InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-29DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8120170
Tiago Tamagusko, Adelino Ferreira
{"title":"Machine Learning for Prediction of the International Roughness Index on Flexible Pavements: A Review, Challenges, and Future Directions","authors":"Tiago Tamagusko, Adelino Ferreira","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8120170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8120170","url":null,"abstract":"Timely maintenance of road pavements is crucial to ensure optimal performance. The accurate prediction of trends in pavement defects enables more efficient allocation of funds, leading to a safer, higher-quality road network. This article systematically reviews machine learning (ML) models for predicting the international roughness index (IRI), specifically focusing on flexible pavements, offering a comprehensive synthesis of the state-of-the-art. The study’s objective was to assess the effectiveness of various ML techniques in predicting IRI for flexible pavements. Among the evaluated ML models, tree ensembles and boosted trees are identified as the most effective, particularly in managing data related to traffic, pavement structure, and climatic conditions, which are essential for training these models. Our analysis reveals that traffic data are present in 89% of the studies, while pavement structure and climatic factors are featured in 78%. However, maintenance and rehabilitation history appears less frequently, included in 33% of the studies. This research underscores the need for high-quality, standardized datasets, and highlights the importance of model interpretability and computational efficiency. Addressing data consistency, model interpretability, and replicability across studies are crucial for leveraging ML’s full potential in fine-tuning IRI predictions. Future research directions include developing more interpretable, computationally efficient, and less complex models to maximize the impact of this research field in road infrastructure management.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139212511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-28DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8120169
Jinxi Zhang, Weiqi Zhou, Dandan Cao, Jia Zhang
{"title":"A Study on the Genetic Algorithm Optimization of an Asphalt Mixture’s Viscoelastic Parameters Based on a Wheel Tracking Test","authors":"Jinxi Zhang, Weiqi Zhou, Dandan Cao, Jia Zhang","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8120169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8120169","url":null,"abstract":"The generalized Maxwell (GM) constitutive model has been widely applied to characterize the viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixtures. The parameters (Prony series) of the GM are usually obtained via interconversion between a dynamic modulus and relaxation modulus, and they are then input to a finite element model (FEM) as viscoelastic parameters. However, the dynamic modulus obtained with the common loading mode only provides the compressive and tensile properties of materials. Whether the compression or tensile modulus can represent the shear properties of materials related to flow rutting is still open to discussion. Therefore, this study introduced a novel method that integrates the Kriging model into the genetic algorithm as a surrogate model to determine the viscoelastic parameters of an asphalt mixture in rutting research. Firstly, a wheel tracking test (WTT) for AC-13 was conducted to clarify the flow rutting development mechanism. Secondly, two sets of the AC-13 viscoelastic parameters obtained through the optimization method and the dynamic modulus were used as inputs into the FEM simulation of the WTT to compare the simulation results. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of viscoelastic parameters was performed to improve the efficiency of parameter optimization. The results indicating the viscoelastic parameters obtained by this method could precisely characterize the development law of flow rutting in asphalt mixtures.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139220160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-27DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8120168
G. Santarsiero, Antonio D’Angola, Giuseppe Ventura, A. Masi, V. Manfredi, Valentina Picciano, A. Digrisolo
{"title":"Sustainable Renovation of Public Buildings through Seismic–Energy Upgrading: Methodology and Application to an RC School Building","authors":"G. Santarsiero, Antonio D’Angola, Giuseppe Ventura, A. Masi, V. Manfredi, Valentina Picciano, A. Digrisolo","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8120168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8120168","url":null,"abstract":"There are many existing buildings for which seismic rehabilitation interventions are required, especially in earthquake-prone areas like Italy. At the same time, the deep energy crisis that Europe is facing highlights the need for sustainable techniques that are able to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. In order to mitigate the social and cultural obstacles for deep renovations of buildings, effective techniques and methods are required to avoid relocating users, which often discourages such interventions. To this purpose and as the main novelty, this research