Research

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8 pages, 2512 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Base Study of Bridge Inspection by Modeling Touch Information Using Light Detection and Ranging

by Tomotaka Fukuoka, Takahiro Minami and Makoto Fujiu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041449 - 09 Feb 2024

Viewed by 496

In Japan, bridges are inspected via close visual examinations every five years. However, these inspections are labor intensive, and a shortage of engineers and budget constraints will restrict such inspections in the future. In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce the [...] Read more.

In Japan, bridges are inspected via close visual examinations every five years. However, these inspections are labor intensive, and a shortage of engineers and budget constraints will restrict such inspections in the future. In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce the labor required for inspections by automating various aspects of the inspection process. In this study, we proposed and evaluated a method of applying super-resolution technology to obtain precise point cloud information to create distance information images to enable the use of tactile information (e.g., human touch) on the surface to be inspected. We measured the distance to the specimen using LiDAR, generated distance information images, performed super-resolution on the pseudo-created low-resolution images, and evaluated them in comparison with the existing magnification method. The evaluation results suggest that the adaptation of the super-resolution technique is effective in increasing the resolution of the boundary of the distance change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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16 pages, 1992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detailed Activity-Based Earthwork Scheduling Model to Aid during the Planning Stage of Road Construction

by Chanwoo Lee, Minsu Cha, Hyeonmin Kim and Hunhee Cho

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12902; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312902 - 01 Dec 2023

Viewed by 826

Abstract

Earthwork scheduling (during the planning phase of road construction) is an important task that directly affects the cost and time of a project. However, the current scheduling methods are not performed at a detailed level and carry forward gaps from the actual schedule [...] Read more.

Earthwork scheduling (during the planning phase of road construction) is an important task that directly affects the cost and time of a project. However, the current scheduling methods are not performed at a detailed level and carry forward gaps from the actual schedule in the construction stage, causing problems, including time delays and additional costs, during the construction stage and thereby leading to the modification and supplementation of existing plans. Many studies related to scheduling have focused on process optimization or automation; therefore, the gaps between the planning and construction stages have not been studied well. These gaps must be determined in advance to solve the fundamental problem of earthwork scheduling in road construction. Therefore, this study proposes a detailed activity-based scheduling model for earthwork at the planning stage to minimize the gap between the planned schedule and the actual process at the construction stage. The proposed model comprises a detailed activity-based database of earthwork in road construction (DADER), which enables the subdivision of the existing earthwork schedule plan, and a dynamic programming (DP) procedure, which enables the combination of activities. The earthwork schedule at the case site, planned for only three activities, is subdivided using DADER into 36 activities. Additionally, the DP procedure is used to derive a combination of activity alternatives that minimizes the cost among the conditions that satisfied the input target duration. The model is verified through an expert survey using a 7-point Likert scale. Results show that the model has cost efficiency (4.19), onsite applicability (4.70), and task efficiency (4.48). The findings indicate that performing scheduling during the planning stage of earthwork projects can help reduce additional work caused by the gap between the site and the plan. This study will help improve the productivity of road construction projects by providing correct process optimization and automation research data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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24 pages, 10879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Ride Comfort under Vortex-Induced Vibration of Long-Span Bridge

by Yafei Wang, Changfa Zhou, Jiwei Zhong, Zhengxing Wang, Wenfan Yao, Yuyin Jiang and Shujin Laima

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11505; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011505 - 20 Oct 2023

Viewed by 655

Abstract

The increasing number of suspension bridges has led to designs favoring greater length and flexibility, resulting in a common problem of vortex-induced vibration. While vortex-induced vibration typically does not cause structural damage, it diminishes the bridge’s fatigue resistance and has a detrimental impact [...] Read more.

The increasing number of suspension bridges has led to designs favoring greater length and flexibility, resulting in a common problem of vortex-induced vibration. While vortex-induced vibration typically does not cause structural damage, it diminishes the bridge’s fatigue resistance and has a detrimental impact on ride comfort. Additionally, this study introduces a road–bridge–vehicle vibration model, proposing an evaluation method for assessing ride comfort during vortex-induced vibrations in long-span bridges. This method features simplified modeling and swift calculations, circumventing the need for intricate finite element modeling and iterative solving. Furthermore, it evaluates ride comfort for vehicles crossing a prototype long-span suspension bridge using the Overall Vibration Total Value (OVTV) and Motion Sickness Incidence (MSI) criteria. This study also analyzes the influence of various parameters on OVTV and MSI, including vehicle speed, road grade, vortex-induced vibration frequency, and amplitude. It establishes a reference limit for vortex-induced vibration amplitude based on OVTV and MSI values. Moreover, the study substantiates that, within the context of vortex-induced vibration, the MSI value is more suitable for evaluating driving comfort compared to the OVTV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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17 pages, 2801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automated Detection of Social Conflict Drivers in Civil Infrastructure Projects Using Natural Language Processing

by Seungwon Baek, Do Namgoong, Jinwoo Won and Seung H. Han

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11171; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011171 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 833

Abstract

Early detection and mitigation of social conflict in civil infrastructure projects is essential due to its significant impact on project performance and social governance. Nevertheless, there is no scientific system for monitoring conflict drivers in a timely manner in practice. Furthermore, previous studies [...] Read more.

