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14 pages, 7821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Non-Destructive Surveys into a Preliminary BIM-Oriented Digital Model for Possible Future Application in Road Pavements Management

by Fabrizio D’Amico, Luca Bianchini Ciampoli, Alessandro Di Benedetto, Luca Bertolini and Antonio Napolitano

Infrastructures 2022, 7(1), 10; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures7010010 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3123

Abstract

The implementation of the digitalization of the linear infrastructure is growing rapidly and new methods for developing BIM-oriented digital models are increasing. The integration of the results obtained from non-destructive surveys carried out along a road infrastructure in a pavement digital model can [...] Read more.

The implementation of the digitalization of the linear infrastructure is growing rapidly and new methods for developing BIM-oriented digital models are increasing. The integration of the results obtained from non-destructive surveys carried out along a road infrastructure in a pavement digital model can be a useful method for developing an efficient process from a pavement management systems (PMS) point of view. In fact, several applications to optimize PMS have been thoroughly investigated over the years and several researchers and scientists have investigated significant elements for improving the PMS applied to a transport network, including road infrastructures. This study presents a new, tentative process for implementing into a BIM environment the dataset processed from two surveys carried out in a case study. Moreover, the main reason for this investigation is related to the need for an effective system able to evaluate continuously the pavement conditions and programming maintenance interventions. To date, both the instruments and the methods to detect the pavement configuration have evolved, along with the development of non-destructive technology (NDT) tools such as laser-scanners and ground-penetrating radar. Finally, the main results of the research demonstrate the possibility to provide a digital twin model from the synergistic use of geometric and design information with the results from monitoring conducted on a road infrastructure. The model can be potentially used in future BIM-based PMS applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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18 pages, 4671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Performance Assessment of Airfield Concrete Pavements Based on Field and Laboratory Data

by Konstantinos Gkyrtis, Angeliki Armeni, Christina Plati and Andreas Loizos

Infrastructures 2021, 6(12), 173; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6120173 - 08 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2816

Abstract

Maintenance interventions and rehabilitation actions in airfield pavements are time-consuming and adversely affect pavements’ serviceability (i.e., airport closures), with a profound impact on the airport economics. Once a pavement is constructed, a robust asset management prerequisites systematic and accurate knowledge of pavement condition [...] Read more.

Maintenance interventions and rehabilitation actions in airfield pavements are time-consuming and adversely affect pavements’ serviceability (i.e., airport closures), with a profound impact on the airport economics. Once a pavement is constructed, a robust asset management prerequisites systematic and accurate knowledge of pavement condition throughout its service life. Evaluating a pavement’s structural capacity in the field involves the integration of multiple Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) systems, with the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) being the most indicative NDT system for pavement evaluation. The purpose of the present study is to develop a methodology for the assessment of airfield concrete pavements. A new and non-trafficked Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP), facing early-life cracks shortly after a runway’s expansion activities, was utilized for the investigation. Multiple types of data collected in the field, including deflections, load transfer efficiency at joints and cracks, concrete thickness through coring as well as data retrieved in the laboratory (concrete’s flexural strength), helped to define the pavement’s performance and assess its damage potential. Overall, the integration of such data can provide the related airport authorities the necessary information in order to make a rational asset management and enhance the efficiency of airfield infrastructures. The methodology is applicable for both new and in-service pavements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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17 pages, 6331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Evaluation for Roads Considering the Addition of Geogrids in Karst Geohazards Zones

by Alain Leonel Conrado-Palafox, Luisa Nicte Equihua-Anguiano and Victor Alfonso Hernández-Hernández

Infrastructures 2021, 6(9), 120; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6090120 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2188

Abstract

Design of road infrastructure in karst terrain is a challenge for any geotechnical condition caused by the weathering of the subsoil. Previous investigations pointed out the efficiency of the roads with geogrids, however there are few studies analyzing road reinforced under karst geohazards. [...] Read more.

