Sustainable development presents a challenge to most countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).Given the importance of infrastructure as a key aspect of the BRI,it is of great importance to investigate s...Sustainable development presents a challenge to most countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).Given the importance of infrastructure as a key aspect of the BRI,it is of great importance to investigate sustainable infrastructure in BRI countries.This paper explores how infrastructure meets the criteria of sustainable development and promotes sustainability.However,existing evaluation frameworks are not target-oriented,systematic,and practical.To fill this gap,we provide the framework based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and apply it to the evaluation of the C12 Road Reconstruction Project.We find that the project promotes local sustainable development as a whole but has negative effects in some respects.In addition to excellent project management,the project still can improve public communication and local integration.In terms of policy implementation,we suggest summarizing the successful business model and promoting top-down and multi-dimensions designs.展开更多
Marine infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation of traditional materials such as Portland cement concrete and carbon steel.This review systematically ...Marine infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation of traditional materials such as Portland cement concrete and carbon steel.This review systematically investigates recent advancements in sustainable alternatives,including geopolymer concrete,engineered innovacementitious composites(ECC),bio-concrete,fiber-reinforced polymers(FRPs),and bamboo,stainless steel,and steel-CFRP hybrid bars.Each material is evaluated based on marine durability,mechanical performance,environmental impact,and cost feasibility using life cycle assessment,durability modelling,and a multi-criteria decisionsupport framework.The results reveal that geopolymer concrete and FRP reinforcement’s exhibit superior corrosion resistance and environmental benefits,while ECC and steel-CFRP composites offer structural resilience with moderate environmental trade-offs.However,challenges remain in long-term performance validation,standardization,and market integration.The review concludes that a combined approach involving innovative materials,computational tools,and sustainability assessment is essential for advancing marine infrastructure.Outlook recommendations include focused field studies,development of regulatory guidelines,and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive the practical adoption of eco-efficient materials in coastal and offshore construction.展开更多
As offshore wind infrastructure becomes more important to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,it is becoming more important to connect lifecycle cost management with circular economy(CE)principles.When looking a...As offshore wind infrastructure becomes more important to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,it is becoming more important to connect lifecycle cost management with circular economy(CE)principles.When looking at the long-term costs of infrastructure,traditional lifecycle cost models often fail to account for residual value recovery,material circularity,or environmental externalities.This study creates a unified analytical framework that adds CE strategies to lifecycle cost modelling for offshore wind systems,such as turbines,substructures,moorings,and floating platforms.The method uses multi-objective optimization and system dynamics simulation along with net present value(NPV)modelling,material flow analysis,and carbonadjusted cost accounting.We modelled project-level datasets over 25 years to look at the trade-offs between economic and environmental factors in both linear and circular lifecycle scenarios.We use Python,MATLAB,and OpenLCA to look at key metrics like the Material Circularity Indicator(MCI),estimates of residual value,and internalized carbon costs.The results show that circular infrastructure strategies greatly lower lifecycle costs while also increasing material recovery and carbon efficiency.Scenario simulations showed that CE-based configurations could cut costs by up to 18%and emissions over the life of the product by 22%.Regression and sensitivity analyses showed that MCI,CAPEX,and circular design strategies are good at predicting residual value and long-term economic performance.This study adds a new,evidence-based model for making decisions about infrastructure that takes into account financial,environmental,and material circularity.展开更多
This paper introduces, for applications in the mining industry, an innovative hybrid column form which consists of an inner steel tube, an outer fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP) tube and an annular concrete infill betwee...This paper introduces, for applications in the mining industry, an innovative hybrid column form which consists of an inner steel tube, an outer fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP) tube and an annular concrete infill between them. The two tubes may be concentrically placed to produce a section form more suitable for columns, or eccentrically placed to produce a section form more suitable for beams. The FRP is combined with steel and concrete in these hybrid structural members in such a way that the advantages of FRP are appropriately exploited while its disadvantages are minimized. As a result, these hybrid members possess excellent corrosion resistance as well as excellent ductility and seismic resistance. This paper summarizes existing research on this new form of structural members, and discusses their potential applications in mining infrastructure before presenting a summary of the recent and current studies at University of Wollongong(UOW) on their structural behaviour and design.展开更多
