Welcome to the seventh issue in 2023 of Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Transport. The journal enjoys global recognition within the transportation community. We specialise in presenting peer-reviewed, top-tier original articles that encompass a wide range of transportation themes. Our dedication is to provide valuable insights to researchers, engineers and policymakers across the globe. I'm thrilled to present my inaugural editorial for the journal and am honoured to have the opportunity to showcase this edition.
This issue covers many topics related to the impact of asphalt concrete layers on pavement performance, user costs in airport pavement management systems, multimodal travel choice determinants, network evaluation and prioritisation of rural roads, and modelling public transportation multimodal route choice.
In the first study, Shakhan et al. (2023) conducted a study in Izmir, Türkiye, assessing the impact of design parameters such as voids percentage, effective binder content and aggregate gradation on pavement performance. Utilising AashtoWare Pavement ME Design software, the researchers explored three flexible pavement structures under varying traffic levels and subgrade types. The results highlight the nuanced effects of design modifications on rutting depth, thermal cracking length and top-down cracking length in different asphalt concrete layers.
In the second study, addressing the limitations in airport pavement management systems, Corrêa do Nascimento and Vieira da Silva (2023) present a novel method for calculating indirect/user costs related to runway closure. Using Brasília International Airport as a case study, the approach integrates passenger demand forecasts, net operating revenue and a variable called the ‘equivalent operational susceptibility area’. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of the financial impacts of pavement interventions, emphasising the balance between direct/owner costs and indirect/user costs.
In the third paper, recognising the pivotal role of rural road networks (RRNs) in a country's economic activity and poverty levels, Modinpuroju and Prasad's study centres on optimising existing RRNs (Modinpuroju and Prasad, 2023). The proposed prioritisation method, which considers factors such as population and vulnerability, aims to maximise the effective use of limited resources. In a world where funding constraints frequently impede development, this research offers a pragmatic approach to rural road construction and upgrades. It ensures optimal transportation services while adhering to budget constraints.
In the fourth study, in the dynamic landscape of transportation, Minal et al. (2023) explore the determinants that influence multi-modal travel choices, with a specific focus on the impact of travel time reliability. By employing a random parameter mixed logit model, the research highlights the interplay of factors such as interconnectivity ratio, level of service, travel cost and demographic variables in commuters’ decision making. As our cities evolve, understanding the nuanced preferences of commuters becomes imperative for shaping efficient and sustainable transportation systems.
In the last study (Kim, 2023), Seoul, South Korea, takes centre stage in the exploration of public transportation through the lens of smart card big data. Kim's study leverages this extensive data set to redefine route choice problems for multi-modal routes. By applying multinomial logit models, the research achieves a profound understanding of route choice behaviours, providing accurate and realistic alternative routes. In this era of digital transformation, the utilisation of smart card big data emerges as a powerful tool for optimising public transportation networks.
As we reflect on these papers, it becomes evident that the synergy of research, innovation and practical implementation holds the key to shaping a more resilient, efficient and sustainable infrastructure landscape. The insights provided by these studies not only contribute to academic discourse but also pave the way for tangible improvements in the way we design, manage and optimise our infrastructure networks. Here's to a future where knowledge transforms into action, creating a world where our roads, runways and transportation systems seamlessly support the needs of our evolving societies.
On behalf of the editorial panel, I hope that you enjoy reading this issue of Transport. My gratitude goes to the authors for generously sharing their study findings with transportation researchers, and to the journal's reviewers for their valuable contributions in upholding the standards of quality in peer-reviewed publications for this issue. I sincerely hope that you derive as much enjoyment from the assortment of ideas presented in this issue as I have. Please remember you can access more recent papers in the section on the ICE Virtual Library at: www.icevirtuallibrary.com/toc/jtran/0/0.
