Road Development Research Articles

Investigating the role of geochemistry and geotechnical properties in landslide characterization and triggering mechanisms: A case study from Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

The 83.5 km Chukyatan-Kumrat Upper Dir road plays a crucial role in transportation and tourism in North Pakistan. Despite its significance, the area faces frequent landslides due to hydrometeorological hazards, posing a threat to its stability. This study conducts the first extensive investigation of landslide susceptibility in the region, considering geological features, geotechnical properties, and rock weathering. The road traverses diverse rock formations, including meta-volcanics, andesites, meta-rhyolites, ignimbrites, volcanic ash, granodiorites, and spotted slates, overlain by residual soils. The presence of the Dir fault has led to significant accumulations of loose, weathered rock debris (>100 m deep). Exposed slopes exhibit polygonal stress fractures, joints, and fissures with steep inclinations (>40°), further enhancing instability. Geotechnical analysis reveals a low internal friction angle (28.5°–31.9°) and cohesion (4.1–5.9 kPa) of slope materials, indicating poor shear resistance compared to stable slopes. The unconfined compressive strength of bedrock (10.7–41.5 MPa) ranges from weak to moderate-strong, emphasizing the contribution of weaker rock formations to instability. Acidic soil pH (3.1–4.2) and clay minerals support the prevalence of weathering conditions promoting landslides. Thin section analysis and X-ray diffraction reveal hydrothermal alteration during low-grade metamorphism, leading to the formation of chlorite, smectite, montmorillonite, and zeolites. Additionally, physical weathering has increased quartz content, potentially impacting slope stability. The combined effect of factors such as steep slope geometry, low shear strength with strain-softening properties, rainfall, snowmelt, freeze-thaw activity, slope base cutting for road development, and massive loading from houses contributes to numerous landslides in the region. The study aids effective mitigation and preparedness in the Chukyatan-Kumrat area and offers insights for landslide susceptibility mapping in similar geological settings.

Assessment of reliable wave climate at jetty on open coasts: role of 2D spatio-temporal spectrum

ABSTRACT The development of coastal roads and bridges is important to overcome traffic congestion in densely populated coastal cities like Mumbai. In the present study, the importance of assessment of wave conditions required for the extension of jetties to facilitate the transportation of bridge components to build the sea link bridge during non-monsoon season is envisaged so that zero downtime for operability at jetties is ascertained. Coupled hydrodynamic spectral wave model (Telemac-2D and TOMAWAC) used to hindcast waves reveals that the application of spatio-temporal varying 2D directional spectrum (from ERA-5) over the offshore boundary as a forcing function helps in propagation of realistic wave climate of Mahim Bay, Mumbai. Coupling of the TOMAWAC-ARTEMIS model is essential to obtain reliable wave conditions near the jetties (nearshore) for predominant directions. The study reveals that under existing conditions, downtime at proposed jetties will be for 30 days wherein Hs ≥ 0.3 m. As such to achieve zero downtime, the existing bund on the seaward side of jetties was extended optimally (70 m) so that smooth operability for the entire non-monsoon is achieved. Thus, application of spatio-temporal varying 2D spectrum in optimising the length of the guide bund has been found promising for speedy transportation of proposed bridge components. The study also reveals that there is an insignificant climatological impact on wave conditions.

Sustainability of Rural Road Development: A Case Study on Woro Village Kepohbaru District Bojonegoro Region

Road development has been a primary focus in efforts to enhance connectivity and mobility across various regions, especially in densely populated urban areas that often serve as economic hubs. While crucial for addressing mobility challenges in urban settings, it is essential to acknowledge that road development in rural areas also holds significant importance. This paper investigates the sustainability of rural road development through five dimensions of environmental, social, economic, institutional management, and law enforcement, a case study on Woro Village, Kepohbaru District, Bojonegoro Region. The quantitative research collected data through a questionnaire from 84 respondents who are members of the village community. The data analysis employed Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) using R-studio software. The result is indicated by the sustainability index of the environmental index of 83.93; the social index of 86.46; the economic index of 88.06; the institutional management index of 79.32 and the law enforcement index of 86.15. The research findings indicate rural road development has demonstrated good sustainability in various aspects, including environmental, social, economic, management institutions, and law enforcement. This confirms that efforts to build rural roads have provided sustainable and diverse positive impacts on local communities and the surrounding environment.

The Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Road Construction and Public Transport: A Review

The development and advantages of renewable energy technologies mean that their areas of application are constantly expanding. The development of roads, transport systems, and electromobility also increases the demand for electricity. Roads occupy a certain area that could be used to install wind turbines or photovoltaic systems that could be used to power, among others, electric vehicle charging stations and road technical infrastructure facilities (travel service areas, tunnel lighting, road signs). There are many examples around the world where such solutions have been used. This critical review of existing solutions and the possibilities of their application in new places may contribute to further development and research in this area. Particular attention was paid to the possibility of using renewable energy systems in Poland, which can be successfully transferred to other countries with a similar climate.

The effect of work motivation on employee performance with compensation as an intervening variable at PT Hutama Karya (Persero) Trans Toll Road Construction Division Sumatera in Cawang, East Jakarta

This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of work motivation on employee performance with compensation as an intervening variable at PT Hutama Karya (Persero) Trans Sumatra Toll Road Development Division in Cawang, East Jakarta. This research method uses associative and quantitative approaches with a population of 168 people who are permanent employees. The sampling technique is purposive sampling using the slovin formula so that the number of samples is 63 respondents. Data analysis techniques use SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) based on Smart_Partial Least Square (PLS). Based on direct testing (direct effect) the results of the study show that motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee compensation. Compensation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. And based on indirect testing, motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance through compensation at PT Hutama Karya (Persero) Trans Sumatra Toll Road Development Division.

Wolverine density, survival, and population trends in the Canadian boreal forest

AbstractThere is limited information available on wolverine (Gulo gulo) population density and trends in the boreal forest of North America. We estimated wolverine density using spatial capture‐recapture methods across 2 boreal forest study areas in Red Lake, Ontario (26,568 km2) and Rainbow Lake, Alberta (19,084 km2), Canada. We also used radio‐telemetry data to estimate annual survival of adult and sub‐adult wolverines and evaluated population trends with a stage‐based matrix model. We used an array of run poles and live traps to detect wolverines. In Red Lake over 3 winter field seasons (2019–2022), we detected 56 individual wolverines (17 females, 32 males, and 7 unknown sex), and in Rainbow Lake over 2 field seasons (2014–2016), we detected 48 individuals (19 females, 18 males, and 11 of unknown sex). Average densities in Red Lake and Rainbow Lake were 3.64 and 6.74 wolverines/1,000 km2, respectively. Adults and sub‐adults occurred at equal abundance. Spring snow cover, roads, and industrial developments were not associated with spatial patterns of wolverine density. Most deaths occurred near roads; wolverines were killed in fur traps set along roads, by wolves using roads to travel, and by vehicles. The largest source of death was from incidental (n = 6 in Red Lake) or licensed fur trapping (n = 8 in Rainbow Lake) and we report 8 injuries from fur trapping sets. Red Lake survival estimates for adults (0.87) and sub‐adults (0.86) contributed to a stable population trend. Rainbow Lake survival estimates for adults (0.66) and sub‐adults (0.50) contributed to a declining population trend based on a relatively low sample of radio‐days. Red Lake and Rainbow Lake combined survival estimates for adults (0.77) and sub‐adults (0.73) also contributed to a declining population trend. Our survival and population modeling suggests that human‐caused mortality is a significant risk to these populations. Our results can be applied to wolverine status assessments and used as benchmarks for future monitoring. Wolverine population stability or growth might be achieved by reducing incidental trapping deaths or injury and hindering human access to wolverine habitats through decommissioning or limiting development of industrial roads or other anthropogenic linear features.

ROADS TO RENEWAL: INVESTIGATING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCE OF THE YAMUNA EXPRESSWAY ON ALIGARH-JEWAR REGION

Infrastructure projects often claim to transform the communities through which they cross. This study investigates the social and economic implications of the Yamuna Expressway in Indias Aligarh-Jewar region. Through the utilization of a combination of methods, the research examines the impact of this extensive infrastructure project on local job opportunities, trends in urban growth, and alterations in peoples means of living. The highway has greatly decreased commute times and has facilitated economic and social changes throughout the area. The results indicate that despite significant economic growth and infrastructure improvements, issues like environmental damage and social inequities also emerge. This study adds to the knowledge of how transport infrastructure affects regional development, providing important information for decision-makers and those involved in similar projects. It also examines the role of policy in managing these outcomes, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and inclusive growth strategies. This paper contributes to understanding the dualistic impact of transport infrastructure on regional development, offering insights that are vital for policymakers and stakeholders engaged in similar infrastructure projects. KEYWORDS: Regional development, social dynamics, urbanization effects, socio-economic impact, environmental implications, government policies, road development, infrastructure development

