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Cement manufacturing is a high volume process, with large quantities of substances turned into commercial products, in the process consuming non-renewable resources and energy. It is one of the most material and energy-intensive industrial processes, as well as being CO 2 emissions-intensive. The latter is due in large part to the production of clinker, the key component in cement. Over the last decades, the European cement industry has applied a variety of solutions for improving environmental performance and cost competitiveness. The co-processing of alternative raw materials and fuels, in particular, has played a pivotal role, producing a triple win: emissions reductions, decreases in the extraction of natural resources and fossil fuels, and enhancement of waste management operations. This paper outlines characteristics of the European cement industry, in order to pinpoint trends and performance improvements, and to assess the suitability of sustainability routes adopted and programmes launched. Finally, the paper compares the experiences of the industry in Italy and Germany, the two most important European manufacturers of cement, evaluating their different industrial approaches with regard to the use of alternative raw materials and fuels and improvements in resource efficiency. Results indicate the need for a collaborative approach between the business community, policy makers, and institutions, in order to embrace sustainability as a business imperative, adopting models that facilitate systemic change towards circular economy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent trends in the international photovoltaic (PV) sector indicate strong growth in terms of capacity and production, which is positively influencing the process of energy system decarbonisation. The aim of this review was to promote productive paradigms for a ‘closed cycle’ economy based on the enhancement of resource efficiency and the reduction of waste. To this end, the articulate framework for the management of end-of-life PV panels was analysed, highlighting strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of transitioning towards a circular economy. The conceptual framework is based on a comprehensive review and analysis of relevant literature to describe the main technological and environmental implications associated with PV energy production. Consequently, this paper highlights the most important critical elements, potential opportunities, and limitations deriving from the technological, managerial and organisational aspects of enhancing recovery and recycling rates. The review and the proposed framework might be useful for further research on this important yet complex topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is the study and setup of a Vertical Loads Measurement Station (SMCV) transmitted from the wheels to the rails during operation. The research was developed through theoretical models, numeric simulations, laboratory and online tests during normal operation, in collaboration with the Italian Railway Network (RFI) and the University of Rome La Sapienza (Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering - DICEA). The calibration of the measurement system, the uncertainties, the repeatability and reproducibility of the findings have been verified in the laboratory and on a test track. Tests on a track in operation, with automatic data analysis to identify the type of vehicle wheel arrangement, axles, wheels and indicators of absolute and relative load transmitted (imbalances), have allowed verifying the effectiveness of the measurement station and its ability to detect excess of threshold values that can be set for maximum loads and related imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper the design and construction choices of a test field for the ballast lateral resistance measurement, in order to produce data useful for the development of a numerical model able to simulate the service critical conditions of a continuous welded rail track, are described. Some construction details described herein allow to better understand the methodological approach followed in the design of experiments, the tests management philosophy as well as of the accuracy achieved in their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have been carried out until now by various Research Agencies and Railway Administrations to quantify the effects of the track-bed geometrical characteristics on the transverse strength of the track. Unfortunately, not all the possible scenarios in terms of track components, track-bed cross profile, operating conditions etc. have been investigated and not all the relevant variables have been directly measured. Therefore data available from the literature have different degrees of reliability. With the aim of enlarging the knowledge on the track stability and covering much of the possible relevant scenarios, an experimental research program has been developed in the framework of a cooperation between RFI, Italcertifer and DII. In order to perform the investigation under quite general conditions and to reduce the experimentation costs, n. 28 significant scenarios have been identified and reproduced on as many independent track segments. By applying on each track segment a transversal load, the strength of the ballast-sleeper interface has been determined. The results relative to the first four scenarios are presented in terms of applied load vs. lateral track displacement diagrams and in more synthetic numerical tables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]