Search Results (66)

To enhance line capacity in high-speed railways without new infrastructure, virtual coupling train sets (VCTSs) enable reduced inter-train distances via real-time communication and cooperative control. However, unknown disturbances and model uncertainties challenge VCTS performance, often causing chattering, slow convergence, and poor disturbance rejection. This paper proposes a novel finite-time extended state observer-based nonsingular terminal sliding mode (FTESO-NTSM) control strategy. The method integrates a nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface with a hyperbolic tangent-based reaching law to ensure fast convergence and chattering suppression, while a finite-time extended state observer estimates and compensates for lumped disturbances in real time. Lyapunov analysis rigorously proves finite-time stability. Numerical simulations under different initial statuses are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the maximum observation error achieves 0.0087 kN. The speed chattering magnitudes reach 0.00087 km/h, 0.0017 km/h, 0.0026 km/h, and 0.0034 km/h for the leading train and three followers, respectively. Furthermore, the convergence time of the followers is 56 s, 130 s, and 76 s, respectively. The results highlight that the proposed method can significantly improve line capacity and transportation efficiency. Full article

To promote green and low-carbon transformation in the transportation sector and achieve the national “dual-carbon” targets, this study examines rooftop photovoltaic (PV) deployment at 12 representative railway stations located on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Using high-resolution solar radiation data, building spatial information, and regional electricity pricing, we develop an integrated analysis framework that combines a PV power-generation simulation, life-cycle cost assessment, and carbon emission reduction evaluation. The model systematically evaluates the power output, economic performance, and emission reduction potential of rooftop PV systems installed on railway station buildings. Two PV array configurations—horizontal angle and optimum tilt angle—together with three business models (T1: all-consumption; T2: all-feed-into-grid; T3: self-consumption with surplus feed-in) are compared. The results indicate that the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau possesses substantial solar energy advantages. Rooftop arrays installed at a horizontal angle significantly increase both installed capacity and lifetime electricity generation, with stations XN and LS producing 523.12 GWh and 300.87 GWh, respectively, values that exceed the corresponding optimum tilt scenarios. In terms of economic performance, the T1 model yields the highest returns, with several stations achieving a lifetime return on investment exceeding 300% over a 25-year period. The T3 model demonstrates strong profit potential at stations such as RKZ and ZN, whereas the T2 model shows the weakest economic viability due to feed-in tariff constraints. Regarding carbon reduction, horizontal systems perform the best, with cumulative CO₂ emission reductions at station XN exceeding 300,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent. Overall, the findings highlight the substantial PV development potential of railway station rooftops on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. By selecting appropriate installation angles and business models, significant economic benefits and carbon emission reduction outcomes can be achieved, providing practical guidance for renewable-energy utilization in high-altitude transportation infrastructure. Full article

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is one of the most ambitious global projects of the 21st century, aiming to enhance connectivity and trade between Asia and Europe. Within this framework, the New Eurasia Land Bridge Economic Corridor (NELBEC) stands out as a key transcontinental route where railway logistics plays a central role. However, few studies have systematically assessed the readiness of participating countries to integrate effectively into this corridor. This study aims to develop and apply a composite index to evaluate and compare the logistics and railway readiness of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Poland within the NELBEC. The methodology integrates the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) with railway-specific indicators derived from academic literature and institutional datasets. All indicators were normalized, weighted through expert consultation, and aggregated into two dimensions: logistics readiness and railway readiness. The results show that Russia exhibits the highest overall readiness, driven by strong railway capacity but weaker logistics performance, followed by Poland, with advanced infrastructure and efficient customs procedures. Kazakhstan and Belarus present lower readiness levels due to limited terminal capacity and outdated infrastructure. The findings offer policymakers and regional planners a tool to help them make decisions, identify infrastructure bottlenecks, prioritize investments, and design policies that will lead to a more sustainable integration into the BRI. Full article

Due to intensified climate change and increasing extreme wind events, wind–sand and wind–snow compound disasters pose growing threats to the safety, serviceability, and long-term sustainability of railway infrastructure, particularly in arid and cold regions such as Xinjiang. To support sustainable transportation and enhance infrastructure resilience, this study investigates the airflow field characteristics and composite particle transport under different fence configurations through a combination of wind tunnel testing and numerical simulations. The results show that double-row fences significantly reduce particle transport and deposition, improving the long-term stability of railway lines while minimizing maintenance frequency and energy consumption. Orthogonal analysis indicates that fence spacing exerts the strongest influence on composite particle deposition, followed by fence height and porosity. Furthermore, composite sand–snow particles exhibit a synergistically enhanced transport capacity under high wind speeds, highlighting the need for integrated mitigation measures. This study provides practical guidance for designing sustainable, low-impact, and climate-adaptive protection systems in regions facing compound wind-driven hazards, contributing to the broader goals of enhancing infrastructure durability and achieving sustainable regional development. Full article

