Elements Of Transport Infrastructure Research Articles

Dry port location selection for integration with inland waterway transport in developing countries: A case study in Northern Vietnam

Dry port has emerged as a critical element of transport infrastructure, eliciting substantial research and investment for its development. The strategic selection of dry port locations not only enhances the effectiveness of connections between seaports and hinterlands but also supports the sustainable advancement of the logistics industry, given that dry port operations can integrate with more environmentally friendly transportation modes, particularly inland waterway transport. Extensive research has been conducted to identify optimal dry port locations within the framework of inland waterway container terminals. Nevertheless, these studies primarily focus on developed economies, leaving a notable research void in developing countries. This paper aims to propose a methodological framework for selecting the most suitable dry port location, with a particular emphasis on integration with inland waterway transport in developing nations. This study implements a combination of the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la Realité III (ELECTRE III) in this domain. An analytical case study of Northern Vietnam, considering five alternative dry ports, is conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework. Twenty-seven Vietnamese experts, categorized into three groups—policymakers and consultants, dry port investors and operators, and dry port users—participate in the decision-making process, contributing insights to this case study. An aggregated group decision-making approach is employed. Four principal criteria—economic, accessibility, location, and environmental—are utilized to assess and rank the five alternatives. The findings reveal that a reduction in transport cost is the most critical sub-criterion, while environmental considerations and railway accessibility receive the lowest priority.

Analyzing modal choice drivers and transport infrastructure impacts on living environment: insights from a Swedish survey study

To reduce transport emissions, adopting low-carbon modes such as electric cars and public transport, as well as active transport, is needed. In addition to effects on carbon emissions, modal choices and transport infrastructure affect, positively or negatively, our experience of our living environment and quality of life. A broad set of factors affecting modal choice and a variety of infrastructure elements are included in this analysis to capture rapid technological and behavioral changes. We present results from a survey of 1020 Swedish residents exploring how respondents perceive transport systems' influence on their quality of life and the drivers behind modal choices. We first use descriptive statistics to analyze the results, and then inferential statistics to determine whether a survey variable (e.g. household and personal income, household size, sex, age, education level and region) has a statistically significant association with outcome variables (e.g. modal choices, transport system impacts on quality of life). Results show that reliability (mean score of 5.53 on a scale from 1 to 7), punctuality (5.49), and physical accessibility (5.42) are the key factors for modal choice. The presence of very small, often statistically non-significant, differences in rating the top modal choice drivers suggest the respondents have similar expectations from transport services and make their modal choices with the goal of satisfying them. In turn, this may unfold as choosing different transport types depending on the sociodemographic and geographic context. There are, however, some regional differences in how different transport infrastructure elements are experienced. The results can guide policies for sustainable transport, assisting planning for more inclusive transport infrastructure. The findings show that transport cost is not necessarily among the key factors governing modal choice, and therefore, policy interventions and introduction of new infrastructure might increase attractiveness of other transport modes beyond the car.

A Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) Framework for Inspection and Maintenance Intervention in Reinforced Concrete Bridges

Reinforced concrete bridges (RCBs) are essential elements of transportation infrastructure, necessitating ongoing inspection and maintenance to guarantee their durability and structural integrity. This research aims to develop an integrated framework for inspection and maintenance intervention in reinforced concrete bridges (RCB), leveraging the potential of as-is Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM). The methodology begins by converting 2D drawings into a 3D as-is BrIM model, facilitating a more accurate representation of the bridge’s current state. This is followed by creating a comprehensive bridge inventory, allowing for meticulous tracking of vital components and their condition. Subsequently, inspection data are acquired using advanced sensing technologies, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. Structural defects are modeled on the as-is BrIM model to enhance diagnostic capabilities, providing a visual representation of areas requiring intervention. The framework also makes it easier to create reports, ensuring that important information is efficiently shared with the right people. A thorough case study using a concrete bridge is used to show the effectiveness of the created framework. The BrIM framework’s potential to improve the bridge inspection and maintenance process was demonstrated by integrating inspection reporting with BrIM, which produced encouraging results. The research contribution to the body of knowledge is significant as the developed framework considerably enhances the administration of bridge inspection and maintenance procedures, resulting in greater efficacy by offering a thorough and clear picture of the bridge’s current state.