Early detection and mitigation of social conflict in civil infrastructure projects is essential due to its significant impact on project performance and social governance. Nevertheless, there is no scientific system for monitoring conflict drivers in a timely manner in practice. Furthermore, previous studies of social conflict in the civil engineering and management domains have relied on manual literature reviews and case studies. Although these qualitative approaches have provided context-specific insights, they are limited in their generalizability and broad perspectives. Against this backdrop, this study presents an automated process for detecting conflict drivers from news articles using ChatGPT. The authors collected news articles related to civil infrastructure projects implemented in the Republic of Korea using web crawling. Then, ChatGPT was used to extract conflict-related keyphrases from the article collections and classify the keyphrases into predefined conflict drivers. The result showed a notable performance with a micro average F1-score of 85.7%. Moreover, the authors confirmed the validity of the keyphrase extraction and classification results through two illustrative case studies. The proposed process and methods contribute to facilitating data-driven conflict management. Although this study focused on conflict drivers of public infrastructure projects, other types of information extraction tasks can benefit from the presented framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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17 pages, 10125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing a Digital Twin of an Underground Utility Tunnel for Geospatial Feature Extraction Using a Multimodal Image Sensor

by Jaewook Lee, Yonghwan Lee, Sangmi Park and Changhee Hong

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169137 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

The increasing interest in digital twin technology, the digitalization of worn-out social overhead capital (SOC), and disaster management services has augmented the usage of 3D spatial models and information to manage infrastructure. In this study, a digital twin of a subterranean utility tunnel [...] Read more.

The increasing interest in digital twin technology, the digitalization of worn-out social overhead capital (SOC), and disaster management services has augmented the usage of 3D spatial models and information to manage infrastructure. In this study, a digital twin of a subterranean utility tunnel was created, and spatial objects were identified using inbuilt image sensors. The novelty lies in the development of a unique algorithm that breaks down the structure of the utility tunnel into points, lines, and planes, identifying objects using a multimodal image sensor that incorporates light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. The three main conclusions of this study are the following: First, a digital twin of the utility tunnel was constructed using building information modeling integrated with a geographic information system (BIM-GIS). Second, a method for extracting spatial objects was defined. Third, image-sensor-based segmentation and a random sample consensus (RANSAC) were applied. In this process, the supplementary algorithm for extracting and updating 3D spatial objects was analyzed and improved. The developed algorithm was tested using point cloud data, showing easier object classification with more precise LiDAR data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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19 pages, 7458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Performance Curve Estimation of Unreinforced Masonry Walls Subjected to In-Plane Rocking Behavior

by Ho Choi, Chunri Quan and Kiwoong Jin

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7298; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127298 - 19 Jun 2023

Viewed by 965

Abstract

This study focused on the in-plane rocking behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. Three URM wall specimens were designed and fabricated based on a typical masonry house in Korea. The experimental parameters were the layout of openings (its presence or absence) and configuration [...] Read more.

This study focused on the in-plane rocking behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. Three URM wall specimens were designed and fabricated based on a typical masonry house in Korea. The experimental parameters were the layout of openings (its presence or absence) and configuration of openings (window or door). Static cyclic loading tests were conducted to investigate nonlinear performance curves of masonry walls subjected to a rocking behavior in the in-plane direction. In this paper, the mortar-joint tensile crack strength and rocking strength of masonry walls (i.e., peak and residual strengths) were evaluated, and the effects of opening configurations on the masonry wall strength were examined, due to the proposed procedure. The deformation capacity of a rocking behavior was also identified by the procedure. As a result, specimens without initial cracks showed the rocking behavior after mortar-joint tensile crack failure, whereas a specimen with initial cracks exhibited only the rocking behavior. Since no remarkable strength deterioration was found until final loading in all specimens, an in-plane rocking URM wall may have very good deformation performance. The estimated mortar-joint tensile crack strength, rocking strength, stiffness, and ultimate deformation were in good agreement with the experimental results, regardless of the layout and configuration of openings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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20 pages, 10686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vulnerability and Seismic Exposure of Residential Building Stock in the Historic Center of Alcamo

by Piero Colajanni, Calogero Cucchiara, Jennifer D’Anna, Silvia Pennisi and Salvatore Pagnotta

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7092; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127092 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 750

Abstract

The influence of exposure evaluation methodology in the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the residential building stock in the historic center of Alcamo, a town of 45,000 inhabitants in Western Sicily (Italy), hit by an earthquake in 1968, is evaluated in this [...] Read more.