Historical analysis of timber exploitation in the Central Pacific Mountains of Costa Rica

Abstract [Introduction] The mountainous region of the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, currently made up mostly of the cantons of Turrubares, Puriscal and Mora, and to a lesser extent by the southwest of Acosta, was one of the most deforested areas since colonial times. [Objective] To comprehensively analyze the historical, socioeconomic, geo-climatic and ecological factors that possibly favored the logging exploitation of the forests of that region. [Methodology] The historical documents, and the geo-climatic, ecological and socioeconomic factors of the region were reviewed. In addition, a census was carried out among forestry professionals and industrialists to determine the timber species possibly extracted from the forests based on the floristic composition of protected forest areas in the region. [Results] The mountainous region was a transit and settlement site for Spanish colonists since the 16th century, which facilitated the development of access roads. Its proximity to the Central Valley, which needed forest and agricultural products for the growing urban area, together with the existence of an ecological convergence zone extraordinarily rich in trees of commercial importance, greatly facilitated the extraction of forest products. [Conclusion] The early colonization of the region, the existence of infrastructure, high demand for forest products at the national and international level, and the availability of forest resources in an area where the tropical dry forest, the cloud forest and the humid forest converge, and the edaphoclimatic conditions that also facilitated the development of agricultural crops, favored the change in land use and therefore the forestry exploitation of the region.

Acceptability and feasibility of a short-term group therapy for people with borderline personality disorder symptoms.

This study evaluated the acceptance, feasibility and safety of a short-term group program for adults (18 years and older) and youth (16 to 18 years) with borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Termed Road Maps, the content and development were informed by common treatment factors identified from evidence-based therapies for BPD. Two-hundred and eight people consented to participate in the research trial and completed baseline measures. Intervention participants rated the acceptability and subjective experience of the group. Attrition rates informed feasibility, and serious adverse events were tracked to identify potential harms. Participant post-group ratings of the group's acceptability and subjective experience were above average across both adult and youth populations. Attrition rate after commencement of group was 38% for adults and 27% among youth. The incidence rate of emergency department presentations was reduced by 41% in the 6 months post-group, relative to 6 months pre-group. The current study provides preliminary support for the acceptability and feasibility of a short-term group therapy program for people with a diagnosis of BPD. Road Maps may be a useful intermediate intervention in a broader model of stepped care. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000849796.aspx, (ACTRN12622000849796).

The role of good project governance in PPP project for toll road infrastructure in Indonesia

The use of infrastructure as a catalyst for Indonesia’s economic growth faces significant challenges. One example is the construction projects, which have not reached the intended goal and have led to an increase in investment cost compared to the original plan. Additionally, the interaction between the government and companies involved in toll-road construction projects under the public-private partnerships (PPP) mechanism has yet to produce good quality project governance and expected project performance. This study aimed to find empirical data on the determination of project intellectual capital and project ownership structure through good project governance on toll-road project performance in Indonesia. This study adopted a quantitative approach that involved data collected through a survey conducted among toll-road projects from 2015 to 2019. The data was analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results showed that project intellectual capital and project ownership structure significantly affected good project governance. Good project governance Practices significantly affected project performance. Project intellectual capital and project ownership structure influenced project performance through the mediation of good project governance. Conversely, two hypotheses were not supported by the data, i.e., the effect of project intellectual capital and project ownership structure on project performance. The findings of this research contributed to the literature regarding the implementation of collaborative governance in PPPs toll road development projects in Indonesia by providing a framework and assessment tools, which could be valuable for researchers and policymakers in analyzing and evaluating the governance and performance of toll road construction PPP projects.

The influence of aeolian sand on the mechanical properties of cement stabilized crushed stone

The utilization of aeolian sand resources for road construction is a specific measure to develop green and low-carbon transportation, and also conforms to the concept of green and sustainable development of roads in China. Based on this, the feasibility of using aeolian sand as a substitute for fine aggregate for cement stabilized graded crushed stone was explored, and the effects of different aeolian sand dosages on the unconfined compressive strength, bending and flexural strength, and splitting strength of cement stabilized crushed stone mixtures were studied. The results indicate that the addition of aeolian sand has a significant deterioration effect on the mechanical properties of cement stabilized graded crushed stone mixtures. The larger the amount of aeolian sand added, the more severe its impact on the mixture. Therefore, controlling the amount of aeolian sand within 6 % can meet the mechanical performance requirements. To ensure the large-scale utilization of aeolian sand resources, future research can comprehensively consider the shrinkage characteristics, durability, and water stability of cement stabilized crushed stone mixtures, and further recommend the maximum dosage of aeolian sand.