The water is the most important component in the ecosystems responsible for energy flow and mass transport. The water also plays an important role for human existence. However, the constructed infrastructures such as ...The water is the most important component in the ecosystems responsible for energy flow and mass transport. The water also plays an important role for human existence. However, the constructed infrastructures such as roads, buildings, railways, drainage systems, etc. give negative impacts to the ecosystem such as deteriorating the water quality and changing the natural water circulation system.展开更多
Resilient infrastructure is critical to a sustainable and functioning society.Infrastructure management and(re)development are highly complex processes encompassing various stakeholders’interests while they are pres-...Resilient infrastructure is critical to a sustainable and functioning society.Infrastructure management and(re)development are highly complex processes encompassing various stakeholders’interests while they are pres-sured by the uncertainty of climate change and social transition.In response to these challenges,various resilience initiatives emerged with different motivations and approaches.The purpose of this research is to understand the interplay between motivations and organizational approaches as well as resilience conceptualization.This can provide insights into which domains of resilience have been focused on and what needs to be improved in their or-ganizational approaches to realize motivations.This research specifically investigates ten resilient infrastructure initiatives in the Netherlands.By using scoping review and content analysis,our results highlight that resilience initiatives conceptualize resilience in different ways,mainly focusing on built and organizational resilience with a focus on long-term and wider geographic scope.Each initiative had several motivations,including 1)creat-ing innovative solutions,2)sharing knowledge,3)promoting commitment and cooperation,and 4)promoting resilience.These motivations are reflected in the organizational approach.For example,there was a strong link between the motivation‘creating shared knowledge’and the organizational approach‘research collaboration.’Generic motivation such as‘promoting resilience’does not have one mainstreaming approach,which shows promoting resilience in practice is still in the exploration stage.This research provides major motivations and organizational approaches and their link within the resilient infrastructure initiatives which can contribute to better organizing similar initiatives aiming for resilient infrastructure.展开更多
Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)technology is rapidly advancing,offering innovative solutions for various industries,including the critical task of oil and gas pipeline surveillance.However,the limited flight time of co...Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)technology is rapidly advancing,offering innovative solutions for various industries,including the critical task of oil and gas pipeline surveillance.However,the limited flight time of conventional UAVs presents a significant challenge to comprehensive and continuous monitoring,which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of pipeline infrastructure.This review paper evaluates methods for extending UAV flight endurance,focusing on their potential application in pipeline inspection.Through an extensive literature review,this study identifies the latest advancements in UAV technology,evaluates their effectiveness,and highlights the existing gaps in achieving prolonged flight operations.Advanced techniques,including artificial intelligence(AI),machine learning(ML),and deep learning(DL),are reviewed for their roles in pipeline monitoring.Notably,DL algorithms like You Only Look Once(YOLO)are explored for autonomous flight in UAV-based inspections,real-time defect detection,such as cracks,corrosion,and leaks,enhancing reliability and accuracy.A vital aspect of this research is the proposed deployment of a hybrid drone design combining lighter-than-air(LTA)and heavier-than-air(HTA)principles,achieving a balance of endurance and maneuverability.LTA vehicles utilize buoyancy to reduce energy consumption,thereby extending flight durations.The paper details the methodology for designing LTA vehicles,presenting an analysis of design parameters that align with the requirements for effective pipeline surveillance.The ongoing work is currently at Technology Readiness Level(TRL)4,where key components have been validated in laboratory conditions,with fabrication and flight testing planned for the next phase.Initial design analysis indicates that LTA configurations could offer significant advantages in flight endurance compared to traditional UAV designs.These findings lay the groundwork for future fabrication and testing phases,which will be critical in validating and assessing the proposed approach’s real-world applicability.By outlining the technical complexities and proposing specialized techniques tailored for pipeline monitoring,this paper provides a foundational framework for advancing UAV capabilities in the oil and gas sector.Researchers and industry practitioners can use this roadmap to further develop UAV-enabled surveillance solutions,aiming to improve the reliability,efficiency,and safety of pipeline monitoring.展开更多