Mathematical modelling of the railway station’s technological parameters in transport corridor system of export traffic increasing volumes

The study substantiates the need to develop mathematical analysis methods of railway station technology in the context of increasing the volume of freight traffic through the constituent elements of the infrastructure of the international transport corridor. The aim of the work is to develop proposals for improving the station operation technology under the conditions of its additional functions, to analyse the unevenness of the station transportation process and to assess changes in the transport corridor parameters. The object of the study is the Astrakhan-II station of the Volga Railway (JSC "Russian Railways"), located within the boundaries of the international corridor "North-South". In the article on the example of a particular station, its technical and operational characteristics, time norms for the performance of various technological operations, the unevenness of the station process is assessed, and a mathematical model of the station operation as a mass service system is developed. The "bottlenecks" are identified and proposals are formed to increase the processing capacity of the station, aimed at reducing channel utilisation and downtime duration. The results of the mathematical model are supplemented with technological proposals to change the formation plan of the Astrakhan II station to assist the port of Olya in picking up ship consignments in order to maximise the efficient use of Astrakhan II station capacity and reduce the need for track development in the port of Olya for marshalling operations, and consequently reduce the cost of its development. As part of compliance with the coordinated development of all elements of transport infrastructure, the capacity of the railway approaches to the station is assessed and a final set of measures is established.

Prospects for the Development of Intermodal Transport in the Visegrad Countries, Germany and Italy - Selected Aspects

The article presents the results of research on the possibilities of developing intermodal rail transport in the Visegrad Group countries, Italy and Germany. The research was conducted based on statistical data regarding demand for transport in intermodal cargo units and rail transport. Selected elements of transport infrastructure were taken into account as well, i.e. the length of railway tracks and railway lines (including electrified ones), the railway line density indicator, and the number of terminals. The study results proved that there was a noticeable development of infrastructure in Hungary which makes it a prospective market, affording the possibility for development of domestic and international transport. The biggest decrease for railway transport was observed in Germany and Poland. In the same time, in Poland there was observed the biggest increase in demand for intermodal container units (ICUs). The inverse relationship between demand for railway transport and ICUs is observed in most countries. Only in Czechia there was a parallel increase observed. It has been observed that linear and point infrastructure requires investment in electrification in most countries surveyed. These investments are important due to handling the needs of foreign trade. With the growing demand for transport and developed infrastructure, the intermodal rail transport will be able to compete with road transport. This process is consistent with the need to ensure green transport and modify transport structure into the environmental friendly one.

Towards the Prioritised Use of Transportation Infrastructures: The Case of Vehicle-Specific Dynamic Access Restrictions in City Centres

One of the main problems that local authorities of large cities have to face is the regulation of urban mobility. They need to provide the means to allow for the efficient movement of people and distribution of goods. However, the provisioning of transportation services needs to take into account general global objectives, like reducing emissions and having more healthy living environments, which may not always be aligned with individual interests. Urban mobility is usually provided through a transport infrastructure that includes all the elements that support mobility. On many occasions, the capacity of the elements of this infrastructure is lower than the actual demand and thus different transportation activities compete for their use. In this paper, we argue that scarce transport infrastructure elements should be assigned dynamically and in a prioritised manner to transport activities that have a higher utility from the point of view of society; for example, activities that produce less pollution and provide more value to society. In this paper, we define a general model for prioritizing the use of a particular type of transportation infrastructure element called time-unlimited elements, whose usage time is unknown a priori, and illustrate its dynamics through two use cases: vehicle-specific dynamic access restriction in city centres (i) based on the usage levels of available parking spaces and (ii) to assure sustained admissible air quality levels in the city centre. We carry out several experiments using the SUMO traffic simulation tool to evaluate our proposal.

