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Infrastructures, Volume 7, Issue 5 (May 2022) – 15 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Modern roads provide us with a comfortable and safe ride to our destinations. Due to increasing traffic demands and maximum allowable loads, road authorities should also pay attention to the structural soundness of road pavements while looking for cost-effective and timely maintenance or minor rehabilitation measures. This implies the need for a sustainable pavement preservation strategy that includes an optimal pavement condition assessment to support appropriate decisions. To address this need, this study proposes an approach to integrate nondestructive testing (NDT) and field data to predict the long-term performance of pavements. Appropriate mechanistic models that account for the nature of asphalt materials are activated to increase the accuracy of analysis results for protecting and extending pavement life. View this paper
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28 pages, 1997 KiB  
Article
Signal Processing Methodology of Response Data from a Historical Arch Bridge toward Reliable Modal Identification
by Aram Cornaggia, Rosalba Ferrari, Maurizio Zola, Egidio Rizzi and Carmelo Gentile
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 74; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050074 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2102
Abstract
The paper is part of a case study concerning the structural assessment of a historical infrastructure in the local territory, a road three-span reinforced concrete arch bridge over a river, built by the end of World War I (1917). The purpose of the [...] Read more.
The paper is part of a case study concerning the structural assessment of a historical infrastructure in the local territory, a road three-span reinforced concrete arch bridge over a river, built by the end of World War I (1917). The purpose of the paper is twofold: first, in-situ acquired response data are systematically analysed by specific signal processing techniques, to form a devoted methodological procedure and to extract useful information toward possible interpretation of the current structural conditions; second, the deciphered information is elaborated, in view of obtaining peculiar conceptualisations of detailed features of the structural response, as meant to achieve quantitative descriptions and modelling, for final Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and intervention purposes. The proposed methodology, integrating self-implemented and adapted classical signal processing methods, and refined techniques, such as Wavelet analysis and ARMA models, assembles a rather general, systematic methodological approach to signal processing, highlighting the capability to extract useful and fundamental information from acquired response data, also endowed of a non-stationary character, toward final structural interpretation, identification and modelling, thus enabling for developing a reliable and effective SHM platform, on strategic ageing infrastructures. For the present case study, non-stationary characteristics of the response signals are revealed and flattened out, to identify the underlying fundamental frequencies of the infrastructure and to advance particular interpretations of its current structural behaviour, in forming an enlarging structural consciousness of the bridge at hand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructures)
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16 pages, 3226 KiB  
Article
Application of Big Data Technology in Ship-to-Shore Quay Cranes at Smart Port
by Yibo Li, Shuaihang Li, Qing Zhang, Binglin Xiao and Yuantao Sun
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 73; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050073 - 19 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2808
Abstract
As more and more container terminals are becoming intelligent, different kinds of sensors are widely installed at different locations of the cranes and collect a large amount of data. In order to effectively utilize and manage these huge amounts of actual working data [...] Read more.
As more and more container terminals are becoming intelligent, different kinds of sensors are widely installed at different locations of the cranes and collect a large amount of data. In order to effectively utilize and manage these huge amounts of actual working data of different sensors and grasp the status of the terminal, this article proposes a data processing framework that integrates the crane load, energy consumption, crane trolley speed and crane gearbox vibration signals of the container terminal. Firstly, the load spectrum of the crane load is calculated by the non-parametric density estimation method in probabilistic statistics and the energy consumption curves are obtained. Secondly, the driving cycle of the crane trolley speed are constructed by drawing on the method in the transportation field. Finally, the vibration signals of the crane gearbox are used for anomaly detection by unsupervised methods; at the same time, clustering results can also be used as the basis for extracting typical vibration signals and removing redundant data. Full article
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11 pages, 2759 KiB  
Article
Performance of Asphalt Concrete Pavement Reinforced with High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste
by Cherdsak Suksiripattanapong, Khanet Uraikhot, Sermsak Tiyasangthong, Nattiya Wonglakorn, Wisitsak Tabyang, Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao and Chayakrit Phetchuay
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 72; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050072 - 17 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3043
Abstract
This research investigates the possibility of using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste to improve the properties of asphalt concrete pavement. HDPE plastic waste contents of 1, 3, 5, and 7% by aggregate weight were used. HDPE plastic waste=stabilized asphalt concrete pavement (HDPE-ACP) was [...] Read more.
