Bicycle Traffic Flow Forecasting Methodology for Different Functional Zones of The City
Miglė Zabielaitė-Skirmantė, Marija Burinskienė
The development of bicycle transport infrastructure, like any other, must be based on expected bicycle traffic flow data. The characteristics of the city’s functional zones, as well as the presence of existing bicycle infrastructure, determine the choice to travel by bicycle. Existing bicycle traffic flow forecasting methodologies are characterised by complex calculations, specific software, and the need for abundant data. Therefore, there is a clear need for a simpler bicycle flow forecasting methodology that specialists responsible for urban development would be able to use and which could be applied in practice, when designing bicycle infrastructure. Taking this into account, the article analyses the methodologies for predicting bicycle traffic flows for the central and middle zones of the city, created on the basis of a sketch plan methodology, when the infrastructure designed in the middle zone connects and does not connect to the general bicycle network. To determine the precision of the presented methodologies, field studies of bicycle traffic flows were carried out at three locations in the city of Vilnius. The study found that all the examined methodologies were accurate, since the MAPE of the central zone was 17.61%, the MAPE of the middle zone, when the planned infrastructure connects to the general bicycle network – 15.03%, and the MAPE of the middle zone, when the planned infrastructure does not connect to the general bicycle network – 13.85%. The predicted bicycle traffic flows calculated using the methodologies presented in the article can be used when it is necessary to decide what type of bicycle infrastructure to choose or what width of technical parameters of bicycle paths to choose.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Research on the effectiveness of externally pre-stressed reinforcement for strengthening bridge structures
Anna Miniukova, Pavlo Stashuk
This study explores the effectiveness of external prestressed reinforcement as a method for enhancing the durability of reinforced concrete bridge structures. Over time, many bridges experience significant deterioration due to increased traffic loads, aging materials, and environmental factors, leading to reduced load-bearing capacity. External prestressed reinforcement offers a solution to extend the service life of bridges without full reconstruction. The research demonstrates that this method improves the structural rigidity of the bridge, redistributes loads more evenly, and reduces deformations, contributing to the overall longevity and reliability of the structure. Experimental data indicates that external prestressed reinforcement enhances crack resistance, increases bridge stiffness, and ensures the stability of anchor blocks. By applying this technique, it is possible to increase the load capacity of a bridge without the need for costly capital repairs. The findings suggest that this approach is an effective and economical solution for strengthening and maintaining bridges, particularly those built in previous decades, and that ongoing monitoring and quality control are crucial for optimizing its application.
Introduction. Reinforced concrete bridge structures experience significant loads during operation, leading to physical deterioration, crack formation, and a gradual decrease in load-bearing capacity. One method for extending the service life of bridges without full reconstruction is the use of external prestressed reinforcement. This method enhances the rigidity of the structure and ensures a more uniform distribution of loads, minimizing deformations.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements
Forecasting Fatal Traffic Accidents During Early Covid-19 And Increased Enforcement Activities: A Case Study from Hatay Province, Türkiye Using Classical Time Series and Ensemble Machine Learning Models
Kevser Unsalan, Mehmet Fatih Can, Omer Faruk Cansiz
This study investigates the temporal dynamics and predictive modelling of fatal traffic accidents in Hatay province, Türkiye, using both classical time series approaches (ARIMA, SARIMA, Holt–Winters) and machine learning techniques (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting). Monthly accident data from 2017–2021 were analysed through seasonal decomposition, stationarity testing, and comparative model evaluation. Results revealed a distinct seasonal pattern, with accident counts peaking during summer months and declining in winter, and a long-term trend showing a notable reduction in fatalities after 2017. Among the tested models, the Enhanced Gradient Boosting approach demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy (R² = 0.97, RMSE = 1.59), outperforming both classical time series and other ensemble methods. Forecast results for 2021 indicated seasonal peaks in June and August, corresponding to increased traffic density during the holiday period. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a marked short-term reduction in fatalities, though the effect appeared to diminish post-lockdown. These findings highlight the value of integrating advanced ensemble learning methods into traffic safety forecasting and underscore the importance of seasonally targeted interventions.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY (CEF) AS A FINANCING INSTRUMENT FOR DEVELOPING THE UKRAINIAN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETITIVENESS
Volodymyr Shemayev, Yuriy Nemchikov
Introduction. Active integration into the European Union, at the same time as the blockade of seaports and the difference in the standards of the transport sector, especially at border crossing points, creates a significant load on the capacity of the transport and logistics system of Ukraine, which, in turn, requires the search and involvement of various tools for strengthening competitiveness of Ukrainian infrastructure and its successful connection with global supply chains.
