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26 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BIM Uses for Mitigating Deficiencies in Road Scheduling Planning

by Karen Castañeda, Omar Sánchez, Carlos A. Peña, Rodrigo F. Herrera and Guillermo Mejía

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062729 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 310

Abstract

Efficient scheduling is essential for successful and sustainable road construction projects. However, conventional planning approaches often lack adaptability, visualization, and integration with modern technologies, leading to schedule deficiencies and cost overruns. Therefore, this paper studies the influence of BIM uses in mitigating planning [...] Read more.

Efficient scheduling is essential for successful and sustainable road construction projects. However, conventional planning approaches often lack adaptability, visualization, and integration with modern technologies, leading to schedule deficiencies and cost overruns. Therefore, this paper studies the influence of BIM uses in mitigating planning deficiencies in road construction scheduling. A four-stage research method was employed: (1) identification of BIM uses relevant to road projects, (2) determination of principal causes contributing to scheduling deficiencies, (3) cross-impact analysis to quantify BIM’s influence on these deficiencies, and (4) expert interviews to characterize key BIM uses. Results highlight that 4D construction planning, quantity take-off and cost estimation, and traffic management planning positively impact road scheduling, reducing errors in work breakdown structures, resource allocation, and coordination between project stakeholders. BIM streamlines communication, supports proactive risk management, and enables real-time schedule adjustments by providing an integrated digital environment. This research shows the advantages of applying BIM in road construction to improve project planning, curtail scheduling setbacks, and encourage adopting innovative practices. The results provide information that planners can utilize to enhance the use of BIM in scheduling road construction projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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19 pages, 2302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Sustainability in Port Infrastructure Through Innovation: A Case Study of the Spanish Port System

by Javier Vaca-Cabrero, Javier Domínguez Rastrojo, Nicoletta González-Cancelas and Alberto Camarero-Orive

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2593; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062593 - 15 Mar 2025

Viewed by 593

Abstract

This research explores the role of innovation in fostering sustainability within the Spanish Port System, emphasizing its implications for transport infrastructure. It examines the intersection of innovation and sustainability, addressing key challenges such as maritime traffic growth, energy efficiency, waste management, and community [...] Read more.

This research explores the role of innovation in fostering sustainability within the Spanish Port System, emphasizing its implications for transport infrastructure. It examines the intersection of innovation and sustainability, addressing key challenges such as maritime traffic growth, energy efficiency, waste management, and community integration. It identifies opportunities for technological advancements, collaborative initiatives, and circular economy strategies that contribute to the sustainable development of port infrastructure. The findings highlight the necessity of implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The application of advanced technologies and cooperative frameworks among port stakeholders emerges as a critical driver for achieving sustainability objectives within maritime transport systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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23 pages, 5090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability of the Trans-European Transport Networks Land Infrastructure to Address Large-Scale Disasters: A Case Study in the Czech Republic

by David Rehak, Martin Vlkovsky, Pavel Manas, Jiri Apeltauer, Tomas Apeltauer and Martin Hromada

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062509 - 12 Mar 2025

Viewed by 458

Abstract

In recent years, the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development of transport infrastructure have been examined mainly from an economic, ecological, and social perspective. However, an essential aspect of the sustainability of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) land infrastructure is also the construction [...] Read more.

In recent years, the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development of transport infrastructure have been examined mainly from an economic, ecological, and social perspective. However, an essential aspect of the sustainability of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) land infrastructure is also the construction and technical parameters of critical infrastructure objects. For this reason, the aim of the article is to define recommendations for the sustainability and future development of the TEN-T land infrastructure. For this purpose, the article presents the procedure for defining and modelling typical transport situations using the TEN-T land infrastructure and the procedure for identifying critical infrastructure objects of the TEN-T land infrastructure. Attention is also paid to the digitalization of critical infrastructure objects, which categorizes infrastructure according to its suitability for excessive and oversized transport using map data. The main output of the article are recommendations for the sustainability and future development of the TEN-T land infrastructure. These recommendations are based on the systematic development of TEN-T in four basic layers, namely legislative, capatitive, construction-technical, and technological. These recommendations are intended primarily for the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, but also for transport infrastructure operators, i.e., Road and Motorway Directorate and Railway Infrastructure Administration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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28 pages, 3548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Impact of Interaction Factors for Transport System Elements on Quality of Life Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Applied Statistical Methods

by Henrikas Sivilevičius and Vidas Žuraulis

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051784 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 369

