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Search Results (537)

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Keywords = eco-hydraulics

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27 pages, 758 KB  
Review
A Review of Research on the Valorization and Risk Management of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash
by Yang Nan, Wenli Wang, Haozhe Chen, Jiapeng Guo, Yanqiang Chen and Du Yuan
Materials 2026, 19(7), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19071471 - 7 Apr 2026
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) represents both a resource opportunity and an environmental challenge in waste-to-energy systems. This comprehensive review examines MSWIBA’s physicochemical properties, heavy metal behavior, and applications in construction materials, alongside metal recovery techniques and risk mitigation strategies. The [...] Read more.
Municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) represents both a resource opportunity and an environmental challenge in waste-to-energy systems. This comprehensive review examines MSWIBA’s physicochemical properties, heavy metal behavior, and applications in construction materials, alongside metal recovery techniques and risk mitigation strategies. The research introduces an integrated management framework combining property assessment with coordinated stream processing to reconcile resource recovery with environmental safety. Future studies should focus on advanced analytical methods, hybrid processes, long-term immobilization mechanisms, and life cycle assessment. These innovations aim to transform MSWIBA into a sustainable resource, supporting circular economy principles and low-carbon development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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9 pages, 1273 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Hexagonal Green Pavement Design Based on Digital Simulation for Sustainable Urban Drainage Optimization
by Hari Nugraha Ranudinata, Tri Nugraha Adikesuma, Frederik Josep Putuhena, Rizka Arbaningrum, Galih Wulandari Subagyo, Fredy Jhon Philip and Teddy Mohamad Darajat
Eng. Proc. 2026, 128(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026128014 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 228
Abstract
The application of computational simulation in industrial engineering plays a critical role in designing sustainable infrastructure solutions. We applied a hexagonal green pavement system developed through digital simulation to address challenges in urban stormwater management. The system comprises an upper base layer that [...] Read more.
The application of computational simulation in industrial engineering plays a critical role in designing sustainable infrastructure solutions. We applied a hexagonal green pavement system developed through digital simulation to address challenges in urban stormwater management. The system comprises an upper base layer that bears structural loads and a lower support layer designed for water infiltration and drainage. Structural performance was evaluated using SolidWorks simulations under static loads of up to 1100 N. The results indicate that stress values remain within the material’s yield strength, ensuring structural reliability. Hydraulic performance was also assessed using various valve opening scenarios to simulate different rainfall intensities. The system demonstrated effective infiltration capability, with flow retardation coefficients ranging from 0.66 to 0.80. These findings validate the system’s potential to reduce surface runoff and mitigate urban flooding. The study results highlight how digital simulation, as part of a digital twin framework, can support the development of resilient, modular infrastructure for sustainable urban drainage. This approach represents a practical application of industrial engineering computation to advance smart and eco-friendly urban systems. Full article
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19 pages, 1706 KB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Hydraulic Turbines in the Energy Transition: A Systematic Review of Methods for Evaluating and Optimizing Hydropower Plant Operation
by Gheorghe Daniel Lakatos, Roxana Maria Albu (Druța), Andreea Loredana Rhazzali, Sára Ferenci, Lucian Ionel Cioca, Radu Adrian Munteanu and Loránd Szabó
Processes 2026, 14(5), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14050841 - 5 Mar 2026
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Hydropower plants remain strategic assets for grid stability and decarbonization, with hydraulic turbines governing conversion efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance. This systematic review synthesizes recent methodologies for evaluating and optimizing turbine operation and maintenance to enhance efficiency, reduce impacts, and extend service life. [...] Read more.
