Highways England

Although humans have cospeciated with their gut-resident microbes, it is difficult to infer features of our ancestral microbiome. Here, we examine the microbiome profile of 350 stool samples collected longitudinally for more than a year from the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania. The data reveal annual cyclic reconfiguration of the microbiome, in which some taxa become undetectable only to reappear in a subsequent season. Comparison of the Hadza data set with data collected from 18 populations in 16 countries with varying lifestyles reveals that gut community membership corresponds to modernization: Notably, the taxa within the Hadza that are the most seasonally volatile similarly differentiate industrialized and traditional populations. These data indicate that some dynamic lineages of microbes have decreased in prevalence and abundance in modernized populations.

Purpose Industry 4.0 is predicted to be a game-changer, revolutionizing commercial and manufacturing practices through improved knowledge utilization and efficiencies. The barriers however, are significant, and the construction industry remains notoriously slow to take up innovations. This study reviews the research work in Industry 4.0 as it relates to construction, and examines a leading UK-based construction firm to ascertain the prognosis for Industry 4.0 roll-out in terms of the impediments and opportunities. Design/methodology/approach A multistage mixed philosophies and methods approach was adopted for this study. First, an interpretivist epistemological lens was used to synthesise extant literature as a means of contextualizing the present study. Second, an empirical case study using a post-positivist stance and inductive reasoning was conducted to explore practitioner acceptance of Industry 4.0 in the UK construction context. Findings Findings from the literature review indicate studies in Industry 4.0 to be a relatively new phenomenon, with developed countries and Germany in particular leading in the field. The range of opportunities are many, but so too are the barriers to enablement. Findings from the case study provide real-world corroboration of the review; practitioners are sanguine about Industry 4.0's potential to reinvigorate the construction industry, but also note that implementation remains curtailed by residual managerial practices dependent on ‘human interaction’. At present, much of the focus of industry practitioners is on the implementation of building information modelling (BIM), often at the expense of other more advanced technologies within Industry 4.0. Originality/value Research in Industry 4.0 is limited, with the emphasis being on technology application. This paper, by contrast, maps the totality of work carried out so far and presents an assessment of Industry 4.0's progression, potential and degree of uptake within the UK construction industry.

In recent years, integral bridges have become increasingly popular in the UK. The Highways Agency standard now requires, where possible, that all new bridges with a length of less than sixty metres should be of integral form. In addition, it has been found that, due especially to the problems and costs associated with failed expansion joints, integral bridges are not only cost effective but also have a longer lifespan. Integral Bridges was commissioned by the Highways Agency to produce guidance for bridge designers by addressing the thermally induced soil/structure interaction problem created by environmental changes of temperature and the associated cyclical displacements imposed on the granular backfill to the bridge abutments. It develops a better theoretical understanding of the cyclic performance, in particular the strain racheting in the backfill soil when in contact with a stiff structure. It also identifies the governing soil parameters and examines their influence in the interaction problem, develops numerical modelling procedures to predict interactive soil behaviour, and identifies and quantifies the controlling features of bridge structures relevant to the interaction problem.

Abstract Highway surface runoff discharges may contain pollutants that have accumulated on the carriageway, particularly following periods of dry weather. The Highways Agency, in association with the Environment Agency, commissioned a 5‐year study in 1997 to collect data to improve the understanding of pollutants in highway runoff and the treatment efficiency of drainage systems. The study involved the monitoring of nonurban highway drainage at six sites, each for a minimum of 1 year. The results have been used to identify ranges of pollutant concentrations in highway runoff, relationships between runoff concentrations/loads and both highway and environmental factors, drainage system treatment efficiencies, and impacts on receiving waters. This paper describes the methods used for runoff monitoring, the results obtained to characterise pollutants in highway runoff, and the measured pollutant removal efficiency of a number of drainage system types.

This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the mechanical and crack-healing properties of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures with encapsulated rejuvenators. With this goal, calcium alginate capsules with encapsulated sunflower oil as the rejuvenating agent have been manufactured and added into the SMA mixtures. Physical and mechanical properties of SMA with and without capsules have been evaluated following the British standard tests. Healing properties of SMA by the action of capsules have been assessed using three-point bending (3PB) tests applied on test beams conditioned at different healing times, from 5 to 216 h. The spatial distribution of the capsules in the SMA mixtures was evaluated by using X-ray computed microtomography. Results showed that the capsules can resist the manufacturing process without significantly reducing their properties. Additionally, testing of the mechanical properties of SMA mixtures with and without encapsulated rejuvenators presented similar results. Moreover, capsules showed a good spatial distribution inside the SMA samples. It was found that capsules with encapsulated oil increase the crack-healing properties of SMA when compared to mixtures without encapsulated rejuvenators. Overall, the results proved that the capsules with asphalt crack-healing purposes can be safely used in asphalt pavement construction without affecting its properties.