Problem Statement. Transport infrastructure is a key factor of the economy competitiveness. It provides access to markets, resources and services and promotes economic growth and development. However, the challenges of global changes in the field of transport, which determine the need for constant modernization and development of infrastructure, call into question the competitiveness of countries and regions that cannot provide high-quality and efficient infrastructure.
The use of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding tool provides a unique opportunity to improve the national transport infrastructure, ensure its sufficient funding in order to develop cross-border cooperation and increase competitiveness.
Purpose. Analysis of the opportunities potential and benefits from participation in the EU CEF 2022 funding program for the development of transport infrastructure by the example of JSC “Ukrainian railways” and the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (hereinafter – the beneficiaries) in terms of increasing its competitiveness and compliance with the efficiency and environmental requirements for transport.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements
Analysis of regulations regarding transport of dangerous goods by road in Poland and in Europe
Bartłomiej Kobus, Joanna Wachnicka
Abstract: The subject of the article are regulations regarding transport of hazardous materials
in road transportation. In Poland, as well as in most European countries, these regulations are
mainly governed by the ADR Agreement, which is a supra-national legal act. The article
contains an analysis of the mentioned legal act. Despite the fact that the ADR Agreement
harmonizes regulations concerning the transport of hazardous materials, there are domestic
standards that differ slightly from the provisions of this agreement. The article also describes
parking facilities for vehicles carrying hazardous materials in Poland and presents statistical
data regarding parking spaces for this type of vehicles.
Keywords: Road transport; Hazardous materials; ADR Agreement; Parking spaces; MOP
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Enhanced asphalt dynamic modulus prediction: A detailed analysis of artificial hummingbird algorithm-optimised boosted trees
Ikenna D. Uwanuakwa, Ilham Yahya Amir, Lyce Ndolo Umba
This study introduces and evaluates a novel artificial hummingbird algorithm-optimised boosted tree (AHA-boosted) model for predicting the dynamic modulus (E∗) of hot mix asphalt concrete. Using a substantial dataset from NCHRP Report-547, the model was trained and rigorously tested. Performance metrics, specifically RMSE, MAE, and R2, were employed to assess the model's predictive accuracy, robustness, and generalisability. When benchmarked against well-established models like support vector machines (SVM) and gaussian process regression (GPR), the AHA-boosted model demonstrated enhanced performance. It achieved R2 values of 0.997 in training and 0.974 in testing, using the traditional Witczak NCHRP 1-40D model inputs. Incorporating features such as test temperature, frequency, and asphalt content led to a 1.23% increase in the test R2, signifying an improvement in the model's accuracy. The study also explored feature importance and sensitivity through SHAP and permutation importance plots, highlighting binder complex modulus |G∗| as a key predictor. Although the AHA-boosted model shows promise, a slight decrease in R2 from training to testing indicates a need for further validation. Overall, this study confirms the AHA-boosted model as a highly accurate and robust tool for predicting the dynamic modulus of hot mix asphalt concrete, making it a valuable asset for pavement engineering.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Traffic organization and transport forecast for the proposed Otwock – Karczew railway line
Szymon Klemba
Abstract: The article concerns the concept of building a new railway line between Otwock and
Karczew. Proposed variants of the railway line are presented and the organization of railway
traffic for each variant presented in the concept is proposed. It is assumed that the existing route
of Fast Urban Railway line would be extended or a new circle line would be launched. Transport
forecasts were developed using the Polish Integrated Traffic Model. Results indicate that the
proposed line has a large transport potential, and in the most developed variant, it would open
up new travel opportunities around the Warsaw agglomeration.
Keywords: Railway Transport;traffic ; Karczew
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Analysis of Physical and Mechanical Soil Properties Determined Using Interpretations of Dilatometric Test (DMT) and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Methods
Endijs Virsis, Ainars Paeglitis, Laura Jateikienė
Road design is a complex, time-consuming, and very responsible process. To develop a high-quality and viable road project, it is very important to start with an accurate geological survey in order to define the best road layout. Moreover, the geotechnical characterisation of foundation soils and construction materials as well as the analysis and assessment of geotechnical works are mandatory. Laboratory and in situ investigations are complementary and should be carried out by defining a cost-effective investigation campaign. Most often, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) or Cone (static) Penetration Test (CPT) are performed because they are economic and quick. In addition, it is also possible to perform the Marchetti Dilatometer Test (DMT). From the obtained test results, the data are interpreted by determining the properties of the soil layers. Although all probing methods are similar, each of them gives slightly different results. The aim of this study is to analyse and compare the results of the probing test, to determine the difference between the obtained data and to find out how the obtained results affect the development of constructive solutions from the safety and economic point of view.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Dispersive Soil Stabilization Using Biopolymers, Bioenzymes, Additives as a Subgrade Material: A Review Paper