Hydropower plants remain strategic assets for grid stability and decarbonization, with hydraulic turbines governing conversion efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance. This systematic review synthesizes recent methodologies for evaluating and optimizing turbine operation and maintenance to enhance efficiency, reduce impacts, and extend service life. Following a PRISMA-aligned protocol, studies published between 2020 and 2025 were screened across Web of Science and Scopus, using predefined eligibility criteria and a two-stage selection process. The resulting evidence was thematically analyzed across three domains: lifecycle and circular-economy-oriented refurbishment strategies; digitalization and predictive maintenance approaches; and environmentally optimized operating regimes. Of the 115 screened records, 37 met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that predictive monitoring, data-driven maintenance, and turbine selection tailored to local hydrology can significantly improve energy performance while reducing operation and maintenance costs. The literature also highlights the importance of ecological flow compliance and reduced aquatic impacts. Complementary case studies from Nepal, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, and Romania illustrate regional challenges and modernization pathways. Overall, the review underscores the need for integrated, multi-objective turbine management that aligns techno-economic, lifecycle, and ecological considerations to support hydropower competitiveness within the energy transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Effective Energy Conversion for Sustainable Environment)
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37 pages, 1334 KB  
Review
Mechanism and Application of Microbial Amendments in Saline–Alkali Soil Restoration: A Review
by Xiaoxue Zhang, Zhengjiaoyi Wang, Ming Zhang, Shaojie Zhang, Rong Ma and Shaokun Wang
Agriculture 2026, 16(4), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16040452 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 2930
Abstract
Saline–alkali soil salinization is a global ecological crisis affecting 932 million hectares of land worldwide, posing a severe threat to food security and ecological sustainability. Traditional improvement methods, such as chemical amendments and hydraulic engineering, are limited by high costs and environmental risks, [...] Read more.
Saline–alkali soil salinization is a global ecological crisis affecting 932 million hectares of land worldwide, posing a severe threat to food security and ecological sustainability. Traditional improvement methods, such as chemical amendments and hydraulic engineering, are limited by high costs and environmental risks, whereas microbial amendments have emerged as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives due to their ability to regulate soil microenvironments and enhance plant stress resistance. However, a comprehensive synthesis of their core mechanisms, global application progress, and regional adaptation characteristics is still lacking, hindering the standardization and promotion of related technologies. This review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, systematically synthesizes 112 core studies (1990–2025) retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI databases, focusing on three core research objects: salt-tolerant microbial communities in saline–alkali soils (dominant taxa, functional genes, metabolic characteristics), development and optimization of microbial amendments (strain screening, composite formulation, carrier selection), and mechanisms and application effects of microbial remediation (soil–plant–microbe interactions, physicochemical improvement, crop growth promotion). Key findings include the following. (1) Dominant microbial taxa (e.g., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) exhibit region-specific adaptation strategies, with salt tolerance thresholds and functional characteristics varying by soil type (coastal vs. inland saline–alkali soils). (2) Composite microbial amendments, especially those combined with biochar or organic fertilizers, achieve synergistic effects in desalination, alkali reduction, and fertility improvement. (3) Core mechanisms involve organic acid-mediated pH regulation, EPS-driven ion adsorption, and plant hormone-induced stress tolerance. (4) Microbial remediation technologies have been successfully applied globally (e.g., China, Africa, Americas), resulting in average crop yield increases of 15–42% and soil salinity reductions of 30–50%. This review provides a standardized technical framework for the development and application of microbial amendments, offers theoretical support for region-specific remediation strategies, identifies key challenges (e.g., strain stability, cost control) and future research directions (e.g., gene-edited strains, smart monitoring integration), and thus facilitates the industrialization and large-scale promotion of microbial remediation technologies to address global saline–alkali soil issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures)
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25 pages, 9597 KB  
Article
Dynamic Response-Based Safety Monitoring and Damage Identification of Concrete Arch Dams via PSO–LSTM
by Jianchun Qiu, Wenqin He, Changlin Long, Yang Zhang, Xinyang Liu, Pengcheng Xu, Linsong Sun, Changsheng Zhang, Lin Cheng and Weigang Lu
Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041136 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 400
Abstract
The measured dynamic response of concrete arch dams under seismic excitation is a typical time series that contains rich information about structural conditions. Safety monitoring based on dynamic responses of arch dam structures is highly important for the timely detection of structural damage [...] Read more.
