Transport Infrastructure Research Articles

Modeling economic impacts of transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania considering spatial dependency across counties

Modeling economic impacts of transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania considering spatial dependency across counties

Economic and environmental aspects of the transportation sector

The article explains the factors taken into account when creating transport infrastructure. It discusses multi-stage investments in the transport sector and the method for calculating operating costs that change over the years. In addition, global sales of electric vehicles, a study by American scientists on electric vehicle sales, the global impact of air pollution caused by the transport sector on health, and the UN Climate Change Conference or COP29, which will be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan are discussed. The article provides effective proposals for the formation of economically, environmentally and socially responsible consciousness among people.

The role of wildfires and forest harvesting on geohazards and channel instability during the November 2021 atmospheric river in southwestern British Columbia, Canada

AbstractSediment mobilized to rivers during extreme flood events can influence channel stability and cause significant morphological changes. A prolonged and intense atmospheric river (AR) struck southwestern British Columbia, Canada in November 2021, leading to extreme flooding and landsliding over approximately 70 000 km2 of mountainous areas. Entire communities within the region were evacuated, and the transportation infrastructure connecting them was severely damaged. The locations of 1300+ geohazards (e.g., debris flows, debris flood, debris slides, shallow landslides and bank erosion) were mapped from helicopter, ground observations, orthoimagery, site photos and social media posts alongside rivers and large gravel‐bed streams that experienced lateral instability. Morphological changes in two of these gravel‐bed rivers were examined in more detail by comparing pre‐event and post‐event lidar data using three‐dimensional point‐based normal differencing. We found that geohazards occurred more frequently in burned areas and along forest harvesting resource roads, providing point sources of sediment that entered mainstem rivers. The geohazard mapping and lidar change detection revealed that bank erosion and lateral instability often occurred downstream of these mapped sediment sources. As the frequency of wildfires and extreme meteorological events is predicted to increase with continued climate change, future risk assessments in communities should consider sediment sources that can be mobilized by these events and the resulting downstream morphological impacts.

The influence mechanisms of transport infrastructure on China’s domestic trade: Evidence from trade weight data

The influence mechanisms of transport infrastructure on China’s domestic trade: Evidence from trade weight data

Soil environmental monitoring of repurposed railway line operated for 75 years: case study in Northeast Poland

This study examines the environmental implications of repurposing former railway infrastructure into bicycle paths in northeastern Poland. While lauding the commendable initiative for offering eco-friendly transportation alternatives, the investigation emphasises the potential environmental and consequences linked to contaminated soils resulting from the former railway line, posing risks for both users and the environment. Topsoil samples (0-25cm) were collected from eight measurement points along the Szczytno - Biskupiec Reszelski railway line (Poland), at varying distances from the railway tracks (5-30m). Concentrations of specific Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs), notably Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cd, were analysed in 48 topsoil samples. Furthermore, the soil contamination was assessed by contamination indices, single (Igeo, PI) and integrated (RI, (IPln, MERMQ). The study revealed variations in PTE concentrations, with the highest levels recorded at the fourth and seventh sampling sites (4:34.2-57.5mg/kg; 7:18.2-42.3mg/kg). These findings were consistently supported by the MERMQ and RI indices, emphasising the significant risks for the environment and increased soil toxicity. In light of the EU's proposed Soil Monitoring Law, the research emphasises the need for robust data collection, analysis, and contamination monitoring practices to facilitate informed decision-making and sustainable environmental management in repurposed transportation infrastructure.

Application of dynamic vibration dampers for vibration protection of bridge structures

Introduction. The increase in traffic intensity and the prospects for the development of high-speed railway transport require solving the problem of the effectiveness of vibration protection of transport infrastructure facilities by developing innovative solutions. Currently, the issues of combating vibration in relation to the span structures of bridges and overpasses are insufficiently studied. The purpose of the work is to study the promising directions of vibration protection of bridge structures based on the use of dynamic vibration dampers.Research methodology. To achieve the goal of research and implementation of effective technical solutions in the field of vibration protection of bridge structuresimproved design of dynamic vibration damper is proposed in which inertial mass is fixed on two springs, upper of which is connected to structure protected from vibration, and lower spring to base or foundation of object. Oscillations are damped due to oscillations in antiphase due to free and forced oscillations of auxiliary inertial masses protected from vibrations. This technical solution makes it possible to balance forces of elastic interaction of damping device and object protected against vibration and moments from these forces.Results. As a result of experimental studies of the prototype of the improved dynamic vibration damper installed on the vibration stand, it was found that the vibration levels in all directions significantly decreased, including in the vertical direction by 5.7 times.Discussion and conclusion. The obtained positive results of experiments and the relative simplicity of the proposed design make it possible to propose this method of vibration protection of superstructures for both newly designed and already in operation facilities. It is especially important to minimize the possibility of resonant phenomena and pitching. The results of the study will make it possible in the future to ensure the effectiveness of vibration protection of oscillating machines, mechanisms and infrastructure facilities.

