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Beyond individual barriers: a systems approach to understanding and addressing nature-based solutions implementation challenges
No full textThis study advances our understanding of barriers to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) implementation by applying Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) to analyze how implementation challenges influence each other within complex systems across six European river basins. Moving beyond traditional approaches that treat barriers as isolated challenges, we identify three distinct barrier system typologies—institutional-legal-political dominant systems (Type I), knowledge-awareness deficit systems (Type II), and tightly coupled networks (Type III). Our analysis reveals four key feedback mechanisms—Knowledge and Awareness, Political Will and Resources, Implementation Challenges, and Institutional Fragmentation—that create self-reinforcing cycles affecting NBS adoption. By quantifying both barrier centrality and the strength of their relationships,
we identify strategic intervention points that could effectively catalyze system-wide improvements. Financial resources and political will emerge as universally important barriers, while knowledge-related barriers demonstrate context-specific importance. The study contributes methodologically by demonstrating how systems thinking can reveal previously hidden barrier interactions, and practically by identifying targeted intervention strategies for different barrier system types, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working to accelerate NBS implementation
Risk Prediction in Road Infrastructure Projects Considering Project Complexity Coefficients
No full textRisks causing delays in the construction of roads and highways frequently lead to substantial economic and social consequences, with project timelines extending up to three times beyond their initial schedules. These risks not only extend the project timeline but also escalate the overall project execution cost. Despite extensive research on construction-related risks globally, a notable gap remains in studies specifically addressing the risk factors that cause delays in road projects. Analysing completed projects is crucial to derive practical and applicable results, as they offer essential insights into the real-world challenges and risks that may cause timeline extensions and budget escalations. Such an approach ensures that the findings are grounded in actual project outcomes, thereby enhancing their relevance and effectiveness in improving future project planning and risk management. For these reasons, this study aims to analyse 25 project characteristics across 28 completed projects, from which three project complexity coefficients are derived. Additionally, a list of risks is defined based on expert evaluations, and the dominant risks are identified. For each of these dominant risks, a prediction model is constructed using Sugeno fuzzy logic, enabling more accurate and sustainable risk management and mitigation in future projects
BIM-enabled digital modelling and simulation of block-in-matrix material
No full textThis paper presents a workflow connecting Ground Models (GM), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and finite element modelling (FEM). Borehole-based voxel models of block-in- matrix formations with matrix variability are imported into Revit, where Dynamo scripts enable visualization and cross-section extraction. Geometry and material data are exported to PLAXIS 2D via Python API, ensuring consistency and automation. The approach saves time and captures block-in-matrix heterogeneity more realistically than conventional homogeneous models
On kernel-based dependence measures for variable selection
No full textWe investigate a generalized kernel-based distance correlation framework for feature screening in high-dimensional data. Under mild and interpretable conditions, and for a broad class of negative-definite kernels, we establish theoretical guarantees for the sure screening property. The flexibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated through an extensive empirical study covering multiple data types. Simulation results illustrate its robustness and efficiency, while applications to real biomedical datasets confirm its practical relevance. These results highlight kernel-based distance measures as a powerful tool for variable selection in complex data
Nonlinear analysis of elliptical CFST columns at ambient and elevated temperatures
No full textThe paper studies the application of the concentrated plasticity 3D beam/column finite element on the nonlinear analysis of elliptical concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) composite columns at both reference temperature and during fire conditions. The element based on the generalized plasticity material model is extended and adjusted to analyze elliptical composite CFST columns. It has plastic hinges at the ends and an elastic component in between and accounts for the gradual cross-section plastification and nonlinear geometry under large displacements. The plastic hinge capacity is described by the yield surface. This study presents a novel, highly accurate polynomial expression for the yield surface of elliptical CFST sections. This expression applies to ambient and elevated temperatures and is validated on a wide range of section parameters. Additionally, the paper discusses the definition and selection of other element parameters, such as elastic component properties and average thermal dilatation definition. Through an extensive validation study that includes 117 beam or column tests and one frame example, the response of the presented model is compared to other experimental or numerical studies. The study confirms the element’s capability to capture the overall behavior of elliptical CFST columns with high accuracy (within the 15% margins) and being on the safe side. Besides, the comparison with the fiber-based beam/column element, referring to the required calculation time, proves its high computational efficiency
Experimental investigation of clt panels reinforced with GFRP bars
No full textWhen it comes to designing timber structures the limiting factors are usually stiffness properties of the engineered wood products. Stiffness requirements within the serviceability limit state (deformations and vibrations) are often the most relevant criterion for the design of timber elements subjected to bending. This paper shows an experimental study undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) as flexural reinforcement of cross laminated timber (CLT) panels. Five panels reinforced with GFRP bars and five unreinforced (control) panels were tested up to failure in a four-point bending configuration. Identical reinforcement arrangement in both tension and compression zones was considered in order to achieve the maximum increase in stiffness. The mechanical properties of reinforced panels are compared to those of unreinforced panels with regard to the load-deflection behaviour, failure mode, load-carrying capacity, deformability, bending stiffness values, as well as strain distribution along the panels’ depth. The experimental results demonstrated the beneficial effect of the proposed reinforcing solution in terms of strength, stiffness and ductility. No issues were evident regarding the integrity of the bond between CLT panels and GFRP bars