Abstract

This paper presents an improved model of the interaction among transport system elements, which identifies six levels of interaction and their analysis. A framework of eight factors (criteria) and their interactions that improve the quality of life is developed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process, [...] Read more.

This paper presents an improved model of the interaction among transport system elements, which identifies six levels of interaction and their analysis. A framework of eight factors (criteria) and their interactions that improve the quality of life is developed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Average Rank Transformation into Weight, and rank correlation methods were used to calculate the normalized weights and compatibility indicators of the 54 expert criteria. The results show that the most significant improvements in quality of life are the development of transport infrastructure and its quality, the reduction of road traffic accidents, and the reduction of environmental pollution caused by the transport sector, all of which directly contribute to a sustainable urbanized society. The improvement in quality of life is least affected by the increase in the number of vehicles and their technical parameters, as well as by the increase in the share of the country’s Gross Domestic Product generated in the transport sector. The variance of the weights of the criteria was shown to depend on the different magnitudes of the fundamental scale of the pairwise comparison chosen by the experts, the variance (stability) of the experts’ personal opinions, and the net variance of the weights assigned to the criteria by the expert team. The results of this study can be used to develop a national or regional transport sector development strategy that takes into account the factors that have the greatest impact on quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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21 pages, 10201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Safe and Sustainable Operation for Freight Transportation Company Based on Tire Set Configurations Used in Its Trucks’ Fleet

by Vidas Žuraulis, Robertas Pečeliūnas and Tomas Misevičius

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041500 - 12 Feb 2025

Viewed by 596

Abstract

This article investigates the safety potential of a freight transportation company, considering tire set selection as one of the most important aspects to ensure safe driving and a reliable transportation service. The revision of tire sets selection in large vehicle fleets is attributed [...] Read more.

This article investigates the safety potential of a freight transportation company, considering tire set selection as one of the most important aspects to ensure safe driving and a reliable transportation service. The revision of tire sets selection in large vehicle fleets is attributed to a new regulation from the United Nations to maintain non-deteriorating tire wet braking performance up to a minimum allowable wear limit, encouraging both safety and sector sustainability, as a significant part of tires are currently replaced before reaching a tread depth of 3 mm. In this research, an experimental test was conducted that involved four maneuvers with a truck using ten different sets of tires (including new and retreaded) to determine which set performs better in critical driving conditions. The results are then analyzed using the TOPSIS method where the most efficient set of tires and the best alternatives are selected. Finally, the safety of trucks on the road using the appropriate set of tires is evaluated by the estimated accident reduction potential. It should be mentioned that the optimal selection of the truck tire set is also important for sustainable transportation, as the pollution of worn tires remains a relevant environmental issue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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24 pages, 8091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Iron Mining Waste Addition as a Sustainable Alternative on the Resilient and Physical Properties of Soils for Pavement Design

by Daniel Corrêa Galhardo, Antônio Carlos Rodrigues Guimarães, Camila Antunes Martins, Murilo Miguel Narciso, Sergio Neves Monteiro and Lisley Madeira Coelho

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310211 - 22 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1111

Abstract

Mining activities generate large volumes of waste, posing environmental and economic challenges, particularly in Brazil’s Quadrilátero Ferrífero region. This study assesses the potential reuse of iron ore waste from Samarco Mineração S.A. in road pavement layers by blending it with phyllite residual soil [...] Read more.

