Infrastructure Construction Research Articles

Digital Economy Development, Common Prosperity, and Carbon Emissions: An Empirical Study in China

Under the new development model, the digital economy has become a new engine to promote the green development of the economy and realize the goal of “double carbon”. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020, this paper empirically investigates the impact of the development of the digital economy on energy and carbon emissions using a series of econometric models such as baseline regression, a mechanism test, and the spatial Durbin model, etc. Common prosperity plays an intermediary role between digital economy development and carbon emissions; digital economic development optimizes resource allocation, effectively solves the problem of uneven resource distribution, and reduces energy and carbon emissions while achieving common prosperity. In addition, green innovation, industrial structure, urbanization level, R&D intensity, and the degree of marketization also have different degrees of influence on energy and carbon emissions. Therefore, the government should accelerate the construction of new digital infrastructure and implement the digital economy development strategy according to local conditions, so as to promote the digital economy to produce a more significant carbon emission reduction effect.

Construction of transportation infrastructure and the mixed ownership reform of state-owned enterprises: based on the perspective of high-speed rail opening

ABSTRACT We study the impact of transportation infrastructure construction on the degree of mixed-ownership reform of local state-owned enterprises. We find that the opening of high-speed rail can significantly promote the mixed ownership reform process of local state-owned enterprises. Mechanism testing shows that the opening of high-speed rail can promote inter-regional market integration and reduce the transaction costs of potential private investors participating in mixed-ownership reform, and improve the operational activities and management characteristics of state-owned enterprises, and strengthen the intrinsic motivations of potential private investors to participate in mixed-ownership reform, thereby having a positive impact on the degree of mixed-ownership reform of local state-owned enterprises. Further research finds that the above-mentioned effects are sustain-able and more obvious among local state-owned enterprises and state-owned enterprises in competitive industries with weak government influence, which can ultimately improve the capital market value and labour productivity of state-owned enterprises.

Association between social capital and utilization of essential public health services among elderly migrants: a multilevel logistic study based on the 2017 China migrant dynamic survey (CMDS)

BackgroundAs the number of elderly migrants in China continues to grow, it is necessary to pay closer attention to their health and health services. Some studies have confirmed that social capital plays a significant role in the utilization of health services. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of the relationship between social capital and the utilization of essential public health services (EPHS) by elderly migrants will not only contribute to improving their overall health but also facilitate a more balanced development of public health service system in China.MethodsBased on the cross-sectional data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), this study examined the impact of social capital on the utilization of EPHS among elderly migrants. We evaluated social capital at two distinct levels: the individual and the community, and considered two dimensions of social capital: structural social capital (SSC) and cognitive social capital (CSC). The study aimed to delve into the impact of these forms of social capital on the utilization of EPHS among elderly migrants, and whether the migration range moderates this impact by multilevel logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 5,728 migrant elderly individuals were selected. The health records establishment rate and health education acceptance rate were approximately 33.0% and 58.6%, respectively. Social capital influenceed the utilization of EPHS among elderly migrants. Specifically, individual-level SSC and CSC have impacts on both the establishment of health records (OR = 1.598, 95%CI 1.366–1.869; OR = 1.705, 95%CI 1.433–2.028) and the acceptance of health education (OR = 1.345, 95%CI 1.154–1.567; OR = 2.297, 95%CI 1.906–2.768) among elderly migrants, while community-level SSC only affected the acceptance of health education (OR = 3.838, 95%CI 1.328–11.097). There were significant differences in individual-level SSC, health records, and health education among different migration range subgroups among elderly migrants. Migration range moderated the effect of social capital on the utilization of EPHS, crossing provinces could weaken the relationship between SSC and health education.ConclusionsSocial capital is associated with a higher utilization rate of EPHS among elderly migrants. It is necessary to encourage them to actively participate in social activities, strengthen public services and infrastructure construction in the area, and improve their sense of belonging and identity.

