Linear Infrastructure Research Articles

Designing a Distributed Sensing Network for Structural Health Monitoring of Concrete Tunnels: A Case Study

Structural health monitoring is essential for the lifecycle maintenance of tunnel infrastructure. Distributed fiber‐optic sensor (DFOS) technology, which is capable of distributed strain measurement and long‐range sensing, is an ideal nondestructive testing (NDT) approach for monitoring linear infrastructures. This research aims to develop a distributed sensing network utilizing DFOS for structural integrity assessment of concrete immersed tunnels. The primary innovations of this study lie in the development of a general flowchart for establishing a sensing network and obtaining reliable field data, as well as its subsequent validation through a detailed case study. Concentrated joint deformations in typical immersed tunnels, detectable by the DFOS, are key indicators of structural integrity. This study addresses crucial elements of field monitoring system design, including the selection of appropriate optical fibers or cables and the determination of vital interrogator system parameters. It also covers sensor parameter determination, installation techniques, field data collection, and postanalysis. Furthermore, this research is exemplified by a case study that illustrates the successful implementation of a distributed sensing network in an operational immersed tunnel, and monitoring data reveals cyclic structural deformations under impacts of daily tide and seasonal temperature variations. The data obtained from this network play a significant role in subsequent condition assessments of tunnel structures. The research findings contribute to the assessment of large‐scale infrastructure health conditions through the application of DFOS monitoring.

Investigation of Wildlife Crossing Structures in South Korea

Roads, railways and infrastructure are constructed with consideration of their environmental impacts, especially habitat fragmentation. Wildlife crossing structures increase the permeability of roads and other linear infrastructures for wildlife by allowing animals to safely cross under or over roads and by reducing the risk of wildlife-vehicle collosions. We investigated the location and type of 564 wildlife crossing structures in South Korea. Between April and October 2023, we identified 365 overpasses and 199 underpasses of wildlife crossing structures respectively. Gyeonggi-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do had the largest number of wildlife crossing structures. This study can provide basic information for the effective management of wildlife crossing structures.

The road to success and the fences to be crossed: considering multiple infrastructure in landscape connectivity modelling

Linear infrastructure represent a barrier to movement for many species, reducing the connectivity of the landscapes in which they reside. Of all linear infrastructure, roads and fences are two of the most ubiquitous, and are understood to reduce landscape connectivity for wildlife. However, what is often neglected consideration is a holistic approach of modelling the effects of multiple types of linear infrastructure simultaneously. Few studies have examined this, typically assessing the impacts of a singular kind of infrastructure on landscape connectivity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address the relative importance of considering multiple kinds of linear infrastructure in landscape connectivity modelling. We utilised presence data of red deer Cervus elaphus and wild boar Sus scrofa in Doñana Biosphere Reserve (Spain) to generate a sequential approach of scenarios of landscape connectivity; firstly only with environmental variables, secondly with roads as the sole infrastructure, thirdly with the addition of fences, and finally with the further addition of fences and wildlife road‐crossing structures. We found that the connectivity of the landscape was greatly affected by the addition of fences and wildlife road‐crossing structures in both species, with fences in particular causing considerable alterations to estimated movement pathways. Our finding impresses a need to consider multiple different types of linear infrastructure when modelling landscape connectivity to enable a more realistic view of wildlife movement and inform mitigation and conservation measures more accurately.

An Integration of Business Processes and Information Management for Improving the Efficiency and Reliability of Infrastructure

The construction industry has increasingly adopted digital construction processes and technologies, fueled in part by governmental mandates aimed at modernizing construction workflows. While these advancements promise efficiency across different phases of a project, the efficacy of the digitally generated information often remains contingent on its alignment with the specific information exchange requirements of individual organizations. Current efforts to establish interoperable data schemas have made strides, yet challenges persist, particularly when tailoring information to meet the unique needs of organizations responsible for the operation and management of built assets. This paper dissects the outcomes of standard digital construction processes applied to a linear infrastructure project, highlighting observed shortcomings such as information overload and the difficulty of adapting the information for asset management needs. Building upon these findings, this paper introduces a framework aimed at streamlining the production of essential project information. This framework was developed through a series of expert workshops and subsequently tested on a separate infrastructure project, offering insights into its potential benefits and limitations.

