InfrastructuresPub Date : 2023-11-09DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110160
Ana Luiza Rodrigues, Caio Falcão, R. Christopher Williams
{"title":"Rheological and Aging Characteristics of Polymer-Modified Asphalt with the Addition of Sulfur","authors":"Ana Luiza Rodrigues, Caio Falcão, R. Christopher Williams","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110160","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110160","url":null,"abstract":"Crosslinking agents, notably sulfur, are used in asphalt binder modification to facilitate chemical bonding between polymer chains and the asphalt binder. Despite some prior research indicating the benefits of sulfur crosslinking in enhancing polymer-modified asphalt’s (PMA) stability, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding its impact on rheological properties and its anti-aging potential. This study addresses these gaps by thoroughly investigating the effects of varying the sulfur content (ranging from 0.03% to 0.5% by total weight of binder) on PMA’s rheological properties. The research assesses the effectiveness of sulfur in enhancing PMA’s resistance to aging using various methods, including the Glover-Rowe parameter, FTIR analysis, and the examination of the dynamic modulus and phase angle master curves. The results indicated that the addition of sulfur, particularly up to 0.3%, bumps the high-temperature performance grade by one level, and significantly improves elasticity, allowing the PMA to support heavier traffic without experiencing rutting, all while maintaining resistance to low-temperature cracking. Furthermore, PMA with sulfur demonstrated an increase in resistance to aging, reducing the aging potential by approximately 15% with the best sulfur formulation. This enhanced durability can reduce the frequency of maintenance activities, leading to cost savings, reduced roadwork emissions, and prolonged pavement life.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135242553","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 : 2023-11-08DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110159
Xiaoqian Chen, Kang Chen, Minxiao Wang, Ruopu Li
{"title":"Roles of Wireless Networks in Bridging the Rural Smart Infrastructural Divide","authors":"Xiaoqian Chen, Kang Chen, Minxiao Wang, Ruopu Li","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110159","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110159","url":null,"abstract":"The past decade has seen a rise in the availability of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) for developing smart societies and communities. However, the smart divide, characterized by inequalities in ICT infrastructures, software access, and individual capabilities, remains a significant barrier for rural communities. Limited empirical studies exist that explore what and how ICT infrastructures can be developed to bridge the smart divide. The paper aimed to address rural broadband access in the context of infrastructural dimensions of smart divide (i.e., smart infrastructural divide) in the United States, focusing on the wireless network infrastructure’s role in narrowing the gap. It examined the broadband specifications needed for smart applications like smart education and telehealth, emphasizing the importance of wireless network capabilities. While fixed broadband offers higher speeds, wireless networks can support many smart applications with decent flexibility and ease of access. To further understand the implications of wireless broadband to rural communities, we conducted a case study in Carbondale and Cairo, two rural towns in Southern Illinois, using on-site user-inspired speed testing. An Android application was developed to measure download/upload speeds and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) for broadband quality. Results suggest both Carbondale and Cairo experienced below-average speeds with high variability among census blocks, which highlights the need for improved wireless network infrastructure. The paper culminated in the technological and policy recommendations to narrow down the smart infrastructural divide.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135343374","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 : 2023-11-05DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110158
Antti Valkonen, Branko Glisic
{"title":"Structural Health Monitoring-Based Bridge Lifecycle Extension: Survival Analysis and Monte Carlo-Based Quantification of Value of Information","authors":"Antti Valkonen, Branko Glisic","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110158","url":null,"abstract":"A key goal of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems applied to infrastructure is to improve asset management. SHM systems yield benefits by providing information that allows improved asset management decisions. Often, improvement is measured in monetary terms, whereby lower expenses are sought. The value of information (VoI) is often evaluated through the quantification of the incremental benefit, resulting from the information provided by the SHM system. The VoI can be considered as having two components: value derived from the improved operation of the infrastructure and value derived from increased useful life. This work focuses on the latter source of value in the context of concrete decks in US highway bridges. To estimate the lifecycle extension potential and the connected VoI, we need to simulate bridge deck condition degradation over time to support a discounted cash flow analysis of bridge replacement cost. We accomplish this by utilizing a neural network-based survival analysis combined with Monte Carlo simulation. We present a case study using the developed methods. We have chosen to study the southbound portion of the bridge on the US Highway 202, located in Wayne, NJ. The selected bridge is a representative concrete highway overpass, the type of which there are large numbers in the US. The case study demonstrates the applicability of the methods developed for the general evaluation of the VoI obtained via SHM. The results are encouraging for the widespread use of SHM for lifecycle extension purposes; the potential value in such applications is large.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135725136","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 : 2023-10-31DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110157
Ali Jahami, Hussein Younes, Jamal Khatib