This research investigates the possibility of using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste to improve the properties of asphalt concrete pavement. HDPE plastic waste contents of 1, 3, 5, and 7% by aggregate weight were used. HDPE plastic waste=stabilized asphalt concrete pavement (HDPE-ACP) was evaluated by performance testing for stability, indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus (MR), and indirect tensile fatigue (ITF). In addition, microstructure, pavement age, and CO2 emissions savings analyses were conducted. The performance test results of the HDPE-ACP were better than those without HDPE plastic waste. The optimum HDPE plastic waste content was 5%, offering the maximum MR, ITF, and pavement age. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the excessive HDPE plastic waste content of 7% caused a surface rupture of the sample. Improvements in the pavement age of the HDPE-ACP samples were observed compared with the samples with no HDPE plastic waste. The highest pavement age of the HDPE-ACP sample was found at an HDPE plastic waste content of 5% by aggregate weight. The CO2 emissions savings of the sample was 67.85 kg CO2-e/m3 at the optimum HDPE plastic waste content. Full article
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22 pages, 1956 KiB  
Article
Value of Time and Elasticity of Portuguese Freeway Users: Insights from Analysis of Survey Data
by Claudio Lombardi, Luís Picado-Santos and Anuradha M. Annaswamy
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 71; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050071 - 08 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
Value of time (VOT) is a crucial aspect of travel demand modeling. VOT impacts most mobility projects and the evaluations therein. It has been noted to be influenced by multiple factors, mainly related to individuals’ demographics and trips’ characteristics. This paper presents the [...] Read more.
Value of time (VOT) is a crucial aspect of travel demand modeling. VOT impacts most mobility projects and the evaluations therein. It has been noted to be influenced by multiple factors, mainly related to individuals’ demographics and trips’ characteristics. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among users of the Portuguese national freeway network, aiming to derive insights about their travel choice mechanism for testing mobility projects, in particular dynamic pricing strategies. Particular attention is dedicated to the value they attribute to travel time by analyzing willingness-to-pay for avoiding congestion and saving travel time. An elaborate questionnaire survey was distributed through online survey campaigns between March and June of 2021, eliciting 163 valid responses. Even after a stratification process, results revealed that VOT is generally lower than our original expectations; various statistical distributions were tested to fit the empirical data, the best performing ones were selected and the results were compared with a previous survey-based VOT study. We finally measured the elasticity of the freeway demand and of the whole demand for transportation, which confirmed the generally low willingness to pay for less congested travels. Full article
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27 pages, 4360 KiB  
Article
Framework for Operational Resilience Management of Critical Infrastructures and Organizations
by Daniel Lichte, Frank Sill Torres and Evelin Engler
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 70; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050070 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2780
Abstract
Progressing digitalization and networking of systems and organizations representing Critical Infrastructures opens promising new potentials and opportunities, which on the downside, are accompanied by rising complexity and increasingly opaque interdependencies. The consequently increasing lack of knowledge leads to uncertainties affecting risk assessment and [...] Read more.
Progressing digitalization and networking of systems and organizations representing Critical Infrastructures opens promising new potentials and opportunities, which on the downside, are accompanied by rising complexity and increasingly opaque interdependencies. The consequently increasing lack of knowledge leads to uncertainties affecting risk assessment and decision-making in case of adverse events. This trend motivated recent discussions and developments in risk science, emphasizing the need to handle such uncertainties. Complementarily, research in the resilience domain focuses on system capabilities to handle surprising hazardous situations. Several frameworks presented in the literature aim at combining both perspectives but either lack the focus on operational management, have a rather theoretical approach, or are designed for specific applications. Based on this observation, we propose an approach that integrates resilience management into the actual operation of Critical Infrastructure Systems and Organizations by providing an operational process that coordinates the fundamental resilience capabilities of responding, monitoring, anticipation, and learning. Furthermore, we tackle the challenge of uncertainties resulting from a lack of knowledge by aligning the concepts of digital twin and resilience management. The proposed framework is extensively discussed, and required processes are presented in detail. Eventually, its applicability and potential are reviewed by means of a complex hazardous situation at a Bavarian district heating power plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Infrastructures)
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24 pages, 737 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Service Quality of E-Trike Operations: A New Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure in Metro Manila, Philippines
by Ma. Janice J. Gumasing, Yogi Tri Prasetyo, Ardvin Kester S. Ong, Satria Fadil Persada and Reny Nadlifatin
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 69; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050069 - 05 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 10628
Abstract
The electric tricycle, often known as an e-trike, is a three-wheeled electric vehicle designed to transport a small group of people over short distances on side streets. This study aims to develop a service quality model of sustainable e-trike operations in the city [...] Read more.
