Search Results (76)

While studies have typically examined the driving habits of young drivers living in large urban cities, few have examined the habits of young drivers living in smaller cities with large rural surrounding areas. Three surveys were disseminated to 193 young drivers, 65 police officers, and 62 driving instructors to examine the driving habits and challenging driving situations young drivers experience. Almost a fifth (18.1%) reported consuming alcohol prior to driving; alcohol consumption prior to driving was significantly associated with eating food/drinking beverages while driving, cellphone use, and speeding. The most challenging situations young drivers reported were night driving, encountering wild animals on the road, and driving in extreme weather conditions (e.g., ice, snow). Driving instructors reported that young drivers had challenges with lane positioning, speed control, and navigating traffic signs and signals. Additionally, police officers reported issuing tickets to young drivers primarily for failure to stop, distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. Young drivers living in smaller cities and rural communities have unique challenges, including interactions with wildlife, driving on gravel roads, and driving in poor weather and road conditions (e.g., ice, snow). Opportunities for young drivers to be exposed to these scenarios during driver training are critical for increasing awareness of these conditions and reducing crash risk. Full article

Previous studies on highway_rail grade crossing collisions have primarily focused on identifying factors contributing to the frequency and severity of driver injuries. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to modeling driver injury severity at these crossings. Recognizing the variations in injury severity under different road surface conditions, this study investigates the impact of road surface conditions on driver injury severity at highway_rail grade crossings. Using nearly a decade of accident data (2012–2021), thi study employs a LightGBM model to predict factors influencing injury severity and utilizes SHAP values for result interpretation. The symmetry principle of SHAP esures that factors with identical influence receive equal values, enhancing the reliability of predictive outcomes. The findings reveal that driver injury severity at highway_rail grade crossings varies significantly under different road surface conditions. Key factors identified include train speed, driver age, vehicle speed, annual average daily traffic (AADT), driver presence inside the vehicle, weather conditions, and location. The results indicate that collisions are more frequent when either the vehicle or train travels at high speed. Implementing speed limits for both vehicles and trains under varying road conditions could effectively reduce accident severity. Additionally, older drivers are more prone to severe accidents, highlighting the importance of installing control devices, such as warning signs or signals, to enhance driver alertness and mitigate injury risks. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, exacerbate accident severity on road surfaces like sand, mud, dirt, oil, or gravel. Timely removal of surface obstacles may help reduce the severity of such accidents. Full article

To enhance the path-tracking accuracy of unmanned articulated road roller (UARR) operating on low-adhesion, slippery surfaces, this paper proposes a hierarchical cascaded control (HCC) architecture integrated with real-time ground adhesion coefficient estimation. Addressing the complex nonlinear dynamics between the two rigid bodies of the vehicle and its interaction with the ground, an upper-layer nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) is designed. This layer, based on a 4-degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) dynamic model, calculates the required steering torque using position and heading errors. The lower layer employs a second-order sliding mode controller (SOSMC) to precisely track the steering torque and output the corresponding steering wheel angle. To accommodate the anisotropic and time-varying nature of slippery surfaces, a strong-tracking unscented Kalman filter (ST-UKF) observer is introduced for ground adhesion coefficient estimation. By dynamically adjusting the covariance matrix, the observer reduces reliance on historical data while increasing the weight of new data, significantly improving real-time estimation accuracy. The estimated adhesion coefficient is fed back to the upper-layer NMPC, enhancing the control system’s adaptability and robustness under slippery conditions. The HCC is validated through simulation and real-vehicle experiments and compared with LQR and PID controllers. The results demonstrate that HCC achieves the fastest response time and smallest steady-state error on both dry and slippery gravel soil surfaces. Under slippery conditions, while control performance decreases compared to dry surfaces, incorporating ground adhesion coefficient observation reduces steady-state error by 20.62%. Full article