Temperature-dependent dielectric properties of the Korean lunar simulant and ilmenite: Lunar microwave processing potential

There is increasing interest in the potential application of microwave sintering technology in the construction of infrastructure on the Moon. This study aimed to characterize the dielectric properties of in situ lunar materials; this information is critical for an understanding of the interaction of these materials with microwave and in the application of microwave sintering technology. Dielectric properties including the real and imaginary permittivity, dielectric loss tangent, penetration depth, and electrical conductivity of Korean Lunar Simulant (KLS-1) and ilmenite (an abundant lunar mineral) were investigated at microwave frequencies as a function of temperature. X-ray dispersion (XRD) analyses confirmed that the lattice expansion of minerals with increasing temperature was consistent with an increasing trend in permittivity. The dielectric loss tangent of ilmenite was 2–36 times higher than that of KLS-1, depending on temperature, indicating that ilmenite has greater ability to absorb microwave energy, converting it to heat. Ilmenite demonstrated rapid heating to 1000°C within a few minutes on exposure to 1 kW microwave (2.45 GHz) irradiation. This study provides important information relevant to the development of microwave technology for future lunar applications.

Bridging Geo-Data and Natural Gas Pipeline Design Standards: A Systematic Review of BIM-GIS Integration for Natural Gas Pipeline Asset Management

In today’s world, effective management and the use of spatial data are of great importance in many sectors. Industries such as land management, asset management, and infrastructure management are areas where spatial data are heavily utilized. Advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are used in the processes of collecting, analyzing, and managing geographically enabled data (geo-data). These technologies enable the effective processing of large datasets, improve decision-making processes based on geographic information, and facilitate more efficient collaboration across sectors. This study conducts an in-depth examination of the existing literature on asset management, infrastructure management, and BIM-GIS integration using bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review methods. Bibliometric analysis is employed to determine statistical values such as current research trends, frequently cited authors, most used keywords, and country performances in the relevant field. This study’s results highlight future research trends and significant gaps in the areas of asset management, infrastructure management, natural gas pipelines, and BIM-GIS integration. In particular, this study demonstrates the critical importance of asset management and BIM-GIS integration for sustainable infrastructure design, construction, and management. In this context, attention is drawn to the importance of data standardization, digitization, systematic integration, and contemporary land management requirements.

Jilin city central wastewater treatment plant renovation design scheme

Jilin City is one of the top ten famous Chinese cities worth introducing to the world. To further improve the construction of urban infrastructure and meet the needs of the economic and social development of Jilin City, the Jilin City Government Joint Development and Reform Commission and the Ecological Environment Bureau decided to expand and renovate the former Jilin City wastewater treatment plant. This study designs a wastewater treatment plant by comprehensively considering the policy needs and the local basic background characteristics of Jilin to solve the wastewater overflow problem. The design modified the anaerobic tank and Carroussel oxidation ditch processes, which have more advantages than traditional treatment processes, mainly including better BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency, less power consumption, and lower operating costs. This treatment plant design contains two special characteristics: the design considers the overall plan and pipeline layout of the wastewater treatment plant, and the size data of each module are calculated through theoretical study conforming to the real case.

The impact of rural e-commerce participation on farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior: Evidence based on CFPS data in China