In Europe’s changing transport landscape, railways are experiencing a renaissance, driven by environmental advantages, cost efficiency, growing demand, and political support. Yet this growth also exposes major challenges, especially regarding network capacity, infrastructure availability, maintainability, and the cost-effectiveness of maintenance. This study focuses on these aspects, analyzing their interdependence and their impact on building a more resilient and efficient rail system. A prediction model, based on historical measurement data, is developed to forecast track behavior and assess an alternative maintenance strategy. This maintenance strategy uses novel approaches to define maintenance-triggering intervention values. The overarching goal of this work is to contribute to the improvement of predictive maintenance approaches. Findings show no technical or economic justification for the continual reduction of section lengths, a practice common in heavily used networks. Instead, results demonstrate that with improved planning and long-section tamping, both track quality and service life can at least be kept at the same level or even be enhanced. Longer section lengths positively influence performance by lowering running meter costs and potentially reducing operational downtime in the long run. To validate these interrelationship, future research will integrate a model that explicitly considers the costs of operational hindrances. Full article

This contribution investigates the potential and the catalytic role of landscape and its collective values in driving territorial regeneration processes. Specifically, it reflects on how the public dimension of landscape—conceived as a shared space of identity, memory, and future-oriented practices—can serve as a strategic lever for initiating local development pathways. Local communities, as custodians of the knowledge and practices that have historically shaped cultural landscapes, are increasingly recognized by territorial policies for their participatory and generative capacity. Building on these premises, the research explores the case of the disused Noto–Pachino railway line, located in southeastern Sicily (Italy), as a living laboratory for testing collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing landscape value and fostering territorial cohesion. The ongoing investigation has identified several civic and grassroots initiatives seeking to reactivate this dormant infrastructure, repositioning it as a strategic asset for sustainable territorial enjoyment, cultural heritage promotion, and the revitalization of marginalized areas. The main objective of the study is to define an “action lab”—a collaborative framework capable of aligning diverse visions, actors, and resources—through which landscape can be reimagined as both a driver of social innovation and a foundational tool for shaping inclusive and resilient development scenarios. Full article

The sufficient capacity of railway lines is a key prerequisite for stable and sustainable transport, not only on main or high-speed lines, but also on lines of regional importance that complement the network. Their indispensable role is manifested not only daily, but especially in the event of incidents on the backbone network. One of the main characteristics of these support lines is that they are largely single-track. Another important characteristic is that they alternate between sections with different traffic loads, which significantly changes the capacity requirements along the whole line. Existing modernisation approaches are frequently implemented in a non-differentiated manner, thereby lacking segment-specific prioritisation. The present paper introduces a novel methodology for systematic identification and the ranking of line sections for capacity upgrades. The approach is comprised of three distinct steps: first, the line is segmented using traffic homogeneity criteria; second, limiting journey times are determined through analytical capacity calculations based on the ninth decile of train volumes; and third, infrastructure measures are identified when the actual journey times exceed these thresholds. Potential interventions encompass the introduction of additional block sections, the implementation of passing loops, or the introduction of double-tracking. The methodology was applied to the Havlíčkův Brod–Jihlava–Znojmo line, thereby demonstrating its ability to detect bottlenecks and propose targeted measures. The findings indicate that there is considerable potential for enhancing capacity while concomitantly improving operational safety and cost efficiency. Consequently, this will serve to reinforce the role of diversionary lines within the broader context of the rail network. The proposed framework provides infrastructure managers with a generalisable tool with which to prioritise investments and support the long-term development of resilient and sustainable railway systems. Full article

Screw piles are widely used in infrastructure, such as railways, highways, and ports, etc., owing to their large pile resistance compared to unthreaded piles. While most screw pile research focuses on single pile behavior under rotational installation using torque-capacity correlations. Limited studies investigate group effects under alternative installation methods. In this study, the load-transfer mechanism of screw piles and soil displacement under vertical installation was explored using laboratory model tests combined with digital image correlation techniques. In addition, numerical simulations using the discrete element method were performed. Based on both lab tests and numerical simulation results, it is discovered that the ultimate bearing capacity of a single screw pile was approximately 50% higher than that of a cylindrical pile with the same outer diameter and length. For pile groups, the group effect coefficient of a triple-pile group composed of screw piles was 0.64, while that of cylindrical piles was 0.55. This phenomenon was caused by the unique thread-soil interaction of screw piles. The threads generated greater side resistance and reduced stress concentration at the pile tip compared with cylindrical piles. Moreover, the effects of pile type, pile number, embedment length, pile spacing, and thread pitch on pile resistance and soil displacement were also investigated. The findings in this study revealed the micro–macro correspondence of screw pile performance and can serve as references for pile construction in practice. Full article

