Graduate Research Assistant/ PhD Student Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia, United States
The transportation of radioactive materials by highway poses significant risks due to the hazardous nature of the radioactive materials and the potential for severe accidents. This study employs Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to identify failure modes, highlighting mechanical failures, human errors, environmental factors, and security breaches as key risks. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method reveals interdependencies among these factors, indicating that human errors and mechanical failures are primary root causes. The study emphasizes the importance of robust cask design and security measures while advocating for enhanced training and maintenance protocols to mitigate risks and ensure safe transport.