Tourism Potential and Assessment of the Mount Bazarduzu

Mountain tourism, one of the main tourism resources in the world, is developing rapidly. Despite the presence of many mountains worthy of evaluation in this field, the tourism sector is underdeveloped. Mount Bazarduzu, especially known for its 4466 meters high and outstanding appearance, is among the mountains with significant tourism potential in our country. However, despite this potential of Mount Bazarduzu, its underutilization is due to certain obstacles. When examining the reasons why the tourism potential of Mount Bazarduzu is not fully utilized, we encounter problems such as bureaucratic obstacles, insufficient promotion, lack of qualified personnel in this sector, lack of recognition as a destination, inadequate local and regional transportation infrastructure, lack of museums, limited accommodation options and lack of government incentives for tourism professionals. In addition, the lack of a comprehensive and unified marketing strategy, weak interest of the local population in tourism and insufficient promotion of the tourist resources of Mount Bazarduzu and its surroundings in the international tourism arena are serious problems. The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the tourist potential and possibilities of using the mountainous areas of our country, especially Mount Bazarduzu, in the context of geography and tourism, identify existing problems, prepare proposals for their solution and raise awareness on this topic.

Assessment and economic regulation of transport infrastructures in the case of PPP and PFI

Assessment and economic regulation of transport infrastructures in the case of PPP and PFI

Drivers and barriers to the choice of production systems among smallholder pig farmers: Evidence from Northern Uganda.

Pork consumption has risen significantly in many emerging nations, prompting diverse pig production systems. This study explored the drivers and barriers to the choices of pig production systems and the challenges confronting pig farmers in Northern Uganda. Data were collected from 240 pig farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using multinomial logit regression. Results revealed that 38.8% of the pig farmers practiced the farrow-to-weaner (breeding) production system. Further, years of farming experience, access to extension service, number of initial stocks, and gender significantly influenced the choice of the farrow to finish production system. Significant predictors for the weaner-to-slaughter (fattening) system were market proximity, years of farming experience, household size, number of initial stocks, and access to extension service. It is recommended that extension services be enhanced and tailored to specific production systems, with a focus on breeding management, feeding practices, and marketing strategies to better support pig farmers. Further, investments should be made in transportation infrastructure to facilitate direct farm-to-market linkages for pig farmers.

Concession of transport infrastructure: the Brazilian case

Concession of transport infrastructure: the Brazilian case

Dual‐Layer Dynamic Optimization Model for Carbon‐Conscious Transport Mode Allocation

Within the framework of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, numerous cities have articulated visions and objectives for optimizing the travel structure of transport to further urban sustainable development goals. A critical challenge lies in minimizing CO2 emissions from road networks while meeting diverse transport demands. However, at present the mode shares are set arbitrarily and may not be realistically achievable. When government officials establish travel structure targets, they may not adequately consider the intricate balance between residents’ travel demands and low‐carbon development objectives. To address this issue, this paper presents a dual‐layer optimal allocation model for transport modes, which simultaneously addresses travel demand management and carbon emission control. The upper‐layer model evaluates carbon emissions with the help of speed‐dependent emission factors for various transport modes, and the lower‐layer model leverages the logit Stochastic User Equilibrium (logitSUE) model to yield the velocities of road segments under a diverse array of travel structures. A sophisticated fusion algorithm, integrating the Dial_MSA algorithm with a genetic algorithm (GA), is developed to solve the model. The proposed model and algorithm are tested on a large‐scale real network and show its robustness and scalability. The optimal travel structure derived from this study can provide a theoretical foundation and empirical support for policymakers and urban planners in setting transport infrastructure goals and strategies.