A new manufacturing and business infrastructure industrial ecosystem model with the state-of-the art core infrastructure and smart applications in the form of inclusive smart innovation cluster is seen as a powerful t...A new manufacturing and business infrastructure industrial ecosystem model with the state-of-the art core infrastructure and smart applications in the form of inclusive smart innovation cluster is seen as a powerful tool to drive industrial symbiosis, economic, social and inclusive development. Essentially an integrated eco-industrial park, these clusters demonstrate applications of industrial ecology principles among the occupant units, besides promoting sustainable societies from economic, environmental and social perspectives. The holistic planning and development of these clusters from economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations or alternatively, the sustainability assessment of these clusters is highly complex. The research reported upon forms part of a larger study that aims to develop an integrated decision support system for sustainability assessment of inclusive smart innovation cluster. The paper discusses the conceptual model of the cluster and the need to establish context specific key indicators and influence factors from economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations. The paper proposes a structured methodology for development of key indicators and influence factors. The paper concludes by identifying a set of 184 key indicators and influence factors for comprehensive sustainability assessment of inclusive smart innovation cluster.展开更多
The lack of synergy between infrastructure financing mechanisms and mechanisms for combating climate change does not favor the definition of sustainable infrastructure in Cameroon. The definition of a sustainable infr...The lack of synergy between infrastructure financing mechanisms and mechanisms for combating climate change does not favor the definition of sustainable infrastructure in Cameroon. The definition of a sustainable infrastructure could meet the requirements of these mechanisms, thanks to the control of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during its installation, in relation to a predefined value. However, the promotion of efforts to reduce emissions from new infrastructures is not subject to a local market. This situation is a limit in the implementation of the policies defined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This article proposes a framework for promoting reduction efforts for a national carbon market, in favor of hydroelectric infrastructures. Thanks to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) environmental assessment tool, we are going to determine the carbon quota for a specific power. The study carried out on the hydroelectric power station of Mekin (HydroMekin) leads us to a reduction effort of 68.2% compared to the threshold defined at 14.057 gCO<sub>2eq</sub>/kWh<sub>e</sub>. The framework, developed, contributes to defining the environmental parameters in the decarbonation strategy during the implementation of new hydroelectric infrastructures and the market carbon design elements special to the construction phase of these infrastructures.展开更多
As a result of the high rate of urbanization and the attendant growth in housing demand and proliferation of informal settlements in sub-Saharan African countries such as Namibia, the development of cities has become ...As a result of the high rate of urbanization and the attendant growth in housing demand and proliferation of informal settlements in sub-Saharan African countries such as Namibia, the development of cities has become a priority concern of the governments given the obvious socio-economic and environmental challenges that impact sustainable infrastructure/services, quality of life, health and well-being of the citizenry as referenced in the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) Number 11. Whereas the governments are conscious of these daunting challenges, they remain unable to decipher sustainable solutions to them. The consequence is the perennial proliferation of informal settlements, housing shortages, and urban poverty, pressure on infrastructure and services, and unemployment. Although dubbed a “Garden Town” Okahandja does not have an urban structure plan of development. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of socially inclusive urban infrastructure campus development using Okahandja as a platform. Recent research has revealed such trends as the smart city concept which embodies a sustainable approach to Inclusive Urban Campus (IUC) development towards a holistic community planning in third world countries. Dololo site in the south of Okahandja stands out as an opportune urban campus platform for diverse mixed-use including residential, business-related (entrepreneurial), educational, recreational, and others. The research employed a novel multi-focused workshop methodology for data collection with community engagement and stakeholders’ interactive participation as a key strategy to enhance the bottom-up development approach. The objectives were to identify the town planning and integrated development dynamics of Okahandja, the policy bottlenecks, expose sustainable forms of socio-cultural integration and formal housing delivery. Ultimately, the feasibility of Dololo as a platform for the inclusive urban campus initiative was not in doubt. Infrastructural development and community need to accommodate education, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), Vocational Training Center (VTC), informal trade, housing, health, youth centers, cooperatives, roads, and transport are identified as key to the IUC development.展开更多
The usability of waste steel grits and limestone sand in the construction of concrete pavement was investigated.Four different types of pavement concretes were produced,including coarse limestone concrete not containi...The usability of waste steel grits and limestone sand in the construction of concrete pavement was investigated.Four different types of pavement concretes were produced,including coarse limestone concrete not containing waste steel grit,coarse limestone concrete containing waste steel grit,limestone sand concrete not containing waste steel grit,and limestone sand concrete containing waste steel grit.In this study,water/binder ratio in concrete production was taken as 0.44.In the production of limestone sand concrete containing waste steel grit,limestone sand with a grain diameter of 0.1-1.0 mm was used as aggregate.Waste steel grits with a grain diameter of 0.2-0.7 mm were added to the concrete mixture.Standard water curing and combined curing were applied to concrete samples.After standard water curing and combined curing,compression and bending tests of the same types of cube and beam concrete samples were carried out.As a result of the study,the maximum compressive and bending strengths were found to be 50.21 MPa and 5.07 MPa for limestone sand concrete containing waste steel grit.The study results show that waste steel grits increase the compressive and bending strength of concrete pavement.展开更多
