Evaluation of Considerations of Indicators and Principles of Passive Defense in Urban Water Infrastructures of Ilam

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

The concentration and density of population, capital, centers, and various facilities in cities, while having various economic, social, political, and environmental effects and consequences, has turned them into strategic targets in war and terrorist military attacks from a defense and security perspective. The experience of past wars confirms that vital centers and facilities in cities, especially vital water infrastructure, are among the primary targets that are attacked; however, passive defense includes a set of defense-security principles and considerations, the observance of which can significantly contribute to the stability and survival of the system. In the city of Ilam, due to the border location, specific topographic conditions, and risk from natural disasters and human threats, the need to pay attention to passive defense to reduce the vulnerability of this infrastructure is felt more than ever. The study method in this research is descriptive-analytical and aims to evaluate the considerations of passive defense indicators and principles in urban water infrastructure. The data collection method was based on library and documentary studies, questionnaires, and interviews with experts in the field of passive defense and urban management. For data analysis, it was examined and evaluated using fuzzy DEMATEL analysis, and important factors were identified and classified. The results of the research are expected to show that a significant portion of Ilam's critical infrastructure has weaknesses in location, dispersion, and lack of retrofit plans based on passive principles. In conclusion, the research findings indicate that the location factor (B1) and decentralization and miniaturization (B10) are of great importance, while the deception factor (B8) is of very little importance in the discussion of urban water supply facilities from the perspective of passive defense.
 
 
 
In the city of Ilam, due to its border location, specific topographical conditions, and vulnerability to natural disasters and human threats, the necessity of applying passive defense principles to reduce the vulnerability of these infrastructures is increasingly evident.
 
 
 
This study employs a descriptive–analytical research method and aims to evaluate the indicators and principles of passive defense in urban water infrastructure. Data were collected through library and documentary studies, as well as questionnaires and interviews with experts in the fields of passive defense and urban management. Data analysis was conducted using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method to identify and classify the most significant factors.
 
 
 
The research findings are expected to show that a considerable part of Ilam’s critical infrastructure suffers from weaknesses in site selection, spatial distribution, and the lack of reinforcement plans based on passive defense principles. The results further indicate that the site selection factor (B1) and decentralization and downsizing (B10) have very high importance, whereas the deception factor (B8) in the field of urban water supply facilities has very low importance from the perspective of passive defense.

Keywords

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References

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Passive Defense
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 65
Serial number 65. Spring 2026
May 2026
Pages 141-162

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 May 2026

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