Highway Infrastructure Projects Research Articles

Risk Assessment of Highway Infrastructure REITs Projects Based on the DEMATEL—ISM Approach

Highway infrastructure projects financed by real estate investment trusts (REITs) have garnered significant attention due to their potential for generating stable returns. However, assessing the risks associated with such projects remains a critical challenge. This study addresses this gap by proposing a novel approach to risk assessments utilizing the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) integrated with Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). Unlike traditional risk assessment methods, which often treat risk factors as isolated entities, the DEMATEL—ISM approach provides a comprehensive framework that reveals the direct and indirect relationships between risk factors, thus offering a systemic understanding of the interactions. The results found that falling market prices, insufficient operating revenues, and operational inefficiencies were direct influences, and high financing costs and force majeure were the fundamental influences, while other factors acted as intermediate influences. In addition, the study identifies direct and indirect relationships between different risk factors, providing a hierarchical topology of risk factors to reflect the relationships between the risk factors. The findings not only contribute to enhancing the understanding of risk dynamics in highway infrastructure REITs projects, but also offer a structured framework for risk assessment and mitigation. This research represents a significant innovation in the field of infrastructure investment risk management, offering practical implications for project planning, decision-making, and risk management strategies.

Exploring the key risk factors impeding the performance of highway construction projects: an evidence from Nigeria

Purpose Construction projects, and particularly highway infrastructures, are known to be major contributors to the socio-economic growth of developing countries. However, these types of projects are infamous for being highly risky due to the interplay of numerous risk factors. This study aims to explore the key risk factors impacting on the performance of highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria from the contextual viewpoint of key industry stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Specifically, 17 in-depth expert interviews were conducted with experienced stakeholders in the highway sector of the Nigerian construction industry. The collected data was transcribed and analysed using an established coding framework (grounded on case study approach, principles of thematic analysis and saliency analysis). Findings Overall, 17 key risks were identified from the data analysis process, and 6 risks were recognised as the most significant, based on the combination of prevalence of occurrence and significance of the coded information. The six top risks were: change in government, corruption, cost of construction materials, inflation, project funding issues and construction project delay. However, the first two of these risks (change in government and corruption) are politically related, which is specific and unique to the setting of Nigeria and thus might be seen as discouraging indicators that could have an impact on attracting foreign investors/contractors to Nigeria. Originality/value The study addressed the gap related with identifying context-specific risk factors impeding the performance of highway projects in Nigeria from the viewpoints of industry experts. It is expected that the findings will provide a better insight into the various risk factors and thus aid relevant policymakers to provide context-specific mitigating strategies.

Return on Investment of Implementing Subsurface Utility Engineering on Transportation Projects: A Review and Analysis of Previous Cost–Benefit Studies

Since the late 1990s, studies conducted on the implementation of the subsurface utility engineering (SUE) concept in the design and planning phase of highway infrastructure projects have repeatedly shown a significant return on investment (ROI). ROI values varied across all studies, influenced by project characteristics, such as the number of projects studied and quantity and quality of project information. This study examines previous ROI studies on the implementation of SUE and compares the methodologies and cost-saving models used to account for the benefits of performing SUE on diverse construction projects. The study further investigates the results of the various cost-saving items and benefit factors to identify the most significant and least cost-saving items. The reduction in utility relocations during construction was identified as the significant cost saving in using SUE, while the direct cost to the public was identified as the least cost saving and not adequately estimated by most studies. The study supports why the adoption of SUE is encouraged for projects involving infrastructure construction and should be considered an integral part of engineering risk management for construction projects.

Evaluation of Resilience Dimensions on Reconstruction of Highway Infrastructure Projects

Evaluation of Resilience Dimensions on Reconstruction of Highway Infrastructure Projects

Developing Systems-Level Criteria for Evaluating Performance of Horizontal Drains toward Landslide Mitigation: Case Study of the US20 Pioneer Mountain-Eddyville Realignment Project