High-speed rail(HSR)is becoming popular due to its sustainable solution to modern transportation challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,air pollution,and fossil fuel dependence while helping to grow the econo...High-speed rail(HSR)is becoming popular due to its sustainable solution to modern transportation challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,air pollution,and fossil fuel dependence while helping to grow the economy and boosting regional connectivity.However,its environmental benefits must be balanced against potential localized impacts through a detail context-specific assessment.This paper examines the ecological implications of high-speed rail(HSR)projects using integrated Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)and Life Cycle Assessment(LCA)methodologies.Key environmental challenges identified include noise pollution,air and water quality impacts,biodiversity disruption,and energy consumption,each evaluated within Australia’s unique ecological and regulatory context.The study proposes mitigation strategies based on global best practices such as advanced noise reduction technologies,renew-able energy integration,water conservation measures,and biodiversity-sensi-tive construction techniques adapted to Australian ecosystems.These strate gies are assessed for feasibility and alignment with local environmental policies and conditions.A central finding emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement,particularly involving local communities,indigenous groups,en-vironmental organizations,and regulatory bodies,to ensure transparent,in-clusive decision-making and to strengthen the project’s social license to oper-ate.By offering a structured framework for environmental impact analysis and mitigation,this research contributes to sustainable transportation infrastruc ture.It studies the North Coast Connect project as a potential example for en vironmentally responsible rail development in Australia,demonstrating how regional connectivity goals can be achieved while maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship.展开更多
The 2024 Climate Design Summit,held on October 29,2024,emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling climate change challenges.Experts from architecture,engineering,and environmental science ga...The 2024 Climate Design Summit,held on October 29,2024,emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling climate change challenges.Experts from architecture,engineering,and environmental science gathered to discuss sustainable solutions for mitigating climate disasters like floods,wildfires,and droughts.The summit advocated for crossdisciplinary solutions that integrate Nature-based Solutions as catalysts for climate resilience and are essential for long-term sustainability,and stressed that no single technical solution can address the complexity of climate issues.Successful case studies were highlighted as examples of how design can address both climate resilience and socio-economic challenges.The gathered insights and discussions on this summit reinforced that achieving climate resilience requires a holistic approach that blends scientific innovation,sustainable design,and community empowerment,and underlined the need for collaboration across disciplines and sectors to build resilient cities and infrastructures.展开更多
The sustainability of transportation infrastructure,particularly road construction,has emerged as a pressing global concern due to its substantial environmental and public health impacts.This study conducts a macro-le...The sustainability of transportation infrastructure,particularly road construction,has emerged as a pressing global concern due to its substantial environmental and public health impacts.This study conducts a macro-level life cycle assessment(LCA)of solid waste-based pavements utilizing steel slag and reclaimed asphalt pavement,with a specific focus on evaluating the environmental,economic,and health advantages of these alternative materials.A comprehensive LCA model was developed,integrating critical factors such as carbon emissions,PM_(2.5) reductions,and life-cycle costs.The analysis encompasses all stages of the pavement life cycle,including raw material extraction,construction,usage,and end-of-life disposal,while also incorporating the dynamic effects of pavement deterioration and vehicle fuel consumption.In this study,a more refined life cycle benefit analysis was performed by accounting for slag production capacity and road mileage across different provinces in China,providing a more detailed regional assessment.The results demonstrate that implementing solid waste-based pavements across the mainland of China could reduce CO_(2)e emissions by 45.65%(10291 million tons),PM_(2.5) emissions by 33.91%(64.33 million tons),and costs by 13.74%(218.81 billion CNY)over a 30-year period,while preventing approximately 4990 premature deaths attributable to PM_(2.5) exposure.When monetizing these health benefits and climate impacts,the study projects a total net economic benefit of 316.30 billion CNY over 30 years.This research offers a scalable framework for assessing the multidimensional benefits of solid waste-based pavements,providing crucial insights for policymakers,engineers,and industry stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.展开更多