3-D Visualization of New Hybrid-Rotational Ground-Penetrating Radar for Subsurface Inspection of Transport Infrastructure

3-D Visualization of New Hybrid-Rotational Ground-Penetrating Radar for Subsurface Inspection of Transport Infrastructure

Transportation Infrastructure Impacts Calculator (TIIC): An Infrastructure Assessment Tool

Transportation Infrastructure Impacts Calculator (TIIC): An Infrastructure Assessment Tool

"Transport Axes and Corridors in Romania - Policy Issues and Opportunity for Territorial Development "

Without strong cities and efficient transport infrastructure, countries cannot benefit from developed regions and robust economies. The slow development of the road transport infrastructure (46 km/year) hampers the development of Romanian cities, especially those connecting peripheral areas, which are affected by population decline and stagnant growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that transport axes/corridors policy and other relevant planning policies could have on the national territory in terms of stimulating regional growth and reducing spatial disparities. To achieve this, the research consisted in analysing a set of economic and social indicators for all 41 county capital cities in Romania and the capital city Bucharest, as well as traffic data for the national road network. Results showed that economic indicators such as entrepreneurial density and firm turnover have higher values in main urban centres, where infrastructure supports the location of businesses and attract investors that generate economic growth, whereas cities with low accessibility to high quality transport infrastructure have fewer opportunities to grow, evidence that the transport axes/corridors policy could be a relevant territorial planning instrument. Moreover, the findings of this research revealed the incipient stage of integration of development axes policy in Romania due to the fragmented administrative and planning capacity of governmental stakeholders. It is recommended to prioritize multi-level governance reforms to strengthen strategic planning and administrative capacity with a focus not only to connect major cities but also the secondary nodes and peripheral regions, thus promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

모빌리티와 공간층화 - 서울 지하철 개발을 통해 본 지하공간의 정치

The emergence of diverse architectural techniques has facilitated vertical urbanization, wherein the spatial hierarchy of upper and lower levels, in conjunction with societal class structures, has significantly influenced urban space reorganization. However, this vertical urbanism has been limited in its ability to transcend existing dichotomies, such as horizontal-vertical and upper-lower relationships. Moreover, it has not fully illuminated the logic underlying the interconnectedness of ground, surface, and underground spaces. This study examines the dynamics of cities by integrating urban verticality with mobility as a fundamental operational principle. The research demonstrates how the emergence of mobility has catalyzed a process of spatial stratification, whereby cities have evolved into configurations that accommodate movement both below and above ground to meet human mobility requirements. To achieve this objective, the case analysis focuses on various opinions for developing a spatially stratified subway system and the mobility patterns facilitated by such stratified space. Specifically, this study examines Seoul's subway development proposals from the 1920s through the diversification and concretization of transit lines in the 1960s and early 1970s. Through an exploration of urban actors and their spatial and temporal contexts, this research aims to identify how transport infrastructure, as stratified space, constitutes mobility within the city.

Carbon footprinting of railway infrastructure: a standardized, consistent data collection method

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport industry, comprised almost entirely of CO2, account for around 23% of global emissions. Reducing these emissions is crucial, if countries are to meet their carbon reduction targets. Given that net zero carbon emissions are beginning to be enacted into various countries’ laws, transport infrastructure owners now have time bound targets to meet. The accurate measurement of carbon currently expended by transport infrastructure is the first, and most critical, step of infrastructure owners’ journey towards carbon reduction, as this Business as Usual carbon expenditure will form the basis for both carbon reduction measures and expansion of carbon measurement from limited embodied and construction scopes though to whole life cycle carbon assessment. This article provides an overview of a transferable method for calculating the carbon footprint of railway infrastructure assets, based on a novel carbon calculation data form. Use of this form will ensure a standardized and consistent approach in data collection methods, enabling the creation of carbon footprints for small scale case studies of individual railway earthworks (around 100 m linear length) with a specific focus on the construction life cycle stages. These stages form the basis for future expansions to the whole life cycle and therefore accuracy in carbon footprinting is vital. These figures can also be used for aggregation across multiple interventions, and again accurate data are required to ensure inaccuracies are not amplified.

Grand Paris, une histoire de gares en lien avec les grands événements, des Expositions Universelles aux Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques

This article aims to show the links between the construction of stations and major events in the Paris metropolis, through the example of three stations now located in the Grand Paris, which allow parallels between the construction of transport infrastructure for the Universal Exhibitions, the 1924 Olympic Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games that took place 100 years later. On the one hand, we will see how these major events make it possible to rethink mobility in the Grand Paris, and on the other hand, to what extent a station built for the 1878 Universal Exhibition, the one in Colombes which was used for the 1924 Olympic Games or the one in Saint-Denis Pleyel, located near the Athletes’ Village and other infrastructures that are used for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, contribute to the transformation of the territories where they are located and find their place in the reconfiguration brought about by the construction of the new Grand Paris Express metropolitan transport network. We will see to what extent the undertaken projects concern broader urban developments, generate programmatic reflections and promise ambitious architectural approaches, which also reflect political visions. The construction of the new Saint-Denis Pleyel transport hub, presented as capable to transform the territory of Plaine Commune where the youngest and most precarious population of the Ile-de-France currently lives, has required complex engineering structures, generated the construction of new parts of the city (which require enormous financial investments) and has undergone developments that could make the Pleyel district a desirable place in the Grand Paris.