Opened to traffic in 2016, the Pioneer Mountain-Eddyville (PME) realignment was a major highway infrastructure project that began in 2005 and created approximately 9 km of new highway on US Route 20 in the Oregon Coast Range. Due to the renewed activity of a series of paleolandslides that traversed the project right-of-way, deliver of the construction project was significantly delayed. Owing to the size and activity of these slope failures, a large monitoring network of piezometers and other instrumentation was deployed as a precursor to the installation of an extensive system of horizontal drain arrays (176 km of drain length) intended as one means of landslide mitigation through control of in situ groundwater. Because there is limited guidance regarding monitoring the long-term performance or design life of horizontal drains, hydrological data in drained areas were monitored as a means of observing performance during and after project completion. This case study describes observations of groundwater behavior prior to—and after—drain installation, thereafter proposing site planning–level metrics for evaluating the continued function of horizontal drain systems. Drain function is considered through groundwater response to precipitation, but also through a simple evaluation of water storage in the catchment of each landslide. The four paleolandslides—Cougar Creek, Crystal Creek, Eddy A/B, and Eddy C/D—demonstrate different responses to drain installation and long-term performance. Using simple metrics based on monitoring, added indices for evaluating long-term horizontal drain performance at the site scale are proposed. Consistent with the Observational Method, these criteria may serve as additional guidance for a monitoring-based framework for evaluating the life cycle of horizontal drains as a landslide mitigation system and a basis for planning drain maintenance or added mitigation measures.

Determinants of Data Quality Dimensions for Assessing Highway Infrastructure Data Using Semiotic Framework

The rapid accumulation of highway infrastructure data and their widespread reuse in decision-making poses data quality issues. To address the data quality issue, it is necessary to comprehend data quality, followed by approaches for enhancing data quality and decision-making based on data quality information. This research aimed to identify the critical data quality dimensions that affect the decision-making process of highway projects. Firstly, a state-of-the-art review of data quality frameworks applied in various fields was conducted to identify suitable frameworks for highway infrastructure data. Data quality dimensions of the semiotic framework were identified from the literature, and an interview was conducted with the highway infrastructure stakeholders to finalise the data quality dimension. Then, a questionnaire survey identified the critical data quality dimensions for decision-making. Along with the critical dimensions, their level of importance was also identified at each highway infrastructure project’s decision-making levels. The semiotic data quality framework provided a theoretical foundation for developing data quality dimensions to assess subjective data quality. Further research is required to find effective ways to assess current data quality satisfaction at the decision-making levels.

Influencing factors of sustainable highway construction

The triple bottom line, which consists of the three pillars of the environment, society, and economy, must be balanced to achieve sustainable development. Integrating social, economic, and environmental aspects in construction projects is still a challenge. The construction industry tends to use non-renewable and unsustainable resources with energy values contained therein. One of the infrastructures that need to be considered in the concept of sustainable development is highway infrastructure. Highway infrastructure projects are quite complex because they involve a lot of resources, require a wider location, and significantly impact the community and the government. Environmental, social, and economic issues are just a few of the persistent issues that frequently surface during highway construction. Common environmental difficulties include water and energy consumption, road landscape issues, and wildlife conservation. Social issues are common in road projects and include issues with land acquisition, relocation, and worker comfort. Instead, bid prices and production costs that are elevated as a result of the usage of eco-friendly materials could cause economic issues. This study aims to investigate the TBL factors that influence the construction of sustainable roads and highways. A literature study is carried out by searching articles related to sustainable road projects. There are seven factors and 29 sub-factors for sustainable highway development, according to the literature review. Technology, project management, ecology, materials, government, community, and value system are the seven factors. These seven elements all contribute significantly, are interrelated, and are necessary for the realization of a sustainable highway.

Study on self-curing concrete using Polyethylene Glycol 600 for highway infrastructure project

Study on self-curing concrete using Polyethylene Glycol 600 for highway infrastructure project

Feasibility of lime and biopolymer treatment for soft clay improvement: a comparative and complementary approach

Highway pavement infrastructure projects which involve soil improvement should be executed, ensuring environmental sustainability. In the present study, guar gum (GG) and lime were assessed for the purpose of soft clay stabilization. The experimental program for the soil stabilization employed a two-stage process. The initial stage involves treatment of the soil with various percentages of lime (3, 5, 7, and 9%) and GG (0.6, 1.0, 1.4, and 1.8%), maintaining the same material acquisition cost and considering curing (0, 7, 14, and 28 days) for the unconfined compressive strength (UCS). In the second experimental stage, a complementary approach in which 3% lime was combined with GG at various percentages (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%) was employed. The tests conducted include UCS, California bearing ratio (CBR), and strength loss resistance (SLR). Results show that the sole use of lime and GG resulted in significant improvement in the UCS, albeit lime was better. While UCS improved with curing time for the lime-stabilized soil, UCS gain for GG occurred only for up to 7 days curing because biodegradation of GG by microbes in the soil ensues on further curing. Lime-GG stabilization resulted in better UCS and CBR improvement with curing than lime stabilization; however, lime stabilization yielded better SLR. The optimum additive content for strength improvement was obtained at 3% lime + 0.3% GG. Microstructural analysis indicated cementation in the stabilized soil. Predictive models for the UCS were developed based on regression methods. Model evaluation revealed that Gaussian process model provided the best UCS prediction.

