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1 – 10 of 329The purpose of this study is to compare the competition and productivity of the US freight rail transportation industry for the past 41 years (1980 ∼ 2020), which consists of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare the competition and productivity of the US freight rail transportation industry for the past 41 years (1980 ∼ 2020), which consists of the two periods, before and after the abolishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1995.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates any relationships between the market concentration index values and labor productivity values in the separate two periods, and how the existence of a regulatory body in the freight transportation market impacted the productivity of the freight rail transportation industry by using a Cobb–Douglas production function on annual financial statement data from the US stock exchange market.
Findings
This study found that, after the abolishment of the ICC: (1) the rail industry became less competitive, (2) even if the rail industry had an increasing labor productivity trend, there was a strong negative correlation between the market concentration index and labor productivity and (3) the rail industry’s total factor productivity was decreased.
Originality/value
This study is to find empirical evidence of the effect of the ICC abolishment on the competition and productivity levels in the US freight rail transportation industry using a continuous data set of 41-year financial statements, which is unique compared to previous studies.
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Hongmei Li, Junling Shi, Xiangdong Li, Junbo Zhang and Yunlong Chen
High-speed maglev technology can address the issues of adhesion, friction, vibration and high-speed current collection in traditional wheel-rail systems, making it an important…
Abstract
Purpose
High-speed maglev technology can address the issues of adhesion, friction, vibration and high-speed current collection in traditional wheel-rail systems, making it an important direction for the future development of high-speed rail technology.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper elaborates on the demand and significance of developing high-speed maglev technology worldwide and examines the current status and technological maturity of several major high-speed maglev systems globally.
Findings
This paper summarizes the challenges in the development of high-speed maglev railways in China. Based on this analysis, it puts forward considerations for future research on high-speed maglev railways.
Originality/value
This paper describes the development status and technical maturity of several major high-speed maglev systems in the world for the first time, summarizes the existing problems in the development of China's high-speed maglev railway and on this basis, puts forward the thinking of the next research of China's high-speed maglev railway.
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Joonho Na, Qia Wang and Chaehwan Lim
The purpose of this study is to analyze the environmental efficiency level and trend of the transportation sector in the upper–mid–downstream of the Yangtze River Economic Belt…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the environmental efficiency level and trend of the transportation sector in the upper–mid–downstream of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the JingJinJi region in China and assess the effectiveness of policies for protecting the low-carbon environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the meta-frontier slack-based measure (SBM) approach to evaluate environmental efficiency, which targets and classifies specific regions into regional groups. First, this study employs the SBM with the undesirable outputs to construct the environmental efficiency measurement models of the four regions under the meta-frontier and group frontiers, respectively. Then, this study uses the technology gap ratio to evaluate the gap between the group frontier and the meta-frontier.
Findings
The analysis reveals several key findings: (1) the JingJinJi region and the downstream of the YEB had achieved the overall optimal production technology in transportation than the other two regions; (2) significant technology gaps in environmental efficiency were observed among these four regions in China; and (3) the downstream region of the YEB exhibited the lowest levels of energy consumption and excessive CO2 emissions.
Originality/value
To evaluate the differences in environmental efficiency resulting from regions and technological gaps in transportation, this study employs the meta-frontier model, which overcomes the limitation of traditional environmental efficiency methods. Furthermore, in the practical, the study provides the advantage of observing the disparities in transportation efficiency performed by the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei regions.
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Muge Unal Cilek, Mehmet Faruk Altunkasa and Cengiz Uslu
Public spaces, which offer opportunities for social, cultural and recreational activities, enhance urban life quality (ULQ). Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
Public spaces, which offer opportunities for social, cultural and recreational activities, enhance urban life quality (ULQ). Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of public spaces and physical-environmental criteria affecting the usability of ULQ in Adana city, Turkey.
Design/methodology/approach
The study method consists of three stages. Firstly, public spaces and physical-environmental criteria that can be effective in ULQ were determined. Secondly, the effect of the determining criteria on ULQ was evaluated through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire (1 = very negative, 5 = very positive). The survey was conducted with 601 people in the four central districts of Adana, including Çukurova, Seyhan, Sariçam and Yüregir. Participants evaluated ULQ for both the residence district and Adana city. Lastly, factors affecting ULQ were determined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In addition, MANOVA was used to determine the changes in factors according to socio-demographic characteristics.
Findings
Based on the EFA, the results show that the criteria affecting the ULQ are grouped into four factors, including (1) open spaces, (2) cultural, sports and recreation, (3) environmental and (4) transportation. In evaluating these factors, while gender does not affect the perception of ULQ, residence districts show a statistically significant difference in the perception of ULQ. Cultural and transportation factors show statistical differences according to education and age.
Research limitations/implications
This study has a limitation in that it relies solely on the quantitative perceptions of residents with varying demographics, such as age, gender and educational level, to evaluate public spaces and physical environment criteria. While these perspectives are valuable, they may not necessarily reflect the qualitative reality of the urban environment. Therefore, future studies combining quantitative and qualitative data could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting ULQ in urban areas.
Social implications
The implementation of the survey showed the subjective perception of ULQ in Adana city. Urban green spaces, including cultural, sports and recreational areas, should be improved in areas with insufficient facilities that affect the quality of urban life. Additionally, the impact of climate conditions on the quality of life should be taken into account when designing the city to ensure maximum utilization of public spaces. Furthermore, safe cycling transportation networks should be developed.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study lies in its unique approach to investigating the effects of public spaces and physical environmental criteria on ULQ based on combining residents' perceptions, literature review and data analysis. The study provides a valuable perspective often overlooked in urban planning research, especially in developing countries like Turkey. Additionally, the study's findings can inform the development of strategies to enhance ULQ.
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Irfan Ahmed, Claudio Socci, Stefano Deriu, Silvia D'Andrea and Naif M. Mathkur
The recent COVID-19 is forcing governments to implement policies on a large scale to counter its spread. A central issue in the economic debate is the effective quantification of…
Abstract
Purpose
The recent COVID-19 is forcing governments to implement policies on a large scale to counter its spread. A central issue in the economic debate is the effective quantification of the impact that the policies may implicitly have on the economy. This study quantifies the effects of lockdown in the United States.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a dynamic computable general equilibrium (DCGE) model calibrated on a social accounting matrix (SAM). The lockdown policy is applied on the supply side, by using a reduction in the production according to the closing time of each industry. The reduction in the demand is also applied, throughout the contraction of the household consumption that is diversified by the commodities. In order to analyse the pure effect of the lockdown policy, the interventions by the policy makers are not considered in this study.
Findings
The results show an important contraction of productivity in the food industry, the real estate activities, the constructions and the general services.
Originality/value
The contraction produces a fall of the GDP for the whole period analysed, traced by the investments, which includes repercussions on the whole productive system, employment and income of the institutional sectors.
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Dara Sruthilaya, Aneetha Vilventhan and P.R.C. Gopal
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interdependence of project complexity factors (PCFs) in metro rail projects using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interdependence of project complexity factors (PCFs) in metro rail projects using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of project complexities factors and their relationships. The results of the study facilitate effective project planning, proactive risk management and informed decision-making by stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a case-based method for identifying PCFs and a DEMATEL method for analyzing the interdependence of complexity factors in metro rail projects. Initially, PCFs were identified through an extensive literature review. To validate and refine these factors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty experienced professionals, each having 5–20 years of experience in roles such as project management, engineering, and planning. Further, elevated and underground metro rail projects were purposefully selected as cases, for identifying the similarities and differences in PCFs. A questionnaire survey was conducted with various technical experts in metro rail projects. These experts rated the impact of PCFs on a five-point Likert scale, for the evaluation of the interdependence of PCFs. The DEMATEL technique was used to analyze the interdependencies of the PCFs.
Findings
Metro rail projects are influenced by project complexity, which significantly impacts their performance. The analysis reveals that “design problems with existing structures,” “change in design or construction” and “land acquisition” are the key factors contributing to project complexity.
Originality/value
The study of project complexity in metro rail projects is limited because most of the studies have studies on examining complexity in mega projects. The existing literature lacks adequate attention in identifying project complexity and its effects on metro rail project performance. This research aims to bridge this gap by examining project complexity and interdependencies in metro rail projects.
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Yuqi Yang, Bing Wu, Guanwen Xiao and Quan Shen
The purpose of this study is to develop a 3D wheel-rail adhesion model under wet condition, which considers the generated surface roughness topography and the traditional braking…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a 3D wheel-rail adhesion model under wet condition, which considers the generated surface roughness topography and the traditional braking procedure for high-speed trains.
Design/methodology/approach
Wheel-rail adhesion has an important effect on the braking ability of railway vehicle. Based on the deterministic mixed lubrication approach, the model was solved to get the adhesion characteristics of the train during braking. The elastic deformation was calculated with the discrete convolution and fast Fourier transform method. The simulation results of adhesion coefficient were compared with the experimental values. The wheel-rail adhesion characteristics of train braking at several different initial speeds were investigated. The effects of the time-step length and roughness orientation on the contact load ratio were also discussed.