Raptors and linear infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, India: species composition and conservation concern

Abstract We investigated the species diversity of diurnal raptors along the selected linear infrastructure projects in northern Chhattisgarh, India, between December 2020 and September 2022. The study identified a total of 14 raptor species, consisting of 11 species in Accipitridae, two in Falconidae, and one in Pandionidae families. Two species were under threatened category of the IUCN red list, the Vulnerable Indian Spotted Eagle (Clanga hastata) and the Near Threatened Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). Linear infrastructure development, such as roads, railways, pipelines, canals, and power lines, is expanding rapidly, causing the degradation and fragmentation of habitats, and leading to the loss of biodiversity. Unfortunately, the impacts of linear infrastructure on bird populations in India have not been adequately studied, resulting in limited understanding and few measures to mitigate these impacts. This study specifically focuses on the status of raptors along selected linear infrastructure intrusions and provides baseline information that can help in understanding their conservation needs. The findings of this study underline the necessity of implementing appropriate measures to mitigate the negative effects of linear infrastructure development in India.

The Contribution of Digital Image Correlation for the Knowledge, Control and Emergency Monitoring of Earth Flows

Earth flows are complex geological processes that, when interacting with linear infrastructures, have the potential to cause significant damage. Consequently, conducting comprehensive investigations and continuous monitoring are becoming paramount in designing effective mitigation measures and ensuring sustainable risk management practices. The use of digital image correlation (DIC) algorithms for the displacement monitoring of earth flows is a relatively new and growing field with a limited number of dedicated works in the literature. Within this framework, the present paper contributes by evaluating DIC techniques at several earth flow sites. These assessments were founded upon data obtained from both low-cost and multi-platform sensors, used to assess the displacement field, pinpointing the most active sectors, and gauging their rates of movement during different kinematic phases. In this regard, the highest localized movement velocities reached in the Pietrafitta (0.01 m/day) and Grillo (0.63 m/day) earth flows experience different ongoing kinematic processes. The versatility of these techniques is notable, manifesting in the ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various platforms. The proven reliability in terms of maximum accuracy (1 pixel) and sensitivity (0.05 m) lays the foundation for the extensive use of the presented techniques. The amalgamation of these attributes positions DIC techniques as competitive, adaptable, and readily deployable tools in earth flow studies.

Prediction of areas with high risk of roadkill wildlife applying maximum entropy approach and environmental features: East Antioquia, Colombia

Linear infrastructures such as roads are known to cause adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystems. Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) are considered to be one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. Several studies have demonstrated that WVC occurs on Colombian roads. However, studies have focused on a body count, the most affected species, and places with high mortality rates. We aim to propose a methodology for predicting WVC risk in the east of Antioquia, Colombia employing a machine learning approach to identify road segments with a high risk of WVC. Additionally, we present a novel validation technique for the "MaxEnt" approach. During this investigation, 499 reports were collected through road surveys between 2015 and 2016. We identified 160 road segments with high mortality rates with a 2D Hotspots analysis. 15 environmental descriptors were collected for each road segment. Validation of the predictive capabilities of the algorithm was performed using the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). The model achieved a good predictive ability (AUC>0.77). The response curves evidenced that features like distance to forest, land cover, resistance, and land use increase the probability of WVC, specifically, collision risk was higher in zones with high resistance values, crops, and pastures. This methodology has the potential to become an important tool for the prioritization of resources to mitigate WVC.