The influence of exposure evaluation methodology in the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the residential building stock in the historic center of Alcamo, a town of 45,000 inhabitants in Western Sicily (Italy), hit by an earthquake in 1968, is evaluated in this study. A comparison of exposure estimates on the basis of the description of the residential building stock according to two different approaches is performed. The first, typical of seismic vulnerability assessment procedures at a territorial scale, refers to the description of residential building stock through an accurate typological description, conducted using the CARTIS survey form. The form allows for a detailed description and survey of the prevailing ordinary building types within areas characterized by the homogeneity of the building fabric in terms of age of construction, structural characteristics, construction techniques, and distribution of types. The detailed description of building types allows for the assessment of exposure at the municipal scale based on an estimate of the total number of units and the percentage of each type within each compartment, obtained by interviewing local technicians. The second is based on a similar survey at the building scale, namely, drawing up a form for each building. The comparison of exposure and damage scenarios obtained with the two methods proves that the approximations provided by the compartment-scale survey are compatible with the purposes of an assessment of vulnerability and damage scenarios at the territorial scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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21 pages, 8387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Actual In-Plane Geometric Imperfections of Steel Tied-Arch Bridges

by Matúš Farbák, Jakub Chromčák, Dáša Bačová and Jaroslav Odrobiňák

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116393 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1800

Abstract

The complex global analysis of the steel tied-arch bridges may require specific data in some cases, e.g., residual stress or real geometrical imperfections. The presented research is focused on the investigation of the actual in-plane shape of the steel tied-arch bridges. To obtain [...] Read more.

The complex global analysis of the steel tied-arch bridges may require specific data in some cases, e.g., residual stress or real geometrical imperfections. The presented research is focused on the investigation of the actual in-plane shape of the steel tied-arch bridges. To obtain the actual shapes of the arches of existing bridges, 3D terrestrial laser scanning was applied. Data were then investigated as a group in order to find the relationship within the tied-arch bridges’ vertical imperfections. Firstly, the detailed surveyed points in the selected position were mathematically determined to estimate the measured data. The next step included the creation of curves presenting the real shape of the bridges’ arches course using numerical modelling. After the pre-programming, the calculations and related numerical modelling were performed in the Matlab environment. These modelled arch-bridges courses were approximated by using regression analysis. The approximating curves from the regression analysis represent the theoretical course of the arches. The difference between the theoretical shape and the processed measured values may be presented as the examined in-plane imperfections. Subsequently, the paper presents comparisons from the evaluation of the individual imperfections on the investigated bridges and a comparison of the measurement with the standardised shape of the imperfections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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16 pages, 6652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation on Structural Performance Enhancement of Brick Masonry Member by Internal Reinforcement

by Kiwoong Jin, Ho Choi and Chunri Quan

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5287; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095287 - 23 Apr 2023

Viewed by 971

Abstract

This study focused on perforated bricks, and the structural performance enhancement of brick members by internal reinforcement was experimentally investigated. As a new reinforcing material, screw iron (SI) rods were selected for the internal reinforcement, and they were inserted into the perforated brick. [...] Read more.

This study focused on perforated bricks, and the structural performance enhancement of brick members by internal reinforcement was experimentally investigated. As a new reinforcing material, screw iron (SI) rods were selected for the internal reinforcement, and they were inserted into the perforated brick. To investigate the most-effective reinforcing method as well as to understand the fundamental structural behaviors, four specimens with different variables were fabricated, and three-point bending tests were carried out. From the experiments, it was found that the maximum strength of the specimen increased by more than two times with internal reinforcement. The internal reinforcement, fixed by nuts at both ends of the specimen to enhance integrity, increased the maximum strength by nine times. Moreover, the deformation capacities of the specimens were also greatly enhanced. The case where the internal SI rods were fixed by nuts without mortar also showed a similar structural performance to the case with mortar. The estimation methods of the maximum strength of the specimens were also discussed, and they showed reasonable agreement with the test results. It was proved that the proposed material and methods enabled effective utilization of the internal reinforcement, and they could contribute to the improvement of structural performances in masonry construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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18 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GIS-Based Identification of Locations in Water Distribution Networks Vulnerable to Leakage

by Eisa Alzarooni, Tarig Ali, Serter Atabay, Abdullah Gokhan Yilmaz, Md. Maruf Mortula, Kazi Parvez Fattah and Zahid Khan

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4692; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084692 - 07 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

The detection of leakages in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) is usually challenging and identifying their locations may take a long time. Current water leak detection methods such as model-based and measurement-based approaches face significant limitations that impact response times, resource requirements, accuracy, and [...] Read more.