Integrating road information modeling (RIM) and geographic information system (GIS) for effective utility relocations in infrastructure projects

PurposeTransportation infrastructure projects are inevitably delayed due to delays in the completion of underground utility relocation. Unfamiliar location, difficulty in utility identification and use of ineffective coordination practices hamper timely completion of utility relocation works. This paper aims to develop integrated road information modeling (RIM) and geographic information system (GIS) models to assist early identification of utilities and effective coordination during utility relocation in infrastructure projects.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic action-based case study research methodology was adopted in this paper. Two ongoing infrastructure projects with significant utility relocation delays are chosen as case studies and integrated RIM-GIS models are developed to assist utility relocation. To verify the applications of developed RIM-GIS models, a focus group discussion was conducted with 10 field experts from the considered case studies.FindingsThe application of the developed RIM-GIS models enabled 3D visualization of existing underground utilities and enabled identification of utility conflicts before the start of the construction. They also enabled facilitating coordination and reduce utility relocation delays. The evaluation of the developed models shows that the RIM-GIS model approach enabled early planning and coordination and facilitates effective management of utility relocations.Practical implicationsThe current practices of using CAD and GIS for utility relocations are inadequate due to the difficulties in characterizing utilities and ineffective coordination practices. The proposed RIM-GIS approach can be adopted as a suitable alternative for effective management of utility relocations.Originality/valueSeveral studies have contributed toward integrating BIM and GIS for the analysis of highway and utility infrastructure projects. Efforts on integrating RIM and GIS for the support and management of utility relocations in highway and utility infrastructure projects remain unexplored.

Understanding the dynamics of cost overrun triggers in highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria: a systems thinking modelling approach

PurposeEmpirical evidence suggests that many triggers influence poor cost performance in highway projects, whereas previous studies about the cost overrun triggers stem from a positivist standpoint supported by conventional statistical techniques, thus disregarding the sophisticated interactions and overall dynamics of the triggers. This study contends for a paradigm shift in investigating and understanding cost overrun triggers by adopting a holistic perspective through the lens of system thinking. This study aims to contend for a paradigm shift in investigating and understanding cost overrun triggers by adopting a holistic perspective through the lens of system thinking.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders in Nigeria were conducted buttressed by textual data from literature sources and project documents. Data analysis based on a developed data compatible coding framework and causal relations from textual data sources was used to develop a causal loop diagram depicting the interactions of the triggers which were validated by experts.FindingsThe analysis of the causal loop diagrams (CLDs) allowed identification of action points used to suggest changes for improved cost-effective highway project delivery. Among the suggested interventions are ensuring the provision of adequate funding prior to contract award will result in timely delivery of projects and indeed delivering key projects at the contractual agreed budget. This can be achieved through ensuring strict adherence to the provisions of Section 4 (2) (b) of the Nigerian Public Procurement Act, 2007 which stipulates that no contract should be awarded if funds are not available from the onset.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to only highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria and as such caution must be taken before using the outcome of the study to other context within Nigeria and beyond.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, the causal model demonstrates that this study is capable of being used to make pragmatic decisions regarding policy leverages about improving cost performance in highway projects provision in the Nigerian highway infrastructure sector of the construction industry. Moreover, it will aid a clear understanding of the key influencing triggers of cost overrun by the relevant stakeholders within the highway sector of the industry.Originality/valueThe hybrid-based approach applied in the development of CLDs in this study is expected to provide new insight into understanding the linkages, interactions, feedbacks and processes among the key cost overrun triggers and suggesting leverages for cost performance improvement within the philosophy of system thinking.