Investigating the behavior of an expansive soil slope in critical linear infrastructure in China using multi-temporal InSAR

Investigating the behavior of an expansive soil slope in critical linear infrastructure in China using multi-temporal InSAR

Development of a risk mapping along a railway

The Ramal Trem Turístico (RTT), a 17 km long railway between Ouro Preto and Mariana, a centenary line, currently in operation as a tourist attraction with historical importance. The railroad was built along a steep region, with hundreds of slopes, and eventually slope instabilities compromised the tour. In linear infrastructure projects, a risk assessment is an important tool for risk management, mapping it is the first step. After slope instabilities in 2019, a risk map was elaborated early 2021 for RTT. Risk is obtained by multiplying the probability of a certain event to occur by its consequences. Define its value in a quantitative way demands geotechnical investigation, for precise failure probability. Regardless of its importance, its determination needs high resources, specially for linear infrastructure in a region with heterogeneous geology and pedology. Therefore, for the risk mapping of the RTT, a semi-empirical methodology was adopted, based on the Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS), originally developed for rocky slopes, and adapted for the registration of slopes in soil and in landfill. The aim of the method is to register a series of slope characteristics to be assigned a specific score, framing the slopes within pre-defined risk classes. This methodology was applied to this 17 km railway and identified 286 slopes. In January 2022 extreme rainfall triggered slopes instabilities at RTT. A critical analysis of this event shows a satisfactory result for the applied methodology. Risk mapping is an important tool for risk management, helping to prioritize investments in mitigation measures.

Recommendations for the establishment of a trans-island canopy bridge network to support primate movement across Langkawi Island, Malaysia

AbstractThe expansion of transportation and service corridors has numerous, well-documented adverse effects on wildlife. However, little research on this topic has been translated into mitigating the effects of habitat fragmentation caused by road development on primates. The establishment of canopy bridges has proven to be an effective conservation intervention. Of the completed primate canopy bridge projects reported in the literature, to our knowledge, all attempt to mitigate the impacts caused by singular, linear infrastructure routes. Here we provide recommendations for the establishment of a network of natural and artificial canopy bridges over roads throughout Langkawi Island, Malaysia, to reduce rates of roadkill and support the movement of primates and other arboreal animals across the island by identifying suitable sites and appropriate tree species to be planted (including Ficus racemosa and Ficus fistulosa), bridge materials and post-installation monitoring. The establishment of this pioneering trans-island canopy bridge network could function as a model to enhance connectivity for arboreal animals in other important wildlife habitat sites in Malaysia and beyond that are affected by fragmentation from linear infrastructure. We have begun discussions with relevant authorities, partners and other pertinent parties, focusing on the initiation of construction of the canopy bridge network in 2024.

Why the riverside is an attractive urban corridor for bicycle transport and recreation

The extension of the cycling network is a challenge in view of the dense development of modern cities. Therefore, green-blue corridors are increasingly being used for this type of linear infrastructure. Particularly visible in recent years is the trend of developing urban riverbanks and transforming them into high-class cycle highways. The aim of the paper is to verify which of the features attributed to riverside cycle paths are of greatest importance for their users. The survey conducted for the study [N = 866] used the example of the ‘Nacyna Riverside Route’ in Rybnik, Poland, which, once completed, is expected to become a long traffic-free pedestrian and cycle route connecting the city centre with residential, industrial, and recreational districts. The results were analysed using statistical description in terms of gender, age, and purpose of route use. The article provides information on the natural, locational, and constructional factors that have the strongest impact on the success of a route. It has been shown that the route's location away from traffic and the natural character of its surroundings are of greatest importance. This study expands the existing knowledge base concerning routes most frequently chosen by cyclists as it identifies the factors which determine their popularity.

Assessing the extent and impacts of linear infrastructure on Sri Lanka's natural and protected areas: Implications for future development planning.