{"title":"Enhancing Reinforced Concrete Beams: Investigating Steel Dust as a Cement Substitute","authors":"Ali Jahami, Hussein Younes, Jamal Khatib","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110157","url":null,"abstract":"This research undertook an extensive examination of the ramifications of integrating steel dust as a partial substitute for cement within reinforced concrete beams. The investigation encompassed an assessment of various facets, encompassing the workability of the concrete mixture, alongside crucial mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and elasticity modulus. The findings unveiled a notable reduction in workability as the proportion of steel dust increased within the mixture, with a consequential substantial impact on the elasticity modulus. Notably, compressive strength exhibited an enhancement at a 10% replacement of cement yet exhibited a decline with higher degrees of cement substitution. The inclusion of steel dust led to the formulation of adjusted equations pertaining to split tensile and flexural strength characteristics within the mixture. Remarkably, the incorporation of 10% steel dust yielded an increase in ductility. Conversely, at a 30% steel dust inclusion level, ductility diminished alongside a reduction in the maximum load-bearing capacity. In light of these findings, it is imperative to exercise prudence when considering the utilization of steel dust as a cement substitute, particularly when approaching or exceeding the 10% replacement level threshold. Further comprehensive research is imperative to acquire a comprehensive understanding of its implications and its susceptibility to potential corrosion concerns.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135809825","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 : 2023-10-25DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110156
Renteng Yuan, Shengxuan Ding, Chenzhu Wang
{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Machine-Learning Models for Recognizing Lane-Change Intention Using Vehicle Trajectory Data","authors":"Renteng Yuan, Shengxuan Ding, Chenzhu Wang","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110156","url":null,"abstract":"Accurate detection and prediction of the lane-change (LC) processes can help autonomous vehicles better understand their surrounding environment, recognize potential safety hazards, and improve traffic safety. This study focuses on the LC process, using vehicle trajectory data to select a model for identifying vehicle LC intentions. Considering longitudinal and lateral dimensions, the information extracted from vehicle trajectory data includes the interactive effects among target and adjacent vehicles (54 indicators) as input parameters. The LC intention of the target vehicle serves as the output metric. This study compares three widely recognized machine-learning models: support vector machines (SVM), ensemble methods (EM), and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. The ten-fold cross-validated method was used for model training and evaluation. Classification accuracy and training complexity were used as critical metrics for evaluating model performance. A total of 1023 vehicle trajectories were extracted from the CitySim dataset. The results indicate that, with an input length of 150 frames, the XGBoost and LightGBM models achieve an impressive overall classification performance of 98.4% and 98.3%, respectively. Compared to the LSTM and SVM models, the results show that the two ensemble models reduce the impact of Types I and III errors, with an improved accuracy of approximately 3.0%. Without sacrificing recognition accuracy, the LightGBM model exhibits a sixfold improvement in training efficiency compared to the XGBoost model.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135168755","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 : 2023-10-24DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8110155
Baitollah Badarloo, Petr Lehner
{"title":"Practical Aspects of Correlation Analysis of Compressive Strength from Destructive and Non-Destructive Methods in Different Directions","authors":"Baitollah Badarloo, Petr Lehner","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8110155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8110155","url":null,"abstract":"The research presented here demonstrates the practical aspects of the numerical correlation of the results of the compressive strength test. The destructive test (DT) in a hydraulic press and the non-destructive test (NDT) using a Schmidt hammer in several process variations were evaluated. The aim was to evaluate the real differences between the tool supplier’s curve and testing. Therefore, 150 concrete cube specimens with an edge length of 150 mm were produced using a mixture of three types of concrete classes: C30, C35, and C40. The test was carried out 7 and 28 days of age of the concrete. The Schmidt hammer test was carried out in horizontal (θ = 0) and vertical (θ = 90) directions and using a series of 10 measurements. Furthermore, the tests were performed in two sets: first, the sample was placed on the ground, and second, under a hydraulic jack with a load of 50% of the maximum bearing capacity of specific concrete. Then, regression analysis was performed on the data sets to establish linear mathematical relationships between compressive strength and number of bounces. The results showed that the correlation between the DT and NDT tests has a high value for each group, but the correlation equations are different and must be taken into account.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135273594","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}
{"title":"Cracking Resistance of Steam-Cured Precast Concrete Using High Alite Cement with Modified Fly Ash","authors":"Aghiad Alhafez, Shingo Miyazawa, Nobukazu Nito, Ryuichiroh Kuga, Etsuo Sakai","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8100154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8100154","url":null,"abstract":"Cement with fly ash has rarely been used in Japan, mainly because its strength development is slower than ordinary Portland cement. In this research, the effect of the new type of fly ash (which was modified by the electrostatic belt separation method) with high alite (C3S) cement on cracking resistance of precast concrete prepared by steam curing was studied. The mechanical and shrinkage properties of the proposed fly ash concrete were compared with those of concrete made using OPC cement without fly ash. In order to study the cracking tendency of precast concrete with the proposed cement with fly ash, thermal stress analysis was conducted, taking into consideration the experimental data of concrete properties with the different concrete mix proportions. A standard precast concrete box culvert model was used in this 3D FEM analysis, and the distribution of temperature and relative humidity in the cross-section and induced restraint stress during and after steam curing were discussed. Steam-cured concrete with fly ash and high alite cement developed higher compressive strength on the first day of age than concrete with OPC. The proposed fly ash concrete developed high cracking resistance in the early days. On the other hand, the results showed that the drying shrinkage at later ages was the main cause of cracking.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135413120","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 : 2023-10-21DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8100153