Key driving factors of cost overrun in highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria: a context-based perspective

Purpose Extensive research towards identifying the attributable cost overrun factors globally has been conducted predominantly from a survey-oriented perspective, which disregard the contextual basis on which these triggers manifest. This study aims to explore the driving factors of cost overrun in highway projects, specific to the Nigerian context. Design/methodology/approach The research used a context-based approach to seek project stakeholders’ perspectives on the key drivers of cost overrun in highway projects in Nigerian. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with client, contractor and consultant organisations involved in the provision of highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria. The collected data was analysed using a developed coding framework grounded on a case study approach, principles of inductive thematic analysis and saliency analysis to identify the key drivers. Findings Findings from the analysis identified triggers from macroeconomic, societal, leadership and project management perspectives with synergistic relationships with each other based on prevalence and significance. Among the key triggers is a delay in work progress, political instability, adverse weather, social issues, delay in progress payment to contractors and modification of project scope. In conclusion, the triggers of cost overrun in highway projects are contextually driven by the complex nature of the project management, societal, macroeconomic and leadership triggers specific to the Nigerian context. Research limitations/implications The research was limited to only highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria. Furthermore, the findings are based on a small sample size, and thus, caution must be taken before applying the outcome of this study in a generalised way to other contexts. Practical implications Practically, the stakeholders i.e. client, contractors and consultants should acknowledge the contextual circumstances in which each of the triggers takes place, which will aid in developing pragmatic measures and make the right decisions towards addressing these triggers during any highway construction project in Nigeria and enhance the chances of project success. Originality/value The context-based approach applied in this study is expected to provide a new insight in understanding the triggers of cost overruns, especially in highway projects in Nigeria and indeed other developing countries with similar governance characteristics

The Road to Prosperity: A Study on the Efficiency of Resource Allocation in China’s Expressway Construction

This paper presents a new multi-objective mixed integer programming model to prioritize seven highway infrastructure projects. The proposed model explicitly incorporates socio-economics, uncertainty, resource constraints, and interdependencies to deal with the optimal transportation infrastructure project selection problem. Next, project prioritization is determined based on the ANP results, which reflect the interdependency between criteria and a set of feasible candidate projects. Finally, an empirical study of eastwest highway improvement program is conducted to illustrate how the modeling process proceeds. The results show that the proposed model can effectively support a transportation investment policy that best suits the goal of urban land redevelopment for highly urbanized settings. As such, the model can be generalized for other human settlement studies and illustrate the spatially complex characteristics of transportation networks as well as some of the difficulties raised with respect to priority of national capital improvement projects. The research will provide a useful reference for the study of the relationship between highways and regional economic development.

From the Bubble to the Hearth: Social Co‐Presence in the Era of COVID‐19 in Asmat, Indonesian Papua

From the Bubble to the Hearth: Social Co‐Presence in the Era of <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 in Asmat, Indonesian Papua

Testing a social-psychological model of public acceptance towards highway infrastructure projects: a case study from China

PurposeTo test a social-psychological model of public acceptance of highway infrastructure projects in the Chinese architecture/engineering/construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThrough a comprehensive literature review, we established a social-psychological model of public acceptance related to benefit perception, risk perception and public trust. We empirically validated our model by using structural equation model analysis based on a questionnaire survey in the S35 Yongjin Highway Infrastructure Project in Yunnan Province, China.FindingsBenefit, trust and risk perception had a significant influence on local residents' public acceptance of highway infrastructure projects; benefit perception and trust perception had a greater influence than risk perception. Public acceptance among local male residents over the age of 35 or those with higher education levels was more likely to be determined by the relative dominance of risk and benefit perceived.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes empirical evidence to the theoretical literature related to locally unwanted land use (LULU) siting and stakeholders in the field of project management from the public perspective. This study also suggests valuable practical implications to authorities, project managers and the public in decision-making and risk communication.Originality/valueAlthough previous studies addressed factors affecting public acceptance towards potentially hazardous facilities, understanding of the implications of these social-psychological factors and their effects are still far from sufficient. This study bridges this gap by exploring the determinants of public acceptance towards highway infrastructure projects based on a selected case in China.

An Overview of Sustainable Highway Infrastructure Development in Yunnan, China

Highway infrastructure development in Yunnan Province remains a top priority for the Chinese Government, the aim is to improve access to neighbouring countries and support economic growth and social development in the province. While the social and economic benefits of highway infrastructure projects are indisputable, sustainable performance still leaves room for improvement in Yunnan. In an effort to promote a more sustainable approach to decisions relating to highway infrastructure projects, this paper explore the critical issues associated with sustainable highway infrastructure. Firstly, reviewed the economic, social and environmental background of Yunnan, and explain the functions of highways in its socio-economic development. After a brief overview of the conditions and future demands for highway infrastructure in Yunnan, analysed the challenges of building highways in a sustainable way.