Linear infrastructure (LI) has varying effects on landscapes depending on different ecosystems' sensitivity and threat levels. Economically developing tropical countries are particularly at risk from LI. Therefore, understanding a country's current LI network and planning future developments to avoid further fragmentation and disturbance is crucial. This study aimed to assess the extent of Sri Lanka's LI network (i.e., roads, railroads, and powerlines), given that it is both a biodiversity hotspot and an economically developing country in the tropics. First, we calculated the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) indices and examined their spatial autocorrelation per divisional secretariat division. Then a multivariate cluster analysis was used to determine clusters of natural and protected areas that may receive similar impacts from different LI and their combinations. Results indicated that roads are the most widespread LI type in Sri Lanka, followed by powerlines and railroads. Over 80% of Sri Lanka's total land area falls within 1 km of either a national or a provincial/local road. Areas with high NDVI were primarily manmade habitats, with less than 20% contribution from protected areas. Over 50% of the total protected area of Sri Lanka is being impacted by all three types of LI. Powerlines were the most common LI type in protected areas in proportion to their total network lengths. To minimize environmental impact while achieving development goals, future LI development activities should use a landscape approach to identify development needs and strategies informed by these findings.

Ultra-lightweight anthropomorphic dual-arm rolling robot for dexterous manipulation tasks on linear infrastructures: A self-stabilizing system

Ultra-lightweight anthropomorphic dual-arm rolling robot for dexterous manipulation tasks on linear infrastructures: A self-stabilizing system

Livestock demarcating livestock routes: a methodological proposal for enhancing transparency and legality in land management and linear infrastructure development

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a comprehensive methodology for demarcating livestock routes to enhance transparency and legality in land management and linear infrastructure development. The lack of demarcation of these routes can lead to conflicts between individuals and the public domain, hindering plans proposed by the administrations. The University of Huelva has developed a methodology that includes specific phases, such as the interpretation of sketches, investigation of documentary collections, and topographic survey, leading to the generation of demarcation plans for livestock tracks. The use of new geographic information technologies allows for a digital representation of these routes, enabling their cataloging for better conservation and use. The innovative use of historical cartography and the latest in information and communication technologies not only allows for the exact demarcation of livestock routes but also provides a glimpse into their past and enables their protection and promotion as cultural and landscape assets. The demarcation of livestock routes can contribute to the development of linear infrastructure and land management programs, benefiting the environment and socioeconomic development.

Комплексное управление лесной растительностью: этапы и перспективы развития

When enterprises of the timber industry complex form protective forest plantations along linear infrastructure facilities, the problem of subsequent spontaneous reproduction of tree and shrub vegetation arises, which leads to disorder in the territories of the above facilities and creates a threat to the safety of their operation. In many foreign countries, work to maintain the territories of linear infrastructure facilities in a standard state is carried out in strict accordance with certain methods of conceptual management of vegetation growth. At the same time, such management methods are practically unknown both to the domestic scientific community dealing with the issues of protective afforestation, and to those who make decisions on the need to influence unwanted trees and shrubs. The purpose of the study was to study and analyze systemic methods for managing unwanted tree and shrub vegetation growing on the territories of linear infrastructure facilities in order to improve the quality and efficiency of its removal, as well as to make recommendations for the proper maintenance of these territories. Cluster analysis of world research trends in forest vegetation management revealed 3 major areas associated with: a decrease or increase in species richness and diversity of vegetation, as well as the inadmissibility of its subsequent renewal; methods and means of influencing vegetation, including the benefits of vegetation management; ecological and aesthetic consequences of vegetation management, as well as public perception of the results of such management. The established principles for the application of the integrated vegetation management system (Integrated Vegetation Management: IVM), which is widespread in the world, are necessarily taken into account by organizations responsible for managing various protected zones and right-of-way. The most convenient for characterizing a selective approach to the management of unwanted vegetation growing in the territories of linear infrastructure facilities is the phrase «Integrated forest vegetation management». As the basic structure of the IVM system, the model proposed in 2005 by Nowak and Ballard is used, which provides for the implementation of a complete systems approach when influencing vegetation. It is inappropriate to combine in one step (the critical phase of this model) the monitoring of the potential effect of the impact on unwanted vegetation and the assessment of this impact. With further improvement of the IVM system, it is necessary to create a set of clearly defined and at the same time measurable indicators that fully reflect the achieved (or not achieved) effect from the impact on unwanted vegetation. It is shown that in order to introduce protective afforestation into domestic practice, IVM systems should not be a separate vegetation management tool, but a combination of management approaches, including not only the assessment of a plot of a linear infrastructure facility, but also subsequent control and determination of the quality of the normative maintenance of this plot.