is aimed at presenting a new strengthening technique for reinforced concrete buildings that is able to integrate structural seismic strengthening and energy efficiency improvements. It is made up of new framed structures connected from the outside to the existing building, thus reducing the intrusiveness and relocation needs of users. At the same time, the seismic strengthening technique is conceived for an optimal coupling with energy saving interventions like high-performance external insulation finishing systems. In this study, these techniques are described and applied to a reinforced concrete (RC) school building designed only for gravity loads, according to outdated standards. The results show that the considered strengthening technique increases the seismic performance of the building with respect to both life safety and damage limitation requirements, avoiding any further local interventions to the building’s interior. On the other hand, the energy renovation allows for significant savings, since the resulting reduction in the total non-renewable energy consumption is larger than 80%.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139228910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-24DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8120167
J. Oliveira e Sá, Francisco Rebelo, Diogo Silva, Gabriel Teles, Diogo Ramos, José Romeu
{"title":"A Big Data System Architecture to Support the Monitoring of Paved Roads","authors":"J. Oliveira e Sá, Francisco Rebelo, Diogo Silva, Gabriel Teles, Diogo Ramos, José Romeu","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8120167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8120167","url":null,"abstract":"Today, everything is connected, including the exchange of data and the generation of new information. As a result, large amounts of data are being collected at an ever-increasing rate and in a variety of forms, a phenomenon now known as Big Data. Recent developments in information and communication technologies are driving the generation of significant amounts of data from multiple sources, namely sensors. In response to these technological advances and data challenges, this paper proposes a Big Data system architecture for paved road monitoring and implements part of this architecture on a section of road in Portugal as a case study. The challenge in the case study architecture is to collect and process sensor data in real time, at a rate of 500 records per second, producing 15 GBytes of data per day, using a real-time data stream for real-time monitoring and a batch data stream for deeper analysis. This allows users to obtain instant updates on road conditions such as the number of vehicles, loads, weather, and pavement temperatures on the road. They can monitor what is happening on the road in real time, receive alerts, and even gain insight into historical data, such as analysing the condition of structures or identifying traffic patterns.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139238465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-23DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8120166
Pedro Limón-Covarrubias, L. Ochoa-Ambriz, David Ávalos-Cueva, José Roberto Galaviz-González, M. Perez-Rea, M. A. Gallardo-Sánchez
{"title":"Influence of Compaction Energy on the Mechanical Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt with a Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Rejuvenating Additive","authors":"Pedro Limón-Covarrubias, L. Ochoa-Ambriz, David Ávalos-Cueva, José Roberto Galaviz-González, M. Perez-Rea, M. A. Gallardo-Sánchez","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8120166","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8120166","url":null,"abstract":"The Mexican asphalt paving industry is increasingly interested in using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) due to its economic and environmental advantages. However, an ill-defined methodology for integrating RAP into the HMA mix design has hindered its use. This paper investigates how compaction energy affects both rejuvenated and non-rejuvenated recycled HMA mixtures. A Superpave gyratory compactor was used to determine the optimal binder content and find a balance between flexibility and stiffness that meets cracking and rutting resistance requirements. Various recycled HMA mixtures were subjected to different compaction energy levels (75, 100, and 125 gyros), different RAP contents (15%, 30%, and 45%), and various dosages (10%, 15%, and 36%) of the rejuvenating additive Maro-1000®, following the blending chart. Performance was evaluated using the Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWTT) and the fracture energy flexibility index test (I-FIT). The results demonstrate that mixtures with RAP, a rejuvenating admixture, and varying compaction energies exhibit favorable mechanical behavior. However, both rejuvenated and non-rejuvenated mixes with 15% RAP showed performance comparable to conventional mixtures. They improved stiffness by up to 46% while reducing the flexibility index to 25%, striking a balanced equilibrium between rutting resistance and cracking susceptibility.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139242572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-21DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8120165
Gabriele D’Orso, Leonardo Minaudo, Marco Migliore