Understanding the pavement project failures in Pakistan: identifying causes and solutions

Pavement deterioration is a major issue in Pakistan's road and highway infrastructure. The current study attempts to clarify the most important factors of road degradation in Pakistan using a questionnaire prepared and distributed to engineers, contractors, architects, surveyors, and project managers involved in road development and upkeep. The study had 147 replies. This data was collected from employees from various road construction sectors in Pakistan. Convenience sampling, a sort of non-probability sampling, is used for data gathering due to time and resource constraints. The data were analysed through SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The responses were gathered using a 10-point Likert scale. The standard (inadequate density in surface or sub-base) has the maximum rank of 9.1, while the lowest factor (use of naturally smooth uncrushed aggregate) is 2.0. Furthermore, the causes of deterioration were reorganised into eight consistent groups of pertinent causes. The first group (effect of traffic load and volume) has a severity level of 6.5, while the last group (effect of bond between layers) ranks 3.22 in group comparison. The study is helpful in identifying the causes of road deterioration in Pakistan and avoiding or mitigating their effects during design, construction, and maintenance through operation.

Dampak Pembangunan Tol Trans Jawa terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Kabupaten Mojokerto, Jombang, Kediri, dan Nganjuk

This study aims to analyze the influence of toll roads on economic growth and the potential sectoral transformations in the research region. The research employs a panel data analysis method with a quantitative approach. The study was conducted in four regencies in East Java, namely Nganjuk Regency, Kediri Regency, Jombang Regency, and Mojokerto Regency. The research results indicate that the partial effect of toll road development does not have a significant impact on economic growth. However, when considered simultaneously with the Human Development Index variable, it shows a significant influence on economic growth.

China's Arctic Aspirations and Polar Silk Road: Implications for Great Power Competition

This article offers an in-depth exploration of China's Arctic aspirations, with a specific focus on the development of the Polar Silk Road (PSR), and the ensuing implications for the dynamics of global power. The Arctic region, once considered remote and inaccessible, is undergoing a transformation largely driven by climate change. This transformation is unveiling new opportunities for navigation and resource extraction, thereby attracting the attention of various nations, including China. Despite its geographical distance from the Arctic, China has been vocal about its Arctic aspirations, most notably through its proposed PSR initiative. The article scrutinizes the development of the PSR, a component of China's broader Belt and Road Initiative, and its potential to bolster China's economic prowess by unveiling new trade routes and granting it access to valuable resources. It also discusses the potential implications of China's Arctic ambitions for the balance of power among major powers such as the United States, Russia, and the European Union. Drawing on theories from political science and international relations, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism, the article provides a theoretical lens to understand these dynamics. It underscores the need for careful management of Arctic affairs to ensure that competition does not escalate into conflict. The article concludes by highlighting the need for further research to fully grasp the implications of China's Arctic policy and to explore potential responses by other major powers.

Overview and Enlightenment of Green Manufacturing Research

At present, China is in the period of economic transformation from high-speed development to high-quality development, and the balance of economic development, environmental protection and social harmony has gradually become the focus of attention from all walks of life. Therefore, green manufacturing is not only a powerful tool for the development of manufacturing industry, but also the inevitable trend of the development of the new industrialization road. This paper further clarifies the connotation of green manufacturing, sorts out and analyzes the current situation and development trend of green manufacturing at home and abroad, discusses the important role of green manufacturing and its ability improvement in the sustainable development of enterprises, and provides theoretical support and practical reference for green manufacturing innovation of enterprises.

Experimental investigation on damage of concrete beam embedded with sensor using acoustic emission and digital image correlation

With the construction and development of intelligent roads, an increasing number of sensors are being embedded into the road structures. Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement is one of the main forms of road pavement, but the mechanical behaviors of the PCC pavement with sensor embedding are less studied. In this study, the damage mechanism of PCC pavement is investigated by using the three-point beam bending test, considering the sensor embedding and the coating of the sensor surface. The effect of sensor embedding on the flexural mechanical properties and the damage failure modes of concrete beams are evaluated by using the acoustic emission (AE) technique and the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Moreover, the concept of degree of coupling (DC) is introduced to reveal the collaborative bearing mechanism between sensor and concrete, and is characterized by an evaluation model considering ultimate bearing capacity, critical instability point, collaborative bearing capacity, AE ring counts, and AE energy. The findings can provide valuable insights in the packaging design of sensor to guarantee the coupling between the sensor and the surrounding concrete for accurately monitoring the long-term performance of road infrastructure.