In the harmony of structures: Unveiling generalized permutohedra through graphs
No full textIn this study, we investigate the combinatorial properties of generalized permutohedra, revealing their exceptional interpretations within the framework of graph theory. Each simple graph with n vertices corresponds to a unique sequence of polytopes shaped by its inherent characteristics. We aim to derive the f-polynomial of these polytopes, which encapsulates information about the number of vertices, edges, faces, and higher-dimensional facets, leveraging the algebraic properties of generalized permutohedra. Specifically, the polytope Q,m is defined as the Minkowski sum of simplices determined by the vertices of its connected subgraphs, with the constraint that the cardinality of each vertex set is at most m+1. When m=1, we obtain the graphical zonotope, while for mn-1, the result is the graph-associahedron. This intricate connection illustrates how the graph's structure influences the geometric properties of the resulting polytopes. A detailed examination of the f-polynomial will be provided for the polytopes arising from connected graphs with 3 and 4 vertices
PINN surrogate model for nonlinear equilibrium path analysis of von Mises shallow truss
No full textThis paper introduces the application of a surrogate physics-informed neural network (PINN) model for the comprehensive analysis of nonlinear equilibrium paths in Von Mises planar shallow trusses. Such studies are crucial in advancing the theory of stability for truss structures. Stability analysis is important in structural engineering since it can provide guidelines for designing safer, and more reliable structures. Conventional numerical modeling procedures based on the finite element method (FEM), apply incremental-iterative procedures, which often face significant challenges. They struggle with computational and time inefficiencies, difficulties in handling complex nonlinear behaviors, limitations in predicting post-critical responses, and convergence issues. This study upgrades the implementation of machine learning (ML) in structural analysis by showing the potential of physics-informed ML approaches to overcome the limitations of current numerical modeling techniques. Developed PINN is a mesh-free, unsupervised learning model, with integrated automatic identification of critical points along the equilibrium path. The developed model overcomes the limitations of existing solutions, does not require expert knowledge in the field of nonlinear structural analysis, and as such is more accessible to the wider community. The authors examined the influence of different spring stiffness, while also analyzing different geometrical and material properties of the bars. The PINN surrogate model has demonstrated exceptional adaptability to different structural configurations, which makes it a superior alternative for practical engineering applications
Comparative analysis of concrete with portland composite cements with reduced clinker content
No full textU radu je prikazana uporedna analiza stvarnih i empirijski dobijenih čvrstoća betona pri
pritisku. Analiza je obuhvatila rezultate ispitivanja na 1.251 uzorku betona. Dobijeni rezultati su
pokazali da empirijski obrazac po Bolomeju daje najmanja odstupanja u odnosu na stvarne
vrednosti. Takođe na dve betonske mešavine izvršeno je poređenje klasa vodonepropustljivosti prema
povučenim i trenutno važećim standardima
SMART-PSH methodology for the selection of promising locations for the construction of pumped storage hydropower plants in the republic of Serbia: methodological approach and practical application
No full textU svetlu sve većih zahteva za implementacijom intermitentnih obnovljivih izvora energije u elektroenergetske sisteme, posebno solarnih i vetroelektrana neophodno je obezbediti efikasno skladištenje energije odnosno kapaciteta za pružanje balansnih usluga u cilju osiguranja stabilnosti ovih sistema. Ključni kapaciteti za takve potrebe su reverzibilne hidroelektrane (RHE). Kroz ovaj rad predstavljen je inovativni metodološki pristup za identifikaciju perspektivnih lokacija za izgradnju RHE i pumpno akumulacionih Sistema (PAP) unutar postojećih hidroelektrana, pod nazivom SMART-PSH (Site Mapping And Ranking Technique for Pumped Storage Hydropower plants) kao i primena ove metodologije u okviru analize potencijalnih lokacija RHE i PAP na prostoru Republike Srbije a za potrebe strateškog planiranja Elektroprivrede Srbije. Metodologija se zasniva na kombinaciji automatizovanog prostornog pretraživanja korišćenjem GIS alata, ekspertske analize lokacija i višekriterijumskog rangiranja potencijalnih sistema. U radu su prikazani postupci od definisanja šireg područja potencijalnih lokacija do primene eliminatornih kriterijuma za odabir najpogodnijih, kao i proces bodovanja karakterističnih energetskih, infrastrukturnih, socijalnih, ekoloških i investicionih indikatora. Rangiranje potencijalnih lokacija vrši se primenom višekriterijumske analize, sa odgovarajućim težinskim koeficijentima za ocenu značaja pojedinačnih kriterijuma. Najviše rangirani projekti prikazani su kroz relevantne energetske, infrastrukturne, sociodruštvene, ekološke i investicione parametre, pružajući osnovu za dalju procenu i razvoj.In light of the growing requirements for the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into power systems, particularly solar and wind power plants, it is essential to ensure efficient energy storage and adequate capacities for providing balancing services in order to maintain system stability. The key facilities for such purposes are pumped storage hydropower plants (PSH). This paper presents an innovative methodological approach for identifying promising locations for the construction of PSH plants and pumped storage systems (PSS) within existing hydropower plants, referred to as SMART-PSH (Site Mapping and Ranking Technique for Pumped Storage Hydropower plants), as well as the application of this methodology in the analysis of potential PSH and PSS locations in the Republic of Serbia for the purposes of strategic planning of the Electric Power Industry of Serbia.
The methodology is based on a combination of automated spatial screening using GIS tools, expert-based site assessment, and multicriteria ranking of potential systems. The paper presents the procedures starting from the definition of broader areas of potential locations to the application of exclusion criteria for the selection of the most suitable sites, as well as the scoring process of key energy-related, infrastructural, social, environmental, and investment indicators. The ranking of potential locations is performed using multicriteria analysis with appropriate weighting factors to assess the relative importance of individual criteria. The highest-ranked projects are presented through relevant energy, infrastructural, socio-economic, environmental, and investment parameters, providing a sound basis for further evaluation and development