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Structural causal modeling and STPA for the risk analysis of a rail system powered by H2 fuel

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  • Riccardi, L.
  • Compare, M.
  • Mascherona, R.
  • Zio, E.

Abstract

Hydrogen fuel is being considered for rail transport applications. As a new technology, it poses risks. We propose to integrate System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) with Structural Causal Models (SCMs) to analyze the risks of new technology systems. The integration allows leveraging the STPA capability of identifying hazardous scenarios for a system, also due to the socio-technical environment in which the system is operated, and the SCM capability of assisting experts in the understanding of risks and in their evaluation. The integration provides a flexible framework that is here applied for the analysis of the hazards and risks emerging from the introduction of hydrogen as a fuel for the rail industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardi, L. & Compare, M. & Mascherona, R. & Zio, E., 2025. "Structural causal modeling and STPA for the risk analysis of a rail system powered by H2 fuel," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reensy:v:256:y:2025:i:c:s0951832024008299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ress.2024.110758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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