Technological Innovations revolutionizing the Safety and Sustainability space in Indian linear infrastructure
In the last article (https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/role-technology-modern-road-rail-bridge-construction-india-phzsc/?trackingId=DtiwhM4xSofgq8tS5cDwPg%3D%3D) we discussed about technological innovations that are being adopted in construction and operations & maintenance of linear infrastructure in INDIA.??
The current article explores the technological advancements revolutionizing India’s linear infrastructure sector, focusing on safety and sustainability. It delves into cutting edge innovations like- speed monitoring systems, advanced drive assistance systems, construction techniques and materials that enhance construction efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve safety. By integrating these technologies, India is not only building smarter but also fostering safer and more sustainable environment.?
Safety
India has one of the largest road networks in the world and is emerging as the fastest growing network.?With more vehicles on the road, safety is now crucial than ever before, and is a major developmental issue and public health concern. To help address this, the Government of India is aiming for a 50% reduction in road fatalities on Indian roads by 2030 that paves the path towards VISION ZERO. As India boosts its road safety quotient, technology will play a transformational role in enabling smarter and safer roads and drivers [5].
iRASTE (Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and Engineering)?
iRASTE project takes a holistic approach to improving road safety that includes vehicle safety, mobility analysis and infrastructure safety. Project iRASTE aims to re-imagine Road Safety with the predictive power of AI. For the first time, AI will act as a force multiplier and transform Road Safety Engineering.??Predictive insights generated via AI can prevent accidents even before they happen.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are deployed in public and private buses to provide real-time alerts to drivers about potential hazards like lane departures or imminent collisions, preventing accidents. iRASTE also utilizes data analytics to identify “grey spots”- locations with a high probability of becoming accidentally blackspots. By proactively addressing these areas through improved signage or infrastructure changes accidents can be prevented before they occur [1].
Video Incident Detection System (VIDES) and Vehicle Speed Detection Systems (VDS)??
VIDES and VDS are also being implemented on a large scale to strengthen traffic enforcement and deter violations. The VIDES utilizes high-resolution cameras to monitor traffic flow and automatically detect violations like signal jumping or improper lane usage. This captured evidence can be used to issue fines and deter future offenses from taking place [2]. VSDS, however, helps curb excessive speed, which is a major contributor to road accidents. It uses radar-based speed detection and license plate recognition technologies on major highways and roads. It then processes the data in real time to activate variable speed limit signs, adjusting speed limits based on traffic conditions. Additionally, the collected data can be used to identify chronic speeders and enforce appropriate penalties [2].?
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Sustainability
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of the infrastructure development sector. This focus necessitates not only on energy-efficient construction practices but also the adoption of materials and techniques that minimize environmental impact and promote resource conservation. The key innovation here is recycling aggregates as materials in concrete production.
Industrial, construction, and demolition waste are a valuable source of producing materials that can be utilized in construction. Processes debris and industrial by-products like fly ash and slag can partially replace virgin aggregates like Portland cement in concrete mixes reducing the need for quarrying and improving concrete workability and durability. These are incorporated as Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs) [3]. Apart from this, several alternative materials are also aiding the path to a sustainable future.??
Manufactured sand, steel, and copper slag are the primary alternative materials that are being used. Manufactured sand is produced by crushing and screening rocks and it offers a viable and sustainable alternative to concrete production. Copper slag, a by-product of copper refining can also be used as a replacement for sand in concrete. Steel, however, offers superior strength and recycling, making it a valuable material for bridges and buildings.
Some other innovations include Cell-Filled Concrete Pavement (CFCP), Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, and Permeable Pavements. CFCP is an innovative approach to road construction that utilizes precast concrete blocks with a cellular void structure. These voids are filled with lightweight materials like recycled aggregates or cellular concrete, resulting in a pavement that is lightweight, uses less material, and provides improved thermal performance [3].?
FDR is a pavement rehabilitation technique that utilizes the existing road materials by pulverizing and reusing existing asphalt and base layers with stabilizing agents like cement. FDR is a sustainable and cost-effective approach to road maintenance. Permeable Pavements allow rainwater to infiltrate through the surface, reducing stormwater runoff and erosion, and refilling the groundwater aquifers [4].
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