Diamonds, Cloverleafs, and SPUIs: The Geography of Freeway Interchanges in the United States

Freeway interchanges are a fundamental component of freeway networks and provide nodes for economic development. They take a wide range of forms, including diamonds, cloverleafs, and stacks, depending on traffic conditions and other factors. They have not been the subject of study or data collection, however, and their numbers are unknown. Their geography is examined using nationwide data that allow the location and type of every interchange to be identified. The results show that there are more than 25,000 freeway interchanges in the United States, with diamond configurations accounting for almost 61 percent of them. They are far more common in urban areas. Interchanges have been modified or replaced at a steady rate and continue to grow in number. Although frequently overlooked, they are some of the sites of greatest congestion in the country and some of the most expensive transport infrastructure elements ever built.

Assessment of the Vulnerability of Selected Key Elements of Rail Transport. Slovak Case Study

Increases in means of transport, developed transport networks, and modernization dependent on computer technology not only lead to huge security demands but also require preventive measures and vulnerability assessments of key elements of transport infrastructure. The analyses carried out have shown that, though the importance of transport continues to grow, there is currently no system for assessing the vulnerability of essential elements that are necessary to keep rail transport safe and operational. Taking into account a number of criteria, the team of authors identified key elements of the railway transport infrastructure—bridges, tunnels, the width of the track, and the marshaling yard. The criteria applied included the significance and uniqueness of the element, its technical parameters, the difficulty of repair after possible damage, potential risks related to the location, and the analysis of rail safety based on statistical data and safety reports. The aim of this contribution is to present a multi-level model for assessing the vulnerability of key elements of rail transport infrastructure. The authors proceeded from the hypothesis that the vulnerability of key elements can be assessed using quantitative and qualitative parameters of the individual elements. The added value of the model is the methodological basis for a comprehensive vulnerability assessment system that will allow competent authorities to objectify the process of vulnerability assessment of key elements and to set up appropriate safeguards to enhance rail safety. The proposed model was verified on the Zilina-Vrútky track section, which is considered one of the most important railway junctions in Slovakia.

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ ТРАНСПОРТНОГО СООБЩЕНИЯ БЕЛГОРОДСКОЙ СУБУРБИИ

The development of urban agglomerations as one of the most important urbanization processes in the modern world was considered. The economic expansion, as well as the increase in the motorization level in the middle of the 20th century, changed the vector of urban development from a vertical to a horizontal direction. This direction is also typical for the Belgorod region. The specificity of the development of the Belgorod suburbia is the massifs of individual residential buildings form a dense ring around the center of the region - Belgorod city. Statistical data that characterize the development of social infrastructure (general education and medical institutions), as well as transport infrastructure, were analyzed. It was revealed that in the emerging microdistricts of the suburbias, the transport, social and cultural infrastructure is not fully developed. It was shown that the reorganization of the transport infrastructure of the Belgorod suburbia should include some actions. One of them is the organization of transport interchange hubs as elements of transport infrastructure that can significantly change the current situation: to relieve roads, reduce car commuting, and provide people with the opportunity to comfortably transfer from one mode of transport to another. The organization of transport hubs will allow organizing a comfortable living environment for the population living in the agglomerated Belgorod suburban areas and reduce the load on the city's transport network.

Modeling of Railway Stations Based on Queuing Networks

Among the micro-logistic transport systems, railway stations should be highlighted, such as one of the most important transport infrastructure elements. The efficiency of the transport industry as a whole depends on the quality of their operation. Such systems have a complex multi-level structure, and the incoming traffic flow often has a stochastic character. It is known that the most effective approach to study the operation of such systems is mathematical modeling. Earlier, we proposed an approach to transport hub modeling using multiphase queuing systems with a batch Markovian arrival process (BMAP) as an incoming flow. In this paper, we develop the method by applying more complex models based on queuing networks that allow us to describe in detail the route of requests within an object with a non-linear hierarchical structure. This allows us to increase the adequacy of modeling and explore a new class of objects—freight railway stations and marshalling yards. Here we present mathematical models of two railway stations, one of which is a freight railway station located in Russia, and the other is a marshalling yard in the USA. The models have the form of queuing networks with BMAP flow. They are implemented as simulation software, and a numerical experiment is carried out. Based on the numerical results, some “bottlenecks” in the structure of the studied stations are determined. Moreover, the risk of switching to an irregular mode of operation is assessed. The proposed method is suitable for describing a wide range of cargo and passenger transport systems, including river ports, seaports, airports, and multimodal transport hubs. It allows a primary analysis of the hub operation and does not need large statistical information for parametric identification.