Mining activities generate large volumes of waste, posing environmental and economic challenges, particularly in Brazil’s Quadrilátero Ferrífero region. This study assesses the potential reuse of iron ore waste from Samarco Mineração S.A. in road pavement layers by blending it with phyllite residual soil (PRS) and lateritic clayey soil (LCS). The addition of 50% waste to PRS led to substantial improvements, increasing the resilient modulus (RM) by up to 130% under medium stress and reducing expansibility from 6.1% to 1%, meeting Brazilian standards for sub-base applications. These enhancements make the PRS-waste blend a viable and sustainable option for reinforcing subgrade and sub-base layers. In contrast, the LCS with 20% waste showed moderate RM improvements under high-stress conditions, while higher waste contents reduced stiffness, indicating that higher dosages may adversely affect performance. This study highlights the potential of inert, non-hazardous mining waste as a safe and efficient solution for pavement applications, promoting the sustainable use of discarded materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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29 pages, 2505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Research Agenda for Integrating Ecological Principles into the Transportation Sector

by Maria Vittoria Corazza

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7081; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167081 - 18 Aug 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

The paper examines the integration of novel Transportation Ecology principles into transit operations, aiming to address the environmental impacts associated with surface services in urban areas and with the purpose of creating a comprehensive agenda for integrating ecological principles into transit planning and [...] Read more.

The paper examines the integration of novel Transportation Ecology principles into transit operations, aiming to address the environmental impacts associated with surface services in urban areas and with the purpose of creating a comprehensive agenda for integrating ecological principles into transit planning and management. The research problem is to quantify the tangible benefits for transit operators, particularly in the context of mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving overall operational efficiency as a motivator for transit managers to adopt Transportation Ecology principles. The study design, after analyzing the regulatory requirements, implements scenario-based methodology, utilizing data from an average Italian bus fleet to estimate potential monetary savings and benefits. Key parameters, such as maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and collision-related expenses, are analyzed to provide a realistic assessment of the economic advantages of implementing Transportation Ecology measures. The findings reveal that significant cost reductions can be achieved by minimizing accidents involving wildlife, alongside other operational improvements. The scenario demonstrates that even a small fleet, when adopting these principles, can yield substantial financial benefits, thereby making a compelling case for broader implementation. The paper concludes that while the qualitative nature of the analysis necessitates conservative estimates, the results underscore the value of incorporating ecological considerations into transit planning and management. These insights are vital for transit operators and policymakers seeking to balance environmental sustainability with operational profitability and protect urban ecosystems. This also implies the need for a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to transportation planning and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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Review

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45 pages, 3618 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospects of Solar Energy in the Context of Greening Maritime Transport

by Olga Petrychenko, Maksym Levinskyi, Sergey Goolak and Vaidas Lukoševičius

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052141 - 1 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1173

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine existing technologies for the use of electrical energy and to develop proposals for their improvement on maritime vessels. As a criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of alternative energy sources on ships, factors such as greenhouse [...] Read more.

The aim of this article is to examine existing technologies for the use of electrical energy and to develop proposals for their improvement on maritime vessels. As a criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of alternative energy sources on ships, factors such as greenhouse gas emissions levels, production and transportation characteristics, onboard storage conditions, and technoeconomic indicators have been proposed. The analysis of fuel types reveals that hydrogen has zero greenhouse gas emissions. However, transportation and storage issues, along with the high investment required for implementation, pose barriers to the widespread use of hydrogen as fuel for maritime vessels. This article demonstrates that solar energy can serve as an alternative to gases and liquid fuels in maritime transport. The technologies and challenges in utilizing solar energy for shipping are analyzed, trends in solar energy for maritime transport are discussed, and future research directions for the use of solar energy in the maritime sector are proposed. The most significant findings include the identification of future research directions in the application of solar energy in the maritime sector, including the adaptation of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems for maritime applications; the development of materials and designs for solar panels specifically tailored to marine conditions; the development of methods for assessing the long-term economic benefits of using solar energy on vessels; and the creation of regulatory frameworks and international standards for the use of solar energy on ships. Furthermore, for hybrid photovoltaic and diesel power systems, promising research directions could include efforts to implement direct torque control systems instead of field-orientated control systems, as well as working on compensating higher harmonics in the phase current spectra of asynchronous motors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Infrastructure for Sustainability)

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