Design of road infrastructure in karst terrain is a challenge for any geotechnical condition caused by the weathering of the subsoil. Previous investigations pointed out the efficiency of the roads with geogrids, however there are few studies analyzing road reinforced under karst geohazards. This paper presents a numerical study of the geogrid additions in a typical Mexican road and considering 19 cavities in the subsoil due to failures of the roads in these terrains. The rocks and the soil were simulated by Hoek–Brown and Mohr–Coulomb constitutive models, considering specific characteristics of karstic materials. Hence, it was carried out in different two-dimension finite element models to analyze the geogrid behavior and its benefits. First, the geogrid position was varied inside of the road structure and applying a heavy truck load in its surface and finally, underground cavities were sequentially opened in the numerical model. It was established the best combination of the road-geogrid structure construction and the influence when cavities are developed underground analyzing the stress paths in the medium. From this study, it is found, that when the geogrid layer is embedded between bedrock and subgrade, the failure is mitigated, observing an increase in the factor of safety even with 19 voids presence in the model. Concluding that the geogrid is an adequate solution of reinforcement of roads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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17 pages, 5711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Cost of Rigid and Flexible Aircraft Pavements Using a Parametric Whole of Life Cost Analysis

by Greg White

Infrastructures 2021, 6(8), 117; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6080117 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3242

Abstract

The construction and maintenance costs, as well as the residual value, were calculated for structurally equivalent rigid and flexible airfield pavements, for a range of typical commercial aircraft, as well as a range for typical subgrade conditions. Whole of life cost analysis was [...] Read more.

The construction and maintenance costs, as well as the residual value, were calculated for structurally equivalent rigid and flexible airfield pavements, for a range of typical commercial aircraft, as well as a range for typical subgrade conditions. Whole of life cost analysis was performed for a range of analysis periods, from 40 years to 100 years. For the standard 40-year analysis period and a residual value based on rigid pavement reconstruction, the rigid pavements had a 40% to 105% higher whole of life cost than equivalent flexible pavements, although this comparison is limited to the pavement compositions and material cost rates adopted. However, longer analysis periods had a significant impact on the relative whole of life cost, although the rigid pavements always had a higher cost than the flexible pavements. The assumed condition of the rigid pavement at the end of the design life was the most influential factor, with a 60-year service life resulting in the rigid pavements having a lower whole of life cost than the flexible pavements, but assuming a requirement for expedient rigid pavement reconstruction resulted in the rigid pavements costing approximately 4–6 times the cost of the flexible pavements over the 40-year analysis period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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11 pages, 3720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructural, Mechanical and Physical Assessment of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Modified by Sodium Acetate under Various Curing Conditions

by Mazen J. Al-Kheetan, Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar, Said Awad, Mehdi Chougan, Juliana Byzyka and Mujib M. Rahman

Infrastructures 2021, 6(8), 113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6080113 - 12 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2648

Abstract

Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement was studied with incorporation of an environmentally friendly eco-additive, sodium acetate (C₂H₃NaO₂). This additive was added to PCC pavement in three different percentages of 2%, 4% and 6% of binder weight. For [...] Read more.

Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement was studied with incorporation of an environmentally friendly eco-additive, sodium acetate (C₂H₃NaO₂). This additive was added to PCC pavement in three different percentages of 2%, 4% and 6% of binder weight. For a comprehensive elucidation of the eco-additive incorporation on the performance of PCC pavement, casted samples were cured in three different environments, namely: water, outdoors and pond water. Water absorption tests, flexural and compressive strength tests after 7 and 28 days of curing were conducted and results compared with the control samples without any addition of sodium acetate. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in the impermeability, compressive strength and flexural strength of PCC pavement when sodium acetate concrete is cured in a water bath and outdoors. However, no/little improvement in the impermeability, compressive strength and flexural strength was observed in sodium acetate samples that were cured in pond water. Microstructural analysis of treated samples by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated the strengthening effect that sodium acetate provides to the pore structure of concrete pavement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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18 pages, 92409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements in Airports: Structural–Economic Evaluation and Proposal for a Catalogue

by Paola Di Mascio, Alberto De Rubeis, Claudio De Marchis, Antonello Germinario, Giovanni Metta, Rosario Salzillo and Laura Moretti

Infrastructures 2021, 6(5), 73; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6050073 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3501

Abstract

Although the design of jointed plain concrete pavements could be solved by commercial software, there is still a need for simple tools to be used in feasibility studies and preliminary cost–benefit analyses. This paper analyzed and verified jointed plain concrete pavements for airports [...] Read more.