To the Question of the Influence of the Polar Region Seismicity on the Ground Transportation Infrastructure

A harmonic analysis is carried out for a simplified finite element model of the Earth with characteristic important elements of transportation infrastructure in the equatorial and polar regions. The results are presented for the calculation of the Earth model with the sections of the main pipelines attached in the specified areas, as well as the results of a similar calculation for the assembled rails and sleepers with the embankment and basements with different properties under harmonic displacements of the basements. The calculations show significantly greater load on the considered elements of the transportation infrastructure in the polar region as compared to the equatorial one because the displacements of the Earth’s surface in the polar zones of the model are much greater in magnitude than in the equatorial ones. Consequently, it is necessary to consider these phenomena in the calculations and experimental measurements of seismic impacts when designing transportation infrastructure in the Arctic region.

CLASSIFICATION OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE BY OBJECT CONTENT: SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

The article considers the conceptual apparatus of transport, transport system and transport infrastructure and studies the existing classifications of transport infrastructure on the basis of their object content. The key characteristics of these classifications are determined and enlarged groups of infrastructure elements are identified, on the basis of which a consolidated grouping of transport infrastructure objects is formulated. The main problems of classification of transport infrastructure objects and approaches to their formation are identified. The author's classification of transport infrastructure elements is developed, including two new concepts: social transport infrastructure and industrial transport infrastructure. In order to justify the advantages of the author's classification, a detailed differentiation of infrastructure objects by means of transport within two new groups is made.

Developing Pavement Marking Management Systems: A Theoretical Model Framework Based on the Experiences of the US Transportation Agencies

Pavement markings are essential elements of transportation infrastructure with critical impacts on safety and mobility. They provide road users with the necessary information to adjust driving behavior or make calculated decisions about commuting. The visibility of pavement markings for drivers can be the boundary between a safe trip and a disastrous accident. Consequently, transportation agencies at the local or national levels allocate sizeable budgets to upkeep the pavement markings under their jurisdiction. Infrastructure asset management systems (IAMS) are often biased toward high-capital-cost assets such as pavements and bridges, not providing structured asset management (AM) plans for low-cost assets such as pavement markings. However, recent advances in transportation asset management (TAM) have promoted an integrated approach involving the pavement marking management system (PMMS). A PMMS brings all data items and processes under a comprehensive AM plan and enables managing pavement markings more efficiently. Pavement marking operations depend on location, conditions, and AM policies, highly diversifying the pavement marking management practices among agencies and making it difficult to create a holistic image of the system. Most of the available resources for pavement marking management focus on practices instead of strategies. Therefore, there is a lack of comprehensive guidelines and model frameworks for developing PMMS. This study utilizes the existing body of knowledge to build a guideline for developing and implementing PMMS. First, by adapting the core AM concepts to pavement marking management, a model framework for PMMS is created, and the building blocks and elements of the framework are introduced. Then, the caveats and practical points in PMMS implementation are discussed based on the US transportation agencies’ experiences and the relevant literature. This guideline is aspired to facilitate PMMS development for the agencies and pave the way for future pavement marking management tools and databases.