The measured dynamic response of concrete arch dams under seismic excitation is a typical time series that contains rich information about structural conditions. Safety monitoring based on dynamic responses of arch dam structures is highly important for the timely detection of structural damage and ensuring dam safety. In this study, a PSO-LSTM-based model for safety monitoring and damage identification of arch dam structures was proposed. The method was centered on the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, and key hyperparameters were adaptively tuned by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to improve monitoring accuracy for nonlinear and nonstationary structural dynamic responses. Structural damage was identified through residual analysis combined with the 3σ anomaly detection criterion. Numerical simulations and shaking table model test cases of an arch dam were introduced for validation. The proposed method was compared with the standalone LSTM model and the SSA-LSTM model in terms of the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and damage identification accuracy. The results showed that the proposed PSO-LSTM method achieved greater accuracy in monitoring the safety of arch dam dynamic responses and effectively identified structural damage, thereby verifying its effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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29 pages, 3292 KB  
Article
Biochar Enhances Vineyard Resilience: Soil Improvement and Physiological Benefits for Sangiovese Vineyards in Varied Soils of the Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Central Italy)
by Arianna Biancalani, Fabrizio Ungaro, Fabio Castaldi, Francesca Ugolini, Salvatore Filippo Di Gennaro, Andrea Berton, Riccardo Dainelli, Giuseppe Mario Lanini and Silvia Baronti
Land 2026, 15(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15020245 - 31 Jan 2026
Viewed by 713
Abstract
Sustainable soil management is increasingly recognized as essential for crop health, productivity, and resilience, especially in vineyard ecosystems. Within the B-Wine project, biochar was evaluated as a soil amendment to improve physicochemical properties, water availability, plant eco-physiological functions, and yield. The trial was [...] Read more.
Sustainable soil management is increasingly recognized as essential for crop health, productivity, and resilience, especially in vineyard ecosystems. Within the B-Wine project, biochar was evaluated as a soil amendment to improve physicochemical properties, water availability, plant eco-physiological functions, and yield. The trial was carried out in one growing season, one year after biochar application (16 t ha−1 fresh weight ≈ 10.4 t ha−1 dry weight) on three organically managed vineyards in the Chianti Classico region (Tuscany, Italy), integrating soil parameters (e.g., organic carbon content, soil moisture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density) and eco-physiological measurement (e.g., leaf water content, photosynthetic performance) with remote-sensing analysis of multispectral Sentinel-2 level-2A imagery from the Copernicus program and soil spectral measurements. Results indicated that biochar significantly improved key soil properties, although the magnitude of these improvements varied according to soil characteristics. Bulk density decreased by 5–16%, while soil organic carbon increase differed in the three sites, being nearly 50% in the medium-to-fine textured soils and exceeding 200% in the coarse-textured soil. The impact of biochar on saturated hydraulic conductivity varied depending on the soil, the type of biochar, and the moisture conditions. However, it improved the water balance of the vines and yield. Considering all three vineyard sites, the average yield increase was approximately 42%. However, this result was largely driven by pronounced responses at two sites, while the third showed no measurable increase, likely due to site-specific differences in soil properties and climatic conditions. Overall, biochar proved to be an effective, soil-dependent strategy for enhancing vineyard resilience, plant performance, and productivity under challenging conditions. Full article
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24 pages, 7239 KB  
Article
Mechanisms of Flow-Induced Pressure Pulsations in Semi-Open Impeller Sewage Pumps Under Solid–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Conditions
by Hongliang Wang, Shuai Liu, Chuan Wang, Zhenhua Shen, Guohui Li, Ang Li, Fan Meng, Xintian Cheng and Hui Wang
Water 2026, 18(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030317 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Semi-open impeller sewage pumps are widely used for transporting solid-laden fluids due to their anti-clogging properties. However, unlike extensive research on clear water conditions, the specific mechanisms governing pressure instabilities under solid–liquid two-phase flows remain underexplored. This study investigates the unsteady flow field [...] Read more.