The electric tricycle, often known as an e-trike, is a three-wheeled electric vehicle designed to transport a small group of people over short distances on side streets. This study aims to develop a service quality model of sustainable e-trike operations in the city of Manila, Philippines using stepwise regression analysis. A total of 230 participants from three districts in the City of Manila: Binondo, Recto, and Intramuros, were selected using the stratified sampling method. The main contribution of this study emerges from the quantification of the influence of sustainability indicators on the perceived service quality of e-trike passengers. The study identified 10 indicators: PWD accessibility (β = 0.2128), smoothness of the ride (β = 0.1001), noise level (β = 0.0886), discount rate (β = 0.0886), land use (β = 0.0835), comfort load (β = 0.0723), fare acceptability (β = 0.0577), e-trike intensity (β = 0.0420), fare affordability (β = 0.0339), and ease of availability (β = 0.0317) have significant importance in the service quality of e-trike operations. These indicators revealed the areas where improvements are needed to ensure the long-term viability of e-trike operations. Therefore, it is concluded that these factors should be the focus and priority for the improvement of e-trike operators, drivers, and transport groups to attain sustainability of e-trike operation in the country. Moreover, this study can also be used for other public transportations to improve their current service quality and operations. Full article
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16 pages, 3489 KiB  
Article
The Growing Infrastructure Crisis: The Challenge of Scour Risk Assessment and the Development of a New Sensing System
by Panagiotis Michalis and Elizabeth Vintzileou
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 68; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050068 - 05 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2480
Abstract
Scour action is one of the main factors that add significant stress to the growing infrastructure crisis as it is considered one of the most destructive flood-related hazards occurring around underwater foundation elements. Recent cases of bridge failures have highlighted the need for [...] Read more.
Scour action is one of the main factors that add significant stress to the growing infrastructure crisis as it is considered one of the most destructive flood-related hazards occurring around underwater foundation elements. Recent cases of bridge failures have highlighted the need for a reliable scour monitoring and early warning system to assess flood and geo-hazards in real-time, providing advanced key info for repair and maintenance actions. Despite the past efforts to provide such a system for scour assessment, most of the developed instruments were not able to offer a reliable solution for scour monitoring, due to technical and cost issues. As a result, there currently exists a gap in the knowledge and understanding of scour mechanism during flood incidents. This study presents the development of a new sensing system to assess hydro-hazards at bridge infrastructure. It initially focuses on factors contributing to the growing infrastructure crisis and provides an overview of the current practices and assessment procedures to assess scour processes and a summary of advantages and limitations of existing monitoring efforts. A new monitoring concept for assessing scour and sediment deposition processes is then presented focusing on modelling the geometric components of a new sensor which is evaluated in simulations under different environments that represent prospective field conditions. Main results are analysed and presented focusing on key criteria that maximize sensitivity of the sensor to scour and sedimentation processes. The obtained results indicate that the sensor has the potential to provide a new monitoring device for scour and sediment deposition monitoring, and it is proposed to be further developed and assessed in laboratory and field conditions. This study aspires to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the use of sensing techniques to monitor, assess, and manage scour action effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road and Rail Infrastructures)
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26 pages, 4862 KiB  
Review
Resilience of Critical Infrastructure Systems: A Systematic Literature Review of Measurement Frameworks
by Mathavanayakam Sathurshan, Aslam Saja, Julian Thamboo, Masahiko Haraguchi and Satheeskumar Navaratnam
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 67; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050067 - 02 May 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6399
Abstract
Critical infrastructures such as transportation, power, telecommunication, water supply, and hospitals play a vital role in effectively managing post-disaster responses. The resilience of critical infrastructures should be incorporated in the planning and designing phase based on the risk assessment in a particular geographic [...] Read more.