As a multilateral financial institution proposed by China,the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB),inaugurated in Beijing on January16,represents an important contribution the country has made to the development...As a multilateral financial institution proposed by China,the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB),inaugurated in Beijing on January16,represents an important contribution the country has made to the development of the world.Its inauguration also indicates that China is playing an increasingly prominent role in international governance.The AIIB will bring benefits on three fronts:展开更多
基金National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC) (Grant No.18VDL015)Shenzhen Major Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences
文摘Sustainable development presents a challenge to most countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).Given the importance of infrastructure as a key aspect of the BRI,it is of great importance to investigate sustainable infrastructure in BRI countries.This paper explores how infrastructure meets the criteria of sustainable development and promotes sustainability.However,existing evaluation frameworks are not target-oriented,systematic,and practical.To fill this gap,we provide the framework based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and apply it to the evaluation of the C12 Road Reconstruction Project.We find that the project promotes local sustainable development as a whole but has negative effects in some respects.In addition to excellent project management,the project still can improve public communication and local integration.In terms of policy implementation,we suggest summarizing the successful business model and promoting top-down and multi-dimensions designs.
文摘Marine infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation of traditional materials such as Portland cement concrete and carbon steel.This review systematically investigates recent advancements in sustainable alternatives,including geopolymer concrete,engineered innovacementitious composites(ECC),bio-concrete,fiber-reinforced polymers(FRPs),and bamboo,stainless steel,and steel-CFRP hybrid bars.Each material is evaluated based on marine durability,mechanical performance,environmental impact,and cost feasibility using life cycle assessment,durability modelling,and a multi-criteria decisionsupport framework.The results reveal that geopolymer concrete and FRP reinforcement’s exhibit superior corrosion resistance and environmental benefits,while ECC and steel-CFRP composites offer structural resilience with moderate environmental trade-offs.However,challenges remain in long-term performance validation,standardization,and market integration.The review concludes that a combined approach involving innovative materials,computational tools,and sustainability assessment is essential for advancing marine infrastructure.Outlook recommendations include focused field studies,development of regulatory guidelines,and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive the practical adoption of eco-efficient materials in coastal and offshore construction.
文摘As offshore wind infrastructure becomes more important to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,it is becoming more important to connect lifecycle cost management with circular economy(CE)principles.When looking at the long-term costs of infrastructure,traditional lifecycle cost models often fail to account for residual value recovery,material circularity,or environmental externalities.This study creates a unified analytical framework that adds CE strategies to lifecycle cost modelling for offshore wind systems,such as turbines,substructures,moorings,and floating platforms.The method uses multi-objective optimization and system dynamics simulation along with net present value(NPV)modelling,material flow analysis,and carbonadjusted cost accounting.We modelled project-level datasets over 25 years to look at the trade-offs between economic and environmental factors in both linear and circular lifecycle scenarios.We use Python,MATLAB,and OpenLCA to look at key metrics like the Material Circularity Indicator(MCI),estimates of residual value,and internalized carbon costs.The results show that circular infrastructure strategies greatly lower lifecycle costs while also increasing material recovery and carbon efficiency.Scenario simulations showed that CE-based configurations could cut costs by up to 18%and emissions over the life of the product by 22%.Regression and sensitivity analyses showed that MCI,CAPEX,and circular design strategies are good at predicting residual value and long-term economic performance.This study adds a new,evidence-based model for making decisions about infrastructure that takes into account financial,environmental,and material circularity.
基金the University of Wollongong through the 2013 URC Small Grants Scheme
文摘This paper introduces, for applications in the mining industry, an innovative hybrid column form which consists of an inner steel tube, an outer fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP) tube and an annular concrete infill between them. The two tubes may be concentrically placed to produce a section form more suitable for columns, or eccentrically placed to produce a section form more suitable for beams. The FRP is combined with steel and concrete in these hybrid structural members in such a way that the advantages of FRP are appropriately exploited while its disadvantages are minimized. As a result, these hybrid members possess excellent corrosion resistance as well as excellent ductility and seismic resistance. This paper summarizes existing research on this new form of structural members, and discusses their potential applications in mining infrastructure before presenting a summary of the recent and current studies at University of Wollongong(UOW) on their structural behaviour and design.
