A retrospective approach to assessing the sustainability of the Grand Canal of China

A retrospective approach to assessing the sustainability of the Grand Canal of China reveals that modern infrastructure sustainability measures can be effectively applied to historical data, providing valuable insights into long-term viability. The study introduces an Infrastructure Sustainability Indicator (ISI) based on economic, environmental, and social/political factors, demonstrating its utility in evaluating the canal's performance between 1770 and 1870 in Huai'an, Jiangsu province. By analyzing historical events and data, the research validates the concept of sustainability assessment over time, offering a methodology that can be adapted for contemporary infrastructure modeling. This approach underscores the importance of historical context in verifying sustainability claims.

Tsung, N., Corotis, R., Chinowsky, P., & Amadei, B. (2013). A retrospective approach to assessing the sustainability of the Grand Canal of China. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, 9(4), 297–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2012.657648