Innovation, Energy Transition and Safety Challenges in Road and Rail Transport Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Future transportation systems are evolving through the combined effects of technological innovation, energy transition, and increasing demands for safety and sustainability. The adoption of alternative energy carriers—such as electricity and hydrogen—is transforming road mobility, promoting reduced environmental impact and enhanced operational efficiency. However, these emerging technologies also introduce new challenges related to the safety and resilience of the road network. This Special Issue aims to collect original research and review papers addressing the innovation, safety, and energy transition in road mobility. Particular attention is devoted to the study of accident and fire scenarios involving alternative energy carriers—such as electric batteries and hydrogen—especially in confined environments (e.g., tunnels and parking facilities). Contributions on conventional and advanced firefighting systems are strongly encouraged, as well as studies providing new insights into accidental events involving traditional internal combustion engine vehicles in both open and confined environments. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: 

• Road network;
• Open environments and confined infrastructures;
• Alternative propulsion systems (e.g., electric and hydrogen);
• Transport of dangerous goods and energy carriers;
• Traffic and operational safety, accident, and fire analysis;
• Experimental and numerical studies on fire, explosion, and release phenomena;
• Risk assessment, resilience, and mitigation strategies;
• Combustion of road materials;
• Concrete spalling and structural response under thermal loads;
• Firefighting systems.

 We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Isidoro Russo
Dr. Gianluca Genovese
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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