In mountainous areas, high-filled subgrade often experiences significant post-construction settlement. Prematurely paving the cement-stabilized gravel layer on an unstable subgrade can easily lead to subsequent cracking. To accurately predict the settlement of high-filled subgrade and determine the appropriate timing for paving the cement-stabilized layer, this study proposes a subgrade settlement prediction method combining an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Using monitoring data from a high-filled subgrade on a highway in Hunan Province, China, a GA–ANN model was established to predict settlement curves. The predicted data from the GA–ANN model were compared with measured data and ANN predictions to validate the advantages of using GA–ANN for subgrade settlement prediction. The results indicate that the GA–ANN model significantly outperforms the ANN model due to GA’s ability to provide more reasonable weight biases for ANN through global search optimization. Predictions of settlement data beyond 50 days using both ANN and GA–ANN showed that the GA–ANN prediction curve closely matched the measured curve, with a basic deviation within ±3 mm. In contrast, ANN’s prediction error gradually increased to over 5 mm as the observation time increased, with predicted values lower than measured values, leading to an overly optimistic estimation of early settlement convergence. Based on the predicted data and settlement standards, the estimated timing for laying the stabilized layer was determined. During the laying process, no cracking was observed in the stabilized layer. The project has been in operation for six months, with the road surface in good condition. This study provides a valuable reference for the laying of stabilized layers on similar high-filled and ultra-high-filled subgrades. Full article

Cylindrical hydraulic dampers are commonly utilized to mitigate vibrations in machinery and structural applications. These devices generally feature a single linear stroke and are often linked to rotary joints to handle complex loading conditions. However, their installation in confined spaces, such as vehicle suspensions, poses considerable difficulties. In this research, we introduce an innovative bifurcated origami hydraulic damper with nonlinear damping capabilities. Initially, we formulated the collapsible conditional equations essential for the design of the bifurcated origami hydraulic dampers. We then examined the fluid dynamics within the damper and its flow channels, determining that the damping force is proportional to the square of the velocity. Furthermore, we developed motion equations based on the derived damping force and suggested vibration analysis methods using the Runge–Kutta approach. For the mass-spring vibration system, we created an experimental setup with the bifurcated origami hydraulic damper and performed vibration tests using noise signals recorded from a vehicle traveling on a gravel road, thus validating its damping performance and efficacy. Additional tests, which varied the orifice size at the end of the origami structure, as well as the type and temperature of the internal fluid, showed that the orifice size had a more pronounced effect on damping efficiency than the fluid type and temperature. This confirmed the vibration-damping effectiveness of the bifurcated origami hydraulic damper. Full article

The expansion of impervious areas in the context of climate change leads to an increase in stormwater runoff. Runoff from roads, petrol stations, and service stations is the most common form of unintentional release of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). Rain gardens are an important practice for removing PHs from stormwater runoff, but little data exist on the removal efficiency and behaviour of these substances within the system. The main objective of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of rain gardens in removing pollutants such as diesel fuel (DF) and used engine oil (UEO) in a laboratory setting, as well as to study the behaviours of these pollutants within the system. Eight experimental columns (7.164 dm³) were packed with soil (bulk density 1.48 kg/dm³), river sand (1.6 kg/dm³), and gravel. Plants of the Physocarpus opulifolia Diabolo species were planted in the topsoil to study their resistance to PHs. For 6 months, the columns were watered with model PHs followed by simulated rain events. The concentrations of PHs in the leachate and soil media of the columns were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The results of HPLC indicated the absence of UEO and DF components in the leachates of all experimental columns, which suggested 100% removal of these substances from stormwater. The chromatography results showed that 95% of the modelled PHs were retained in the surface layer of the soil medium due to the sorption process, which led to a change in hydraulic conductivity over time. Recommendations are proposed to increase the service life of rain gardens designed to filter PHs from stormwater. Full article

This research investigates the feasibility of using smartphones as reliable instruments to measure vehicle deceleration under different conditions and compares their accuracy and reliability with traditional decelerometers. The research was conducted using a passenger vehicle (Audi A6 Avant) on different road surfaces—dry, wet, and gravel—at several speed intervals (30, 50, 70, and 90 km/h). The vehicle was equipped with an XL Meter decelerometer and three different smartphones in different price ranges. Each device recorded deceleration data, which was then analyzed to evaluate accuracy and reliability. The findings show that while the smartphones show promising results on dry and gravel surfaces, their accuracy decreases at lower speeds and on wet surfaces due to the limitations of the sensors in detecting subtle deceleration values. The research also highlights that mid-range smartphones can perform comparably to higher-end models, suggesting that excessive investment in more expensive technology may not be necessary for scientific purposes. However, some differences in measurements are attributed to variations in device mounting and orientation sensitivity. In conclusion, this research supports the potential of integrating smartphone technology in vehicle testing for road safety, although it highlights critical limitations that need to be addressed for standardized use. Full article