{"title":"Comparing Macroscale and Microscale Walkability Indicators to Establish Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations for a Microtransit Service in a Suburban Area","authors":"Gabriele D’Orso, Leonardo Minaudo, Marco Migliore","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8120165","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8120165","url":null,"abstract":"Microtransit is a shared mobility service that operates between fixed-route transit and ride-hailing. It operates with a fleet of vans or minibuses within a service zone that is usually located in a rural or suburban car-oriented area with a transport demand that is temporally and spatially dispersed. Microtransit often expects customers to walk a short distance to pick-up/drop-off (PUDO) locations. The PUDO points need to be quickly, easily, and safely reachable by pedestrians. Thus, PUDO locations must be chosen after analyzing the walkability of the suburban area served by microtransit. This paper presents a comparison of macroscale and microscale indicators to assess the walkability of suburban neighborhoods where microtransit has to be introduced. We chose three suburban neighborhoods (Partanna Mondello, Tommaso Natale, and Mondello) in Palermo, Italy, as a study area, aiming to identify the best places to locate PUDO stops for a microtransit service. A GIS database has been built associating each link with a series of qualitative and quantitative attributes. Finally, we developed a walkability index that indicates the attractiveness of specific locations in terms of intermodal walkability. We also identified the critical pedestrian links that need actions to improve their walkability.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139252527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-20DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110164
A. Abdallah, Mehmet E. Ozbek, R. Atadero
{"title":"Transferring Research Innovations in Bridge Inspection Planning to Bridge Inspection Practice: A Qualitative Study","authors":"A. Abdallah, Mehmet E. Ozbek, R. Atadero","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110164","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110164","url":null,"abstract":"Over the last two decades, many researchers have focused on providing new ideas and frameworks to help improve conventional bridge inspection planning approaches, however, little guidance is provided for implementing these new ideas in practice, resulting in limited change. Accordingly, this qualitative study aims to identify the factors that can help improve research products and accelerate research transfer to bridge inspection departments with the goal of enhancing bridge inspection practice. This study used semi-structured interviews, written interviews, and questionnaires for data collection to provide rich results. Responses from twenty-six bridge personnel from state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) across the United States (U.S.) were included in this study. The study found that most participants support a fixed inspection interval over a variable interval since fixed intervals are easier in scheduling and budget planning. Also, participants indicated that the barriers hindering the use of nondestructive techniques are the training required by inspectors, traffic control, and the required access equipment. The study presents the factors change leaders should focus on to facilitate organizational change in DOTs such as enhancing the capacity of DOT staff members and gaining support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139259020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-17DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110163
V. Vijayan, K. Mantalovas, F. Acuto, G. Di Mino
{"title":"Evaluating the Ageing Sensitivity of the Asphalt Binder via Distinct Ageing Methods","authors":"V. Vijayan, K. Mantalovas, F. Acuto, G. Di Mino","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110163","url":null,"abstract":"Asphalt binder is a crucial component of asphalt pavements that undergoes ageing over time, which can result in the reduced performance and deterioration of pavements. Consequently, artificial ageing methods play a significant role in providing valuable insights into the ageing behaviour and long-term performance of asphalt binders. However, a consensus on the most effective method for simulating ageing behaviour remains elusive, leading to disparities in the outcomes across different research studies. To address this issue, the study utilises two thermo-oxidative ageing approaches, one focusing on the binder itself and another on the loose asphalt mixture. The study investigates the effect of these ageing methods on the behaviour of asphalt binder using physical, rheological, and chemical characterisation. For the binder ageing method, a rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and a pressure ageing vessel (PAV) were utilised, whereas the loose asphalt mixture ageing was performed in an oven at 95 °C for various durations. The results indicated that the ageing trend differed between the two oxidative ageing approaches as the ageing duration increased. However, by employing an ageing sensitivity index, comparable rheological properties were observed between the binders aged using the PAV for 20 h and the loose asphalt mixture for 5 days. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the ageing methods influenced the functional groups associated with ageing in distinct ways, even though they exhibited similar rheological behaviour. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of different thermo-oxidative ageing approaches, their correlation, and their relevance to the studied field-aged binders.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139264131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-13DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110162