The "Three Rural Issues", encompass challenges related to agriculture, farmer, and rural area, which hold significant importance in driving comprehensive rural revitalization efforts in China. Farmer entrepreneurship, as a crucial means to enhance productivity, create job opportunities, and increase residents’ income, has gradually become a key driving force in promoting rural revitalization in the new stage of development in China. With the rapid development of rural e-commerce, farmer entrepreneurship has encountered new opportunities. This study utilizes the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data and employs a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the direct impact of rural e-commerce participation on farmer entrepreneurial behavior, considering factors such as human capital, social capital, and network infrastructure. This study further explores the indirect effects and mechanisms of e-commerce participation as a mediating variable and analyzes the impact and mechanisms on agricultural entrepreneurship behavior. The findings are as follows: (1) E-commerce participation significantly promotes farmer entrepreneurial behavior; (2) E-commerce participation as a mediating variable has a positive indirect effect on the relationship between social trust, network infrastructure, human capital, and farmer entrepreneurial behavior; (3) E-commerce participation has a significant positive influence on farmer entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, and farmers with higher levels of network infrastructure and human capital have a higher probability of choosing agricultural entrepreneurship under the influence of e-commerce participation. Finally, this study provides policy recommendations in terms of infrastructure construction, entrepreneurial policy environment, and education level, aiming to optimize the situation of farmer entrepreneurship and contribute to the comprehensive promotion of rural revitalization.Overall, the research in this paper effectively combines theory and empirical evidence to outline the direct and indirect impact mechanisms of rural e-commerce participation on farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior and agriculture-related entrepreneurial behavior and to test the effects of their impacts. First, most of the existing literature deals with farmers in individual sample areas, while the sample selected in this paper is farmers in the whole country, which is relatively more generalizable; second, most of the previous studies explore the level of e-commerce in the inter-provincial or county areas, while this paper expands the empirical study of rural e-commerce on the entrepreneurial behavior of farmers and the micro-period of agricultural entrepreneurial behavior, and focuses on the impacts of the e-commerce activities of farmers on their entrepreneurial behavior.

Do Factor Misallocations Affect Food Security? Evidence from China

The reasonable allocation of grain production factors is of vital importance to food security and agricultural development. To assess the impact of agricultural factor misallocation on food security, this paper, based on the panel data from China spanning from 2005 to 2019, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of agricultural factor misallocation and food security coefficients across 31 provinces in China, using a spatial Durbin model to examine the effects of factor misallocations on food security. The findings are as follows: (1) Production factor misallocation has significant negative impacts on food security, among them, capital misallocation and labor misallocation inhibiting food security in the local and neighboring areas, and land misallocation has a significant negative impact on food security in local areas, while its spatial spillover effect is no longer significant. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that capital misallocation and labor misallocation hinder the development of transportation infrastructure and the transfer of rural labor, thereby reducing food security. Land misallocation has accelerated the construction of transportation infrastructure, promoted the migration of rural labor, and helped ensure food security. (3) The regional heterogeneity test reveals that capital misallocation and labor misallocation hinder food security in major grain-producing areas and both sides of the Hu Huanyong Line (Hu Line). Meanwhile, land misallocation hinders food security development in various grain-producing areas, as well as the southeast of the Hu Line. Based on the above conclusions, this paper proposes suggestions to improve the efficiency of land and labor resource allocation, accelerate the construction of transportation infrastructure, and encourage the transfer speed of surplus agricultural labor.

Two Decades of Integrated Flood Management: Status, Barriers, and Strategies

Losses from flood disasters are increasing globally due to climate-driven forces and human factors such as migration and land use changes. The risks of such floods involve multiple factors and stakeholders, and frameworks for integrated approaches have attracted a global community of experts. The paper reviews the knowledge base for integrated flood risk management frameworks, including more than twenty bibliometric reviews of their elements. The knowledge base illustrates how integrated strategies for the reduction of flood risk are required at different scales and involve responses ranging from climate and weather studies to the construction of infrastructure, as well as collective action for community resilience. The Integrated Flood Management framework of the Associated Programme on Flood Management of the World Meteorological Organization was developed more than twenty years ago and is explained in some detail, including how it fits within the Integrated Water Resources Management concept that is managed by the Global Water Partnership. The paper reviews the alignment of the two approaches and how they can be used in tandem to reduce flood losses. Success of both integrated management approaches depends on governance and institutional capacity as well as technological advances. The knowledge base for flood risk management indicates how technologies are advancing, while more attention must be paid to social and environmental concerns, as well as government measures to increase participation, awareness, and preparedness. Ultimately, integrated flood management will involve solutions tailored for individual situations, and implementation may be slow, such that perseverance and political commitment will be needed.