文摘The water is the most important component in the ecosystems responsible for energy flow and mass transport. The water also plays an important role for human existence. However, the constructed infrastructures such as roads, buildings, railways, drainage systems, etc. give negative impacts to the ecosystem such as deteriorating the water quality and changing the natural water circulation system.
文摘Resilient infrastructure is critical to a sustainable and functioning society.Infrastructure management and(re)development are highly complex processes encompassing various stakeholders’interests while they are pres-sured by the uncertainty of climate change and social transition.In response to these challenges,various resilience initiatives emerged with different motivations and approaches.The purpose of this research is to understand the interplay between motivations and organizational approaches as well as resilience conceptualization.This can provide insights into which domains of resilience have been focused on and what needs to be improved in their or-ganizational approaches to realize motivations.This research specifically investigates ten resilient infrastructure initiatives in the Netherlands.By using scoping review and content analysis,our results highlight that resilience initiatives conceptualize resilience in different ways,mainly focusing on built and organizational resilience with a focus on long-term and wider geographic scope.Each initiative had several motivations,including 1)creat-ing innovative solutions,2)sharing knowledge,3)promoting commitment and cooperation,and 4)promoting resilience.These motivations are reflected in the organizational approach.For example,there was a strong link between the motivation‘creating shared knowledge’and the organizational approach‘research collaboration.’Generic motivation such as‘promoting resilience’does not have one mainstreaming approach,which shows promoting resilience in practice is still in the exploration stage.This research provides major motivations and organizational approaches and their link within the resilient infrastructure initiatives which can contribute to better organizing similar initiatives aiming for resilient infrastructure.
基金supported by the Yayasan Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS(YUTP)under Cost Center 015LC0-485.
文摘Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)technology is rapidly advancing,offering innovative solutions for various industries,including the critical task of oil and gas pipeline surveillance.However,the limited flight time of conventional UAVs presents a significant challenge to comprehensive and continuous monitoring,which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of pipeline infrastructure.This review paper evaluates methods for extending UAV flight endurance,focusing on their potential application in pipeline inspection.Through an extensive literature review,this study identifies the latest advancements in UAV technology,evaluates their effectiveness,and highlights the existing gaps in achieving prolonged flight operations.Advanced techniques,including artificial intelligence(AI),machine learning(ML),and deep learning(DL),are reviewed for their roles in pipeline monitoring.Notably,DL algorithms like You Only Look Once(YOLO)are explored for autonomous flight in UAV-based inspections,real-time defect detection,such as cracks,corrosion,and leaks,enhancing reliability and accuracy.A vital aspect of this research is the proposed deployment of a hybrid drone design combining lighter-than-air(LTA)and heavier-than-air(HTA)principles,achieving a balance of endurance and maneuverability.LTA vehicles utilize buoyancy to reduce energy consumption,thereby extending flight durations.The paper details the methodology for designing LTA vehicles,presenting an analysis of design parameters that align with the requirements for effective pipeline surveillance.The ongoing work is currently at Technology Readiness Level(TRL)4,where key components have been validated in laboratory conditions,with fabrication and flight testing planned for the next phase.Initial design analysis indicates that LTA configurations could offer significant advantages in flight endurance compared to traditional UAV designs.These findings lay the groundwork for future fabrication and testing phases,which will be critical in validating and assessing the proposed approach’s real-world applicability.By outlining the technical complexities and proposing specialized techniques tailored for pipeline monitoring,this paper provides a foundational framework for advancing UAV capabilities in the oil and gas sector.Researchers and industry practitioners can use this roadmap to further develop UAV-enabled surveillance solutions,aiming to improve the reliability,efficiency,and safety of pipeline monitoring.