M. H, N. S., N. S.
The overall performance of pavement is dependent on the subgrade soil type and its properties. Soil stabilization has always been a substantial concern in construction of highways. In situ soil remoulding is an essential criterion to enhance the fundamental engineering properties of subgrade and to meet the standards of road construction. Various stabilization techniques are utilized to annihilate the inadequate properties of sub-grade soils. Principally, traditionally used soil stabilizers like lime, cement, bitumen, etc. and combinations of these have been utilized widely to enhance the properties of problematic soil. These traditionally soil stabilizers are uneconomical and use of gravel or sand to enrich soil properties are depleting. This scenario has led to lots of researches in order to identify and introduce cost efficient and eco-friendly materials, in particular, different types of inorganic to organic stabilizers have been experimented at laboratory level and also in field level in order to scrutinize their suitability as soil stabilizer. This paper elaborates the various research conducted on enhancing sub-grade of the road by stabilizing dispersive soil with biopolymers, bioenzymes, and additives. These stabilizers are environmentally friendly and a cost-effective alternative to traditionally soil stabilizers.
Application of the «TerraZond» Wide Coverage Ground Penetrating Radar for Sounding the Roadbed
S. Shipilov, I. Tseplyaev, R. Satarov
et al.
The GPR method is being used more and more widely in diagnostics, engineering surveys and inspection of highways, as well as in quality control of road construction works. In this case, different designs of ground penetrating radar and methods of work, as well as various software are used. The ground penetrating radar method is uncontested, since it allows you to continuously explore the internal structure of the pavement structure. This article presents the design of the existing ground penetrating radar and the method of processing the received geodata using this ground penetrating radar.
The Depth of the Zone of Thermal Influence of Highways
A. Galkin
The thermal regime of road surface and basements is an important factor determining their reliable and safe operation in the cryolithozone. The aim of the research was to quantify the possibility of replacing the layered environment of the road's soil base with an equivalent homogeneous soil with an average coefficient of thermal conductivity when calculating the depth of the road's thermal influence zone. Two methods of averaging the thermophysical properties of a layered medium are considered: weighted average and arithmetic average. Dependences are obtained for determining the degree of deviation of the properties and thicknesses of the layers of the soil base, in which both methods are acceptable for engineering calculations. As an example, the two-layer medium of the road base is considered. For the analysis, the classical formula of the depth of thermal influence was used, obtained from the solution by the integral method of the one-dimensional equation of unsteady thermal conductivity. Simple engineering formulas are given for the relative error in determining the values of the depth of thermal influence when using an equivalent layer of pavement in calculations. A concrete example of calculating the depth of the zone of thermal influence in the two-layer soil of the road base is considered. The equation of the functional relationship between the parameters characterizing the degree of deviation of the thickness and thermophysical properties of individual layers from each other is obtained, which provides an error in the calculations of the depth of the zone of thermal influence less than the permissible value. The results of numerical calculations are presented in the form of 2D and 2D graphs, which allow us to visually assess the influence of the range of changes in the values of the thermal conductivity coefficients of individual soil layers on the legality of using various methods of constructing an equivalent single-layer road foundation structure.
Scheme analysis of the structure founded on the piles in soil-steel bridge
Machelski Czesław, Jan Michalski
Abstract: In soil-steel bridges usually the massive concrete foundation is being applied. When the structure is mounted in the gutter, the static models defined as non-sliding joint arch. In a few cases only, the corrugated steel structures are founded on a flexible foundation. The examples of such objects executed in Poland were described in this article. The flexible foundation of the steel structure helps to form a natural vault in the backfill. The shape of the structure, similar to parabolic arch, is relevant in this case. The essential case being analyzed here, is the structure founded on the piles made of steel pipes. It is characterized by variable static scheme resulting from the level of connection. The displacement scheme was established using the results of geodetic measurements performed on the constructed bridge. On this basis, the range of changes in the uplift of the structure during backfilling, was estimated in the structure model. Keywords: Soil-steel bridges; Flexible foundation; Static scheme; Investigation
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Mejoras al ensayo de resistencia del enlace adhesivo de ligante asfáltico en materiales para pavimentos
Daybis Stuar Tencio, Alejandra Baldi, José Pablo Aguiar Moya
et al.