Although the design of jointed plain concrete pavements could be solved by commercial software, there is still a need for simple tools to be used in feasibility studies and preliminary cost–benefit analyses. This paper analyzed and verified jointed plain concrete pavements for airports composed of square slabs without tie and dowel bars. The examined slabs are laid on a cement-treated base layer and a stabilized granular subbase layer. The finite element software FAARFIELD was used to design the JPCP pavements when they are subjected to the design of the airplane (i.e., turboprop C-130J Hercules) under different conditions. Seven subgrade load bearing capacity values, twenty traffic levels, and two construction hypotheses (i.e., constant or variable thickness of the two deeper layers) were designed and then verified with the Westergaard theory in order to present a proposal for a catalogue. Finally, the construction cost per unit surface area was calculated for different construction methods of paving (by slip form paver or by fixed form). The obtained results provide a simple and fast procedure to design preliminary airport JPCPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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17 pages, 5726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Prediction Accuracy Can Affect the Decision-Making Process in Pavement Management System

by Seyed Amirhossein Hosseini and Omar Smadi

Infrastructures 2021, 6(2), 28; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6020028 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3629

Abstract

One of the most important components of pavement management systems is predicting the deterioration of the network through performance models. The accuracy of the prediction model is important for prioritizing maintenance action. This paper describes how the accuracy of prediction models can have [...] Read more.

One of the most important components of pavement management systems is predicting the deterioration of the network through performance models. The accuracy of the prediction model is important for prioritizing maintenance action. This paper describes how the accuracy of prediction models can have an effect on the decision-making process in terms of the cost of maintenance and rehabilitation activities. The process is simulating the propagation of the error between the actual and predicted values of pavement performance indicators. Different rate of error (10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%) was added into the result of prediction models. The results showed a strong correlation between the prediction models’ accuracy and the cost of maintenance and rehabilitation activities. The cost of treatment (in millions of dollars) over 20 years for five different scenarios increased from ($54.07–$92.95), ($53.89–$155.48), and ($74.41–$107.77) for asphalt, composite, and concrete pavement types, respectively. Increasing the rate of error also contributed to the prediction model, resulting in a higher benefit reduction rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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Review

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16 pages, 5231 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Acoustic and Skid Resistance Solutions for Road Pavements

by Sergio Copetti Callai and Cesare Sangiorgi

Infrastructures 2021, 6(3), 41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/infrastructures6030041 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3927

Abstract

As cities grow in size, traffic also increases, thus making the population more exposed to road noise and traffic accidents. It is therefore important to study and understand which properties of the pavement influence its acoustic impact and skid resistance performance. The pavement [...] Read more.

As cities grow in size, traffic also increases, thus making the population more exposed to road noise and traffic accidents. It is therefore important to study and understand which properties of the pavement influence its acoustic impact and skid resistance performance. The pavement texture plays a major role in generating noise and friction, and it can be engineered in order to control both of them at the same time. The phenomena regulating skid resistance are well understood today. The same applies for noise generation and propagation; the literature contains methods of designing the pavement surface layer to achieve consistent results. Several types of solutions can be found for asphalt mixtures, most of them derived from decades of studies and research. They use different approaches to be effective for noise and friction, but all have in common the control of the surface’s macro and microtexture. Finally, some considerations are made regarding novel paving solutions with artificial aggregates instead of natural ones to address noise and skid resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Developments in Pavements)

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