ICI - GeoBioTec@UBI | Documentos por Auto-Depósito
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A unidade de investigação (UI) GeoBiociências, Geotecnologias e Geoengenharias (GeoBioTec) foi criada em 2007 na Universidade de Aveiro e tem dois polos, um na Universidade da Beira Interior (GeoBioTec@UBI), outro na Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GeoBioTec-NOVA). A investigação é diversificada, envolvendo estudos interdisciplinares sobre recursos geológicos, recursos hídricos e gestão sustentável da água, geotecnia e mecânica dos solos e rochas, geologia estrutural, geomateriais, bacias sedimentares, tecnologias agroindustriais, sistemas ambientais complexos, mobilidade e transportes sustentáveis, deteção remota e sustentabilidade de cidades, comunidades e territórios. A UI está classificada como “Muito Bom” pela FCT e tem como missão conhecer e explorar os processos geológicos, biológicos, físicos e químicos que moldam o ambiente da Terra visando o desenvolvimento sustentável de cidades, comunidades e territórios.
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- A GIS-Based Approach to Fostering Sustainable Mobility and Combating Social Isolation for the Rural ElderlyPublication . Branco, Luís; Santos, BerthaThe growing demographic trend of an aging population, particularly in remote rural areas, exacerbates social isolation and limits access to essential goods and services. This vulnerability highlights a pressing need to develop sustainable solutions for their mobility and support. Using Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and network analysis, a workflow was developed to optimize road-based transport for the elderly. The analysis utilized an electric vehicle, with its range limitations, influenced by road slopes, being a critical variable for assessing route efficiency. Two potential solutions were investigated: (1) the delivery of goods and medicines and (2) the transport of passengers and medicines. The methodology was tested using the Municipality of Seia, Portugal, as a case study, with a defined weekly visit frequency. The results demonstrate that both proposed solutions are technically viable for implementation, with the transport of passengers and medicines being the most effective option. This study provides a foundational framework for developing practical, demand-oriented, sustainable transport and logistics services to support isolated elderly populations.
- Analysis of the chemical properties of almond and walnut shells for use in earthworksPublication . Nouioua, Thamer; Marchiori, Leonardo; Albuquerque, Antonio; Silva, Flora Cristina Meireles; Pais, Luís Andrade; Cavaleiro, VictorAlmond (AS) and walnut shells (WS) have attracted the interest of scientific community due to the possibility of developing innovative eco-friendly materials. This work aims to analyze the chemical characteristics of AS, WS, a residual granitic soil (RGS) and two mix-tures of waste:soil (10:90% and 40:60%) for evaluating their compatibility for earthworks application. Results show that both wastes could be incorporated into RGS for improving its properties and additionally can remove some water pollutants due to the presence of K2O, CaO and SiO2. This application could reduce the need to use soil natural resources, incineration of both wastes or their deposition in sanitary landfills and can promote their valorization and even create value-added products in the scope of the circular economy. However, additional studies are needed for a better understanding of their potential for using in earthworks, namely leaching, solubilization and adsorption experiments.
- Assessment of Airport Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Using Machine LearningPublication . Santos, Bertha; Studart, André; Almeida, Pedro G.Pavement condition assessment is a fundamental aspect of airport pavement management systems (APMS) for ensuring safe and efficient airport operations. However, conventional methods, which rely on extensive on-site inspections and complex calculations, are often time-consuming and resource-intensive. In response, Industry 4.0 has introduced machine learning (ML) as a powerful tool to streamline these processes. This study explores five ML algorithms (Linear Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM)) for predicting the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). Using basic alphanumeric distress data from three international airports, this study predicts both numerical PCI values (on a 0–100 scale) and categorical PCI values (3 and 7 condition classes). To address data imbalance, random oversampling (SMOTE—Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique) and undersampling (RUS) were used. This study fills a critical knowledge gap by identifying the most effective algorithms for both numerical and categorical PCI determination, with a particular focus on validating class-based predictions using relatively small data samples. The results demonstrate that ML algorithms, particularly Random Forest, are highly effective at predicting both the numerical and the three-class PCI for the original database. However, accurate prediction of the seven-class PCI required the application of oversampling techniques, indicating that a larger, more balanced database is necessary for this detailed classification. Using 10-fold cross-validation, the successful models achieved excellent performance, yielding Kappa statistics between 0.88 and 0.93, an error rate of less than 7.17%, and an area under the ROC curve greater than 0.93. The approach not only significantly reduces the complexity and time required for PCI calculation, but it also makes the technology accessible, enabling resource-limited airports and smaller management entities to adopt advanced pavement management practices.