Indicator Approach to the Failure of Critical Road Transportation Infrastructure Elements

Security research is currently aimed at creating comprehensive solutions and measurable qualitative and quantitative parameters. One way is to create a system of indicators. Indicators can be understood to be data, information, knowledge, properties and many other variables. An indicator can be anything that has a certain telling value for evaluators or users, according to which it is possible to compare individual indicators with each other, to derive a validation result from them or to measure set goals according to them. Using indicators for expression is common in many areas. It is very rational, unambiguous, and therefore indicators are considered to be an informational tool that can be used to easily and clearly present changes in the monitored state. Based on this characterization, they allow the user to predict the future development or possible consequences of disruptive events to some extent. For this reason, they are also becoming an ideal tool for indicating the failure of critical elements of transport infrastructure. The paper presents the relational research of indicators, which provides a comprehensive framework of definitions and classification of indicators or an analysis of approaches and methods using indicators in the field of the protection of land transport infrastructure. The aim of this paper is to define the theoretical basis for the use of indicators in the process of indicating the failure of critical elements of land transport infrastructure, which will complement the existing possibilities of protection of these elements.

An approach to assessing the technical condition of elements and nodes of transport systems using neural network modeling methods and digital twin technology

The development of intelligent methods and the development of tools for solving research problems of modeling and diagnosing the state of technical systems are relevant areas related to the introduction of digital technologies. Such problems include the problems of preparing correct data arrays for diagnosing and predicting the state of elements and nodes of transport systems. The purpose of the paper is to develop methods for preparing and analyzing data for modeling digital twins on the example of studying the temperature regime of the functioning of a railway car's axle box node, as well as choosing the architecture of neural networks for solving problems of assessing the technical condition of the axle box nodes. The features of the digital twin technology are characterized and the directions of its use for modeling and diagnostics of railway transport systems are considered. As part of the development of an approach to solving the problem of diagnosing the condition of the axle box units of railway cars, analytical dependences and generalized heat transfer equations related to changes in temperature regimes are considered. Examples of the presentation of such data on temperature series, which contain values for deviations from the normal functioning of the elements of the axle box node, are given. The choice of the neural network architecture adapted for solving the problems of estimating and predicting the temperature values of the axle box unit of the car was made. Options for preparing test data for a neural network model have been developed. The results can be used in the problems of creating algorithmic and software for preparing correct arrays of input data for technical diagnostics, in the problems of synthesis and analysis of models of intelligent systems, in various machine learning problems. The considered approach to modeling is aimed at developing methods for assessing and predicting the state of transport infrastructure elements and can be used in the development of intelligent transport systems and for improving the technology of digital twins.

Developing a Tool for Environmental Impact Assessment of Planned Activities and Transport Infrastructure Facilities

An adoption of national standards with assessment criteria and environmental impact indicators for road transport infrastructure elements made it possible to most effectively conduct environmental expertise in transport domain and determine potential environmental consequences in the process of preparing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. To give the EIA the Leopold matrix as a method to identify harmful implications for environment is used. This method becomes more complex, the more activities and environmental characteristics are indicated in the matrix. Road transport is an intense source of pollution for the atmosphere, territories and water areas adjacent to highways. For road construction the environmental characteristics are numerous and the estimation process becomes confusing even for experts. As the result of co-operative efforts of a state agency, developers and experts in EIA, road construction and project management a special web application for comprehensive estimating has been developed, tried and tested within the project of H-31 public highway reconstruction. It’s been proved the facilitation for the processes of selecting the matrix components, filling it up with expert estimates, calculating the resulting indicators, identifying the most sensitive to changes elements of the environment and, finally, preparing the reporting documents for the supervisory state agency. The paper briefly describes the functionality of the developed online service, the methodology used for assessing the impact of planned activities and transport infrastructure facilities on the environment, as well as other challenges, that depend, inter alia, on public participation, scientific community comments and authority’s support.

