Search

The research on the visual relationships between public works and the surrounding area has been lately based on the method of making surveys after different images. In this paper, however, we intend to make different notes on the subject based on the testimonies of technicians, designers and philosophers who have analyzed and described the formal and aesthetic links between the engineering work and the physical place where they settle. The visual role of engineering in the territory is studied and redefined throughout the different sections; in the final part of the paper a new classification of the relationship between landscape and public works is proposed, considering the relative location o f the observer and his status as static or dynamic viewer; this coassification can be useful for future research. The last section contains the conclusions of the whole text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the works carried out in the project Corredor de Occidente (Honduras) by the technical assistance formed by the TYPSA-AEC consortium. It is a road rehabilitation project, divided into three lots. The Corredor de Occidente connects the second largest city in the country, San Pedro Sula, in the northwest of Honduras, with the international border crossings with Guatemala and El Salvador, and with the Maya Site of Copán Ruinas, recognized by Unesco, as heritage of Humanity since 1980. The road safety factor has been very present during the three years of duration of the project, through the application of road safety audits during the construction phase, as well as through advisory works for the improvement of the management of road safety in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of waste for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, is a strategy to be boosted to stablish regional industrial symbiosis agreements that can support companies to gain competitiveness and reduce the environmental impact associated to their day to day business activity. This article summarizes particular exemples to generate on one hand circular economy models using waste from the pulp and paper industry for soil stabilization, steel slags and foundry sands for asphalt concrete manufacturing, C&DW for the construction of granular sub-bases and on the other to validate the use of renewable materials for pavements construction (bio-polymers like lignin for the production of polymer modified bitumen and bio-rejuvenator agents to enhance asphalt concrete workability and increase the use of reclaimed asphalt pavements or RAP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to provide ideas and thoughts for improving, with the means available today in the market and with current machinery, the performance and durability characteristics of paving based on concrete examples in each and every one of the development phases of the works site, from the preparation stage to execution or conservation, etc. This paper seeks to show the current possibilities for building safer and more durable roads. From a futuristic viewpoint perhaps, because no roadworks in the world have so far been undertaken in this way; however, reckoning with all possibilities in existence today and acting in each and every one of the paving process stages, we can ultimately arrive at the ideal works or the Asphalt 4.0 concept in the works development stages described in this text. The goal of this article is to promote substantial improvements in the way road networks are managed, based on concrete ideas from the bitumen mix manufacturing industry that Asefma represents in Spain, to take a giant leap forward in collaborating with the Administrations responsible for the road networks in Spain and thus contribute to better-performing, more durable asphalt paving than what we currently have. The aim of this publication is not to be descriptive in terms of the capabilities provided by the new existing machinery or the characteristics of the new devices and sensors for paving works; rather, it focuses on the possibilities offered by this new machinery in collaboration with current digital technology. Nor does it seek to be specific in the details of the use made of the machinery, which are far better described in Asefma's monographs listed in the bibliography at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the value of highway travel time information systems. This is achieved by using notions of expected utility theory to develop a departure time selection and route choice model. The model assumes that every driver has a level of accepted lateness for his trip and some perceived knowledge of the travel times on the route. Only these two inputs support his decisions. The results of the model are used to compute the unreliability costs of the trip (i.e. scheduling costs and stress) and to obtain the benefits of real-time information systems. Results show that travel time information only has a significant value when there is an important scheduled activity at destination (e.g. morning commute trips), in case of total uncertainty about the conditions of the trip (e.g. sporadic trips), or when more than one route is possible. Systems with very high accuracy are not in better terms. The paper also highlights that the value of the information may not benefit only the user, but all drivers, even those without information. This social benefit of information reduces the marginal benefit of being informed (i.e. the user benefit). While this reduction of the social costs can be a policy objective, there is no reason to expect individuals to pay out-of-pocket for travel time information, beyond the user value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the Dynamic Speed Limit (DSL) experiment that took place in June 2013 on the last 13 km stretch of B-23 freeway accessing Barcelona. The DSL system installed on that freeway in addition to the high density of surveillance equipment available makes this stretch a suitable highway tab. The objective of the experiment was to construct a comprehensive database when different speed limits apply. Detailed measurements of speed, vehicle count, occupancy, lane changing activity and travel time were taken. These simultaneous measurements obtained from very different types of monitoring equipment have been grouped into a single database. This comprehensive DSL database, unique in its nature, is made publicly available to the whole research community. The paper describes in detail the experiment and presents some preliminary results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors are agents that affect the asphalt properties, asphalt properties causing its hardening and making it more susceptible to fatigue. One of these is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, investigators have identified that, between 100 h UV and 200 h UV exposition, asphalt shows a recovery in its physical and rheological properties. This paper presents the characterization of the rheological and physical results of the Colombian asphalts (60/70 and 80/100), that is produced in the Barrancabermeja Refinery, Colombia. The material was aged using a RTFOT and an ultraviolet chamber, between 100h UV and 200 h UV. A recovery of the rheological properties was identified in the 150 h UV and 175 h UV periods. The recovery is attributed to molecular changes in the material; which modify the percentage content of SARA fractions, its properties and, probably, it produces a change in its colloidal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boom and impact of the autonomous and connected vehicle in recent years is being remarkable. However, its development is subject to overcoming a broad set of challenges. Specifically, this paper will discuss the aspects most related to the technology involved. The difficulties for an adequate perception of the environment or how to adopt correct and robust decisions are analyzed. The requirements on communications and infrastructure are also addressed. In the same way, the human factor cannot be ignored. These challenges have led to some actions, in many cases at a multi-sectorial and international level, both at the level of research and real implementation. Finally, there is a forecast of the foreseeable effects on the mobility model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic modulus of asphaT mixtures is a fundamental property used as input cara in the modem pavement design methods based on empirical-mechanistic principies. In order to have reliable results tc be introduced in these calculation procedures, d ife re rt estimation models have been developed based on the volumetric and asphalt properties used in their for mutation This paper presents the development and calibration of a rationsf model for the estimation of the dynamic medufjs of asphalt mixtures using the micromechanical concepts fera multiple spherical model based on the premises of its relative simplicity, conceptually according to the applied mechantes principles, witn a number of reduced empirical adjustment factors and using the experimental information resulting from conventional tests. This developed model produces results with enough accuracy to be appbed in empvicai-mecharstic pavement design procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the different photocatalytic solutions available on the market, i.active® cements by Italcementi Group are the most common raw materials currently utilized for the manufacturing of building products possessing an added value in terms of sustainability and durability. One of the main purposes for their use is to reduce pollution, in order to improve the air quality in urban environments. Another environmental advantage in their use is in terms of mitigation of urban heat island effects. Currently, photocatalyctic cements are commercially available in Europe, North America, North Africa and India. Several million square meters of photocatalytic cement-based surfaces, have already been applied, and this number is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. In this framework, photocatalytic cementitious roads and pavements represent the widest application for the improvement of air quality in urban environment. This paper gives an overview of the product performances to help engineers to choose and design sustainable and durable paved surfaces that typically represent from 30% to 60% o f developed urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition curves are employed in road projects so as to link tangents and circular cun/es or circular curves of different radius, being the clothoid the element that is used in the majority of countries. In Spain it is referred as the transition curve to be employed in the road geometric design rules. One of the concepts that is applied in order to determine its minimum length refers to the centrifuge acceleration variation limitation in the horizontal plane. The aim of this paper is to analyze the formulas that had been established by Spanish road geometric design regulations trough time and recommend the use of the equations that best define the concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road traffic noise is one of the main environmental impacts of road infrastructures, so that efficient solutions are required for reducing noise exposure. Analyzing the noise action plans published in Spain it is observed a widespread lack of methodologies and criteria for the decision-making process on prioritizing road stretches in noise action plans. In this paper the main decision-making criteria are defined. Also, an objective and reasoned methodology, called PATRON, is developed, and these criteria are weighted for the construction of a normalized numerical index, the Road Stretch Priority Index. The weight of each decision-making criterion is determined by applying the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process to the results obtained from an expert panel. The developed methodology is implemented in a case study in order to test the validity of the weights assigned to the criteria in the decision-making problem under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We could write many more than papers about maintenance and road safety, probably large handbooks, because they have many aspects in common. Because of this, this paper argues for a close relationship between Maintenance an Road Safety Departments. We could improve the accident rate if we work on this target. The Spanish law RD 345/2011, written by the Public Works Ministry, shows the road safety should be used at the very beginning of the road project design. In this situation, the Maintenance Department would be the most interested because it could use their budget for theirs goals, specially the road safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2005 the Laboratory Road IMAE National University of Rosario has implemented the WTT (Wheel Tracking Test) to evaluate the permanent deformation behavior of asphalt mixtures. The testing methodology is carried out according to the BS EN 12697-22:2003, Part 22 - Small size devices. However, the main difficulty is to have a simple and practical procedure to check in the construction site, the proportional rut depth (Prair) and the Wheel Tracking slope in air (WTSair) obtained in the WTT. This is due to the difficulties of sampling of the pavement and the test duration. In order to simplify the in situ control of asphalt mixtures, this paper presents a new simple test that allows a laboratory monitoring of the susceptibility to permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures during the mix design. This procedure aims to assess the resistance to permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures indirectly through a punch or penetration testing and its correlation with test results previously performed. It uses conventional Marshall specimens and testing equipment existing in any laboratory at the construction site. The paper describes the proposed test method to determining the control of asphalt mixtures in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicle deceleration problem should have a precise resolution, because any failure in the physical process of this phenomenon can cause several types of traffic accidents. The main braking mechanisms are: friction braking, with high deceleration ratio, and engine braking, with less deceleration ratio, but more stable and important to assist the former, especially in roads affected by snow or ice or with winding geometry. In this paper an analysis of engine braking action and forces that oppose to vehicle advance and contribute to braking (gravity in uphill situation, rolling and aerodynamic resistance) is presented, without considering yet, the friction brake mathematical model. The main project objective is the design of a car driving simulator for use in verifying the geometric consistency of roads in various conditions of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and study of the rheological and electrical properties of bitumen modified with carbon nanotubes is exposed. This modification transforms the bitumen into electrical semiconductor material, which opens a new range of possibilities of use to a material that, usually, acts as an electrical insulator. As an example of these new applications, design and study of asphalt mixes made with carbon nanotubes modified binders conferring improved self-healing properties to the mixture by microwave absorption are presented. Results showed in this paper have been obtained in the development of the MAMCE project, granted by the Spanish "Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad", call "Innpacto 2011". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation has become one of the central elements of business competitiveness in a more and more globalized environment. Innovation is a key factor for fulfilling the objectives, moreover in a difficult economic situation as the present one. A competitive market requires a continuous improvement of products based on research and innovation. Concrete pavements industry has steadily innovated for the last 40 years. Materials, designs and equipments have been affected by this process and differences between current pavements and the pavements of the 80's are obvious. This paper reviews the main breakthroughs from this period and describes present innovations: photocatalytic, photoluminescent and electric concrete pavements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads in Bogota, Colombia are plagued by both poor pavement conditions and constant precipitation. To tackle these issues, this paper quantitatively measures the effect of stripping and moisture on the bond between AC 60-70 and three aggregates (two sandstone and one limestone, given that they represent those most commonly employed in Bogota's pavements). The idea is to study the aggregate's adhesive and cohesive behavior via the BBS test and the Sessile Drop method. For the asphalt-aggregate bonds, contact angles, wettability and adhesive work under dry and wet conditions were determined. Results identify sandstone aggregate as preferable, especially in terms of moisture damage resistance. Furthermore, this study concludes that the aggregates studied are highly susceptible to water damage, with a Humidity Damage Index less than 0.5. As a result, asphalt mixtures should rely on a modifier to mitigate moisture damage in asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads passing through built-up areas give rise to myriad conflicts between road users on one hand and the resident population on the other. Accordingly we need to find a method to allow us to consider which of the most problematic throughtraffic routes need to be replaced by bypasses, and among these, which should be built with highest priority. This paper sets out the methodology developed and used by the Castilla-León Directorate General for Roads and Infrastructure so as to ascertain what the needs really are and to articulate a proposed scheduling of such work. It is a simple, easily computerised system which, according to the most characteristic data in each section (traffic, number of inhabitants, accident rate, etc.) assesses each through-traffic route so as to determine if its replacement with an alternative route (bypass) is strictly necessary and what degree of priority should be assigned to the replacement, on the basis of an objective scoring from 1 to 100. Economic criteria are left out of these considerations, as needs are not linked to costs or cost-effectiveness. That is an issue for separate and in all events subsequent discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovative GB5® design is based on aggregate packing concepts initially developed in the field of high-performance cement concretes, adapted and transposed to the field of asphalts. These innovative mixes are characterized by single or double gapgraded curves and great coarse aggregate interlock, which lends them an excellent dense mineral skeleton, with high internal friction and high mechanical resistance, I without need for hard bitumens to meet requirements of high stiffness (11,000 MPa at s|| 20°C) neither for the binder contents of High Modulus mixes. This lower binder content requirements, enables the use of polymer modified binders in base courses, at a content of about 4% to 4.5% on aggregate, thus leading to design of the so-called GB5 ® asphalts, characterized by great compactability, a very high stiffness modulus and a high fatigue resistance in a single formulation, allowing for reduced pavement thickness and increased longevity. And all of that ensuring the cost-effectiveness of this solution for base courses. In this way, the proposed GB5® material may be potentially considered as a relevant solution for sustainable long-life pavements that do not deteriorate structurally, ; |î needing only timely surface maintenance. The design of this innovative mixture was presented in "European Roads Review" magazine (www.rgra.fr)(|y||). This paper it mainly focuses on the different achievements of this new material on the field on different work sites in 2011<">, located mainly in France, as well as on a campaign of strain measurement instrumentation carried out in 2012,(XXIV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper covers innovative issues to obtain energy from the roads through projects and studies that improve the road safety and sustainability. From the recycling of the unused energy braking forces that can recharge the future electric vehicles in vials until the special energy of the sun during the day to inform us in adverse environmental conditions, using holograms on our roadways. Geothermal pavement applications defrosting a way by reusing the heat, or the conversion of an impact energy in an accident against a security barrier into a SOS interpreting the data instantly. Use of low temperature asphalt more environmentally friendly or lighting control to improve the performance. Measures very different, studying or applied, that will save us nearly a 20% the management and maintenance of the road today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among winter period, the climatic conditions in the state of Lleida, where L4 sector is located, cause an important number of days with northern or north-western wind which maintains a very low temperatures with a dry road. Our experience allows estimate that the permanence of the salt on the road is higher in dry than in wet road conditions, especially when we use brine for anti-icing treatments. But, the consequence of a hypothetic accident, where the driver denounces ice on the road when we have not realize the pertinent treatment, promotes us to carry out anti-icing treatments to defend ourselves against possible claims and not because they were really necessary. These unnecessary treatments became an important increase of the economic cost of the infrastructure's maintenance and a higher impact on the environment. This paper expects to provide the trends about the taken salinity measurements reveal, under various conditions (e.g. traffic, different pavements types and different treatment types). Decision makers might use these trends as a tool for understanding the connection between the different factors that are involved about the amount of residual salt on the dry road. In future seasons, we could get better relationship between the residual salt and the traffic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction projects, in the urbanization stage, have an important construction and demolition waste (C&DW) generation, in particular, the small road construction is important due to its volume. This paper establishes a simplified procedure, already tested in building construction, in order to properly manage the waste and to meet the current legislation. The first step is to properly determine the quantities and type of waste expected following the classification system. The second step is to generate the waste management study, which includes among others: the management budget. Finally, the procedure is applied to road project, which compares two possible waste management scenarios. The model concludes that road recycling is not only environmentally better but economically as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper highlights the major effect on road service life of works in which the pavement is opened up and restored for the installation or repair of underground utilities under urban streets. It then analyses the technical and economic feasibility of installing utility tunnels as a possible solution to avoid the effects of such works, describing a methodology for monitoring and control applied with considerable success in Madrid in 2000-2003. A methodology is proposed for reducing the number of roadworks on public thoroughfares by means of integral maintenance operations. Finally, given the large number of agents involved in urban roadworks, a management model is proposed as a means of coordinating all the work done on such roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete pavements have certain qualities (low maintenance and high durability, stable and resistant surfaces, light colour, mitigation of heat-island effect, aesthetic possibilities, etc.) which make their use in road surfaces highly interesting. This paper analyses those benefits along with certain drawbacks which have tended to be attributed to this solution (length of time up to opening to traffic, acoustic properties, etc.) which can however be suitably addressed using the techniques currently available. It reviews the various types of concrete pavement, aspects to be considered in their design (such as thicknesses or joints) and the available construction methods. A detailed analysis is made of certain options as regards the finish of concrete pavements in which colouring, printing, texturing, retarded curing and other techniques allow us to achieve a great variety of decorative effects without sacrificing slip resistance. Finally it examines some properties of lean-mix concrete road bases, as widely used in road pavements in many cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport needs are growing all the time, and roads that were formerly used for other purposes and activities are now filling up with cars. Vehicles are ever larger and speeds ever higher, and moreover, for many trips the points of origin and destination are in different towns or cities. Today, A roads have many different users with many different needs. Consequently, the challenge is to strike a balance between the needs of all users. One system that is often used to limit speed and increase road safety is the establishment of dedicated alternative transport lanes. Two methods are generally used: one in which the dedicated lane is located in the middle of the road, with each single-direction vehicle lane becoming somewhat narrower as a result, and another in which the dedicated lane is located on one side of the road, and vehicles are forced to overtake by moving temporarily into the opposite lane. This paper examines three different examples of these systems, in different phases of establishment. Moreover, the designs are verified using a traffic simulation programme. Based on different experiences, the study has a twofold aim: to assess the effects of alternate transport lane systems on roads, and to gather information for future actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport climate change impacts have become a worldwide concern. Transport is responsible for 41% of CO2 emissions in Spain, and around 65% of that figure is due to road traffic. Tolled motorways are currently managed accor-ding to economic criteria: minimizing operational costs and maximizing revenues from tolls. Within this framework, this paper develops a new methodology for managing motorways based on a target of maximum energy efficiency. It includes technological and demand-driven policies, which are applied to two case studies. Various conclusions emerge from this study. The results clearly indicate that to achieve the best carbon footprint savings it is necessary to design sustainable strategies to manage each motorway section. That means to use the maximum of its capacity according to the total traffic flows of cars and heavy duty vehicles in the motorway road and also in the parallel roads. Another important finding is that substantial GHG reduction emissions could be achieved in the toll plazas with the application of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and Open Road Tolling (ORT) schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional road design process starts with the selection of a design speed, which drivers are expected to prefer when driving along the road. This speed is used as a basis for several road parameters, hence its importance. But drivers are evidently unaware of this speed, and instead of keeping to it they drive at so-called operating speeds. This often leads to major road safety issues, even where a road segment complies with the applicable standards. This paper presents a new proposed methodology for road geometric design that considers operational and consistency criteria, with a view to building roads that better fit drivers' expectations and which are therefore safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In road safety, it is known that drivers usually underestimate perceived risk and assume an excessive risk in their driving. From an opinion survey, this paper analyzes the degree of agreement between the subjects with the main causes of traffic accidents and the degree of risk they perceive and assume in their way of driving, as well as possible solutions to reduce traffic accidents. Results show that drug use, turning back and speeding, are closely related to the high risk subjects perceive and minimal risk they assume when facing with this situation. Subjects perceive risk but it is assumed in order to get their objective, even when such a risk can cause an accident. Perceived and assumed risk, seem to be very difficult to maintain optimum balance communicating vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the application of the road safety predictive method raised in the US "Highway Safety Manual" to rural two - lane roads. Initially, a brief presentation of the general prediction methodology is developed and goes on to describe the predictive procedure structure for the case of rural two - lane roads. Afterwards part of the specific formulation for this case is presented incorporating some illustrative examples and the system of accident distribution by severity level or by type is explained. Finally, conclusions are raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of new technologies to traffic engineering has allowed the development of Intelligent Transport Systems. ITS improve traffic management and increase road safety optimizing the use of the existing road infrastructure. ITS systems make easy traffic dynamic management. One of most used parameters in traffic management is the Level of Service. Currently, Level of Service are based on the Highways Capacity Manual from Transportation Research Board. However, the proposed model is completely static. Thus, this model is considered suitable for the dimensioning of future road network, but not for dynamic traffic management. This paper presents a new model for the identification of level of service in highways that allows a dynamic traffic management in real time. This model is based on the fundamental relation between speed and occupancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Council Directive of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products (EC Construction Products Directive-CPD 89/106/EEC) in cludes in Annex I the essential requirements that must satisfy the construction products. These requirements shall be incorporated to European Standardization Association harmonized standards as technical specifications that shall be meet by the products for specific use. Following this scheme, construction product manufacturer may declare product compliance with a technical specification once fulfilled CE marking requirements. In this way, construction products distinguished with CE marking can be in European Market in a secure way. Five of the six essential requirements have been adopted in harmonized European product standards. Technical specifications that develop Essential Requirement 3 (ER 3) 'Health, safety and environment', that include dangerous substances release, shall require equal consideration than stability and reaction to fire, but in practice, they are not incorporated and defined. Therefore, European Commission with the studies and conclusions of the Expert Group on Dangerous Substances (EGDS) addressed to CEN (European Standardization Committee) Mandate M/366 and is actively working in the amended construction product mandates. The business plan in the Mandate M/366 developed by CEN/TC 351, includes the standardization of horizontal test methods to evaluate the construction products release/emission into soil, surface water and groundwater and air of regulated dangerous substances in the intended use. This paper focus on the description of the standardization activities in CEN technical groups for the incorporation of environmental specifications related to regulated dangerous substances derived from mentioned ER 3 in harmonized standards for aggregates used for road construction, with specific reference to aggregates produced from waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As transport infrastructure substantially contributes to economic growth, implementing suitable financing schemes becomes essential to face road expenditure and keep the road network in optimal condition. This paper shows an overview of road financing approaches applied in an international context, specifically Europe and the United States. Next, it establishes an economic balance between revenue and expenditure in the road sector in several countries. Results show that the higher the road earmarking ratio of the financing model, the higher seems to be the level of road maintenance expenditure. Furthermore, the analysis points out that, despite a great effort made during the last years, level of maintenance expenditure in Spain Is still lower than in other countries of the same characteristics. As a result, it seems necessary to implement a new mechanism to provide stable and non budgetary-dependant revenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the 5th International Symposium of Tunnel Safety and Security (ISTSS 2012) was held in New York. This is the main international event about tunnel and underground spaces safety where 300 delegates attend from 30 countries. A lot of interesting knowledge and experience about safety science and technology was presented and exchanged during the event. The event showed the necessity of keep advancing in the knowledge of the key factors in emergency situations. In this sense, the GIDAI Group (University of Cantabria) presented the paper "Decision Support System for Emergencies in Road Tunnels". The intelligent system provides in real time, the course of actions to deal with the emergency. Furthermore, the DSS estimates the severity of the situation and calculates the evacuation times (rescue and self-rescue processes). This article is divided into two parts: (1) the state of art about tunnel safety and (2) the intelligent system as an example of the new tendencies in this kind of environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La energía superficial libre (ESL) es una propiedad fundamental que puede ser empleada para cuantificar la calidad de interfases o de la adhesión que se genera entre diferentes materiales a través de la aplicación de la teoría termodinámica. Desarrollos recientes han permitido la medición en laboratorio de la ESL de cementos asfálticos (o asfaltos/01 y agregados10', lo cual a su vez ha permitido la evaluación de interfases asfalto-agregado de mezclas asfálticas. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo principal describir estas evaluaciones, sus principales ventajas y aplicaciones, así como algunos resultados específicos de dichas aplicaciones. La ESL de los asfaltos evaluados fue medida empleando el método de Placa Wilhelmy, mientras que la medición correspondiente para agregados se llevó a cabo empleando el USD ("Universal Sorption Device"). Los resultados y el análisis correspondientes sustentan la posibilidad de evaluar interfases asfalto-agregado a partir de mediciones de ESL para proporcionar nueva información que permita mejorar el diseño de mezclas asfálticas y la predicción de su desempeño. The surface free energy (SFE) is a fundamental material property that can be used to quantify the quality of material interfaces or the quality of adhesion between different materials based on thermodynamics principles. Recent developments made it possible to measure the SFE for asphalt cements (or asphalts) and aggregates, which in turns have allowed the assessment of asphalt-aggregate interfaces for asphalt mixtures. The main objective of paper is to describe these evaluations, their advantages and applications as well as some specific results of these applications. The asphalt SFE was measured by using the Wilhelmy Plate method, while the corresponding measurement for aggregates was carried out using the Universal Sorption Device (USD). Corresponding results and analysis support the possibility of assessing asphalt-aggregate interfaces based on SFE measurements to provide new information for improving the design and performance prediction of asphalt mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the results obtained from an experimental study carried out within the framework of OASIS research project to evaluate the effect of the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in mixes for gap-graded mixtures type BBTM IIB. The first stage of the study consisted of designing the mixture with RAP percentages of 0, 10, 20 and 40% through the evaluation of volumetric properties, abrasion resistance, water sensitivity and cracking resistance Once the job mix formula was designed, a second stage focused on the aforementioned properties and also the rutting resistance was developed for the mixtures manufactured in a batch plant and a full scale test section was constructed. The results obtained show that gap-graded recycled mixtures prepared with up to 40% RAP contents in laboratory had good mechanical behaviour; however, mixture preparation in non-adapted plants showed difficulties when using a high percentage of RAP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic application of environmental management procedures facilitates the environmental impact control caused by a particular process or action. This paper proposes and illustrates its implementation in the field of civil public works at the very initial project stage, in order to enable administrations to develop more sustainable activities without compromising their social and economic profitability. The integration of different sustainability measures, always based on a life cycle view of the work, allows a transparent assessment of results at different levels (especially: economic and environmental) and is the basis for a consistent decision-making at any process stage (awarding, execution, maintenance...). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union has criticized the legal nature of the payments in concept of Taxes on Retail Sales of Certain Hydrocarbons (IVMDH) that the road transport sector has been doing in recent years, particularly since 2005. This paper investigates the legal characteristics of IVMDH, the collection that the Regional Governments have done in this concept and the cost it has brought to the professional sector of road transport, and also the amount that could be returned to these companies depending on its fleet and the region where they operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]