition of risk transmission was explored. Then, the combined interaction of causal relationship and coupling relationship among safety risk factors were unraveled using the DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) technique. The transmission degree was calculated based on the sum of causal centrality and coupling centrality. It is found that the transmission strength is concentrated in the region of [0, 0.6], indicating the interactions among safety risk factors of metro construction are strong in China. Moreover, the most strong transmission factors are revealed. This paper contributes to improving the accuracy of safety risk assessment in the metro construction field.