El estudio de las propiedades mecánicas de los materiales usados en pavimentos forma parte esencial de su caracterización inicial. Por ello, la reproducibilidad y la constante mejora de ensayos permite obtener resultados confiables, reduciendo errores que se puedan dar durante la preparación del material. Es por esto que el presente estudio permite establecer criterios y valores nominales para un adecuado acabado del agregado usado en pavimentos, con el fin de reducir la desviación de los resultados del ensayo de tracción uniaxial en base seca, realizados con ligante asfáltico virgen. Para el ensayo, se expuso a las muestras de agregado a un proceso de pulido por 60 segundos con un número de 10 pasadas, para lo cual se utilizaron bandas abrasivas de distintos números de grano, hasta el #320. Se pudo obtener un esfuerzo de tracción de 2,39 (0,29) MPa, donde el valor entre paréntesis corresponde a la desviación estándar y el mismo corresponde a las condiciones donde se obtuvo un mejor esfuerzo de tracción, aunado a una disminución de desviación estándar. Adicionalmente, un modelo lineal entre los factores de preparación de superficie y el valor de resistencia de enlace adhesivo (POTS por sus siglas en inglés) obtenido por un diseño factorial 24, mostró que los efectos principales aportan hasta un 84 % de correlación con el esfuerzo de tracción y hasta un 78 % con su desviación estándar, lo cual es considerado satisfactorio, ya que su valor p, el cual es una medida directa de la probabilidad de aceptar las condiciones recomendadas en este documento, es de 6,56·10-4, demostrando una adecuada significancia estadística.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements
Planning considerations of green corridors for the improvement of biodiversity resilience in suburban areas
Yuhong Wang, Siqi Jia, Zhe Wang
et al.
The world is experiencing a rapid loss in the biodiversity of pollinator insects. Habitat segmentation caused by infrastructures is one of the contributing factors. To improve the habitat connectivity of pollinator insects, it is proposed in this study to build green corridors for pollinators over linear infrastructures such as highways. In the context of suburban areas of a large city, this study examines differences in air parameters between natural environments and a roadside environment based on monitored and estimated data. Influences of different green corridor designs on floral scent dispersion are also investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and simulation. It is found that, if flower plants are installed on highway overpasses, the floral scents would be better preserved as compared with those in a natural environment due to the lower concentrations of oxidative radicals in the air above highways. The stronger floral scents and their wider dispersion may help attract pollinators. Conversely, highway air contains a variety of volatine organic compounds (VOCs) that are traced to highway operations and pavements. Hence, the overall profile of VOCs in a highway environment differs from that in a natural environment. Results from CFD modeling and simulation suggest that the use of green corridors planted with flowers on the highway overpass can greatly improve the connectivity of floral scents. Hence, with proper engineering design and right combination of plant species, green corridors built on highway overpasses have the potential to facilitate pollinators to cross the road, thereby improving their habitat connectivity and resilience against declining biodiversity.
New Hungarian Mechanistic-Empirical Design Procedure for Asphalt Pavements
Csaba Tóth, Péter Primusz
Certain elements of the currently used Hungarian pavement design method are based on the mechanistic-empirical pavement design principles, although they are not always readily implemented in practice. When designing a new pavement structure, it is only possible to select predetermined composition from a catalogue. The use of the Hungarian design catalogue is unquestionably comfortable, but nowadays special requirements (e.g. economy, sustainability) have been formulated as well. Those requirements increasingly call for the development of a method that can be used under Hungarian conditions, which can provide for the employment of various material properties. Instead of offering a predefined solution it needs to provide a useful tool for designers to enable realistic comparisons of engineering alternatives. This paper introduces the results of an ongoing research that aims to provide an alternative procedure for the design of newly constructed asphalt pavements. It establishes the framework for better characterization of the material properties of the natural subgrade and bound pavement layers compared to the utilization of predetermined designs. It also provides opportunity to consider local, environmental, geographical and other conditions and innovative building and technology capabilities.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Expanded range of testing of soil-steel bridge with use moving loads
Czesław Machelski, Piotr Tomala
n this paper the results of the live load tests of soil steel bridge are presented. The structure was designed with use of the largest possible corrugation type UltraCor. Parameters of analysed structure were referred to the current record structures in the term of span. Standard test procedure have been expended to check the efficiency of the position-changing loads i.e live loads but in a quasi-static approach. The measuring base was the upper part of the shell periphery equipped with inductive and dial gauges to determine deflections at regular layout. Paper presents another example of the formation of “hysteresis loop” where the live load is passing back and forth along the same path. In the case of a dense layout of measuring points it is possible to use a differential algorithm to estimate the bending moments in corrugated steel plates. Analysed case shows that the internal forces and displacements due to the live loads are much smaller than during construction. The purpose of the paper is to indicate the specific behaviour of soil-steel structures in relation to classical arch bridges.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Laboratory Characterization of The Load Transfer-Crack Width Relation for Innovative Short Concrete Slabs Pavements