- Automated and Intelligent Inspection of Airport Pavements: A Systematic Review of Methods, Accuracy and Validation ChallengesPublication . Feitosa, Ianca; Santos, Bertha; Almeida, Pedro G.; mdpiAirport pavement condition assessment plays a critical role in ensuring operational safety, surface functionality, and long-term infrastructure sustainability. Traditional visual inspection methods, although widely used, are increasingly challenged by limitations in accuracy, subjectivity, and scalability. In response, the field has seen a growing adoption of automated and intelligent inspection technologies, incorporating tools such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Laser Crack Measurement Systems (LCMS), and machine learning algorithms. This systematic review aims to identify, categorize, and analyze the main technological approaches applied to functional pavement inspections, with a particular focus on surface distress detection. The study examines data collection techniques, processing methods, and validation procedures used in assessing both flexible and rigid airport pavements. Special emphasis is placed on the precision, applicability, and robustness of automated systems in comparison to traditional approaches. The reviewed literature reveals a consistent trend toward greater accuracy and efficiency in systems that integrate deep learning, photogrammetry, and predictive modeling. However, the absence of standardized validation protocols and statistically robust datasets continues to hinder comparability and broader implementation. By mapping existing technologies, identifying methodological gaps, and proposing strategic research directions, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for the development of scalable, data-driven airport pavement management systems.
- Automated Geographic Information System Multi-Criteria Decision Tool to Assess Urban Road Suitability for ActiveMobilityPublication . Santos, Bertha; Ferreira, Sandro Alfaro ; Lucena, Pollyana;The planning of greener, more accessible, and safer cities is the focus of several strategies that aim to improve the population’s quality of life. This concern for the environment and the population’s quality of life has led to the implementation of active mobility policies. The effectiveness of the mobility solutions that are sought heavily depends on the identification of the main factors that favor their use, as well as how adequate urban spaces are in minimizing existing difficulties. This study presents an automated geographic information system (GIS) decision support tool that allows the identification of the level of suitability of urban transportation networks for the use of active modes. The tool is based on the determination of a set of mobility indices: walkability, bikeability, e-bikeability, and active mobility (a combination of walking and cycling suitability). The indices are obtained through a spatial multi-criteria analysis that considers the geometric features of roads, population density, and the location and attractiveness of the city’s main trip-generation points. The treatment, representation, and study of the variables considered in the analysis are carried out with the aid of geoprocessing, using the spatial and network analysis tools available in the GIS. The Model Builder functionality available in ArcGIS® was used to automate the various processes required to calculate walking, cycling, and e-biking travel times, as well as the mobility indices. The developed tool was tested and validated through its application to a case study involving the road network of the urban perimeter of the medium-sized city of Covilhã, Portugal. However, the tool is designed to be applied with minimal adaptation to different scenarios and levels of known input information, providing average or typical values when specific information is not available. As a result, a flexible and automated GIS-based tool was obtained to support urban space and mobility managers in the implementation of efficient measures compatible with each city’s scenario.
- Caracterização físico-química de cascas de amêndoas e nozes para valorização em obras de terraPublication . Marchiori, Leonardo; Nouioua, Thamer; Morais, Maria Vitoria; Silva, Flora Cristina Meireles; Albuquerque, Antonio; Andrade Pais, Luís; Cavaleiro, VictorOs resíduos agroindustriais têm sido investigados para aplicações de engenharia devido à sua elevada produção e ausência de valorização adequada face aos requisitos legais e de políticas e metas de sustentabilidade. O estudo das caraterísticas das cascas de amêndoas (CA) e nozes (CN) têm suscitado interesse na comunidade científica para desenvolver materiais alternativos e inovadores, com design sustentável, em várias aplicações. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar e analisar as propriedades físico-químicas de CA, CN e de um solo residual, bem como de duas misturas de cada resíduo com o solo, com 10% e 40% de cascas, para eventual aplicação em obras de terra. Os resultados mostraram que ambos os resíduos poderiam ser incorporados no solo para torná-los mais granulares e reduzir a densidade específica, além de terem potencial para remover alguns poluentes da água devido à presença de aluminosilicatos com K2O, CaO e SiO2. Esta aplicabilidade poderia reduzir a utilização de solos naturais em obras de terra, a incineração de ambas as cascas e sua deposição em aterros sanitários, podendo promover a sua valorização e criar produtos baseados em resíduos no âmbito da economia circular. No entanto, são necessários estudos adicionais para uma melhor compreensão do seu potencial para utilização em obras de terra, nomeadamente ensaios de lixiviação, degradação e adsorção.