National Highway G559 is the first highway in Southeast Tibet into Motuo County, which has not only greatly improved the difficult situation of local roads, but also promoted the economic development of Tibet. However, rainfall-induced shallow landslides occur frequently along the Bomi–Motuo section, which seriously affects the safe operation and construction work of the highway. Therefore, it is urgent to carry out geological disaster assessment and zoning along the highway. Based on remote-sensing interpretation and field investigation, the distribution characteristics and sliding-prone rock mass of shallow landslides along the Bomi–Motuo Highway were identified. Three-dimensional stability analysis of regional landslides along the Bomi-Motuo Highway under different rainfall scenarios was carried out based on the TRIGRS and Scoops3D coupled model (T-S model). The temporal and spatial distribution of potential rainfall landslides in this area is effectively predicted, and the reliability of the predicted results is also evaluated. The results show that: (1) The slope structure along the highway is mainly composed of loose gravel soil on the upper part and a strong weathering layer of bedrock on the lower part. The sliding surface is mostly a circular and plane type, and the main failure types are creep–tensile failure and flexural–tensile failure. (2) Based on the T-S coupling model, it is predicted that the potential landslide along the Bomi–Motuo Highway in the natural state is scattered. The distribution area of extremely unstable and unstable areas accounts for 4.92% of the total area. In the case of extreme rainfall once in a hundred years, the proportion of instability area (Fs < 1) predicted by the T-S coupling model 1 h after rainfall is 7.74%, which is 1.57 times that of the natural instability area. The instability area (Fs < 1) accounted for 43.40% of the total area after 12 h of rainfall. The potential landslides were mainly distributed in the Bangxin–Zhamu section and the East Gedang section. (3) The TRIGRS and T-S coupling model is both suitable for predicting the temporal–spatial distribution of rainfall-induced shallow landslides, but the TRIGRS model has the problem of over-prediction. The instability area predicted by the T-S coupling model accounted for 43.30%, and 74% of the historical landslide disaster points in the area were correctly predicted. (4) In terms of rainfall response, the T-S coupling model shows higher sensitivity. The %LR_class (Fs < 1) index of the T-S coupling model is above 50% in different time periods, and its landslide-prediction effect (%LR_class = 78.80%) was significantly better than that of the one-dimensional TRIGRS model (%LR_class = 45.50%) under a 12 h rainfall scenario. The research results have important reference significance for risk identification and disaster reduction along the G559 Bomi–Motuo Highway. Full article

The huge demand for sand and gravel resources in road engineering construction leads to excessive consumption of resources and environmental damage. Recycling waste concrete and industrial solid waste as a road material is a promising alternative. In order to explore the application of these solid wastes in the road base, this paper studies the effect of adding lithium slag activated by an alkaline activator, fly ash (FA) and a combination of the two on the compressive strength, splitting strength and shrinkage performance of recycled cement-stabilized macadam mixture (RCSM). The optimum content of recycled aggregate (RA), alkali-activated lithium slag (AALS) and FA in composite-improved RCSM was optimized using a response surface method (Box–Behnken), and the microscopic characteristics of the mixture were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the optimum dosage of AALS, FA and RA determined by the response surface method is 15%, 10% and 40%, respectively. Compared with the cement-stabilized macadam mixture (CSM) with 40% RA, the 28 d compressive strength and 28 d splitting strength of the composite-improved RCSM are increased by 26.8% and 22.9%, respectively, and the dry shrinkage coefficient and average temperature shrinkage coefficient are decreased by 25.8% and 14.8%, respectively. Microscopic tests show that AALS and FA participate in the hydration reaction, generate more hydrated silicate (C-S-H) and ettringite (AFt), refine pores, effectively improve the performance of the internal interface transition zone of the mixture, make the microstructure of the mixture denser, and improve the strength and shrinkage performance of RCSM. This study provides technical support for the reuse of resources and the sustainable development of road construction. Full article