Identifying the actual beneficiaries of toll road development policies in rural communities: ex-ante evaluation approaches

Identifying the actual beneficiaries of toll road development policies in rural communities: ex-ante evaluation approaches

Motofish and Trashfish: Food values and rifts at the agrarian frontier

At the resource frontier of Prey Lang Forest in Cambodia, a new food regime marks multiple rifts in the social fabric. As the forest gives way to rural road development, migrant incursions, and cash cropping, long-term residents lament the paucity of available food. At the same time, new migrants suggest that there is now more food than ever. Based on how food is defined, we find one food, motofish, that emerged as a significant semiotic sign. It is a fish, regardless of species, that is farm-raised and carried from the market to the village by motorbike. It is opposed to a real fish that grows by itself in a river or stream. Long-term Kuy and Khmer residents of the forest see the fish as a sign of destruction and loss, because there are so few fish in the rivers and streams. New migrants see motofish as part of a new abundance coming to this remote corner of the world where there used to be no food. This abundance is facilitated by Cambodia's growing fish farming industry, fed by wild-harvested 'trashfish' and subsidized soy pellets. Motofish is more than a sign of gastropolitics, as it marks a rift in the semiotic landscape through which individual and collective worlds emerge. We use this worldmaking fish to launch a discussion of both the epistemic and metabolic rifts of agrarian transformation and how these rifts are interpreted by different actors in the same landscape: One that recognizes the metabolic rift and the other that carries with them its epistemic cleansing.

Driving Sustainability: Analyzing the Influence of Road Transportation Infrastructure on Green Economic Growth in Malaysia

Road infrastructure is an important aspect of the green economy. It integrates environmental, social, and economic factors with the aim of generating a positive net environmental balance. The green Solow growth model proposes that road infrastructure can enhance economic growth while improving environmental quality. This paper examines the relationship between transportation infrastructure and green economic growth in Malaysia, with the aim of ascertaining whether road transportation infrastructure has a role in sustaining economic growth. The study makes use of time series data over the period 1970-2021. This study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and the error correction model (ECM). The study analyses three models of the total road network and segregates them into federal roads and state roads. The findings show that there are negative long-run relationships between transportation infrastructure and green economic growth. The results also showed that Federal Road had a more negative impact on green economic growth. However, in the short run, only Federal Road shows a significant and negative impact on green economic growth. In Malaysia, the federal road is classified as a primary road extensively utilised by the populace for their routine activities. Thus, federal roads have the potential to generate a more immediate and substantial influence on sustained economic development in comparison to state roads. Nevertheless, road transportation infrastructure can also have adverse effects on the sustainability of long-term economic growth. This study sheds light on the importance of sustainable road development that balances economic growth and the preservation of the environment.

Economic And Regional Impacts of Infrastructure Development Activities for Indonesian’s National Economic Recovery Program (PEN) in Pamekasan Regency, East Java Province

In response to the COVID-19 impact, infrastructure development has become crucial to accelerating economic growth at the municipal level in Indonesia. The Indonesian Government, in 2019-2020, initiated the National Economic Recovery Program (Pemulihan Ekonomi Nasional - PEN) in several regions, including Pamekasan Regency in East Java Province. PEN aimed to promote economic growth by some activities of infrastructure development that is urgently required for economic development in each municipality. This study aims to measure the effect of the program on various variables and identify the leverage variables for the of the PEN’s sustainability in Pamekasan Regency. The aimed variables include economic, regional, and demographic development (population) variables. The program’s impact is calculated based on the gap between the conditions before and after the program implemented in each impact area. A Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) technique, namely Rapfish, is used to identify leverage variables for sustainability. As the result, Economic variables show an average value of 4 for each activity such as improving County Roads & Street Lighting Development, improving Traditional Market Area, and improving Small to Medium-Sized Industrial Area. Regional variables, however, show an average value of 3, indicating constancy across each type of activity. Meanwhile, population variables show an average value of 4, indicating growth for each indicator. According to the Rapfish analysis, the leverage variable for the level of sustainability within the PEN project in Pamekasan Regency is the regional variable with the highest root mean square value, which is 2.48.