Linear infrastructure assets as a territorial system for flood disturbances control

Flooding is a cyclical environmental disturbance with implications on ecosystems structure and physical environment (White and Pickett, 1985). Risk management is an increasingly pressing issue within spatial planning that is perhaps the most effective approach to preventing the increase in flood risk through active controls on territorial transformations (Sayers et al., 2013; Meng et al., 2020). At the same time, the development of linear infrastructures is essential to ensure adequate accessibility to services, goods and facilities (Srinivasu and Rao, 2013). Since infrastructure works are territorial-scale interventions with a considerable potential on shaping spatial forms (Strang, 1996) and on directing environmental processes, including alterations on surface hydrology (Raiter et al., 2018) the integrated exploitation of these two implications would allow a widespread territorial intervention able to implement resilience against flood. As linear infrastructures developments are complex works in complex environments (Di Giulio, Emanueli, Lobosco, 2018) there is considerable uncertainty about timing and economic feasibility that arise from the management of public/private interests, the multiplicity of issues involved and the management of huge financial budgets. The aim of this contribution is to discern the limitations and potentials of a multidisciplinary strategy by following a 'research-by-design' approach for the development of a rail transport infrastructure in the Lezhë district in Albania with a specific focus on the integration of flood risk reduction design within infrastructure track layout planning. Through a radical rethinking of territories, this work increases territorial resilience and propose new hybrid ecosystems, making them simultaneously devoted both to functionalist engineering and ecological renovation.

Ecological connectivity in environmental impact assessments: modelling alternative highway bypass scenarios

ABSTRACT Road building is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity globally. This study addressed common challenges for spatially explicit ecological assessments of linear infrastructure EIAs, by first providing an overview of existing approaches and then applying a connectivity model with scenario analysis of alternative road alignments for a road bypass in Beaufort, Australia. The application included an expert-based connectivity model using a combination of least-cost paths, circuit theory, and graph theory to model five conservation targets (four species and one group) with different dispersal abilities and habitat requirements. For each of these targets, we modelled four different road alignments, then assessed mitigation options for the least impactful alignment. The results showed that each target species was dissimilarly impacted, with longer dispersers affected the most. The modelling clearly identified a single alignment with the least overall impact on connectivity and showed how wildlife crossing structures can mitigate impacts through improving overall connectivity for all target species. This real-world case-study demonstrated the potential to apply a transparent and quantitative approach to mainstreaming ecological connectivity modelling in EIAs.

Collocating pipelines to minimize fragmentation: evaluating ecological costs of a shale gas mitigation practice