Maximilian Granzner, Alfred Strauss, Michael Reiterer, Maosen Cao, Drahomír Novák
{"title":"Data-Driven Condition Assessment and Life Cycle Analysis Methods for Dynamically and Fatigue-Loaded Railway Infrastructure Components","authors":"Maximilian Granzner, Alfred Strauss, Michael Reiterer, Maosen Cao, Drahomír Novák","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110162","url":null,"abstract":"Railway noise barrier constructions are subjected to high aerodynamic loads during the train passages, and the knowledge of their actual structural condition is relevant to assure safety for railway users and to create a basis for forecasting. This paper deals with deterministic and probabilistic approaches for the condition assessment and prediction of the remaining lifetime of railway noise barriers that are embedded in a safety concept that takes into account the damage consequence classes. These approaches are combined into a holistic assessment concept, in other words, a progressive four-stage model in which the information content increases with each model stage and thus successively increases the accuracy of the determined structural conditions at the time of observation and the forecast of the remaining service life of the structure. The analytical methods used in the first stage of the developed holistic framework are based on common static calculations used in engineering practice and, together with expert knowledge and large-scale fatigue test results of noise barrier constructions, form the basis for the subsequent stages. In the second stage of the data-driven condition assessment and life cycle analysis approach, linking routines are implemented that combine the condition assessments from the visual inspections with the additional information from temporary or permanent monitoring systems with the analytical methods. With the application of numerical finite element methods for the development of a digital twin of the noise barrier in the third stage and the probabilistic approaches in the fourth stage, a maximum determination accuracy of the noise barrier condition at the time of observation and prediction accuracy of the remaining service life is achieved. The data-driven condition assessment and life cycle analysis approach enables infrastructure operators to plan their future investments more economically regarding the maintenance, retrofitting, or new construction of railway noise barriers. Ultimately, the aim is to integrate the presented four-stage holistic assessment concept into the specific maintenance and repair planning of infrastructure operators for aerodynamically loaded railway noise barrier constructions.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136346730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-10DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110161
Haidee Yulady Jaramillo, Oscar Hernan Vasco-Echeverri, Luis Alfonso Moreno-Pacheco, Ricardo Andrés García-León
{"title":"Biomaterials in Concrete for Engineering Applications: A Bibliometric Review","authors":"Haidee Yulady Jaramillo, Oscar Hernan Vasco-Echeverri, Luis Alfonso Moreno-Pacheco, Ricardo Andrés García-León","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110161","url":null,"abstract":"The incorporation of biomaterials into concrete for engineering applications has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to enhance both the mechanical properties and sustainability of construction materials. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (BA) to examine the state of the research on utilizing biomaterials in concrete through the analysis of scientific production considering the information in the Scopus database. The BA provides insights into this interdisciplinary field’s evolution, trends, and global research landscape. Key aspects explored include the types of biomaterials employed, their impacts on concrete properties, and the environmental benefits associated with their masonry use. R-Software was used to analyze the scientific growth and topics (BA) in the field of biomaterials in concrete for industrial applications. The results exposed that biomaterials in concrete related to scientific production represent a total amount of 1558 documents published by 489 journals and 4521 authors, which represents an annual rate of 20.81% higher than other related topics, with India, the United Kingdom, and China being the most representative countries. Finally, this work exposes the growing interest in sustainable construction practices and the promising future of biomaterial-infused concrete in the engineering sector, seeking to advance the knowledge and application of biomaterials in concrete technology.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135137844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}