- CH-Resilience Project (Cultural Heritage: Resilience of Built Heritage and Built Environment): Internationalization and Research Network within the “Universitas Montium” (UNITA) AlliancePublication . Martins, Ana M. T.; Nepomuceno, Miguel C. S.; Simão, Inês Cunha; Juan García, Natalia; Campelo-Gaínza, Carlos; Pedro Lorente, Jesús; Salvado, João Pedro Ferreira; Rodrigues, Tiago; Cabeleira, João; Amoreira, SofiaThis paper presents the research work within the international Consortium Alliance "Universitas Montium" (UNITA) according one of many UNITA’s Research Projects: the Portuguese Project CH-RESILIENCE “Cultural Heritage: Resilience of Built Heritage and Built Environment” at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) within Universitas Montium Aliance which is included in UNITA's Research & lnnovation Cartography WP4, concerning Cultural Heritage. and soon to be included in the consortium RE-UNITA (UNITA 2.0). Within this research line two international PhD cotutelle were achieved, but also two other PhD thesis are being prepared within CH-RESILIENCE. The Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DECA), of the University of Beira Interior (UBI), has developed, a concern regarding Built Heritage, ln fact, over the last two decades there has been a cross-interdisciplinary interest, which has allowed a transdisciplinary research, based on the Architectural Heritage, Built Heritage, thus Cultural Heritage. Dissertation themes have focused on traditional aspects of Portuguese Architecture and Traditional Building Technologies, but also doctoral Thesis and Research Projects with competitively-based contests with funding (as The ORFEUS project which was one of the highlights of this line of research). In fact, Building Culture encompasses existing buildings, monuments, and other elements of Cultural Heritage, as well as the design and construction of contemporary buildings, infrastructures, public spaces, and landscapes. The actual technical requirements are not always compatible with older buildings. Regular maintenance of these buildings may include preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, refurbishment, adaptation, and interpretation of existing buildings and their environment. ln fact, this research lays on the Resilience of Built and Cultural Heritage. UNITA’s Research and innovation is centred in the needs of rural and mountain territories regarding, not only Cultural Heritage, but also Renewable Energy and Circular Economy. This paper presents four case study of international research based on the UNITA’s Alliance and interconnected with CH Resilience Project: “The Art of Place”, Cotutelle (UBI -Portugal / UNIZAR-SPAIN); “The involvement of local museums with their territorial and historical environment”, Cotutelle (UNIZAR-SPAIN / UBI -Portugal); Corbelled Dome Constructions: architectural elements of a vernacular Identity in Beira Baixa (Portugal); Resilience and Sustainability: Monastic Spaces of Cistercian origins in contemporary times. Besides these four cases it is highlighted, a fifth which is the first project, within the CH Resilience research group, in collaboration with other institutions with affinity to the theme and in the borderline of UNITA Alliance. This is the ongoing PhD thesis “Theory, Design and Construction of the Bulwark Defensive System in the Minho River Valley. From the Reign of King Philip III to the End of the Seven Years' War, 1621-1763”. Consequently, this paper will bring to discussion these specific case studies and its relationship with UNITA's Alliance. This is, through Cultural heritage it will be brought to debate methods, objectives, experiences, outputs, and discussions which allow the formation of wider networks for research and resources exchange.