Critical infrastructures such as transportation, power, telecommunication, water supply, and hospitals play a vital role in effectively managing post-disaster responses. The resilience of critical infrastructures should be incorporated in the planning and designing phase based on the risk assessment in a particular geographic area. However, the framework to assess critical infrastructure resilience (CIR) is variably conceptualised. Therefore, the objective of this study was to critically appraise the existing CIR assessment frameworks developed since the adoption of the Sendai Framework in 2015 with the hazard focus on earthquakes. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method was used for the selection of the 24 most relevant studies, and these were analysed to delineate existing frameworks, models, and concepts. The study found that there are wide-ranging disparities among the existing frameworks to assess the infrastructure resilience, and it has become a key challenge to prioritise resilience-based investment in the infrastructure sector. Furthermore, key attributes such as performance indicators, emergency aspects, and damage assessment need to be considered for different disaster phases—ex-ante, during, and ex-post—to improve the long-term resilience of critical infrastructure. Subsequently, an integrated and adaptable infrastructure resilience assessment framework is proposed for proper critical infrastructure planning and resilience-based investment decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience of Infrastructures to Natural Hazards)
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18 pages, 3219 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Performance of Lateritic Soil Stabilized with Cement and Biomass Bottom Ash for Use as Pavement Materials
by Arsit Iyaruk, Panu Promputthangkoon and Arun Lukjan
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 66; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050066 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2604
Abstract
From the perspective of sustainable waste management and its environmental impact, waste biomass bottom ash (BA) remains problematic and challenging to use as a recycling material for civil engineering infrastructures. This study evaluated the performance of lateritic soil (LS), stabilized with cement and [...] Read more.
From the perspective of sustainable waste management and its environmental impact, waste biomass bottom ash (BA) remains problematic and challenging to use as a recycling material for civil engineering infrastructures. This study evaluated the performance of lateritic soil (LS), stabilized with cement and biomass BA, as a subbase material. BA has been considered a replacement material in LS prior to the introduction of hydraulic cement stabilization means. The geotechnical engineering tests comprised the modified Proctor test, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, and the unconfined compression test. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests were conducted to investigate the mineralogical properties of the stabilized soil samples. The leachate test was performed with a permeability mold to measure the release of heavy metals. Finally, the benefits of using the stabilized subbase material were assessed using the mechanistic–empirical (M–E) pavement design approach. Based on the results obtained, the strength and stiffness characteristics of the stabilized soils indicate that the efficiency of the mix satisfied the Thailand highway specification. The admixture of 80% BA and 5% cement is suggested for use as a soil–cement subbase material for flexible pavements, due to its good engineering and environmental properties. The results of the M–E design demonstrate the effectiveness of the stabilized soil presented herein. The study’s outcomes are predicted to promote the utilization of waste BA as a promising pavement material. Full article
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20 pages, 4066 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of Embankment Slope Stability under Combination of Operating Water Levels and Drawdown Conditions
by Yelbek Bakhitovich Utepov, Aliya Kairatovna Aldungarova, Timoth Mkilima, Ignacio Menéndez Pidal, Assel Serikovna Tulebekova, Shyngys Zharassovich Zharassov and Assem Kairatovna Abisheva
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 65; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050065 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2464
Abstract
This study investigated the potential influence of operating water levels and loading conditions on the slope stability of an embankment dam. Four different operating reservoir levels (normal, reduced, embankment height, and overflow) were considered in the study. Numerical modeling was used to investigate [...] Read more.