文摘A new manufacturing and business infrastructure industrial ecosystem model with the state-of-the art core infrastructure and smart applications in the form of inclusive smart innovation cluster is seen as a powerful tool to drive industrial symbiosis, economic, social and inclusive development. Essentially an integrated eco-industrial park, these clusters demonstrate applications of industrial ecology principles among the occupant units, besides promoting sustainable societies from economic, environmental and social perspectives. The holistic planning and development of these clusters from economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations or alternatively, the sustainability assessment of these clusters is highly complex. The research reported upon forms part of a larger study that aims to develop an integrated decision support system for sustainability assessment of inclusive smart innovation cluster. The paper discusses the conceptual model of the cluster and the need to establish context specific key indicators and influence factors from economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations. The paper proposes a structured methodology for development of key indicators and influence factors. The paper concludes by identifying a set of 184 key indicators and influence factors for comprehensive sustainability assessment of inclusive smart innovation cluster.
文摘The lack of synergy between infrastructure financing mechanisms and mechanisms for combating climate change does not favor the definition of sustainable infrastructure in Cameroon. The definition of a sustainable infrastructure could meet the requirements of these mechanisms, thanks to the control of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during its installation, in relation to a predefined value. However, the promotion of efforts to reduce emissions from new infrastructures is not subject to a local market. This situation is a limit in the implementation of the policies defined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This article proposes a framework for promoting reduction efforts for a national carbon market, in favor of hydroelectric infrastructures. Thanks to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) environmental assessment tool, we are going to determine the carbon quota for a specific power. The study carried out on the hydroelectric power station of Mekin (HydroMekin) leads us to a reduction effort of 68.2% compared to the threshold defined at 14.057 gCO<sub>2eq</sub>/kWh<sub>e</sub>. The framework, developed, contributes to defining the environmental parameters in the decarbonation strategy during the implementation of new hydroelectric infrastructures and the market carbon design elements special to the construction phase of these infrastructures.
文摘As a result of the high rate of urbanization and the attendant growth in housing demand and proliferation of informal settlements in sub-Saharan African countries such as Namibia, the development of cities has become a priority concern of the governments given the obvious socio-economic and environmental challenges that impact sustainable infrastructure/services, quality of life, health and well-being of the citizenry as referenced in the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) Number 11. Whereas the governments are conscious of these daunting challenges, they remain unable to decipher sustainable solutions to them. The consequence is the perennial proliferation of informal settlements, housing shortages, and urban poverty, pressure on infrastructure and services, and unemployment. Although dubbed a “Garden Town” Okahandja does not have an urban structure plan of development. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of socially inclusive urban infrastructure campus development using Okahandja as a platform. Recent research has revealed such trends as the smart city concept which embodies a sustainable approach to Inclusive Urban Campus (IUC) development towards a holistic community planning in third world countries. Dololo site in the south of Okahandja stands out as an opportune urban campus platform for diverse mixed-use including residential, business-related (entrepreneurial), educational, recreational, and others. The research employed a novel multi-focused workshop methodology for data collection with community engagement and stakeholders’ interactive participation as a key strategy to enhance the bottom-up development approach. The objectives were to identify the town planning and integrated development dynamics of Okahandja, the policy bottlenecks, expose sustainable forms of socio-cultural integration and formal housing delivery. Ultimately, the feasibility of Dololo as a platform for the inclusive urban campus initiative was not in doubt. Infrastructural development and community need to accommodate education, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), Vocational Training Center (VTC), informal trade, housing, health, youth centers, cooperatives, roads, and transport are identified as key to the IUC development.
文摘The usability of waste steel grits and limestone sand in the construction of concrete pavement was investigated.Four different types of pavement concretes were produced,including coarse limestone concrete not containing waste steel grit,coarse limestone concrete containing waste steel grit,limestone sand concrete not containing waste steel grit,and limestone sand concrete containing waste steel grit.In this study,water/binder ratio in concrete production was taken as 0.44.In the production of limestone sand concrete containing waste steel grit,limestone sand with a grain diameter of 0.1-1.0 mm was used as aggregate.Waste steel grits with a grain diameter of 0.2-0.7 mm were added to the concrete mixture.Standard water curing and combined curing were applied to concrete samples.After standard water curing and combined curing,compression and bending tests of the same types of cube and beam concrete samples were carried out.As a result of the study,the maximum compressive and bending strengths were found to be 50.21 MPa and 5.07 MPa for limestone sand concrete containing waste steel grit.The study results show that waste steel grits increase the compressive and bending strength of concrete pavement.