The present study has focused on stabilizing the soils of the embankments and improving the mechanical properties of gravel in subbases of pavements with different contents of bottom ash from thermal power plants and low percentages of lime. The density, humidity, simple resistance strength and bearing capacity of the new materials resulting from this combination have been studied. The results indicated that the optimal proportion of bottom ash added to the analyzed soil is 15%, while the optimal addition of lime is 1% for application in embankments and 2% for application in road subgrades. In clay soil that has a low simple resistance strength when 25% of bottom ash is added without lime, it can double the resistance. In the case of the gravel evaluated, it was found that the optimal ratio between the addition of bottom ash and lime is 6.5. In conclusion, it can be noted that soil that does not have any resistance when certain percentages of bottom ash are added, its properties are improved to be used in embankments. Full article

The investigation of reactivated landslides in the alpine-canyon areas suffers the difficult accessibility of precipitous terrain. In particular, when reactivated landslides occur along the major roads, efforts are focused on measuring ground surface displacements during road construction. Nevertheless, the ancient landslide deposits may reactivate after several years of road operation, while they show a stable state during the road construction. The characterization of this type of reactivated landslides is challenging, due to their complex mechanism and the limited monitoring data. Appropriate multi-source data can provide insights into deformation fields and enhance the understanding of landslide mechanisms, ensuring the outperformance of remedial works. This paper reports a recent Tangjiawan reactivated landslide along the Wenchuan-Maerkang Highway in Li County, China. The outcomes, including satellite InSAR, in situ real-time monitoring, and detailed ground and UAV investigation, conducted at this landslide are presented. Early deformation of the reactivated landslide began from 2019, with an InSAR-derived velocity of −11.7 mm/year, furthermore, a significant subsidence of about 21.2 mm, which occurred within a span of only 12 days from 3 June 2020 to 15 June 2020, was observed. The deformation characteristics derived from in situ monitoring during the remedial works were likely firstly associated with the initial unreinforced slope condition and the heavy rainfall. Subsequently, the displacement evolution transformed into deformation induced by time-dependent reduction in slope strength under rainfall conditions. The existing of unconsolidated deposits derived from ancient landslides, along with a fragile geo-structure consisting of rock blocks and gravels interlayered with breccias, exacerbated by large relief created a predisposition for landslide reactivation. Furthermore, 13 days of antecedent cumulative rainfall totaling 224.5 mm directly triggered the occurrence of a landslide event. The significance and implications of integrating multiple monitoring techniques are emphasized. Full article

The hydrological characteristics of gravel-containing soils are different from those of gravel-free soils, so it is worth further understanding and enriching the theory of soil and water conservation. In this study, adjustable slope (10°, 20°, 30°) test soil boxes with different surface gravel contents (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) were prepared to study the runoff erosion characteristics of gravel-covered land slopes under different rainfall conditions (10 mm/h, 20 mm/h, 30 mm/h). Compared with the bare soil, the runoff start time of the three slopes covered with 100% soil surface gravel content is delayed by 38.90, 32.83 and 73.39%, the runoff producing rate of gravel condition under different slopes decreased by 7.20–71.52% and the total amount of sediment yield decreased by 7.94~84.57%. Surface gravel cover can effectively reduce runoff and sediment yield, which is beneficial for better soil and water conservation. The results of this study have a certain reference value for the theory of soil and water conservation and can be used as a basis for guiding efficient agricultural production in gravel-mulched land and construction (like road slope improvement). Full article

The Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in Ethiopia comprises the largest fraction of the Afro-Alpine ecosystem in Africa, which provides vital mountain ecosystem services at local, regional, and global levels. However, the BMNP has been severely threatened by natural and anthropogenic disturbances in recent decades. In particular, landscape alteration due to human activities such as red ash quarrying has become a common practice in the BMNP, which poses a major environmental challenge by severely degrading the Afro-Alpine ecosystem. This study aims to quantify the long-term volumetric changes of two red ash quarry sites in the BMNP using historical aerial photographs and in situ data, and to assess their impact on the Afro-Alpine ecosystem. The Structure-from-Motion multi-view stereo photogrammetry algorithm was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional landscape for the year 1967 and 1984 while spatial interpolation techniques were applied to generate the current digital elevation models for 2023. To quantify the volumetric changes and landscape alteration of the quarry sites, differences in digital elevation models were computed. The result showed that the volume of resources extracted from the BMNP quarry sites increased significantly over the study period from 1984 to 2023 compared with the period from 1967 to 1984. In general, between 1967 and 2023, the total net surface volume of the quarry sites decreased by 503,721 ± 27,970 m³ and 368,523 ± 30,003 m³, respectively. The extent of the excavated area increased by 53,147 m² and 45,297 m² for Site 1 and 2, respectively. In terms of habitat loss, major gravel road construction inside the BMNP resulted in the reduction of Afro-Alpine vegetation by 476,860 m², ericaceous vegetation by 403,806 m² and Afromontane forest by 493,222 m² with associated decline in species diversity and density. The excavation and gravel road construction have contributed to the degradation of the Afro-Alpine ecosystem, especially the endemic Lobelia rhynchopetalum on the quarry sites and roads. If excavation continues at the same rate as in the last half century, it can threaten the whole mountain ecosystem of the National Park and beyond, highlighting the importance of preventing these anthropogenic changes and conserving the remaining Afro-Alpine ecosystem. Full article