This study investigated the potential influence of operating water levels and loading conditions on the slope stability of an embankment dam. Four different operating reservoir levels (normal, reduced, embankment height, and overflow) were considered in the study. Numerical modeling was used to investigate the problem in the case of the Chardara dam within the Syrdarya catchment in Kazakhstan. Based on the drawdown rates and operating conditions, minimum factor of safety values ranging from 0.56 (total failure) to 2.5 were retrieved. Furthermore, a very high correlation was observed between drawdown days, the minimum factor of safety values, the maximum factor of safety values, and pore-water pressures, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.561 to 0.997 (strong to very strong correlation). On the other hand, the highest negative correlation of 0.997 was observed between the minimum factor of safety values and pore-water pressures. Additionally, based on the results from the analysis of variance, three reservoir operating levels (normal, embankment height, and overflow) resulted in p-values less than 0.05, indicating that the variations in the factor of safety values from the drawdown rates were statistically significant. The findings of this study demonstrated that, not only may the drawdown rate be detrimental to the embankments, but that different operating levels can also affect slope stability in different ways. Full article
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31 pages, 3318 KiB  
Review
State-of-the-Art Review on Probabilistic Seismic Demand Models of Bridges: Machine-Learning Application
by Farahnaz Soleimani and Donya Hajializadeh
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 64; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050064 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3054
Abstract
Optimizing the serviceability of highway bridges is a fundamental prerequisite to provide proper infrastructure safety and emergency responses after natural hazards such as an earthquake. In this regard, fragility and resilience assessment have emerged as important means of describing the potential seismic risk [...] Read more.
Optimizing the serviceability of highway bridges is a fundamental prerequisite to provide proper infrastructure safety and emergency responses after natural hazards such as an earthquake. In this regard, fragility and resilience assessment have emerged as important means of describing the potential seismic risk and recovery process under uncertain inputs. Generating such assessments requires estimating the seismic demand of bridge components consisting of piers, deck, abutment, bearing, etc. The conventional probabilistic model to estimate the seismic demands was introduced more than two decades ago. Despite an extensive body of research ever attempting to improve demand models, the univariate demand model is the most common method used in practice. This work presents a comprehensive review of the evolution of demand models capturing machine-learning-based methodologies and their advantage in comparison to the conventional model. This study sheds light on understanding the existing demand models and their associated attributes along with their limitations. This study also provides an appraisal of the application of probabilistic demand models to generate fragility curves and subsequent application in the resilience assessment of bridges. Moreover, as a sound reference, this study highlights opportunities for future development leading to enhancement of the performance and applicability of the demand models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Performances of Bridges)
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21 pages, 3986 KiB  
Article
Corrective and Preventive Action Plan (CAPA) for Disputes in Construction Projects: A Norwegian Perspective
by Omar K. Sabri and Olav Torp
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 63; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050063 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3104
Abstract
The consensus in the Norwegian construction industry is that the projects are characterized by conflicts. Because unresolved disputes that reach courts take time and resources to be solved, this leads to lost productivity and high costs for all stakeholders. Of the root causes [...] Read more.
The consensus in the Norwegian construction industry is that the projects are characterized by conflicts. Because unresolved disputes that reach courts take time and resources to be solved, this leads to lost productivity and high costs for all stakeholders. Of the root causes of conflicts identified previously, tender specification and contract understanding were the most significant issues. To expand on previous findings, a qualitative analysis of 58 formal, semi-structured interviews was conducted to determine whether personal characteristics and types of contracts presented conflicts. Interviews were conducted with contractors, public clients, consultants, academics, and lawyers. Data were analyzed using NVIVO 12.0 following specific relevant themes and thematic maps. Corrective and preventive actions included the development of a new method to produce better-prepared tender documents, knowledge building in contract management, training to ensure better communication and dialogue between client and contractor, trust-building, dispute resolution along the way, and avoid awarding contracts at the lowest price or the use of a hybrid model. Improved routines may drive costs down, and cooperation and new forms of tendering and contracting could be the key to prevent and minimize disputes in Norway. Full article
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21 pages, 3365 KiB  
Article
Framework for Smart Cost Optimization of Material Logistics in Construction Road Projects
by Abdulkareem Alanazi, Khalid Al-Gahtani and Abdullah Alsugair
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 62; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050062 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2704
Abstract
Despite advancing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, road projects often rely on inaccurate supplier data, making it difficult to determine the cost, quantity, quality, and transportation duration of the needed materials. The wrong choice of material suppliers can lead the supply chain to [...] Read more.