Semi-open impeller sewage pumps are widely used for transporting solid-laden fluids due to their anti-clogging properties. However, unlike extensive research on clear water conditions, the specific mechanisms governing pressure instabilities under solid–liquid two-phase flows remain underexplored. This study investigates the unsteady flow field and pulsation characteristics of a Model 80WQ4QG pump using unsteady CFD simulations based on the Standard k−ϵ turbulence model and the Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase model. The effects of flow rate, particle size, and volume fraction were systematically analyzed. Results indicate that the blade-passing frequency (95 Hz) dominates the pressure spectra, with the volute tongue and impeller outlet identified as the most sensitive regions. While increased flow rates weaken fluctuations at the volute tongue, the presence of solid particles significantly amplifies them. Specifically, compared to single-phase flow, the pulsation amplitudes at the volute tongue increased by 68.15% with a 3.0 mm particle size and by 97.73% at a 20% volume fraction. Physically, this amplification is attributed to the intensified momentum exchange between phases and the enhanced turbulent flow disturbances induced by particle inertia at the rotor–stator interface. These findings clarify the particle-induced flow instability mechanisms, offering theoretical guidelines for optimizing pump durability in multiphase environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)
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23 pages, 9489 KB  
Review
Advances in Freshwater Fish Habitat Suitability Determination Methods: A Global Perspective
by Zhenhai Liu, Yun Li and Xiaogang Wang
Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031272 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 441
Abstract
Freshwater fish habitat simulation is a vital technology for assessing the state and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems under changing environments. Based on a comprehensive dataset spanning 1991–2024, this study constructs a domain knowledge map by integrating co-citation analysis, keyword burst detection, and social [...] Read more.
Freshwater fish habitat simulation is a vital technology for assessing the state and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems under changing environments. Based on a comprehensive dataset spanning 1991–2024, this study constructs a domain knowledge map by integrating co-citation analysis, keyword burst detection, and social network metrics. The bibliometric results quantitatively identify leading contributors and trace the field’s exponential growth. Complementing this, a critical technical review reveals a significant paradigm shift in modeling methodologies: moving from traditional univariate suitability curves to advanced multivariate and artificial intelligence (AI)-based frameworks. Despite these advancements, our analysis highlights critical gaps in addressing habitat connectivity and broad environmental stressors. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel framework that integrates landscape pattern indices with circuit theory to quantify habitat patch arrangement and ecological flows. Furthermore, we advocate for future research to explicitly incorporate climate change scenarios (e.g., thermal regime shifts) and geomorphological processes. This study offers both a macroscopic overview of the discipline’s evolution and a roadmap for developing robust, ecosystem-based management tools. Full article
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24 pages, 29766 KB  
Article
Agricultural Irrigation Water Requirement Prediction in Arid Regions Based on the Integration of the AquaCrop-OS Model and Deep Learning: A Case Study of the Qarqan River Basin, China
by Fan Gao, Hairui Li, Bing He, Kun Liu, Jiacheng Zhang, Qiang Liu, Ying Li and Lu Wang
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020236 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 592
Abstract
Water scarcity and ecological degradation driven by the expansion of irrigated agriculture in arid regions urgently necessitate a rigorous assessment of the combined impacts of climate change and crop-structure adjustments on irrigation water requirements (IWR). Taking the Qarqan River Basin as a case [...] Read more.