Trafficability gives tracked vehicles adaptability, stability, and propulsion for various purposes, including deep-sea research in rough terrain. Terrain characteristics affect tracked vehicle mobility. This paper investigates the soil mechanical interaction dynamics between rubber-tracked vehicles and sedimental soils through controlled laboratory-simulated experiments. Focusing on Bentonite and Diatom sedimental soils, which possess distinct shear properties from typical land soils, the study employs innovative user-written subroutines to characterize mechanical models linked to the RecurDyn simulation environment. The experiment is centered around a dual-tracked crawler, which in itself represents a fully independent vehicle. A new three-dimensional multi-body dynamic simulation model of the tracked vehicle is developed, integrating the moist terrain’s mechanical model. Simulations assess the vehicle’s trafficability and performance, revealing optimal slip ratios for maximum traction force. Additionally, a mathematical model evaluates the vehicle’s tractive trafficability based on slip ratio and primary design parameters. The study offers valuable insights and a practical simulation modeling approach for assessing trafficability, predicting locomotion, optimizing design, and controlling the motion of tracked vehicles across diverse moist terrain conditions. The focus is on the critical factors influencing the mobility of tracked vehicles, precisely the sinkage speed and its relationship with pressure. The study introduces a rubber-tracked vehicle, pressure, and moisture sensors to monitor pressure sinkage and moisture, evaluating cohesive soils (Bentonite/Diatom) in combination with sand and gravel mixtures. Findings reveal that higher moisture content in Bentonite correlates with increased track slippage and sinkage, contrasting with Diatom’s notable compaction and sinkage characteristics. This research enhances precision in terrain assessment, improves tracked vehicle design, and advances terrain mechanics comprehension for off-road exploration, offering valuable insights for vehicle design practices and exploration endeavors. Full article

Most recent tunnel designs rely on more thorough analyses of the intricate rock interactions. The three principal techniques for excavating rock tunneling are drill-and-blast for complete or partial cross-sections, TBM only for circular cross-sections with full faces, and road header for small portions. Tunnel-boring machines (TBM) are being utilized to excavate an increasing number of tunnels. Newer studies have demonstrated that subterranean structures such as tunnels produce a variety of consequences during and after ground shaking, challenging the long-held belief that they are among the most earthquake-resistant structures. Consequently, engineering assessment has become crucial for these unique structures from both the geotechnical and structural engineering standpoints. The designer should evaluate the underground structure’s safety to ensure it can sustain various applied loads, considering both seismic loads and temporary and permanent static loads. This paper investigates how adding elastic, soft material between a circular tunnel and the surrounding rock affects seismic response. To conduct the study, Midas/GTS-NX was used to model the TBM tunnel and the nearby rock using the finite element (F.E.) method to simulate the soil–tunnel interactions. A time–history analysis of the El Centro (1940) earthquake was used to calculated the stresses accumulated in the tunnels during seismic episodes. Peak ground accelerations of 0.10–0.30 g, relative to the tunnel axis, were used for excitation. The analysis utilized a time step of 0.02 s, and the duration of the seismic event was set at 10 s. Numerical models were developed to represent tunnels passing through rock, with the traditional grout pea gravel vs. isolation layer. A parametric study determined how isolation material characteristics like shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and unit weight affect tunnel-induced stresses. In the meantime, this paper details the effects of various seismic isolation materials, such as geofoam, foam concrete, and silicon-based isolation material, to improve protection against seismic shaking. The analysis’s findings are discussed, and how seismic isolation affects these important structures’ performance and safety requirements is explained. Full article