Infrastructures

23 pages, 3619 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Smarter Infrastructure Investment: A Comprehensive Data-Driven Decision Support Model for Asset Lifecycle Optimisation Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming

by Neda Gorjian Jolfaei, Leon van der Linden, Christopher W. K. Chow, Nima Gorjian, Bo Jin and Indra Gunawan

Infrastructures 2025, 10(9), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10090225 - 23 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Equipment renewal and replacement strategy as well as smart capital investment is a vital focus in engineering asset management, particularly for water utilities aiming to improve asset reliability, water quality, service continuity and affordability. This study presents a novel decision support model that integrates whole-life costing principles across all asset lifecycle phases—from capital delivery and daily operations to long-term maintenance. The proposed model uniquely combines asset degradation and failure patterns, operating and maintenance costs, and the impact of technological advancements to provide a holistic and comprehensive asset management decision-making tool. These dimensions are jointly analysed using a hybrid approach that combines optimisation with stochastic dynamic programming, allowing for the determination of optimal asset renewal and replacement timing. The model’s performance was validated using historical data from eight critical wastewater pump stations within a township’s sewerage network. This was performed by comparing the model’s cost-saving results to those achieved by the water utility’s current strategy. Results revealed that the proposed model achieved an average cost saving of 12%, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting sustainable and cost-efficient asset renewal decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Smart Infrastructures)

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18 pages, 5462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation and Sustainability: Analysis of Structural Issues in the Eduardo Caldeira Bridge, Machico

by Raul Alves, Sérgio Lousada, José Manuel Naranjo Gómez and José Cabezas

Infrastructures 2025, 10(9), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10090224 - 22 Aug 2025

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Abstract

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the severe structural anomalies that led to the urgent rehabilitation of the Eduardo Caldeira Bridge in Machico, Madeira. Situated in a challenging coastal environment with complex volcanic geology, the bridge exhibited a critical failure of its bearing devices, which were assigned the highest defect severity rating (Grade 5). A multidisciplinary diagnostic methodology, combining visual inspection data, non-destructive testing, and geotechnical analysis, was employed to identify the root causes of this degradation. The investigation concluded that the bearing failure was not due to widespread material deterioration but was directly linked to significant lateral structural displacements, exacerbated by localized geotechnical instabilities. This paper details the data-driven rehabilitation strategy that was subsequently implemented, including the complete replacement of the bearings and substructure stabilization measures. The study provides a valuable case study of a complex, mechanics-driven failure mode and demonstrates that for such critical infrastructure, a proactive management model integrating advanced technologies like Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) is essential for ensuring long-term safety and resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Bridge Engineering)

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30 pages, 7635 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Evaluation of Agar as a Bio-Based Asphalt Binder Alternative

by Melissa R. Frey, Sarah L. Williams, Wil V. Srubar III and Cristina Torres-Machi

Infrastructures 2025, 10(9), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10090223 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 191

Abstract

Over 90% of roads in the United States are surfaced with asphaltic materials that use petroleum-based asphalt binders, a material with high negative environmental impacts and costs. Biopolymers are a sustainable alternative, as they are sourced from renewable materials and offer the potential to reduce carbon footprint. However, their performance and durability in construction applications remain insufficiently understood. This study analyzes the potential of agar, a biopolymer extracted from red seaweed, to serve as a direct and sustainable replacement for asphalt binders. The study characterizes the rheological properties and durability of agar-based binders and the mechanical and microstructural properties of composites. The study found that agar-based binders exhibited resistance to fungal deterioration, adequate stiffness to resist rutting at temperatures up to 80 °C, and potential for energy efficiencies associated with lower mixing and compacting temperatures. Results indicate that agar-based composites illustrate many properties in line with those of traditional engineering materials. Overall, these results suggest that agar-based materials exhibit promising fresh-state and biodeterioration resistance properties to serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional, petroleum-based asphalt binders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Digital Transformation of Road Infrastructures)

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24 pages, 9267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tendon Profile Layout Impact on the Shear Capacity of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Prestressed Concrete Bridge I-Girders

by Swar I. Hasib, Assim M. Lateef and Omar Q. Aziz

Infrastructures 2025, 10(9), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10090222 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 285

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to investigate the impact of the tendon profile layout on the shear strength of unbonded post-tensioned prestressed concrete bridge I-girders. This study involves an experimental investigation where ten unbonded post-tensioned bridge girders are cast and subjected to four-point loads. The focus of the investigation is on the effect of different tendon profile layouts, including trapezoidal, parabolic, and harped shapes. The experimental results reveal that the shear behavior of the specimens progresses through three distinct stages: the elastic stage, the elastic–plastic stage, and the plastic stage, with all specimens ultimately failing due to shear. The results show that tendon profiles with higher eccentricity at the end of the beams (80 mm above the neutral axis) had the highest ultimate load capacity for each tendon profile shape, coupled with the largest deflection. Conversely, profiles with lower eccentricity (80 mm below the neutral axis) demonstrated the lower ultimate load capacity for each tendon profile shape and minimal deflection. Among the various tendon profile layouts that were tested, the specimen with the harped tendon profile (GF-1 HA) showed the highest ultimate load capacity, with an increasing rate of 17.52% in ultimate load and a 45.55% increase in ultimate deflection compared to the control beam (GF-1 ST) with a straight tendon profile. On the other hand, the harped tendon profile specimen (GF-1 HA) exhibited the lowest deflection among the various tendon profile shapes with an increasing rate of 5.7% in ultimate load deflection in comparison with the control beam (GF-1 ST) with a straight tendon profile. These improvements in stiffness, load capacity, and deflection are attributed to enhanced resistance, particularly at the supports. Consequently, the optimized tendon layouts offer an increase in the overall structural efficiency, leading to potential cost savings in bridge girder production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Infrastructures and Structural Engineering)

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Infrastructures, Volume 10, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 4 articles

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