Water scarcity and ecological degradation driven by the expansion of irrigated agriculture in arid regions urgently necessitate a rigorous assessment of the combined impacts of climate change and crop-structure adjustments on irrigation water requirements (IWR). Taking the Qarqan River Basin as a case study, this study establishes an integrated framework that incorporates remote sensing (Landsat/MODIS), the AquaCrop-OS crop model, and a CNN-LSTM deep learning architecture to simulate historical IWR (2000–2024) and project future trajectories under CMIP6 climate scenarios. The results indicate that: (1) from 2000 to 2024, fruit tree area expanded from 120.3 to 320.3 km2, cotton stabilized at approximately 165.3 km2 after peaking at 187.9 km2 in 2014, wheat recovered to 113.1 km2, and maize varied between 23.7 and 85.0 km2, indicating that fruit trees have become the dominant crop type. (2) Over the same period, total basin-wide IWR increased by 91% (3.7 × 108 to 7.1 × 108 m3), with fruit trees accounting for 44–68% of this growth. Logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition further shows that meteorological factors and human activities jointly drove the increase in IWR, with cultivated-area expansion and cropping-structure change contributing most, while improvements in agricultural water-use efficiency partially offset the rise. (3) Projections for 2025–2100 suggest stronger structural dominance of fruit trees and cotton; the growing share of water-intensive cash crops may further elevate irrigation pressure. Under SSP5-8.5, a 30% reduction in fruit tree area in the late century could save 4.3% of irrigation water (0.33 × 108 m3). Overall, this study provides dynamic projections and decision support for adaptive regulation of agricultural water resources in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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38 pages, 13931 KB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Evolution Mechanism of Rockburst Risk in Deep Rock Tunnels Under Anchor Rod Anchoring
by Xiaojia Chang, Mingming He, Kaiqiang Wu and Mingchen Ding
Buildings 2026, 16(2), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020344 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 433
Abstract
The evolution mechanism of the bearing layer in the surrounding rock of tunnels with rockburst risk is extremely complex under bolt anchorage in deep strata. In this paper, the stress response, energy evolution, and crack development under different in situ stress levels and [...] Read more.
The evolution mechanism of the bearing layer in the surrounding rock of tunnels with rockburst risk is extremely complex under bolt anchorage in deep strata. In this paper, the stress response, energy evolution, and crack development under different in situ stress levels and rock bolt quantities are systematically investigated. The results found that significant stress concentration and energy accumulation zones tend to form in the surrounding rock under high in situ stress conditions. The rapid unloading of radial stress and the sudden increase in kinetic energy are well-correlated in terms of time, representing important characteristics of dynamic rock failure. A significant decrease occurs in the maximum radial stress, kinetic energy, and strain energy of the surrounding rock as the number of rock bolts increases, while the number and connectivity of cracks notably weaken. This causes the failure process of the surrounding rock to transition from unstable to controlled development. It is indicated that rock bolt support can reduce the potential risk of rockbursts by regulating stress redistribution and energy release paths under high in situ stress. The findings provide a reference for evaluating surrounding rock stability and optimizing support parameters in deep-buried tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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17 pages, 3288 KB  
Article
Biological Feasibility of a Novel Island-Type Fishway Inspired by the Tesla Valve
by Mengxue Dong, Bokai Fan, Maosen Xu, Ziheng Tang, Yunqing Gu and Jiegang Mou
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020744 - 11 Jan 2026
Viewed by 365
Abstract
Inspired by the Tesla valve, the island-type fishway is a novel design whose biological performance remains unelucidated. This study integrated hydraulic experiments, CFD modeling, and 3D computer vision to investigate the passage performance and swimming behavior of juvenile silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix [...] Read more.