文摘High-speed rail(HSR)is becoming popular due to its sustainable solution to modern transportation challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,air pollution,and fossil fuel dependence while helping to grow the economy and boosting regional connectivity.However,its environmental benefits must be balanced against potential localized impacts through a detail context-specific assessment.This paper examines the ecological implications of high-speed rail(HSR)projects using integrated Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)and Life Cycle Assessment(LCA)methodologies.Key environmental challenges identified include noise pollution,air and water quality impacts,biodiversity disruption,and energy consumption,each evaluated within Australia’s unique ecological and regulatory context.The study proposes mitigation strategies based on global best practices such as advanced noise reduction technologies,renew-able energy integration,water conservation measures,and biodiversity-sensi-tive construction techniques adapted to Australian ecosystems.These strate gies are assessed for feasibility and alignment with local environmental policies and conditions.A central finding emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement,particularly involving local communities,indigenous groups,en-vironmental organizations,and regulatory bodies,to ensure transparent,in-clusive decision-making and to strengthen the project’s social license to oper-ate.By offering a structured framework for environmental impact analysis and mitigation,this research contributes to sustainable transportation infrastruc ture.It studies the North Coast Connect project as a potential example for en vironmentally responsible rail development in Australia,demonstrating how regional connectivity goals can be achieved while maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship.
文摘The 2024 Climate Design Summit,held on October 29,2024,emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling climate change challenges.Experts from architecture,engineering,and environmental science gathered to discuss sustainable solutions for mitigating climate disasters like floods,wildfires,and droughts.The summit advocated for crossdisciplinary solutions that integrate Nature-based Solutions as catalysts for climate resilience and are essential for long-term sustainability,and stressed that no single technical solution can address the complexity of climate issues.Successful case studies were highlighted as examples of how design can address both climate resilience and socio-economic challenges.The gathered insights and discussions on this summit reinforced that achieving climate resilience requires a holistic approach that blends scientific innovation,sustainable design,and community empowerment,and underlined the need for collaboration across disciplines and sectors to build resilient cities and infrastructures.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52278445)the Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Science and Technology Innovation Special Funds of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.BE2022615)+2 种基金the Major Science and Technology Project of Nanjing(Grant No.202209012)the Key Technology Research and Industrialization Application Project of Novel Low-carbon Asphalt Pavement Based on Waste Steel Slag(Grant No.H202210487)the 2024 Jiangsu Provincial Graduate Student Research and Innovation Program(Grant No.KYCX24_0459).
文摘The sustainability of transportation infrastructure,particularly road construction,has emerged as a pressing global concern due to its substantial environmental and public health impacts.This study conducts a macro-level life cycle assessment(LCA)of solid waste-based pavements utilizing steel slag and reclaimed asphalt pavement,with a specific focus on evaluating the environmental,economic,and health advantages of these alternative materials.A comprehensive LCA model was developed,integrating critical factors such as carbon emissions,PM_(2.5) reductions,and life-cycle costs.The analysis encompasses all stages of the pavement life cycle,including raw material extraction,construction,usage,and end-of-life disposal,while also incorporating the dynamic effects of pavement deterioration and vehicle fuel consumption.In this study,a more refined life cycle benefit analysis was performed by accounting for slag production capacity and road mileage across different provinces in China,providing a more detailed regional assessment.The results demonstrate that implementing solid waste-based pavements across the mainland of China could reduce CO_(2)e emissions by 45.65%(10291 million tons),PM_(2.5) emissions by 33.91%(64.33 million tons),and costs by 13.74%(218.81 billion CNY)over a 30-year period,while preventing approximately 4990 premature deaths attributable to PM_(2.5) exposure.When monetizing these health benefits and climate impacts,the study projects a total net economic benefit of 316.30 billion CNY over 30 years.This research offers a scalable framework for assessing the multidimensional benefits of solid waste-based pavements,providing crucial insights for policymakers,engineers,and industry stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.
文摘As a multilateral financial institution proposed by China,the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB),inaugurated in Beijing on January16,represents an important contribution the country has made to the development of the world.Its inauguration also indicates that China is playing an increasingly prominent role in international governance.The AIIB will bring benefits on three fronts:
