A fuzzy logic expert system for selecting optimal and sustainable life cycle maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for road pavements

Aged road pavements and insufficient maintenance budgets, along with increasing concerns over the environmental issues related to transportation have introduced additional challenges to highway agencies. Multiobjective optimisation techniques can be used to account for those multiple aspects in the design of maintenance and rehabilitation (M&amp;R) strategies. Contrary to the singleobjective optimisation problems where a single solution is optimal, the solution of multiobjective optimisation problems is a set of non-dominated solutions, often referred to as Pareto-optimal set. This set of optimal solutions represents the trade-off between the different and often conflicting objectives, and in many cases is comprised by a vast number of elements. This paper presents the development and application of a fuzzy logic expert system for selecting a single solution from the Pareto set obtained from the multiobjective optimisation of sustainable pavement M&amp;R strategies. It provides decision-makers with an easy and intuitive methodology for the selection of the most preferred solution according to sustainability criteria. The proposed system is applied to a case study from France. Posteriorly, different strategies reflecting the decision-maker’s preferences towards economic and environmental objectives are analysed. Conclusions and recommendations for future improvements are derived from this application.</p

Effect of particles' characteristics and road surface's texture on the tire/road friction

This paper presents a laboratory study to investigate the lubrication induced by particles deposited on road surfaces which is responsible for the increase of accidents at the first rain after a long dry period. Particles are extracted from sediments collected at a catchment area and characterized by their chemical composition and size distribution. Protocol to simulate the particle deposit on the road surface and their compaction by the traffic is described. The test program includes variables such as particle concentrations, particles' size fractions and surface textures. Dry friction tests are conducted using the Skid Resistance Tester which simulates the sliding friction between a rubber slider and the test surface. Friction is lowered when the surface is covered by particles, compared with a clean surface. Repeated passages of the slider induce an increase of friction coefficient until reaching a stable value. Particles' flows during a friction run are separated into those ejected from the sample, those stored by the surface macrotexture and those that stay on the test surface; this study demonstrated that the friction coefficient is closely related to the quantity of particles available on the test surface. SEM analysis shows on the other hand that these particles are mainly trapped by the surface microtexture. Similar behavior between fine particles and powder in terms of lubrication mechanisms is observed

A comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of hot mixes asphalt containing bituminous binder modified with waste and virgin polymer

25th CIRP Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) Conference, COPENHAGUE, DANEMARK, 30-/04/2018 - 02/05/2018This paper presents the results of a life cycle assessment undertaken to compare the potential environmental impacts associated with the use of asphalt surface mixtures produced with polymer modified bitumen with those of a conventional asphalt surface mixture. Seven types of hot mix asphalt mixtures to be used in the surface course are compared, among which one produced with virgin materials and conventional binder, which is used as a reference, and six alternative mixtures containing a bituminous binder modified with different percentages of waste nitrile rubber from shoe sole and Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate polymer. The ILCD impact assessment method at midpoint level was adopted to assess the environmental performance of the wearing course of a French pavement structure over a 30-year project analysis period considering the following pavement life cycle phases: (1) extraction of raw materials, modification of the bituminous binder and mixtures production; (2) transportation of materials, and; (3) construction and maintenance and rehabilitation

Observations of dry particles behaviour at the tyre/road interface

Previous studies highlighted that friction value measured on real road surface textures covered by particles depends on particle sizes. This paper focuses on identification of particles behaviours at the tyre/road interface in the presence of particles. Identification is made by visual observations through high-speed camera, focus-variation microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy on the contaminated surface as scratch analysis on the surface. Two particle types were collected into samples picked next to roads. They are composed of clay and quartz which have different behaviours at the interface and affect the friction. Clay has a lasting effect due to its adhesive behaviour. Quartz has a scratching and rolling behaviour and is quickly ejected to the contact area due to a pinching effect

Lubrication of the tire/road interface by fine particles : Tribological approach

Accidents increase during the first rain after a long dry period. This trend is due to the accumulation of fine particles originated from different sources such as atmosphere, road and tires debris, fuel emissions, etc. These particles accumulate on the road surface during a long dry period and induce a friction loss between the tire and the road surface. In the road field, the tire/road skid resistance on dry conditions is considered satisfactory (considering the road surface as clean) and the loss of skid resistance is attributed to the sole action of water. Thus, there is an unexplored field concerning the particles' effect, alone in dry period and mixed with water in wet period, on the skid resistance. In this paper, we investigate the action of the particles during a dry period using two approaches developed in tribology: the third body approach, particularly the mass analysis inspired from Fillot et al. [1], to understand the particles flows at the tire/road interface; and the dry lubrication theories developed for powders (as molybdenum disulfide MoS2 ) [2] [3] to understand and model the friction.  Experiments are conducted in laboratory to understand and model this phenomenon. Particles are collected, by drying and sieving, from sediments sampled from a catchment area which collects runoff water. Analyses are performed to determine the particles' chemical composition and size distribution. Experimental protocol allows simulating the particles' build up process on the road surface. The specimen surface, representative of a road surface, includes a microtexture scale, representing the asperities of the aggregates, and a macrotexture scale, representing the space between the aggregates. Friction measurements are realized by means of the so-called Skid Resistance Tester Pendulum, widely used in the road field, which simulates the friction between a rubber pad sliding at 3 m/s on the specimen surface. On a surface initially covered with particles, successive friction runs are performed, without resupplying particles between two consecutive runs. Specimen's weight is recorded before and after each friction run. Results show that friction drops significantly, compared to a clean state, when the surface is covered by particles. Successive runs induce an increase of friction coefficient until reaching a stable value which is below that of a clean surface. Three particles' flows are calculated: particles ejected from the contact area between the friction slider and the test surface; particles trapped by the surface microtexture; particles stored by the surface macrotexture. Close relationship was found between the friction coefficient and the flow of particles trapped by the microtexture. Similarities are found, in terms of lubrication mechanisms, between the behavior of studied particles and powder [3].  Discussions allow understanding the relationship between particles' characteristics and Stribeck curves' parameters such as viscosity, lubricant film thickness and pressure. A first attempt of modeling allows to calculate the friction coefficient from the fraction of surface covered by particles. This study has allowed to see the contribution of tribology to the understanding of complex phenomena in the road field such as skid resistance on contaminated road surfaces. Perspectives, especially in terms of study of water and particles mixing, are presented.   [1] Fillot, N., Iordanoff, I., and Berthier, Y. Wear modeling and the third body concept. Wear, 262, 949-957, 2007. [2] Higgs, C.F., Wornyoh, E.Y.A. An in situ mechanism for self-replenishing powder transfer films: Experiments and modeling. Wear, 2008, 264, 131-138. [3] Heshmat, H. Wear reduction systems for coal-fueled diesel engines ? Experimental results and hydrodynamic model of powder lubrication. Wear, 1993, 162-164, 518-528

BIOFRAG: A new database for analysing BIOdiversity responses to forest FRAGmentation

