Technical Journals

Basalt FRP as Embedded Reinforcement and its Embodied Carbon Comparison Against Steel RC

Proposal of a design methodology and subsequent study of the cost and embodied carbon involved in using basalt for concrete reinforcement rather than conventional steel. Results show that although the initial cost may be higher, basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) not only matches the performance of steel reinforced beams but also has significant savings in embodied carbon emissions by more than 30%.

Chandan Gowda, Chris Hendy

Advancements in Bridges Non-Destructive Testing: National Highways’ “Structures Moonshot”

Research and development project aimed at eliminating unplanned closures of bridges and vastly reducing strengthening costs, necessitated by undetected deterioration, by developing new technologies to determine much improved condition data for bridges without the need for intrusive investigations.

Chris Mundell, Chris Hendy, Tom Argyle

Nuisance and Health Impacts of Railway Noise

Study of the health effects and nuisance caused by railway noise in the context of European railways, exploring the primary sources and characteristics of railway noise, the factors that drive individuals to complain, the resulting health outcomes and possible mitigations. The study outcomes highlight the priorities for noise reduction, remaining knowledge gaps, and provide an evidence base for future EU policy and funding decisions.

Louise Morris, Dr. Inan Ekici, Henrik Malker, Philip Hainsworth, Tejin Jose

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Design of the West Lumberton Flood Gate, Lumberton, NC

Extreme weather events can have detrimental impacts, with one such case occurring in the City of Lumberton, NC, which has experienced significant flooding in recent years. AtkinsRéalis is working with the city to design and install a flood gate to allow the community to be better prepared for future events and to protect its residents and infrastructure. This paper describes the innovative technical approaches AtkinsRéalis used in the hydrologic and hydraulic design of a gate. These approaches provide a blueprint for hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of other flood protection infrastructure across the globe.

Ken Hunu, Rebecca Purvis, Amit Sachan

Safe Transportation of LAW Melter in Support of Hanford Cleanup

Melters are used to vitrify radioactive and chemical waste and convert it to a safe form for disposal. To ensure new melters could be transported to site for installment, WRPS contracted AtkinsRéalis to plan, perform, and document a representative LAW Melter movement demonstration. Testing confirmed the melters could be transported to the location of installment without damage to internal components. This work supports the ongoing cleanup of millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste stored in large underground tanks at the Hanford Site.

Mikaela Matkowski, William J. Young

Principles of Absolute Model Applied Incrementally (AMAI) in Travel Demand Forecasting

Travel demand modelling is a process that involves creating mathematical models to simulate human behaviour and choices while travelling. The accuracy of these models is important in providing valuable information for planning and policy analysis. This paper proposes improvements in travel demand forecasting practice to reduce inaccuracies and provide more reliable model forecasts.

Venkata Bhargava Sai Bhimavarapu, Pawan Kumar Adike, Rajesh Jayapalan

Overlay Automatic Half Barrier Crossings

Two UK level crossings were selected to be upgraded to Automatic Half Barrier (AHB) crossings. Beforehand, people had to phone the signaller to get permission to cross with any vehicle. To modernize the train detection technology, AtkinsRéalis came up with a novel approach to the crossing that was an improvement over traditional directional treadles and track circuits. An overlay method using axle counters was employed, which meant a quicker design process and minimum disruption to train services for passengers and road users. The new technology has reduced risks and keeps everyone moving as safely and reliably as possible.

Pankaj Mendiratta, Jon Lovick

Assessment of River Mersey Steel Truss Bridge Using Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis

Structural assessment of a historic rail bridge, comprising both wrought iron and steel components, using non-linear structural analysis in order to demonstrate the bridge was safe to remain in service without changes to the current route availability.

Sarbartha Banerjee, Abani Satapathy, Tiju Zachariah, Harpreet Singh Sandhu, Jon Wang