The Potential of Al2O3–ZrO2-Based Composites, Formed via CSC Method, in Linear Infrastructure Applications Based on Their Mechanical, Thermal and Environmental performance

Ceramic-ceramic composites have been prepared using the centrifugal slip casting method (CSC). The method has so far been mainly utilized in making ceramic-metal composites. Al2O3–ZrO2 composites have been obtained with different shares of ZrO2, i.e., 15, 50 and 75 vol pct, respectively. Prior to sintering the composite samples, the rheological properties of the casting slips were investigated and thermogravimetric tests were performed. Upon sintering, all three series of the ceramic composites showed a density close to 100 pct and no microcracks or delamination. Phase, microstructural and mechanical investigations were carried out to determine what effect the share of ceramics has on the composites produced. An increase in the share of ZrO2 in the Al2O3–ZrO2 composite leads to a reduction in the growth of Al2O3 grains and a decrease in the average hardness. Cross-sectional hardness testing of the composites showed no evident gradient in any of the samples. Life cycle analysis (LCA) results indicate that the further optimization of the composite formation process, including up-scaling, allows to obtain Al2O3–ZrO2-based pipes possessing more favorable environmental characteristics compared with materials conventionally used for linear infrastructure, which is important in light of the global transformation toward sustainable construction and the circular economy. Graphical abstract

Exploring the Role of Digital Infrastructure Asset Management Tools for Resilient Linear Infrastructure Outcomes in Cities and Towns: A Systematic Literature Review

Linear infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges and tunnels enable critical functionality within and between metropolitan and regional cities and towns, facilitating the movement of goods and services, as part of vibrant, thriving economies. However, these asset types are typically challenged by costly asset management schedules and continually eroding maintenance and refurbishment budgets. These challenges are compounded by the increasing frequency and intensity of disruptive events such as fire, floods, and storm-surge that can damage or destroy property. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG-9) highlights the urgent need for enabling evidence-based decision making for infrastructure asset management (IAM). Around the world, digital engineering (DE) efforts are underway to streamline the capture, processing, and visualization of data for IAM information requirements, towards timely and evidence-based decision support that enables resilient infrastructure outcomes. However, there is still limited understanding about which IAM information can be digitized and the types of tools that can be used. This study sought to address this knowledge gap, through reviewing the extent of available and emerging linear infrastructure related DE technologies and their IAM information requirements. A systematic literature review elicited 101 relevant conceptual and empirical papers, which were subsequently evaluated with regard to the extent and characteristics of digital infrastructure asset management tools. Findings are discussed using three themes that emerged from the analysis: (1) DE tools and their IAM asset information requirements; (2) Interoperability and integration of DE tools across IAM platforms; and (3) Application of DE tools to enable resilient linear infrastructure outcomes. A ‘Digital Technology Integration Matrix’ is presented as an immediately useful summary for government and industry decision-makers, particularly in the field of disaster management preparedness and recovery. The Matrix communicates the synthesis of tools and likely end-users, to support effective data gathering and processing towards more timely and cost-effective infrastructure asset management. The authors conclude with a research roadmap for academics, including recommendations for future investigation.

MODELING THE CLASSIFICATION FEATURES OF FOREST RAKE

Work on the collection and raking of chopped residues in the territories of linear infrastructure facilities is often carried out by specialized equipment in-stalled on tractors or multifunctional machines and called «Forest rakes», moreover, the specified equipment can be classified according to a number of characteristics. Taking into account the significant influence of the subjective component identified by the author, which has an impact on the direct assignment of classified forest rakes to one or another element of the corresponding classification series, the purpose of the study was to develop a mathematical model for the classification of technical means for collecting and raking up chopped residues. The author substantiated the initial boundary conditions and presented a mathematical model for the formation of a visualized volume of distribution of the main design parameters of a forest rake, the values of the criterion of the density of the distribution of teeth of the means of mechanization of removal of cut residues, as well as the criterion of the specific width of these technical means, examples of the classification distribution of forest rake models according to the specified criteria are given, the assumptions and explanations for the considered mathematical model are stated, which makes it possible to carry out an objective classification of the means of mechanization of collection and raking of chopped residues, formulated conclusions based on the results of the study conducted by the authors

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTING THE DEGREE OF DISTRIBUTION OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES OF VEGETATION REMOVAL FROM THE TERRITORIES OF LINEAR INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES

With the maintenance of transport networks in proper condition, the problem of removing unwanted tree and shrub vegetation continues to be relevant. Work on cleaning the territories of the relevant infrastructure facilities from undesirable vegetation can be performed both manually and mechanically with the involvement of various machines, mechanisms and equipment. Considering that at present, when removing unwanted tree and shrub vegetation from the territories of linear infrastructure facilities, a total of more than 50 technological processes are used, the purpose of the study was to identify the possibility of adjusting the degree of their prevalence by types of infrastructure facilities. The article provides a formula for establishing the degree of prevalence of the technological process of removing vegetation along linear infrastructural objects, the distribution of the specified degree by the sites of impact on unwanted vegetation is presented, the content of the corresponding technological processes is disclosed, recommendations are proposed for adjusting the degree of prevalence of technological processes for removing vegetation from the territories of linear infrastructure facilities. The results of the study can be used by industrial enterprises performing work to maintain the territory of transport infrastructure facilities in a standard condition.

Wildlife roadkill in Odisha, India: the threat to biodiversity needs to be addressed

Over a 90–day period we assessed wildlife roadkill on National highway NH–16 in the state of Odisha, India. We recorded 123 vertebrate carcasses: 14 species of mammals, nine species of birds, and seven species of reptiles. Our findings reiterated NH–16 as a vulnerable site of roadkill of many native wild animals and birds. Further studies are required where linear infrastructure affects wildlife and appropriate management strategies are needed.