Despite advancing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, road projects often rely on inaccurate supplier data, making it difficult to determine the cost, quantity, quality, and transportation duration of the needed materials. The wrong choice of material suppliers can lead the supply chain to suffer losses, directly affecting the project’s performance. In this regard, many studies have devised material logistics optimization models for road projects. However, the majority based their decisions on inaccurate or outdated data. This paper studies this gap by introducing a framework that utilizes IoT technologies and smart construction to feed optimization models with accurate and dynamically updated material data. This IoT-powered framework considers only quantitative criteria as input data to the integrated linear programming optimization model, precisely selected suppliers, and optimally calculated costs using MS Excel Solver. The results reveal that the framework is sensitive to any dynamic data updates and can achieve up to 40% material cost savings in real runtime. The paper demonstrates the proposed outline framework with a case study of planning an alternative road between Riyadh and Madinah cities in Saudi Arabia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Infrastructure)
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20 pages, 33721 KiB  
Article
Mechanistic Analysis of Asphalt Pavements in Support of Pavement Preservation Decision-Making
by Konstantinos Gkyrtis, Christina Plati and Andreas Loizos
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 61; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050061 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2772
Abstract
Modern roadways provide road users with a comfortable and safe ride to their destinations. Due to increasing traffic demands and maximum allowable loads, road authorities should also pay attention to the structural soundness of road pavements while seeking cost-effective and timely maintenance or [...] Read more.
Modern roadways provide road users with a comfortable and safe ride to their destinations. Due to increasing traffic demands and maximum allowable loads, road authorities should also pay attention to the structural soundness of road pavements while seeking cost-effective and timely maintenance or minor rehabilitation activities. This means that a sustainable pavement preservation strategy is needed that includes an optimal pavement condition assessment to support the appropriate decision-making processes. To address this need, this research study proposes an approach to integrate Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) data and ground truth data to predict the long-term performance of flexible pavements. Appropriate mechanistic models that take into account the nature of Asphalt Concrete (AC) materials are used for the analysis to increase the accuracy of the results when it comes to protecting and extending pavement life. The results indicated that examining viscoelastic behavior for AC appears to be a more conservative approach for the response analysis, as well as the fatigue performance analysis, compared to the most conventional assumptions for linear elastic materials. In accordance with common sense, AC temperature was considered as a critical factor for the related investigation. Overall, it may not be a good and reliable practice to continue the process of pavement management and maintenance decisions based on the approach of only one analysis type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Preservation Strategies)
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27 pages, 7217 KiB  
Article
Effect of Quartz Nano-Particles on the Performance Characteristics of Asphalt Mixture
by Waqas Haroon, Naveed Ahmad and Nuha Mashaan
Infrastructures 2022, 7(5), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7050060 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
Nano-technology has played a vital role in upgrading the durability and sustainability of asphalt pavements during the last decade. Conventional bitumen does not provide adequate performance against permanent deformation in severe weather conditions. Quartz nano-size particles (QNPs) (1, 3, and 5% by weight [...] Read more.
Nano-technology has played a vital role in upgrading the durability and sustainability of asphalt pavements during the last decade. Conventional bitumen does not provide adequate performance against permanent deformation in severe weather conditions. Quartz nano-size particles (QNPs) (1, 3, and 5% by weight of the bitumen) were employed in this research to modify the conventional base bitumen PG 58–16. Conventional physical (penetration, softening, ductility, and flash and fire point), rheological, frequency sweep, high-performance grading, and moisture susceptibility tests were performed to investigate the enhancement of the base bitumen performance. Marshall mix design was conducted on each asphalt mixture to determine the optimum bitumen content (OBC) percentage for the preparation of wheel tracker samples to evaluate the effect of QNPs on asphalt mixtures. Laboratory test findings showed that the optimum concentration of QNPs is 5% by weight of base bitumen. The homogeneity and proper stable dispersion of QNPs in the bitumen were validated via scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and storage stability tests. At higher temperatures, the QNP-modified asphalt mixtures exhibited higher stiffness, stripping resistance, and rutting potential. It was concluded that QNPs effectively upgrade durability and permanent deformation resistance at high temperatures and, therefore, the sustainability of asphalt roads. Full article
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