Mauricio Pradena, Lambert Houben, Andrés César
Aggregate interlock is the dominant load transfer mechanism in non-dowelled Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements, as the innovative short concrete slabs. Although the Load Transfer Efficiency of this pavement innovation is based on that mechanism, the structural design methods do not relate the Load Transfer Efficiency by aggregate interlock with its direct cause, which is the Crack Width under the joints. The objective of the present article is to characterise in the laboratory the Load Transfer Efficiency−Crack Width relation for innovative short slabs Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements. Additionally, as an alternative to large-scale laboratory tests to study the Load Transfer Efficiency, a practical test on a reduced scale is proposed. The results confirmed that short slabs Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements with high-quality aggregates are able to provide adequate Load Transfer Efficiency (above 70%) without dowels bars. Based on the laboratory results, complemented with previous field data, a Load Transfer Efficiency−Crack Width curve is proposed and made available for structural design methods of short slabs Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements. Finally, the laboratory test on a reduced scale is useful to develop specific Load Transfer Efficiency−Crack Width relations using standard equipment available in traditional concrete laboratories.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Determining the Physical Properties of Aggregate Products and its Suitability for Road Base Construction, Ethiopia
Ashebir Alyew Mamo, Matusala Bassa Dagoye, A. Tessema
Normal aggregates are commonly mined from larger rock formations through an open quarry; the mined rock is reduced to usable proportions by crushing machine. From those materials in construction projects, the widely used one is a natural aggregate, which is a collective term for the mineral materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone that are used with a binding medium. Aggregates are one of the major components of highway material which is basically used in highway pavement layers such as base course. For the determination of the suitability of coarse aggregates as a road base construction material, conducting an appropriate physical test was essential. The study was carried out to determine some of the physical properties of natural aggregate products which are obtained around Arba Minch area. For naturally obtained basaltic parent rock, aggregate crushing plant in three different sites around Arba Minch were established, considering the availability of aggregate products of the study area and to approve its suitability, the physical tests of aggregate were conducted by the research team using Sieve test, Impact test, Aggregate Crushing Value test, Aggregate Abrasion Value test, Specific Gravity and Water Absorption test are the tests that have been carried out to evaluate the engineering properties of the natural rock aggregates. Laboratory test result concluded from the three quarry sites (Kulfo, Secha, and Mirab Abaya) showed that the natural aggregates manufactured in Arba Minch areas are good for road base construction because the test result satisfies the ERA, AASHTO, and ASTM specification requirements. Finally the research group concluded the study by providing essential recommendation for further study on the suitability of aggregate qualities for road base construction around the study area, so it will be better to conduct chemical tests of the aggregates because the site has many aggregate source so as to allocate the good product to other required areas.
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Environmental Science
Thermal Mapping in Flat Lowlands and Undulating Uplands – A Comparison of Results
Lauryna Šidlauskaitė, Jörgen Bogren
Thermal mapping has been known as a reliable technique to analyse and even predict road surface temperature in a stretch of road, rather than just a single point (e.g. road weather station location). The method itself was developed in the 1980s, and as time progressed, the technique was improved and has become more applicable. Due to other methods, such as climate modelling, becoming widely accessible and more affordable to apply, thermal mapping started being pushed out to the background as an expensive alternative. The idea for this paper arose from thermal mapping applications to Lithuanian roads that produced inconclusive results in some research areas and raised the question of whether this technique applies to flatlands as effectively as to uplands. The Czech Republic was chosen as a country with an available database and environmentally different road network. Several stretches of road thermal mapping data were analysed and compared. It was concluded, that in flat landscapes altitude has lesser predictability value for road surface temperature than in undulating uplands. In addition, thermal mapping results appear to be more inconclusive in flatlands, compared to uplands. Nevertheless, thermal mapping is a good and reliable method for determining cold spots.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering
Traffic Pollution Assessment Using Artificial Neural Network and Multivariate Analysis
Mario De Luca, Daiva Žilionienė, Saulius Gadeikis
et al.
The work addressed a study on pollution caused by traffic on the highway. In particular, it was considered the concentration of pollutant, resulting from the passage of vehicles on the freeway. Five different stations (sensors and samples) used to collect data. The data collection period around six months. Also, the following parameters were detected: wind speed and direction, temperature and traffic flow rate. Data processed with Multivariate Analysis and Artificial Neural Network approach. The best model it obtained with Artificial Neural Network approach. In fact, this model presented the best fit to the experimental data.
Highway engineering. Roads and pavements, Bridge engineering