The impact of new digital infrastructure construction on substantive green innovation

AbstractThe new digital infrastructure is the cornerstone of the digital transformation of the regional innovation ecosystem and the key engine driving green, low‐carbon, and intelligent development in the era of the digital economy. The findings demonstrate that substantive green innovation is significantly positively impacted by the new digital infrastructure, and its effect shows a “Central > Eastern > Western.” New digital infrastructure construction can indirectly enhance substantive green innovation by improving the level of digital finance, entrepreneurial activity, and informatization index. Based on the characteristics of regional heterogeneity, new digital infrastructure construction has different threshold effects on substantive green innovation.

How does network infrastructure construction affect household tourism expenditures? An empirical analysis from rural China

The impact of tourist source region’s network infrastructure in developing countries on household tourism expenditures remains inadequately understood. This study helps fill that gap by using the “Broadband China” strategy as a quasi-natural experiment, exploring the mechanisms by which the construction of network infrastructure impacts rural household tourism expenditures in China. Using the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data from 2014 through 2018, we found that the Broadband China strategy has made a positive contribution to rural household tourism expenditures, especially in the rural areas of central and northeastern China. In addition, we recognized that the broadening of information channels and the provision of convenient transactions are possible mechanisms of influence, with the expansion of information channels through digital networks having an especially pronounced impact. Our research results emphasize the importance of developing network infrastructure and promoting digital literacy in developing regions, in an effort to stimulate tourism demand.

Can Urban Air Mobility become reality? Opportunities and challenges of UAM as innovative mode of transport and DLR contribution to ongoing research

AbstractUrban Air Mobility (UAM) is a new air transportation system for passengers and cargo in urban environments, enabled by new technologies and integrated into multimodal transportation systems. The vision of UAM comprises the mass use in urban and suburban environments, complementing existing transportation systems and contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector. Initial attempts to create a market for urban air transportation in the last century failed due to lack of profitability and community acceptance. Technological advances in numerous fields over the past few decades have led to a renewed interest in urban air transportation. UAM is expected to benefit users and to also have a positive impact on the economy by creating new markets and employment opportunities for manufacturing and operation of UAM vehicles and the construction of related ground infrastructure. However, there are also concerns about noise, safety and security, privacy and environmental impacts. Therefore, the UAM system needs to be designed carefully to become safe, affordable, accessible, environmentally friendly, economically viable and thus sustainable. This paper provides an overview of selected key research topics related to UAM and how the German Aerospace Center (DLR) contributed to this research in the project "HorizonUAM - Urban Air Mobility Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR)". Selected research results on the topics of market potential and public acceptance, vehicle design (including battery degradation, onboard systems, cabin design, cabin simulation), infrastructure, operations (including U-space, safe autonomy, navigation, communication, cost modeling) and overall system modeling are briefly presented.

Can Digital Innovation Improve Green Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from Digital Patents of China

Amid intensifying global economic rivalries, China has pinpointed the digital economy and sustainable growth as key accelerators for societal and economic progress. Digital innovation (DI) plays a crucial role in propelling China’s economy towards sustainable growth, by serving as the technological backbone of the digital economy. This study explores how DI influences China’s GTFP through an analysis of panel data covering 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from 2005 to 2021. The results indicate that DI greatly contributes to the enhancement of GTFP. DI can also indirectly promote GTFP by increasing the effectiveness of factor allocation efficiency including capital, labor, and technology. Heterogeneity analysis results indicate that the influence of DI on GTFP differs depending on the degree of intellectual property protection (IPP), the development of digital infrastructure construction (DIC), and the geographical location. A higher degree of IPP and developed DIC make areas better suited for the role of DI in advancing GTFP. Furthermore, in the central and eastern areas, the impact of the digital economy on the promotion of GTFP is particularly noticeable. This study offers reliable empirical evidence for the effect of DI on GTFP and contributes to China’s digital economy and sustainable development.