Proposed Sustainability Composite Index of Highway Infrastructure Projects and Its Practical Implications

Highway infrastructure projects always have negative impacts on the sustainable development objectives. However, the construction of these projects will not be stopped due to their importance for the fulfillment of the nations’ economic, social and civilization development. Hence, it is necessary to find solutions for improving their performance toward the sustainability approach. One of these solutions is to quantify the highway projects’ sustainability before starting in their execution. This will guide the decision-makers to adopt the suitable alternative and policy for the development of sustainable highway infrastructure. Previous studies did not adequately integrate the sustainable development dimensions in the construction of highway infrastructure projects, which represents an obstacle to the effective evaluation of highway projects’ sustainability. Addressing this issue, this research proposes an integrated index capable of appraising the sustainability performance of highway projects. The research data were collected from a questionnaire survey conducted with Egyptian experts with lengthy experience in the construction of highway infrastructure projects. Fuzzy set theory and the analytic hierarchy process were utilized to develop the composite highway sustainability index (CHSI). A case study was conducted to elucidate application of CHSI. The study offers the decision-makers an effective methodology to assess the sustainability of their highway infrastructure projects in early planning phases.

Prioritizing Key Duration Estimation Accuracy Factors in Highway Infrastructure Projects Using Fuzzy AHP

Background:At the early phase of project development, highway engineering estimators seek to determine the duration of highway construction projects for the purpose of construction planning and administration. Thus, it is vital to study and analyze the estimation accuracy factors of highway construction project duration. In this regard, several studies have been conducted to identify and analyze the estimation accuracy factors of project duration in various ways to improve the estimation and management performance of all the contracting parties. However, very less effort has been devoted to evaluating the duration estimation accuracy factors in the case of the highway construction industry under fuzzy environment.Objective:This paper aims to analyze and prioritize the critical factors that potentially affect the duration estimation accuracy of the highway construction projects in Ethiopia under fuzzy environment.Methods:An extensive review and discussions with highway engineering experts were carried out to explore and identify the duration estimation accuracy factors. The study data collection process consists of two stages. The first stage is to conduct a questionnaire survey. Whereas, the second stage is to carry out the pair-wise comparison matrix to capture the imprecision and vagueness in subjective responses. Then, a λ-cut set method to reduce the initial list of factors and exploratory factor analysis was used to classify the reduced set of factors into smaller groups. Finally, a fuzzy hierarchy process algorithm with the use of triangular fuzzy numbers was presented for prioritizing critical factors.Results:A cut -off value, λ = 0.95, was verified which resulted in the identification of critical accuracy factors. Accordingly, 12 critical factors were opted and categorized as a cluster of similar items into 5 groups. Finally, the analytical results obtained from fuzzy AHP algorithm revealed that project complexity, project size, bridge type and complexity were found to be the four top-ranked factors based on the global priority weight.Conclusion:These factors must be a serious concern in estimating and administering the contract and the duration of highway construction projects at the early phases of project development so that the time deviation upon the completion of the project can be minimized.

Novel Prediction Method for Highway Distresses in Permafrost Regions Based on Qualitative Reasoning of Multidimensional and Multirules Cloud Model

Highway in permafrost regions has numerous diseases during operation, due to instability and degradation of permafrost. To predict distress sections of a newly built highway in permafrost regions, we proposed a new method based on the multidimensional and multirules reasoning cloud model. Herein, the evaluation parameters affecting the highway distresses in permafrost regions, i.e., annual average ground temperature, ice content, and frozen-heave factor, were as the data input, whereas the distress degree was as the data output; all of the aforementioned were described by a cloud model. Based on the analysis of distress large data, inference rules and a cloud reasoning prediction model were established. Subsequently, distress degrees of the 10 equidistance highway sections were predicted on the Qinghai-Tibet highway by using the cloud model, and actual distress degree and predicted distress degree were compared by using the regression analysis algorithm. The results showed that the relevance between the actual distress degree and the predicted distress degree was 0.738. The study provides a feasible and effective method to predict the potential distress sections of the newly built highway and better plan infrastructure project on permafrost regions.

Impact of CIM Technologies and Agency Policies on Performance for Highway Infrastructure Projects

AbstractThe digital tools and practices that facilitate the collection, organization, and use of accurate data and information throughout the life cycle of a highway infrastructure asset are referr...