It is said that "the Romanian is born poet". And so it is, but we could say rather that "the Romanian is born and an engineer", having deeply embedded himself, the vocation of the builder, the innovator, the inventor. The great cathedrals, the beautiful monasteries built, or even the churches and churches (built or wooden) clearly show this vocation. After centuries, the "Vorone blue" still retains its vivid colors, even on the outer walls, beaten by rain, snow and wind. Suveica, the loom of war, the potter's wheel, the water and windmills, the musical instruments, the wells or the fountains, the agricultural tools, the traditional Romanian houses with porch, are only some proofs of the folk craftsmanship (engineering) over time. Ever since the beginnings of civilization on today's territory of Romania, the inhabitants of these lands have been pioneers in the creation and have thought of things that others have found much later.

Purpose Excessive exposure to HAV can lead to hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) which is a major health and well-being issue that can irreparably damage the neurological, vascular and muscular skeletal system. This paper reports upon field research analysis of the hand–arm vibration (HAV) exposure levels of utility workers in the UK construction sector when operating hand-held vibrating power tools. Design/methodology/approach An empirical epistemological lens was adopted to analyse primary quantitative data on the management of hand-held tool trigger times (seconds) collected from field studies. To augment the analysis further, an interpretivist perspective was undertaken to qualitatively analyse interviews held with the participating company's senior management team after field study results. This approach sought to provide further depth and perspective on the emergent numerical findings. Findings The findings reveal that none of the operatives were exposed above the exposure limit value (ELV) and that 91.07% resided under the exposure action value (EAV). However, the Burr four parameter probability model (which satisfied the Anderson–Darling, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and chi-squared goodness of fit tests at <m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><m:mi>α</m:mi></m:math> 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 levels of significance) illustrated that given the current data distribution pattern, there was a 3% likelihood that the ELV will be exceeded. Model parameters could be used to: forecast the future probability of HAV exposure levels on other utility contracts and provide benchmark indicators to alert senior management to pending breaches of the ELV. Originality/value HAV field trials are rarely conducted within the UK utilities sector, and the research presented is the first to develop probability models to predict the likelihood of operatives exceeding the ELV based upon field data. Findings presented could go some way to preserving the health and well-being of workers by ensuing that adequate control measures implemented (e.g. procuring low vibrating tools) mitigate the risk posed.

Abstract The paper reviews current knowledge of damage by soluble salts to thin bituminous highway and runway surfacings in warm climates. It critically examines the various recommended maximum salt limits for materials in highway construction and reviews preventative and remedial practices. The study included a laboratory simulation of salt damage using climatic cabinets to identify the cause of salt damage to thin bituminous surfacing of a runway in the West Indies. The work shows the importance of linking relationships and influences of geology, hydrogeology and construction practice with material and salt types, migration and crystallization pressures, crystal properties, hydration/dehydration and climate in order to prevent damage occurring.

Purpose The advent of Industry 4.0 has engendered opportunities for a coalescence of digital technologies that collectively enable driverless vehicles to operate during the construction and use of a highway. Yet, hitherto scant research has been conducted to review these collective developments and/or sample construction practitioner opinion on them. This study aims to present a systematic review of extant literature on the application of driverless technologies in civil engineering and in particular, the highways infrastructure sector and offers insight into the limitations of associated barriers to full adoption, namely, current technological development processes, legal deficiencies and societal concerns. In so doing, this work presents a vignette of contemporary developments augmented by a critical analysis from practitioners’ perceptions. Design/methodology/approach A mixed philosophical methodological approach is adopted for this inductive research study. Interpretivism is used to critically analyse the literature and post-positivism to perform content analysis of the literature and synthesis of the discourse with practitioners. A total of 44 related papers published between 1998 and 2019 have been included in this study. Emergent themes identified from literature are then discussed in some further detail, namely, 1) automation and robotics; 2) case studies and simulations; and 3) safety and ergonomics). A focus group is then held with leading industrialists to discuss their experiences of advanced driverless technology applications in practice. Based upon a culmination of emergent evidence, a conceptual model of prevailing barriers is then developed to further elucidate upon the challenges facing the highways infrastructure sector. Findings Research into driverless technologies within the highways infrastructure sector has received relatively scant academic attention. Hitherto, most advancements made have stemmed from multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineering, information technology and social scientist researchers. There is insufficient supporting evidence of civil engineering and construction academics input into developments made – suggesting that prototype products often fail to adequately consider practical applications in the highways infrastructure sector at the design and use case stage. This view is substantiated by feedback from leading industry experts who participated in unstructured telephone interviews. Their feedback suggests that practical applications of products have been beset with problems, thus creating a perception that advanced technologies are largely “unusable” within the highways infrastructure sector and so are unsuitable for large-scale (and particularly bespoke) industrial applications. Originality/value This research critically synthesises the prevailing scientific discourse within extant literature on driverless technologies implemented but also garners practitioner feedback from leading UK industrialists on their applications in practice. Hitherto, this combined analysis approach has been rarely used in spite of it having significant advantages of tacit knowledge reflection on technologies used, where such can be used as a basis for further informed discourse and/or development. Moreover, this work culminates in a conceptual model that acts as a catalyst for future research investigations.