Risk Prediction of the Development of the Digital Economy Industry Based on a Machine Learning Model in the Context of Rural Revitalization

Risk Prediction of the Development of the Digital Economy Industry Based on a Machine Learning Model in the Context of Rural Revitalization

Numerical Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Strengthened Concrete Culverts against Water-Induced Corrosion

Culverts fulfill the vital function of safely channeling water beneath railway tracks, highways, and overpasses. They serve various purposes, including facilitating drainage in areas such as watercourses, drainage zones, and regions with restricted ground-bearing capacity. Precast reinforced concrete (RC) box culverts are a popular choice because they are strong, durable, rigid, and economical. However, culverts are prone to corrosion due to exposure to a range of environmental factors and aggressive chemicals. Therefore, enhancing the design and construction of this crucial infrastructure is imperative to effectively combat corrosion and to adhere to modern standards of reliability and affordability. In this study, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) was used to strengthen corroded culverts, with promising potential to improve safety and longevity in these structures. This study compared the behavior of corroded RC box culverts to CFRP-strengthened ones using the finite element method (FEM). It explored the impact of varying the damage thicknesses owing to corrosion, ranging from 0 mm to 20 mm, on the structural performance of the box culverts. The results showed that the CFRP model exhibited a substantial 25% increase in the capacity and reduced the damage compared to the reference model. Moreover, a parametric study was conducted for establishing a cost-effective design, in which numerous CFRP strip configurations were examined for a damaged-culvert model. The results indicated that a complete CFRP sheet was most effective for the maximum design capacity and repair effectiveness. The study’s outcomes provide valuable insights for professionals engaged in enhancing the strength of box culverts, aiming to increase the capacity, enhance the stability, and strengthen corroded culverts.

Research on the Model of Public Physical Teaching in Universities in the Context of Modern Information Technology

With the advent of the information and network era, new opportunities have emerged for the development of educational and teaching work. In the context of public physical teaching in universities, the rational application of modern information technology based on actual development situations plays a significant role. It can enrich teaching methods, improve teaching efficiency, meet students' diverse learning experiences, and ensure the quality and efficiency of teaching. However, due to objective factors, there are still some problems in the actual application process, such as the limited ability of some teachers to use information technology and the lack of investment in teaching resources, which directly limit the advantages of information technology and even affect the final teaching effectiveness, leading to counterproductive effects. Therefore, in the future development, it is necessary to strengthen the information technology training for teachers, improve their application ability and information literacy, so that they can better integrate modern information technology with physical teaching. When conditions permit, increase the investment in information technology, improve infrastructure construction, and provide necessary hardware support for public physical teaching in universities.

Geotechnical assessments for renewable energy infrastructure: Ensuring stability in wind and solar projects

Geotechnical assessments are crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind and solar projects. This review explores the significance of geotechnical assessments in these projects, highlighting key considerations and challenges. Geotechnical assessments play a critical role in the design, construction, and operation of renewable energy infrastructure, providing essential information about the subsurface conditions that can impact the stability and performance of wind and solar projects. These assessments involve the evaluation of soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to assess their suitability for supporting renewable energy structures. In wind energy projects, geotechnical assessments are essential for determining the foundation design of wind turbines. The soil and rock conditions at the site can significantly impact the stability and load-bearing capacity of the foundation, affecting the overall performance and safety of the turbine. Similarly, in solar energy projects, geotechnical assessments are necessary for designing the foundation of solar panels and support structures, ensuring they can withstand environmental loads and maintain their efficiency over time. One of the key challenges in geotechnical assessments for renewable energy projects is the variability of subsurface conditions. Soil and rock properties can vary significantly over short distances, requiring detailed site investigations to accurately characterize the subsurface conditions. Additionally, the presence of natural hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, and floods can further complicate geotechnical assessments, necessitating robust risk mitigation strategies. Despite these challenges, geotechnical assessments are essential for ensuring the long-term stability and performance of renewable energy infrastructure. By providing valuable insights into subsurface conditions, these assessments help developers and engineers make informed decisions about site selection, foundation design, and risk management, ultimately contributing to the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. In conclusion, geotechnical assessments are vital for ensuring the stability and longevity of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind and solar projects. By providing crucial information about subsurface conditions, these assessments help mitigate risks and ensure the safe and efficient operation of renewable energy projects. Keywords: Geotechnical Assessments, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Stability, Wind and Solar Projects.