Findings
The results show that the adhesion coefficient of the numerical model is in good agreement with the experimental results. At the instant of braking, the adhesion coefficient drops to a lower adhesion level, the value of adhesion coefficient is lower than 0.06, especially at a higher speed (200, 300 and 400 km/h).
Originality/value
It can provide a better understanding of the low adhesion phenomenon of train braking under wet condition.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2023-0040/
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Zhaoyang Wang, Bing Wu, Jiaqing Huang, Yuqi Yang and Guangwen Xiao
The purpose of this study is to develop a transient wheel–rail rolling contact model to primarily investigate the rail damage under wet condition when the train passes through the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a transient wheel–rail rolling contact model to primarily investigate the rail damage under wet condition when the train passes through the welded joints.
Design/methodology/approach
The impact force induced by welded joints is obtained through vehicle–track coupling dynamics. The normal and tangential wheel–rail contact pressures were solved by elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory and simplified third-body layer theory, respectively. Then, the obtained tangential pressure and normal pressure were applied to the finite element model as moving loads, simulating cyclic loading. Finally, the shakedown map and critical plane method were used to predict rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and the initiation of fatigue cracks.
Findings
The results indicate that RCF will occur and fatigue cracks are more prone to appear on the subsurface of the rail, specifically around 2.7 mm below the rail surface in the vicinity of the welded joint and its heat-affected zone.
Originality/value
The cosimulation of numerical model and finite element model was implemented. The influence of surface roughness and fluids was considered. In this model, the normal and tangential wheel–rail contact pressure, the stress and strain and the rail fatigue cracks were obtained under a rail-welded joint excitation.
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Koorosh Gharehbaghi, Kerry McManus, Maged Georgy, Ken Farnes, Francesca Pagliara and Matt Myers
Through the significance matrix, this paper aims to investigate and explore the main sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructure projects. Sydney’s Metro mega…
Abstract
Purpose
Through the significance matrix, this paper aims to investigate and explore the main sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructure projects. Sydney’s Metro mega transportation infrastructure is used as a case study. Sydney’s Metro was selected because of its sustainability challenges faced because of the areas’ diverse ecological zones. Sydney’s Metro is thus examined as the basis of best practice for the determination of the sustainability factors of transportation infrastructures.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the significance matrix as a methodology, this research evaluates the environmental impact assessment and environmental assessment processes, to alleviate the problems of the mega transportation infrastructure.
Findings
This research found that a more comprehensive determination is needed to further analyse the sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructures, use of a significance matrix would further assess the environmental complexities of mega transportation infrastructures and the sustainability factors of mega transportation infrastructures should include a nonlinear and asymmetrical scheme highlighting its components and carefully outlining its integration and consolidation.
Originality/value
Although there is concurrent research into sustainability factors of mega transportation, this paper undertakes a new methodology for such infrastructure. While the significance matrix is not a new concept, it has never been used specifically for mega transportation infrastructure. Subsequently, using the significance matrix as a methodology, this research undertakes such environmental analysis and assessment and thus produces a qualitative risk analysis matrix. The findings from this research will ultimately assist the key stakeholders of mega transportation infrastructures to better plan, monitor and support similar projects.
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Xiaodi Xu, Shanchao Sun, Yang Fei, Liubin Niu, Xinyu Tian, Zaitian Ke, Peng Dai and Zhiming Liang
This article aims to predict the rapid track geometry change in the short term with a higher detection frequency, and realize the monitoring and maintenance of the railway state.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to predict the rapid track geometry change in the short term with a higher detection frequency, and realize the monitoring and maintenance of the railway state.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the ABA data needs to be filtered to remove the DC component to reduce the drift due to integration. Secondly, the quadratic integration in frequency domain for concern components of the vertical and lateral ABA needs to be done. Thirdly, the displacement in lateral of the wheelset to rail needs to be calculated. Then the track alignment irregularity needs to be calculated by the integration of lateral ABA and the lateral displacement of the wheelset to rail.
Findings
By comparing with a commercial track geometry measurement system, the high-speed railway application results in different conditions, after removal of the influence of LDWR, identified that the proposed method can produce a satisfactory result.
Originality/value
This article helps realize detection of track irregularity on operating vehicle, reduce equipment production, installation and maintenance costs and improve detection density.
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