The yield level of an insulator is one of the important parameters which are related to responses and absorbing energy under seismic input energy in isolated structures. The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal ratios of yield force of the isolator (Qy) to the total weight of the structures (W). To obtain the optimal ratio, 1044 two-degree-of-freedom isolated bridge models, which have bilinear isolators, were selected. These 2-DOF isolated bridge models with superstructure isolation can consider pier flexibility and various parameters of the isolator. Two formulas for determining the optimal yield ratio are proposed and compared with the previous researches. RAE (the ratio of absorbed energy by the isolator to the total input energy) is related directly to structural responses, and Optimal Yield Ratio (OYR), defined as a yield ratio at maximum RAE, can be obtained from the relationship between RAE and Qy/W. Here, we found that RAE is a reliable factor to evaluate OYR, and it is proportional to earthquake amplitudes under the same kinds of earthquake loadings. Using the proposed formulas, OYR is determined and the optimal yield force of the isolator can be obtained easily and reliably at a seismic isolation design stage. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract Influence of layering and presence of rigid boundary in the soil mass on natural frequency and resonant amplitude are studied experimentally by conducting model block vibration tests in vertical mode. Tests are conducted on different layered beds prepared in a tank using a model footing. A Lazan type mechanical oscillator is used for inducing vibration and two different materials (sand and sawdust) are used to form a layered system. In total, 180 tests are conducted in different layering combinations and different static and dynamic loading combinations, and several important observations are reported. Damping factors are found to be within 6.5% for the entire test series, which indicates that radiation damping is insignificant in the test system. It is also found that layering including layer position and thickness has significant effect on natural frequency. Observed natural frequencies are also compared with the predicted one based on static equivalent stiffness; encouraging agreement between observed and predicted values are found.

Concerns over climate change mean engineers need to understand the greenhouse gas emissions associated with infrastructure projects. Standard coefficients are increasingly used to calculate the embodied emissions of construction materials, but these are not generally appropriate to inherently variable earthworks. This paper describes a new tool that takes a bottom-up approach to calculating carbon dioxide emissions from earthworks operations. In the case of bulk earthworks this is predominantly from the fuel used by machinery moving materials already on site. Typical earthworks solutions are explored along with the impact of using manufactured materials such as lime.

The adsorption, desorption, degradation, and mineralization of C-glyphosate [-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] were examined in Catlin (a fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Oxyaquic Argiudoll), Flanagan (a fine, smectitic, mesic Aquic Argiudoll), and Drummer (a fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquoll) soils under oxic and anoxic soil conditions. With the exception of the Drummer soil, soil aeration did not significantly alter the adsorption pattern of C-glyphosate to soils. Herbicide desorption was generally enhanced with anaerobiosis in all the soil types. Anoxic soils demonstrated slower microbial degradation and mineralization kinetics of C-glyphosate than oxic soils in all the soil types studied. Phosphate additions significantly reduced the adsorption of C-glyphosate to soils irrespective of soil aeration and confirmed the well-established competitive adsorption theory. The addition of soil phosphate stimulated degradation only in anoxic soils. The results from this research highlight the importance of soil redox conditions as an important factor affecting the bioavailability and mobility of glyphosate in soils.

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The presence of simulated/feas around the entrance of a nestbox reduced the frequency of prospecting visits by birds.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous, with daily dangers and hazards. The industry commonly employs Safety I, a reactive approach to reduce accidents and incidents by identifying and controlling hazards. Safety II focuses on using worker strengths and promoting ongoing improvement. Nevertheless, both Safety I and II have faced criticism for their excessive emphasis on regulatory compliance (Safety I) and executive constraints (Safety II), respectively. Hence, this paper presents a rich synthesis of Safety I and II literature in the construction industry between January 2000 and December 2023 prior to proposing strategies for integrating them to build a safer future by focusing on the strengths of implementing each technique. In this scientometric research study, 35 related research papers were sought and selected after checking and validating the Web of Science journal database. Bibliometric analysis, through HistCite and VOSviewer software programmes, was then used to create maps from network data and illustrate an exploration of the prevailing literature discourse. Interpretivism was then used to develop application and combination strategies for the new theory of integrating Safety I and II in the construction industry. Results reveal that the historical progression of research undertaken has developed from first introducing and identifying the field of research (2011 to 2015) to then providing solutions (2015 to 2019) and finally to making constructive suggestions (post 2019) for a safer future. Notably, prominent topics in recent years have examined resilience and progress toward safety improvements by the combination of Safety I and II concepts. This research highlights the positive outcomes that can be achieved via Safety I and II integration in the construction industry. Furthermore, this paper offers efficient and pragmatic techniques for incorporating Safety I and II approaches in the construction industry, which are crucial for promoting a comprehensive integrated approach to safety administration. By combining existing safety practices with a focus on learning from successes, organisations can create a safer work environment, improve productivity and foster continuous improvement.