Switch-point heating systems are essential for railway reliability and safety in winter, but present logistical and economic challenges in remote regions. This study presents a novel application of a hydrogen-enabled microgrid as an off-grid energy solution for powering a switch-point heating system at a rural Austrian railway station, offering an alternative to conventional grid-based electricity with a specific focus on enhancing the share of renewable energy sources. The proposed system integrates photovoltaics (PV), optional wind energy, and hydrogen storage to address the seasonal mismatch between a high energy supply in the summer and peak winter demand. Three energy supply scenarios are analysed and compared based on local conditions, technical simplicity, and economic viability. Energy flow modelling based on site-specific climate and operational data is used to determine hydrogen production rates, storage capacity requirements and system sizing. A comprehensive cost analysis of all major subsystems is conducted to assess economic viability. The study demonstrates that hydrogen is a highly effective solution for seasonal energy storage, with a PV-only configuration emerging as the most suitable option under current site conditions. Thus, it offers a replicable framework for decarbonising critical stationary railway infrastructure. Full article

To address the challenges of weak power-grid infrastructure, insufficient power supply capacity along mountainous railways, and severe three-phase imbalance caused by imbalanced traction loads at the point of common coupling (PCC), this paper proposes an energy storage configuration method for mountainous railway power grids considering renewable energy integration. First, a distributionally robust chance-constrained energy storage system configuration model is established, with the capacity and rated power of the energy storage system as decision variables, and the investment costs, operational costs, and grid operation costs as the objective function. Subsequently, by linearizing the three-phase AC power flow equations and transforming the model into a directly solvable linear form using conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) theory, the original configuration problem is converted into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation. Finally, simulations based on an actual high-altitude mountainous railway power grid validate the economic efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model. Results demonstrate that energy storage deployment reduces overall system voltage deviation by 40.7% and improves three-phase voltage magnitude imbalance by 16%. Full article

Fully weathered phyllite is widely encountered along railway corridors in China, yet its suitability as subgrade fill remains insufficiently documented. This study provides an integrated laboratory and field evaluation of both untreated and low-dosage cement-stabilized phyllite for sustainable transport constructions. Laboratory investigations covered mineralogy, classification, compaction, permeability, compressibility, shear strength, and bearing capacity, while large-scale field trials examined the influence of loose lift thickness, moisture content, and compaction sequence on subgrade quality. Performance indicators included the degree of compaction and the subgrade reaction modulus K₃₀, defined as the plate load modulus measured with a 30 cm diameter plate. A recommended cement dosage of 3.5% (by weight of dry soil) was established based on preliminary trials to balance strength development with construction reliability. The results show that untreated phyllite, when compacted under controlled conditions, can be used in lower subgrade layers, whereas cement stabilization significantly improves strength, stiffness, and constructability, enabling reliable application in the main load-bearing subgrade layers. Beyond mechanical performance, the study demonstrates a methodological innovation by linking laboratory mix design directly with field compaction strategies and embedding these within a life-cycle perspective. The sustainability analysis shows that using stabilized in-situ phyllite achieves lower costs and approximately 30% lower CO₂ emissions compared with importing crushed rock from 30 km away, while promoting resource reuse. Overall, the findings support circular economy and carbon-reduction objectives in railway and road earthworks, offering practical guidance for low-carbon, resource-efficient infrastructure. Full article

Compared to road trucks, the use of trains to move goods along railway lines is a more sustainable freight transport system. In Norway, where several main lines are single tracks, the insufficient length of many of the existing passing loops considerably restricts the operational and economic benefits of long trains. This brief technical note revolves around the possible upgrade of the Røros line connecting Oslo and Trondheim to accommodate 650 m-long freight trains as an alternative to the heavily trafficked Dovre line. Pivoting on regulatory standards, this exploratory work identifies the minimum set of infrastructure modifications required to achieve the necessary increase in capacity by extending the existing passing loops and creating a branch line. The results indicate that 8 freight train routes can be efficiently implemented, in addition to the 12 existing passenger train routes. This brief technical note employs building information modeling software Trimble Novapoint edition 2024 to position the existing railway infrastructure on topographic data and visualize the suggested upgrade. Notwithstanding the limitations of this exploratory work, dwelling on capacity calculation and the design of infrastructure upgrades, the results demonstrate that modest and well-placed interventions can significantly enhance the strategic value of a single-track rail corridor. This brief technical note sheds light on the main areas to be addressed by future studies to achieve a comprehensive evaluation of the infrastructure upgrade, also covering technical construction and economic aspects. Full article