Inspired by the Tesla valve, the island-type fishway is a novel design whose biological performance remains unelucidated. This study integrated hydraulic experiments, CFD modeling, and 3D computer vision to investigate the passage performance and swimming behavior of juvenile silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). The results confirmed high biological feasibility, with upstream success rates exceeding 70%. The island and arc-baffle configuration create a heterogeneous flow field with an S-shaped main flow and low-velocity zones; each island unit contributes 8.9% to total energy dissipation. Critically, fish utilize a multi-dimensional navigation strategy to avoid high-velocity cores: temporally adopting an intermittent “rest-burst” pattern for energetic recovery; horizontally following an “Ω”-shaped bypass trajectory; and vertically preferring the bottom boundary layer. Passage failure was primarily linked to suboptimal path selection near the high-velocity main flow. These findings demonstrate that fishway effectiveness depends less on bulk hydraulic parameters and more on the spatial connectivity of hydraulic refugia aligning with fish behavioral traits. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing eco-friendly hydraulic structures. Full article
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34 pages, 11413 KB  
Article
Hydrodynamic-Ecological Synergistic Effects of Interleaved Jetties: A CFD Study Based on a 180° Bend
by Dandan Liu, Suiju Lv and Chunguang Li
Hydrology 2026, 13(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13010017 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1330
Abstract
Under the dual pressures of global climate change and anthropogenic activities, enhancing the ecological functions of hydraulic structures has become a critical direction for sustainable watershed management. While traditional spur dike designs primarily focus on bank protection and flood control, current demands require [...] Read more.
Under the dual pressures of global climate change and anthropogenic activities, enhancing the ecological functions of hydraulic structures has become a critical direction for sustainable watershed management. While traditional spur dike designs primarily focus on bank protection and flood control, current demands require additional consideration of river ecosystem restoration. Numerical simulations were performed using the RNG k-ε turbulence model to solve the three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, a formulation that enhances prediction accuracy for complex flows in curved channels, including separation and reattachment. Following a grid independence study and the application of standard wall functions for near-wall treatment, a comparative analysis was conducted to examine the flow characteristics and ecological effects within a 180° channel bend under three configurations: no spur dikes, a single-side arrangement, and a staggered arrangement of non-submerged, flow-aligned, rectangular thin-walled spur dikes. The results demonstrate that staggered spur dikes significantly reduce the lateral water surface gradient by concentrating the main flow, thereby balancing water levels along the concave and convex banks and suppressing lateral channel migration. Their synergistic flow-contracting effect enhances the kinetic energy of the main flow and generates multi-scale turbulent vortices, which not only increase sediment transport capacity in the main channel but also create diverse habitat conditions. Specifically, the bed shear stress in the central channel region reached 2.3 times the natural level. Flow separation near the dike heads generated a high-velocity zone, elevating velocity and turbulent kinetic energy by factors of 2.3 and 6.8, respectively. This shift promoted bed sediment coarsening and consequently increased scour resistance. In contrast, the low-shear wake zones behind the dikes, with weakened hydrodynamic forces, facilitated fine-sediment deposition and the growth of point bars. Furthermore, this study identifies a critical interface (observed at approximately 60% of the water depth) that serves as a key interface for vertical energy conversion. Below this height, turbulence intensity intermittently increases, whereas above it, energy dissipates markedly. This critical elevation, controlled by both the spur dike configuration and flow conditions, embodies the transition mechanism of kinetic energy from the mean flow to turbulent motions. These findings provide a theoretical basis and engineering reference for optimizing eco-friendly spur dike designs in meandering rivers. Full article
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16 pages, 3744 KB  
Article
Evaluating Environmental Effects of Zero-Discharge Events in a Regulated River in Northern Sweden Using Hydraulic Modelling
by M. Lovisa Sjöstedt, J. Gunnar I. Hellström, Anders G. Andersson and Jani Ahonen
Water 2026, 18(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010084 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 532
Abstract
Increasing periods of zero-discharge and large fluctuations in discharge are expected in future hydropower operations due to changes in the electricity system, including greater reliance on solar and wind power, as well as increased variability in precipitation driven by climate change. In this [...] Read more.