Socio-economic planning of elements of transport infrastructure as social facilities

Socio-economic planning of elements of transport infrastructure as social facilities

The Minerals Potential of Far Eastern Region and Transport Limitations of Their Development

We examine the conditions for transport accessibility of the key deposits of raw mineral resources of the Far East and the directions of its further development. The characteristics of the raw mineral base of the region are considered in terms of the reserves and volumes of extraction of separate kinds of mineral resources. The key problems of developing mineral resources at the present stage are discussed. We demonstrate the development prospects for the raw mineral sector on the basis of creating processing facilities and switching over from the extraction of raw materials to obtaining the product with a high degree of processing and added value. A significant importance of the transport factor is emphasized for development of the deposits in the Far East which is most clearly pronounced in the northern regions. An unevenness of development of the region’s transport infrastructure, its poor quality (incompliance with the normative requirements of motor roads, and a limitation of railroad capacity) are highlighted. An analysis is made of the limiting influence of the poor transport accessibility on the raw mineral complex. The characteristics of the formation of transport schemes are outlined according to the location and volumes of transported resources. The study revealed a high demand of the enterprises of the extractive sector for the transport infrastructure which is not satisfied by the State. Examples of the development of the transport infrastructure elements by private companies on the territory of the Far East are investigated. The role of the Northern Sea Route as an important transport route in the medium- and long-term future is characterized. The efforts made to develop further this direction are pointed out: hydrographic investigations in the sea area, change in the institutional conditions of the functioning, and development of the icebreaker fleet of Russia. China’s interest in using the arctic sea routes for cargo transportation is shown. It is concluded that of strategic importance is an active exploitation of the Northern Sea Route by Russian companies for economic development of the deposits in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

NATIONAL INNOVATIVE TRANSPORT HUB AS A SYSTEM OF STATE REGULATION OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

Introduction. The transport industry and its supporting component – transport infrastructure are extremely important for ensuring the innovative development of the country. This is due to the fact that the operation of transport infrastructure, transport networks and vehicles covers almost all types of innovations: product, procedural, marketing, management.The hypothesis of scientific research is finding out that the results of the transport industry obtained in the course of innovation activities extend to other sectors of the economy (there is a so-called diffusion of innovations).The aim is substantiation of the architecture of the national innovative transport HUB as a system of state regulation of innovative development of transport infrastructure.The research methodology is comparative analysis and graphical method – to reflect trends in transport infrastructure; systematization and classification – for the classification of structural elements of transport infrastructure; system approach – for the formation of theoretical foundations of state regulation of transport infrastructure in the system of economic knowledge; modeling – to substantiate the model of innovative development of transport infrastructure.Results: the main factors determining the conditions and nature of forced internal migration in Ukraine in 2014–2017 were determined. The main directions of forced internal migration since the beginning of hostilities in the Donbass were determined. The emergence of regional asymmetry of migration processes at the level of aggregate migratory flows is investigated developed a model of innovative development of transport infrastructure in the form of national innovative transport HUB as a system of state regulation of the hexagon of individual components: innovation-production, resource-energy, environmental, investment, international and social, the use of which will create integrated into the world transport network safe, interactive, innovative and efficient transport infrastructure of Ukraine, increase the level of competitiveness of the national economy. Conclusions: the concept of innovative development of transport infrastructure is specified; a systematic analysis and classified models of state regulation of transport infrastructure, proposed a theoretical and methodological approach to the formation of national innovative transport HUB as a system of state regulation of innovative development of transport infrastructure, the implementation of which will bring the level of their provision and infrastructure to European standards. environment, to ensure socially responsible innovative development of transport infrastructure.

Impact of Transport Infrastructure on Gross Regional Products: Evidence from Chinese Provinces under the “Belt and Road Initiative”

Purpose: This paper analyzes the impact of transport infrastructure on Gross Regional Products in Chinese provinces under the “Belt and Road Initiative”.
 Methods: The impact of the key elements of transport infrastructure on Gross Regional Products is analyzed based on the data related to development levels of transport infrastructure and economic development. Correlation and regression analyses were used for data analysis. 
 Results: It is found that railways and highways, which are the key elements of transport infrastructure, have a strong correlation with Gross Regional Products, and their effects are diverse among provinces under study. 
 Implications: The findings demonstrate the position and role of diverse infrastructural elements in enhancing the economic benefits of infrastructural investment and promoting economic growth. Thus, it is expected to facilitate decision-making related to infrastructural investment under the “Belt and Road Initiative”.