http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/57 DT Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:09:12 GMT 2026-04-04T21:09:12Z http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018869 Assessing the co-evolution of intermodal freight transport research and patenting technology trends for advancing green and intelligent logistics Arsénio, E.; Aparício, J.; Henriques, R.; Dias, G. Green and intelligent freight logistics play a crucial role in driving sustainable development and are increasingly recognised as innovations within Logistics 5.0. This research examines the dynamics of knowledge transfer between academia and industry, focusing on intermodal transport and sustainability. By analyzing academic publications from Scopus and patents from PATENTSCOPE (2014–2024), this research employs advanced methodologies, including transformer-based keyword extraction and multilayer network analysis, to investigate indicators of knowledge transfer. Findings reveal distinct phases of technological innovation, including acceleration driven by AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, followed by stabilization and consolidation in logistical operations. A patent surge after 2018 highlights industry-led advancements, contrasting with academia's focus on theoretical sustainability frameworks. However, cross-layer analyses highlight the declining industry adoption of academic findings, revealing gaps in the effective transfer of knowledge. The integration of mature innovations into logistical practices reflects the emergence of a consolidation phase. The findings underline the criticality of aligning academic discoveries with industrial applications, fostering mutual collaboration to drive the evolution of green logistics. By uncovering the dynamics underpinning sustainable innovation, the research contributes to the discourse on the twin transition towards greener and more intelligent freight logistics, offering pathways to strengthen academia-industry collaborations. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018869 2025-11-03T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018858 Laboratory investigation and modelling of alternative materials for sub-ballast and formation rehabilitation in a heavy haul railway line Castro, G.; Quispe, J.; Motta, R.; Moura, E.; Costa, R.; Bernucci, L.; Paixão, A.; Fortunato, E. The sub-ballast layer plays a key role in railway track performance, especially under heavy haul conditions such those of the Carajás Railway (EFC) – Brazil, where axle loads are expected to increase to 40 t/axle – a level achieved by few railways globally. Reusing ballast undercutting waste and soils is also critical, given the large volumes generated and the need for proper disposal when reuse is not feasible, in compliance with environmental regulations. This study explores the potential reuse of ballast undercutting waste and soils from the railway track region in sub-ballast applications for heavy-haul railway infrastructure. The goal is to define performance requirements for these alternative sub-ballast materials such as fine silty-sand and lateritic gravelly-sandy soils when compacted using the Rail-mounted Formation Rehabilitation Machine (RFRM) system, which performs multiple rehabilitation functions to meet design standards based on geotechnical parameters. The study includes laboratory testing and numerical modelling to support decision-making regarding the implementation of a RFRM system. Laboratory tests include physical, strength, deformability, compaction, and mechanical behaviour evaluations, some using a developed compaction quality evaluation box-test equipment. Numerical models, calibrated with experimental data, simulate various load, material, and moisture conditions under EFC-specific configurations. The findings concluded that RFRM compaction alone is insufficient for structural performance under 40 t/axle loads unless the formation soil is adequately improved and the previous conditions is guaranteed. The study showed that only lateritic gravelly-sandy soils with suitable geotechnical properties and recycled fouled ballast waste (RFBW) are compatible with RFRM compaction under 40 t/axle loads if treated with cement due to their favorable mineralogy which improved compaction and strength. The study supports the technical and environmental feasibility of reusing fouling ballast waste in sub-ballast layers and offers practical guidance for designing track rehabilitation solutions in heavy-haul contexts. It is recommended that different vibratory plate compaction configurations be analyzed further as well as the resilient and long-term behavior of the investigated materials. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018858 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018804 Sustainability maturity model Dais, S.; Stamelou, A.; Sobrino, N.; Vassallo, J.; Dias, G.; Arsénio, E.; Mulhern, E. ADMIRAL seeks to develop and pilot AI-driven solutions for managing logistics supply chains to reduce transport and logistics emissions and to increase transparency, resilience, and stakeholder cooperation. This deliverable reports the results of the Task 2.4 - Development of factors and KPIs to measure sustainability - carried out in the project’s Work Package 2 - Sustainable Development of logistics & transport. The primary aim of Deliverable 2.4 is to propose a sustainability maturity model by identifying and proposing reference Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure sustainability, adapting the STAR model to estimate the overall sustainability rating of logistics solutions, and determining the probability of sustainability noncompliance risks in various activities. In addition, Deliverable 2.4 analyses the requirements and proposes the specifications for the validation of a green port certification. To achieve its aims, the report elaborates a multifaceted approach by mixing methodological tools and analyses, such as desk research, expert validation (workshops, online consultation, questionnaires), the STAR model methodology for evaluating the sustainability of ADMIRAL logistics solutions and the Bayesian Network analysis for the sustainability risk noncompliance of the AM. It also deploys an in-depth analysis of the regulatory framework, to correlate selected KPIs with EU regulations. This ensures that the ADMIRAL project complies with policies that enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018804 2025-03-25T00:00:00Z http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018803 Exploring the potential of the multimodal low-carbon freight corridor Port of Sines - Madrid. Sobrino, N.; Vassallo, J.; Arsénio, E.; Cerqueira, S. Freight transport contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Europe, primarily due to the reliance on fossil fuels and road transport. With increasingly interconnected supply chains and rising cargo volumes, direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scopes 2 and 3) GHG emissions are expected to increase unless proactive and effective measures are implemented. European transport policy has emphasized a shift to eco-friendly transport modes, such as rail and inland waterways, to reduce the dominance of road transport and consequently mitigate impacts on climate change. Within the framework of the ADMIRAL Horizon Europe project, this study conducts a detailed analysis of the multimodal freight corridor between the Port of Sines (Portugal) and Madrid (Spain), part of the Atlantic corridor promoted by the European TEN-T initiative. The study characterizes the existing and future rail and road infrastructure of the Sines-Madrid corridor, and analyses the cargo moved between Sines and Madrid by transport mode, estimating the share of the modal freight that the multimodal corridor could potentially capture and evaluating the reduction of GHG emissions. Additionally, feedback from key stakeholders was collected in a workshop with the aim of exploring their interests in this multimodal solution. The results of the analysis indicate that investment in infrastructure and interoperability is crucial for the viability and success of the service, particularly with regard to the possible development of rail motorways. The traffic analysis suggests that approximately 10% to 30% of current cargo could be transferred to rail, leading to significant reductions in emissions. This work enhances understanding of the sustainability challenges and the extended traffic-related changes necessary to greening transport within the Sines-Madrid corridor and its hinterland. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repositorio.lnec.pt:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/1018803 2025-06-18T00:00:00Z