In this paper, the factors controlling the deformation of drystone retaining walls are investigated by means of discrete element analyses. It is shown that toppling failure of unweathered drystone retaining walls is likely to occur in a brittle manner, with wall crest deflections not exceeding 1% of the backfill height until the factor of safety (based on soil strength) falls below 1·05. A compressible sub-base and weathering of the blocks will both tend to reduce the backfill height at failure to below that indicated by a limit equilibrium analysis. Bulging failure is more likely to be associated with a deterioration in block joint stiffness due to weathering than a compressible sub-base, although the latter will decrease the reduction in joint stiffness needed to cause bulging failure. Bulging is much less brittle than toppling, and the proximity to failure of bulging walls could in some circumstances be assessed on the basis of the size of the bulge.

Rutting or permanent deformation is one of the severe distresses manifested in flexible pavements caused by the various mechanisms such as densification, lateral plastic flow, and/or loss of materials under wheel path due to repeated heavy traffic loads. Various laboratory tests have been devised to determine the rutting propensity and to optimize the field performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures as a part of the HMA mix and structural design processes. Although various approaches exist to predict the permanent deformation of HMA, this study develops a relationship of flow number (FN), dynamic modulus (DM), and uniaxial repeated-load permanent deformation (RLPD) to enable the trade-off analysis among them. Also, a novel parameter, FN index, is explored and used to determine the rutting potential of HMA mixtures. Twelve globally practiced HMA mixtures are investigated with three different performance grade binders and single limestone aggregate source. Superpave gyratory compacted specimens are subjected to performance testing (FN, DM, and RLPD) and results indicate a strong correlation of FN index with DM and exhibit better correspondence than the traditional FN (cycles) parameter.

Abstract The effect of sediment concentration variations on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) sorption to natural lake sediment (Saginaw Bay, Mich.) and montmorillonite clay has been investigated. In studies utilizing tritiated 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′‐hexachlorobiphenyl (HCBP), partition coefficient values for adsorption isotherms (π a ) were found to increase as sediment concentrations ( m ) were decreased from m = 1000 mg/L to m = 50 mg/L. HCBP adsorption to montmorillonite ( m = 1000 mg/L, π a = 2900 L/kg; m = 50 mg/L, π a = 10 600 L/kg) appeared to be more sensitive to sediment concentration than did adsorption to the Saginaw Bay sediment ( m = 1000 mg/L, π a = 9900 L/kg; m = 50 mg/L, π a = 17 100 L/kg). Evidence suggests that these variations are not the result of nonlinear isotherms. Although variations in solution chemical composition and kinetic effects were found to affect partitioning, neither factor appeared to adequately account for the magnitude of the observed sediment concentration effect. In experiments in which sediment concentrations were decreased ( m = 1000 mg/L to 10 mg/L) while equilibrium aqueous HCBP concentrations were maintained at approximately constant levels, π a values for adsorption increased. The behavior was in conformity with the isotherm results. The observed behavior might be due to direct solid phase interactions between suspended particles. The occurrence of such interactions in natural waters could have potentially significant implications for efforts to predict sediment‐water PCB distributions.

Abstract During surface water flooding events, emergency responders require detailed information on the risks posed in order to provide an appropriate and effective response. Few early warning systems quantitatively estimate the risk and impacts of surface water flooding. Improvements in computational processing capability, availability of new datasets and developments in forecasting models means that the forecasting information currently being supplied by the Flood Forecasting Centre can be improved upon through the application of a timely, impact‐based model. This article presents a novel approach to collating receptor datasets into a pre‐calculated Impact Library for use in a Hazard Impact Model (HIM) that will operate using real‐time probabilistic rainfall and surface runoff forecasts for England and Wales. The HIM provides an approach suitable for modelling flood impacts. Initial results are presented for a case study covering the 2012 floods in the North East of England. Information generated by the HIM provides additional benefits beyond current methods. Features include operator access to 1 km 15 min spatial–temporal data, analysis of individual impact criteria and modular refinement of the Impact Library to suit different situations. The HIM has been developed in partnership via the Natural Hazards Partnership.