Is the digital economy empowering high-quality tourism development? A theoretical and empirical research from China.

How digital economy (DE) empowers high-quality development of tourism (HQDT) has become a common concern among scholars. Given this, this study clarifies the theoretical connotation of DE enabling HQDT,and finds that: Micro, DE promotes efficiency improvements in tourism enterprises, with its economies of scale and Matthew effect reducing average costs, its economies of scope meeting diversified demand, and its long-tail effect improving supply-demand matching mechanism. Meso, DE can transform and upgrade tourism industry structure through industrial digitization and digital industrialization, and also form a new tourist industry form and value chain through cross-border integration. Macro, DE can stimulate innovation and flexibility of market players, increase new factor inputs in tourism, improve factor allocation efficiency, and advance macro regulation of the tourism market. Accordingly, the study conducts an empirical test based on panel data for 31 provinces in mainland China during 2011-2020. Results show that: ① DE positively influences HQDT, and the sub-dimensions all positively influence HQDT. ② DE has a heterogeneous impact on HQDT and shows spatial spillover effects. Finally, the study concludes with effective paths for DE promoting HQDT: "Promote digital infrastructure construction, accelerate tourism digital transformation, strengthen integration and innovation development, and overcome the challenges of tourism enterprises".

Application of Greenroads Rating System and Life Cycle Assessment in Informing the State of the Practice in Sustainable Roadway Construction

This paper highlights the application of the Greenroads Rating System in collecting, measuring, and communicating sustainable best practice data in the context of roadway infrastructure construction. Once measured, meaningful comparisons between common practice and what goes above and beyond routine can be recognized, educated, advertised, spread, and finally, implemented. This study collected, organized, and analyzed data from 33 Greenroads-certified roadway construction projects completed between 2011 and 2018 with a total value of over 2 billion USD. We believe such a database is scarce within the literature and is worth exploring. Greenroads scorecards, which indicate the level of achievement in sustainable construction practices, were analyzed to show the frequency with which best practices are pursued. Findings show that projects typically perform activities that can be considered common practice and avoid activities that fall outside of their prior experience realm. Realizing that roadway surfaces including pavement structures often contribute to a high proportion of a roadway project’s sustainability efforts, the last piece of this study is dedicated to the life cycle assessment (LCA) of paving materials as conducted and reported by project teams. Integrating LCA results with financial information from pay item lists, correlation analyses between carbon and energy footprints and the price of major paving materials such as asphalt mixtures and portland cement concrete were carried out. Results show that the quantified environmental footprints of projects and the materials used to build them strongly correlate with the total price of projects and the price of constituent materials, respectively.

The effect of education expenditure on air pollution: Evidence from China

Education expenditure is essential in mitigating air pollution, but the relationship between education expenditure and air pollution lacks in-depth discussion. Utilizing data at the county level in China during 2007–2021, this study estimates the effect of education expenditure from local governments on air pollution. Our findings demonstrate that education expenditure significantly and negatively affects air pollution, which remains robust after addressing endogeneity. The mechanism analysis presents that education expenditure reduces air pollution through the composition, technique, and income effects. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of education expenditure exhibits marked regional heterogeneity. Specifically, the role of education expenditure is significant in strong regulation, key, eastern, and central regions. By considering interaction terms, we identify the moderating effects of human capital, economic development, infrastructure construction, and public service for education expenditure. The cost-benefit analysis emphasizes that education expenditure improves social welfare. Our findings can inspire local governments to place more emphasis on air quality and public education expenditure.