The optimisation of airport infrastructure capacities lacks adequate tools that would enable airport owners and managers to make strategic decisions related to sustainable development and strengthening multimodal connectivity. Assessing the sustainability of the transport system is one of the important issues in creating transport policies worldwide. In this research, the methodology of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) was used, which can be applied to decision making and the evaluation of transport projects, considering more than one criterion in the selection process. The Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method is one of the new MCDM methods. The SWARA method will assess the weights of the selected main criteria and sub-criteria for the multimodal connection of airports to the railway transport infrastructure. In this method, the expert plays an important role in the evaluation and calculation of the criteria weights. This research also aims to respond to the need to define a framework for objective and transparent decision-making based on the assessment of the weighting factors of the selected main criteria and sub-criteria. To assess the justification for the choice of railway transport for connecting airports, financial, traffic, environmental, and availability criteria were used. Full article

Magnetic levitation (maglev) technology offers significant advantages for rail transport, including frictionless propulsion, reduced noise, and lower maintenance costs. However, its widespread adoption has been limited due to the need for a dedicated infrastructure incompatible with conventional rail networks. The MaDe4Rail project, funded by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU), explores Maglev-Derived Systems (MDSs) as means to integrate maglev-inspired solutions into existing railway corridors with minimal modifications. This paper focuses on the so-called “hybrid MDS” configuration, which refers to levitating systems that can operate on existing rail infrastructure. Unlike current maglev systems, which require dedicated tracks, the proposed MDS system is designed to operate on conventional rail tracks, allowing for its compatibility with traditional trains and ensuring the interoperability of lines. In order to identify the most viable solution, two different configurations have been analysed. The evaluated scenario could benefit from the introduction of hybrid MDSs based on magnetic levitation, where a group of single vehicles, also called pods, is used in a virtual coupling configuration. The objective of this case study is to increase the capacity of traffic on the existing railway line by significantly reducing travel time, while maintaining a similar energy consumption to that of the current conventional trains operating on this line. Simulation results indicate that the hybrid MDS can optimise railway operations by taking advantage of virtual coupling to improve traffic flow, reducing travel times and energy consumption with the optimisation of the aerodynamic drag. The system achieves a balance between increased speed and energy efficiency, making it a viable alternative for future rail transport. An initial cost–benefit analysis suggests that the hybrid MDS could deliver substantial economic advantages, positioning it as a promising solution for enhancing European railway networks with minimal infrastructure investment. Full article

The increasing frequency and intensity of hydrological events driven by climate change, particularly floods, present significant challenges for the design, construction, and maintenance of bridges and culverts. Additionally, the inadequate capacity of existing structures has resulted in substantial financial burdens on governments due to flood-related damages and the costs of their rehabilitation and replacement. A further concern is the oversight of existing hydraulic design standards, which primarily emphasize structural capacity and flood height, often overlooking broader social and environmental implications as two main pillars of sustainability. This oversight becomes even more critical under changing climatic conditions. This paper proposes a flood risk-based framework for the sustainable design, construction, and modification of bridge and culvert infrastructure in response to climate change. The framework integrates flood risk modeling with environmental and socio-economic considerations to systematically identify and assess vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure. A multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach is employed to rapidly evaluate and integrate climate change, social, and environmental factors, such as population density, industrial activities, and the ecological impacts of floods following construction, alongside conventional hydrologic and hydraulic design criteria. The study utilizes hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, incorporating transportation networks (including roads, railways, and traffic) with socio-economic data through a GIS-based flood risk classification. Two case studies are presented: the first prioritizes the replacement of existing main bridges and culverts in the Ankara River Basin using the proposed MCA framework, while the second focuses on substructure sizing for a planned high-speed railway section in Mersin–Adana–Osmaniye–Gaziantep, Türkiye, accounting for climate change and upstream reservoirs. The findings highlight the critical importance of adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach that integrates advanced risk assessment with resilient design strategies to ensure the long-term performance of bridge and culvert infrastructure under climate change. Full article