The correspondence between urban transformation and sustainable urban mobility planning indicators in Nasr City District over five consecutive political eras (1956–2024)

ABSTRACT Urban Transformation has become a phenomenon in Egypt. With rapid changes within the Egyptian society, politics, and governance over the decades, skylines and images of its cities become more noticeable. This directly affected transportation infrastructure, modes, networks and urban mobility patterns, with most changes taking place in the urban areas of the Greater Cairo Region (GCR). While Egypt signed the New Urban Agenda in 2016, which aligns the process of urban development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there might be stark controversies with the actual implementation on the ground concerning achieving sustainable urban mobility. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between traditional transportation planning interventions and the Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) indicators. A qualitative method was adopted, based on a longitudinal study on the macro and micro scales to assess Nasr City district’s urban transformation in terms of urban mobility and land use over five consecutive political eras (1956-2024). The physical transformation of the road cross-section and transportation modes of Mostafa AL Nahas Road, a main artery in NC district presented a deeper insight into the urban mobility planning interventions in NC. Furthermore, a matrix was designed to evaluate the correlation between the mobility interventions in NC and the sustainable Mobility indicators. The research reached the main conclusion that while mobility measures solely focused on easing the traffic flow and resolving congestion, urban transformation of the NC district has and will continuously witness the struggle between following SUMP and non-sustainable mobility interventions.

Study on the Effect of Multi-Row Pile Geometric Parameters on the Effective Isolation Zone

Ground vibration negatively affects both residents’ health and the operation of sensitive equipment, particularly in areas adjacent to transport infrastructure. Currently, multiple-row piles are commonly employed for vibration isolation; however, there is limited research on their vibration isolation zone (VIZ). This paper conducted field tests to examine the relationship between the geometric configuration of piles, such as pile length, spacing, row distance, arrangement, and number, and the VIZ. Using two-dimensional contours of the amplitude reduction ratio ( Ar), this paper defines the effective vibration isolation zone (EVIZ) as an area where Ar ≤0.45. The findings indicate that the EVIZ increases with longer pile lengths and more rows, but decreases with wider pile spacing and greater row distances. Moreover, diamond layouts are found to be more effective than rectangular layouts in expanding the EVIZ. Recommendations include maintaining a pile length to Rayleigh wavelength ratio between 0.58 and 0.87, and ensuring pile spacing and row distances are less than 0.12 and 0.11 times the Rayleigh wavelength. This research offers valuable insights for designing multiple-row pile systems.

TOWARDS AN AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY: INSIGHTS FROM CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Lifelong learning is essential for enhancing older adults’ self-esteem and social connections and expanding their capabilities. Including older adults on university campuses fosters intergenerational learning, where younger students benefit from their experiences and mentorship. This project addresses the growing emphasis on creating age-friendly universities by improving inclusiveness, diversity and equity at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus. The study, conducted in June and July 2024, engaged 25 community-dwelling older adults from diverse backgrounds—including Indigenous groups, multi-ethnic groups and people of color, LGBTQIA2+, and individuals with various physical and mental capacities—in audit walks with younger students across the campus. These walks assessed features related to “age-friendliness.” Group conversations before and after the walks provided valuable insights into participants’ perceptions of age-friendliness and feedback on current age-friendly university principles. Findings revealed a strong interest among older adults in continued learning, research collaboration, and mentorship opportunities. However, significant barriers were also identified regarding campus navigation, course registration, affordability, and communication. Additional concerns included safety issues, more accessible features, and improved transportation infrastructure. Participants also highlighted the importance of cultural inclusivity, such as multilingual resources and diverse art representations. This study not only reaffirms established age-friendly principles but also underscores the need to address environmental safety and accessibility from the perspectives of older adults. It advocates for a collaborative approach to developing an age-friendly university campus that effectively meets the needs of all its members, ensuring an inclusive environment for learners of all ages.