The detection of leakages in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) is usually challenging and identifying their locations may take a long time. Current water leak detection methods such as model-based and measurement-based approaches face significant limitations that impact response times, resource requirements, accuracy, and location identification. This paper presents a method for determining locations in the WDNs that are vulnerable to leakage by combining six leakage-conditioning factors using logistic regression and vulnerability analysis. The proposed model considered three fixed physical factors (pipe length per junction, number of fittings per length, and pipe friction factor) and three varying operational aspects (drop in pressure, decrease in flow, and variations in chlorine levels). The model performance was validated using 13 district metered areas (DMAs) of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) WDN using ArcGIS. Each of the six conditioning factors was assigned a weight that reflects its contribution to leakage in the WDNs based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The highest weight was set to 0.25 for both pressure and flow, while 0.2 and 0.14 were set for the chlorine and number of fittings per length, respectively. The minimum weight was set to 0.08 for both length per junction and friction factor. When the model runs, it produces vulnerability to leakage maps, which indicate the DMAs’ vulnerability classes ranging from very high to very low. Real-world data and different scenarios were used to validate the method, and the areas vulnerable to leakage were successfully identified based on fixed physical and varying operational factors. This vulnerability map will provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks facing a system and help stakeholders develop and implement strategies to mitigate the leakage. Therefore, water utility companies can employ this method for corrective maintenance activities and daily operations. The proposed approach can offer a valuable tool for reducing water production costs and increasing the efficiency of WDN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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9 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Investigation of the Signal Reach Performance of the Ultra-High-Frequency Identification Tag for Underground Utility Management

by Youzhang Gu, Seunghyun Roh, Wuguan Lin, YooSeok Jung and Yoon-Ho Cho

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2294; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042294 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 901

Abstract

The historical management of underground utilities such as communication lines, water and sewage pipes, and power lines is essential for their effective use. However, due to the nature of the buried facilities, detecting and tracking them are challenging, although various solutions are difficult [...] Read more.

The historical management of underground utilities such as communication lines, water and sewage pipes, and power lines is essential for their effective use. However, due to the nature of the buried facilities, detecting and tracking them are challenging, although various solutions are difficult to apply in the field, especially optical cables, which are mainly used for communication, making it more difficult to apply existing solutions. There has been limited research on the practicalities of solutions, especially on multilayer structures such as road pavements. Based on a literature review, we selected ultra-high-frequency radio frequency identification (UHF RFID), which is least affected by performance degradation or interference due to batteries. We experimented to identify the signal attenuation based on the medium by controlling the materials and moisture used in the road pavement as variables. The signal reached a depth of 68 cm and this was possible under conditions of asphalt and subgrade soil. In a comparative experiment for each variable, we recognized tags of sand and coarse aggregate up to a depth of 70 cm. When the moisture was considered, the signal attenuation difference was 1.8 dBm for each level. Based on the experimental results of this study, it was confirmed that UHF RFID can be used as a marker sensor to be attached to utilities installed under the road pavement. Depending on the structure and material of the pavement, the signal is sufficiently transmitted up to 40–50 cm, which is the target installation depth of the communication line. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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Review

Jump to: Research

34 pages, 8346 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hub Airport End-Around Taxiway Construction Planning Development: A Review

by Xiaoxi Jiang and Peiwen Hao

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083500 - 21 Apr 2024

Viewed by 328

Abstract

Hub airports typically have multiple parallel runways, requiring aircraft to transfer between them. This increases the risk of runway incursions. End-around taxiways (EATs) mitigate such risk by enabling bypassing without runway crossings. This review summarizes 15 EAT layouts worldwide and presents two classification [...] Read more.

Hub airports typically have multiple parallel runways, requiring aircraft to transfer between them. This increases the risk of runway incursions. End-around taxiways (EATs) mitigate such risk by enabling bypassing without runway crossings. This review summarizes 15 EAT layouts worldwide and presents two classification methods: by configuration (N-type, M-type, Large N-type) and by operational relationship with runways (back-around, runway end-around, start-around). The key benefits of EATs were manifold, including the reduction of runway incursions, controller workload, and delays while improving communication safety, capacity, and efficiency. However, drawbacks such as increased land use, construction costs, and potentially longer taxi times and distances should be considered. Therefore, the optimization of the EAT layout is essential. In pursuit of optimal design, considerations should encompass limiting obstacle surfaces, flight procedures, navigation/lighting facilities, jet blast, and visual obstructions from end-around aircraft to departing aircraft. Notably, challenges arise in reducing distances between EATs and thresholds/ends. The given solutions include displacing thresholds, creating “sunken” lowered elevation EATs, and utilizing terrain shielding instead of metallic visual screens. A case study was introduced to demonstrate the successful improvement of the EAT via sunken EATs and terrain shielding at Guiyang Airport. The conclusion encourages further optimization of EAT layouts that balance safety and efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Civil Infrastructures Engineering)

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