Habitat fragmentation studies are producing inconsistent and complex results across which it is nearly impossible to synthesise. Consistent analytical techniques can be applied to primary datasets, if stored in a flexible database that allows simple data retrieval for subsequent analyses. Method: We developed a relational database linking data collected in the field to taxonomic nomenclature, spatial and temporal plot attributes and further environmental variables (e.g. information on biogeographic region. Typical field assessments include measures of biological variables (e.g. presence, abundance, ground cover) of one species or a set of species linked to a set of plots in fragments of a forested landscape. Conclusion: The database currently holds records of 5792 unique species sampled in 52 landscapes in six of eight biogeographic regions: mammals 173, birds 1101, herpetofauna 284, insects 2317, other arthropods: 48, plants 1804, snails 65. Most species are found in one or two landscapes, but some are found in four. Using the huge amount of primary data on biodiversity response to fragmentation becomes increasingly important as anthropogenic pressures from high population growth and land demands are increasing. This database can be queried to extract data for subsequent analyses of the biological response to forest fragmentation with new metrics that can integrate across the components of fragmented landscapes. Meta-analyses of findings based on consistent methods and metrics will be able to generalise over studies allowing inter-comparisons for unified answers. The database can thus help researchers in providing findings for analyses of trade-offs between land use benefits and impacts on biodiversity and to track performance of management for biodiversity conservation in human-modified landscapes.Fil: Pfeifer, Marion. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Lefebvre, Veronique. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Gardner, Toby A.. Stockholm Environment Institute; SueciaFil: Arroyo Rodríguez, Víctor. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Baeten, Lander. University of Ghent; BélgicaFil: Banks Leite, Cristina. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Barlow, Jos. Lancaster University; Reino UnidoFil: Betts, Matthew G.. State University of Oregon; Estados UnidosFil: Brunet, Joerg. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; SueciaFil: Cerezo Blandón, Alexis Mauricio. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información; ArgentinaFil: Cisneros, Laura M.. University of Connecticut; Estados UnidosFil: Collard, Stuart. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia; AustraliaFil: D´Cruze, Neil. The World Society for the Protection of Animals; Reino UnidoFil: Da Silva Motta, Catarina. Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; BrasilFil: Duguay, Stephanie. Carleton University; CanadáFil: Eggermont, Hilde. University of Ghent; BélgicaFil: Eigenbrod, Félix. University of Southampton; Reino UnidoFil: Hadley, Adam S.. State University of Oregon; Estados UnidosFil: Hanson, Thor R.. No especifíca;Fil: Hawes, Joseph E.. University of East Anglia; Reino UnidoFil: Heartsill Scalley, Tamara. United State Department of Agriculture. Forestry Service; Puerto RicoFil: Klingbeil, Brian T.. University of Connecticut; Estados UnidosFil: Kolb, Annette. Universitat Bremen; AlemaniaFil: Kormann, Urs. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Kumar, Sunil. State University of Colorado - Fort Collins; Estados UnidosFil: Lachat, Thibault. Swiss Federal Institute for Forest; SuizaFil: Lakeman Fraser, Poppy. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Lantschner, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Patagonia Norte. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Carlos de Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Laurance, William F.. James Cook University; AustraliaFil: Leal, Inara R.. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Lens, Luc. University of Ghent; BélgicaFil: Marsh, Charles J.. University of Leeds; Reino UnidoFil: Medina Rangel, Guido F.. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Melles, Stephanie. University of Toronto; CanadáFil: Mezger, Dirk. Field Museum of Natural History; Estados UnidosFil: Oldekop, Johan A.. University of Sheffield; Reino UnidoFil: Overal , Williams L.. Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. Departamento de Entomologia; BrasilFil: Owen, Charlotte. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Peres, Carlos A.. University of East Anglia; Reino UnidoFil: Phalan, Ben. University of Southampton; Reino UnidoFil: Pidgeon, Anna Michle. University of Wisconsin; Estados UnidosFil: Pilia, Oriana. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Possingham, Hugh P.. Imperial College London; Reino Unido. The University Of Queensland; AustraliaFil: Possingham, Max L.. No especifíca;Fil: Raheem, Dinarzarde C.. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences; Bélgica. Natural History Museum; Reino UnidoFil: Ribeiro, Danilo B.. Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul; BrasilFil: Ribeiro Neto, Jose D.. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Robinson, Douglas W.. State University of Oregon; Estados UnidosFil: Robinson, Richard. Manjimup Research Centre; AustraliaFil: Rytwinski, Trina. Carleton University; CanadáFil: Scherber, Christoph. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Slade, Eleanor M.. University of Oxford; Reino UnidoFil: Somarriba, Eduardo. Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza; Costa RicaFil: Stouffer, Philip C.. State University of Louisiana; Estados UnidosFil: Struebig, Matthew J.. University of Kent; Reino UnidoFil: Tylianakis, Jason M.. University College London; Estados Unidos. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Teja, Tscharntke. Universität Göttingen; AlemaniaFil: Tyre, Andrew J.. Universidad de Nebraska - Lincoln; Estados UnidosFil: Urbina Cardona, Jose N.. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; ColombiaFil: Vasconcelos, Heraldo L.. Universidade Federal de Uberlandia; BrasilFil: Wearn, Oliver. Imperial College London; Reino Unido. The Zoological Society of London; Reino UnidoFil: Wells, Konstans. University of Adelaide; AustraliaFil: Willig, Michael R.. University of Connecticut; Estados UnidosFil: Wood, Eric. University of Wisconsin; Estados UnidosFil: Young, Richard P.. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust; Reino UnidoFil: Bradley, Andrew V.. Imperial College London; Reino UnidoFil: Ewers, Robert M.. Imperial College London; Reino Unid

BIOFRAG - a new database for analyzing BIOdiversity responses to forest FRAGmentation

Peer reviewe

BIOFRAG – a new database for analyzing BIOdiversity responses to forest FRAGmentation

Habitat fragmentation studies have produced complex results that are challenging to synthesize. Inconsistencies among studies may result from variation in the choice of landscape metrics and response variables, which is often compounded by a lack of key statistical or methodological information. Collating primary datasets on biodiversity responses to fragmentation in a consistent and flexible database permits simple data retrieval for subsequent analyses. We present a relational database that links such field data to taxonomic nomenclature, spatial and temporal plot attributes, and environmental characteristics. Field assessments include measurements of the response(s) (e.g., presence, abundance, ground cover) of one or more species linked to plots in fragments within a partially forested landscape. The database currently holds 9830 unique species recorded in plots of 58 unique landscapes in six of eight realms: mammals 315, birds 1286, herptiles 460, insects 4521, spiders 204, other arthropods 85, gastropods 70, annelids 8, platyhelminthes 4, Onychophora 2, vascular plants 2112, nonvascular plants and lichens 320, and fungi 449. Three landscapes were sampled as long-term time series (>10 years). Seven hundred and eleven species are found in two or more landscapes. Consolidating the substantial amount of primary data available on biodiversity responses to fragmentation in the context of land-use change and natural disturbances is an essential part of understanding the effects of increasing anthropogenic pressures on land. The consistent format of this database facilitates testing of generalizations concerning biologic responses to fragmentation across diverse systems and taxa. It also allows the re-examination of existing datasets with alternative landscape metrics and robust statistical methods, for example, helping to address pseudo-replication problems. The database can thus help researchers in producing broad syntheses of the effects of land use. The database is dynamic and inclusive, and contributions from individual and large-scale data-collection efforts are welcome.Keywords: Species turnover, Data sharing, Database, Global change, Landscape metrics, Edge effects, Forest fragmentation, Matrix contrast, Bioinformatic