Naga Siva Pavani Peraka, Krishna Prapoorna Biligiri, Satyanarayana N. Kalidindi
{"title":"Multi-Parametric Delineation Approach for Homogeneous Sectioning of Asphalt Pavements","authors":"Naga Siva Pavani Peraka, Krishna Prapoorna Biligiri, Satyanarayana N. Kalidindi","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8100153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8100153","url":null,"abstract":"The demand for preserving existing roadway infrastructure has been increasing to regulate expensive reconstruction activities. The maintenance of homogeneous road sections is one of the approaches to economize the overall management of pavement systems. The existing homogeneous delineation methods consider one or two parameters for segmenting the pavements based on similar characteristics, which are found to be a repetitive process. Also, there is a need to consider multiple parameters that represent the functional, structural, and traffic characteristics in segmentation process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a multi-parameter-based delineation approach (MPDA) to segment the pavements into subsections with similar features considering functional, structural, and traffic characteristics. Deflection bowl parameters, unified pavement health index (functional performance metric), surface layer modulus, and traffic reported in terms of AADT were employed for developing a multi-parametric delineation index (MPDI). A total of 1781 datapoints covering 26 road sections in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India, were used. The C-charts method-based segmentation for MPDI was applied to obtain the homogeneous sections. The devised approach was found to be efficient in segmenting the pavements as well as robust in selecting suitable maintenance strategies for each group of the homogeneous sections. Further, the segmentation processes were automated for easier implementation by the agencies.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135510920","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 : 2023-10-17DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8100152
Fabio Micozzi, Michele Morici, Alessandro Zona, Andrea Dall’Asta
{"title":"Vision-Based Structural Monitoring: Application to a Medium-Span Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridge under Vehicular Traffic","authors":"Fabio Micozzi, Michele Morici, Alessandro Zona, Andrea Dall’Asta","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8100152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8100152","url":null,"abstract":"Video processing for structural monitoring has attracted much attention in recent years thanks to the possibility of measuring displacement time histories in the absence of stationary points close to the structure, using hardware that is simple to operate and with accessible costs. Experimental studies show a unanimous consensus on the potentialities of vision-based monitoring to provide accurate results that can be equivalent to those obtained from accelerometers and displacement transducers. However, past studies mostly involved steel bridges and footbridges while very few applications can be found for concrete bridges, characterised by a stiffer response with lower displacement magnitudes and different frequency contents of their dynamic behaviour. Accordingly, the attention of this experimental study is focused on the application of a vision-based structural monitoring system to a medium-span, post-tensioned, simply supported concrete bridge, a very common typology in many road networks. The objective is to provide evidence on the quality of the results that could be obtained using vision-based monitoring, understanding the role and influence on the accuracy of the measurements of various parameters relevant to the hardware settings and target geometry, highlighting possible difficulties, and providing practical recommendations to achieve optimal results.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136032714","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 : 2023-10-17DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures8100151
Munaf Alkhedr, Majed Asaad, Mahmoud Ismail, George Wardeh
{"title":"Experimental Study on the Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Refractory Concrete Using Heat-Treated Steel Slag Coarse Aggregates","authors":"Munaf Alkhedr, Majed Asaad, Mahmoud Ismail, George Wardeh","doi":"10.3390/infrastructures8100151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures8100151","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this study is to compare the properties of refractory concrete made with thermally treated and untreated steel slag. Five concrete compositions were prepared and investigated in the present work. The first mixture, referred to as the reference, was formulated using dolomite aggregates, whereas the second and third mixtures were developed by replacing natural coarse aggregate with 50 and 100% by weight of thermally untreated steel slag, respectively. The same replacement ratio (50% and 100%) of thermally treated steel slag was used to produce the fourth and fifth mixtures. Specimens of each specimen were placed in a furnace and heated to 400 °C and 800 °C. The mass loss for all the specimens heated to 400 °C was about 8%, while the reference suffered the maximum mass loss at 800 °C, which was 21.6%. The mixture with a 100% substitution of thermally treated steel slag produced the maximum compressive strength when compared to other mixtures at a temperature of 800 °C. The compressive strength of the M5 mixture was 18 MPa versus 10.87 MPa for the reference mixture. Additionally, optical microscope examination of specimens containing thermally treated steel slag revealed less damage than that observed in mixtures with dolomite.","PeriodicalId":13601,"journal":{"name":"Infrastructures","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136033187","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}