- Contributos para o estudo da construção de falsa cúpula em Portugal: A malhada de porcos no contexto agro-pastoril da Beira BaixaPublication . Salvado, JoãoEsta comunicação é motivada pelo desconhecimento em torno duma estrutura não habitacional destinada ao abrigo de porcos na sub-região da Beira Baixa, cuja existência é escassamente documentada pelas mais importantes publicações dedicadas ao assunto. Tendo como objetivo o seu reconhecimento no âmbito das Histórias da Arquitetura e da Construção portuguesas, a investigação traça o perfil da malhada de porcos beirã considerando o meio concreto em que progride, função, morfologia e materiais recorrentes, e tipos de cobertura. Como tal, definiram-se três estruturas num universo de meia centena de malhadas conhecidas na região, desde Castelo Branco até Penha Garcia, que foram posteriormente analisadas ‘in loco’ mediante levantamentos geométricos, fotográficos e descritivos. Como ponto de chegada, as construções erguem-se em alvenaria de granito, xisto ou mista, orientadas para o meridiano sobre jazigos minerais. São conformadas por séries de furdas organizadas numa planta em «U», rebolim, dobradeira e casa do porqueiro, apresentando na amostra observada dimensões entre 15 e 39 m de comprimento. Assinala-se nas malhadas uma morfologia preeminente em toda a região, e os telhados são de duas águas ou em falsa cúpula. Conservam-se maioritariamente isoladas na paisagem, em meio ao montado de sobro, exibindo muitas ruína iminente ou consumidas por vegetação cerrada.
- Cracking and desiccation of water treatment sludge for incorporation into soils for alternative liner material productionPublication . Marchiori, Leonardo; Morais, Maria Vitoria; Albuquerque, Antonio; Ferreira-Gomes, L.M.; Cavaleiro, VictorCracks may lead to hydraulic failure in soils due to increase of hydraulic conductivity which facilitate water infiltration, impacting negatively for liner materials. Therefore, cracking and desiccation investigation on liner material is advised. Water treatment sludge (WTS) is a by-product resulting from water treatment plants, and it seems to be suitable for geotechnical applications and soil replacement due to hydraulic latent properties, chemical similarities to soils, and mechanical behaviour. In this work WTS samples were incorporated into soil in different ratios – 05%; 10%; 15% and 20% of waste in dried mass of the geocomposites. The four mixtures, a soil sample and a WTS were tested according to the following procedure: two different circular Petri dishes samples were used, 5mm(H5) and 10mm(H10), and two cylindrical compacted samples with 65-70mm of diameter and 20-140mm of height (EDO-TRI, respectively) - dried for 10 days in controlled temperature and humidity. Water release curves (WRC), digital images correlation supported Crack Intensity Factor (CIF) index results were obtained for each material. Cracking behaviour results were compared with the permeability through falling head laboratorial tests, and studies around WTS ratio. Composites with 10% and 15% had the best results, showing no cracks during Petri dishes procedures for H10, in addition, the permeability for these materials reached the maximum for liner production – 10-9 m/s according to European and American directives - making possible the development of an alternative and feasible liner material.
- Critical review of industrial solid wastes as barrier material for impermeabilization of storage waste facilitiesPublication . Marchiori, Leonardo; Albuquerque, AntonioNatural materials (e.g. clays) and synthetic materials (e.g. geosynthetics) are commonly applied as low hydraulic conductivity layers and environmental protection barriers in civil engineering works for storing solid wastes and wastewaters (e.g. solid waste landfilling, wastewater lagoons and mining waste ponds) for both covering and bottom impermeabilization of soils structures. However, due to a future shortage of clay materials and their high transport costs, in addition to geosynthetics generating more waste and presenting high costs, two needs emerge: reducing the amount of waste generated and developing strategies for preventing this waste from infiltrating the soil and ground water. One of the possible solutions consists in the use of some geotechnically applicable residues to prevent soil infiltration. Thus, the use of waste materials is particularly advantageous since it can considerably reduce construction costs, help preserve natural resources, and contribute to sustainability by turning “waste” materials into “valuable resource”. Many by-products of industry and waste (fly and bottom coal ash, blast furnace slag, foundry sands, water treatment plant sludge, agroindustry ashes, incinerated biomass ash, red mud, drilling mud and mine waste, among others) have been extensively studied as to their suitability as a geomaterial and showed promising results for use in waterproofing barriers (liners). The most significant factors that depend on hydraulic conductivity are index properties, compaction characteristics and compressive strength, so, in this aspect, hydraulic, mechanical, physical-chemical and mineralogical properties determine the valorisation, or not, of the waste as liner material. Industrial wastes and geocomposites acting as hydraulic barriers material literature were reviewed and analysed its actual applications such as lack of researches suggesting future investigations.
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