AbstractShale gas development occurs in forests of the Appalachian Basin within breeding habitat for forest songbirds. Development requires linear infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, gas access roads) that fragments habitat and reduces core forest. Collocation is a mitigation practice that sites new pipelines adjacent to existing surface disturbance such as forest roads; it reduces core forest loss but may have associated ecological costs, defined as negative effects on native species and ecosystems. We conducted a paired sampling design between forest roads and collocated pipelines (expanded gas access roads collocated with pipelines) to evaluate ecological costs to forest songbirds in 2013 in Pennsylvania, USA. We surveyed 4 focal songbird species: 3 territorial species that varied in habitat requirements and the non‐territorial brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), an obligate brood parasite. We used spot mapping to survey focal species within linear corridors and the adjacent mature forest. Territory density of forest interior ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) was significantly lower on collocated pipelines (5.1 fewer territories per 10 ha) compared to forest road sites. We found no effect of collocation on territory density for the early successional species, eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) and chestnut‐sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica). Territories of all 3 territorial focal species crossed collocated pipeline sites less frequently than forest roads (ovenbird: 16%, eastern towhee: 14%, chestnut‐sided warbler: 31%) and the barrier effect increased with increasing corridor width. In contrast, brown‐headed cowbird abundance was 15 times greater at collocated pipelines compared to forest roads, suggesting that wider gas corridors provide enhanced access routes for cowbirds. Our study indicates the expansion of forest roads to collocated pipelines exacerbates the negative ecological effects already present with the existing road including increased edge avoidance by a forest interior species, greater barrier effects for all 3 territorial forest songbirds, and increased access for brown‐headed cowbirds into core forest. We support collocation as a mitigation strategy but emphasize restricting overall corridor width to reduce the additional ecological costs associated with this practice.

Experimental study on the influence of embankment slope direction on near-surface thermal conditions in permafrost region, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Heterogeneous ground thermal conditions caused by slope orientation are significant in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau because of the high altitude and strong solar radiation. Variation in solar radiation may result in contrasting thermal and upper boundary conditions, causing engineering problems at infrastructure with sloped embankments. Quantitative research on conditions on different man-made slopes is insufficient in permafrost regions, and consequently, planning for long-term effects on linear infrastructure is challenging. Net radiation, heat flux, near-surface temperature, soil moisture content, were recorded for one whole year (2021) at a field platform with eight slopes. Slope orientation affected net radiation (Rn) and ground heat flux (G), resulting in different energy balances between slopes. The north facing slope had a lowest Rn (174 W m-2), while the south slope had a maximum (239.8 W m-2). The north slope had a negative annual heat flux (-0.7 W m-2), while a maximum positive flux (1.5 W m-2) was recorded on the southeast slope. The annual mean surface temperature (Ts) was highest on the south slope and lowest on the north slope. The maximum difference of ground temperatures (within 30 cm depth) (Tg), was close to differences in Ts of over 4 °C. The maximum difference in soil moisture content during the thawing season (May–October) was 11% between the W and E slopes. Due to the different ground temperatures and soil moisture conditions, the annual number of freeze-thaw cycles was variable, and the maximum freeze-thaw cycles were 106 times in south slope and the minimum were 18 times in west slope. Those different thermal conditions between different slope orientations were significant, and pertinent to planning and maintenance of infrastructure. The results provide accurate boundary conditions for modeling to support development of new infrastructure that have embankment slopes in any direction, and for ensuring the stability of existing structures on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The single robot line coverage problem: Theory, algorithms, and experiments

AbstractLine coverage is the task of servicing a given set of one‐dimensional features in an environment. It is important for the inspection of linear infrastructure such as road networks, power lines, and oil and gas pipelines. This paper addresses the single robot line coverage problem for aerial and ground robots by modeling it as an optimization problem on a graph. The problem belongs to the broad class of arc routing problems and is closely related to the rural postman problem (RPP) on asymmetric graphs. The paper presents an integer linear programming formulation with proofs of correctness. Using the minimum cost flow problem, we develop approximation algorithms with guarantees on the solution quality. These guarantees also improve the existing results for the asymmetric RPP. The main algorithm partitions the problem into three cases based on the structure of the required graph, that is, the graph induced by the features that require servicing. We evaluate our algorithms on road networks from the 50 most populous cities in the world, consisting of up to 730 road segments. The algorithms, augmented with improvement heuristics, run within 3 s and generate solutions that are within 10% of the optimum. We experimentally demonstrate our algorithms with commercial UAVs on the UNC Charlotte campus road network.