Increasing periods of zero-discharge and large fluctuations in discharge are expected in future hydropower operations due to changes in the electricity system, including greater reliance on solar and wind power, as well as increased variability in precipitation driven by climate change. In this study, several types of zero-flow periods were analyzed in a regulated northern river in Sweden. The results highlight different mitigation measures that may be suitable for reducing ecological impacts associated with hydropeaking. The study also evaluates potential improvements that could be achieved by implementing a mean annual low flow instead of zero flow. Overall, the findings demonstrate the value of conducting detailed river-specific analyses to identify effective ecological restoration measures in regulated river systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)
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30 pages, 2925 KB  
Article
Energy-Efficient Hydraulics in Heavy Machinery: Technologies, Challenges, and Future Directions
by Mohit Bhola and Gyan Wrat
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010302 - 27 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1851
Abstract
Heavy earth-moving machinery is essential for construction, mining, and infrastructure development, but its traditional hydraulic systems, powered by diesel engines, are major contributors to energy losses and inefficiencies. Hydraulic circuits typically account for significant parasitic losses due to throttling, leakage, and low energy [...] Read more.
Heavy earth-moving machinery is essential for construction, mining, and infrastructure development, but its traditional hydraulic systems, powered by diesel engines, are major contributors to energy losses and inefficiencies. Hydraulic circuits typically account for significant parasitic losses due to throttling, leakage, and low energy recovery, resulting in high fuel consumption and emissions. Recent innovations are transforming hydraulic technology to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. This review highlights advancements such as electro-hydraulic actuators, independent metering systems, and digital hydraulics, which enable precise flow control and minimize throttling losses. The integration of energy recovery systems, including hydraulic accumulators and hybrid architectures, further enhances efficiency by capturing and reusing energy during braking and lowering operations. Additionally, the adoption of smart sensors, predictive analytics, and advanced control algorithms enables real-time optimization of hydraulic performance, reducing idle losses and improving overall system responsiveness. Emerging trends such as fluid power electrification, compact high-pressure components, and the use of eco-friendly hydraulic fluids are also discussed. By synthesizing current research and industrial practices, this paper provides insights into the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects for achieving substantial energy efficiency gains through next-generation hydraulic technologies in heavy earth-moving equipment. Full article
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18 pages, 3484 KB  
Article
Re-Valorizing Oyster-Shell Waste in Natural Hydraulic Lime-Based Mortars for Brick Substrate Applications: Performance and Durability
by Poliana Bellei, Manuel Francisco Costa Pereira, Isabel Torres, Genevieve Foray and Inês Flores-Colen
Materials 2026, 19(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010027 - 20 Dec 2025
Viewed by 678
Abstract
The re-valorisation of oyster-shell waste offers a sustainable pathway for producing eco-efficient construction materials. This study investigates the physical, mechanical, and durability performance of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars incorporating oyster shells (OSs), applied to solid bricks representative of historical masonry. Two formulations [...] Read more.
The re-valorisation of oyster-shell waste offers a sustainable pathway for producing eco-efficient construction materials. This study investigates the physical, mechanical, and durability performance of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars incorporating oyster shells (OSs), applied to solid bricks representative of historical masonry. Two formulations were developed: one with 24% replacement of NHL by oyster-shell powder (OSP, <150 µm) and another with 30% substitution of sand by oyster-shell aggregate (OSA, 0–4 mm), both compared with a control mortar. Mortars were tested in standard molds and directly applied to bricks, including under accelerated aging conditions (temperature and humidity cycles). Results revealed that shell-incorporated mortars applied to bricks exhibited higher bulk density and compressive strength, and lower porosity, capillary water absorption, and water vapor permeability, compared with mold-cast samples. The performance for the shell-based mortars highlights the substrate–mortar interaction, consistent with the behavior of traditional lime-based systems, and the microscope characterization (poro-Hg and X-ray tomography). Shell-incorporated mortars retained stable properties after aging, with variations below 10% compared to unaged mortars. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of oyster shells as partial replacements for lime and sand, confirming its potential as an eco-efficient strategy for sustainable mortars in conserving and rehabilitating historic masonry buildings. Full article
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