Spatial transferability assessment of a composite walkability index: The Pedestrian Index of the Environment (PIE)

This paper analyzes the transferability of a composite walkability index, the Pedestrian Index of the Environment (PIE), to the Greater Montréal Area (GMA). The PIE was developed in Portland, Oregon, and is based on proprietary data. It combines six urban form variables into a score ranging from 20 to 100. The measure introduces several methodological refinements which have not been applied concurrently in previous efforts: a wide coverage of the different dimensions of the urban form, together with the use of a distance-based decay function and modelling-based weighing of the variables.This measure is applied to the GMA using local data in order to evaluate the feasibility of its transfer (the possibility of locally replicating the measure). It is then included in a series of mode choice models to assess its transferability (the capacity of the measure to describe walkability and predict mode choice in another urban area). The models, segmented by trip distance or trip purpose, are estimated and validated against observed trip data from the 2013 Origin-Destination survey.Significant positive correlation is found between the PIE and the choice of walking for short trips, for all purposes as well as for four specific trip purposes. The inclusion of the PIE also improves the accuracy of the modelling process as well as the prediction of the choice of walking for short trips. The PIE can therefore be used in the GMA, and potentially in other metropolitan areas, to improve the modelling of travel behavior for short trips.     

Preferences for shared autonomous vehicles

Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) could provide inexpensive mobility on-demand services. In addition, the autonomous vehicle technology could facilitate the implementation of dynamic ride-sharing (DRS). The widespread adoption of SAVs could provide benefits to society, but also entail risks. For the design of effective policies aiming to realize the advantages of SAVs, a better understanding of how SAVs may be adopted is necessary. This article intends to advance future research about the travel behavior impacts of SAVs, by identifying the characteristics of users who are likely to adopt SAV services and by eliciting willingness to pay measures for service attributes. For this purpose, a stated choice survey was conducted and analyzed, using a mixed logit model. The results show that service attributes including travel cost, travel time and waiting time may be critical determinants of the use of SAVs and the acceptance of DRS. Differences in willingness to pay for service attributes indicate that SAVs with DRS and SAVs without DRS are perceived as two distinct mobility options. The results imply that the adoption of SAVs may differ across cohorts, whereby young individuals and individuals with multimodal travel patterns may be more likely to adopt SAVs. The methodological limitations of the study are also acknowledged. Despite a potential hypothetical bias, the results capture the directionality and relative importance of the attributes of interest.     

混流喷水泵内流场及叶片数匹配数值研究

以混流式喷水推进泵为研究对象,应用三维Navier-Stokes方程和Spalart-Allmaras单方程模型,以NUMECA数值平台进行了喷泵内部流动的数值模拟。文章介绍了喷泵的全工况特性和其内部流动状况随流量的变化情况,而后调整动、静叶片数的匹配状况,了解动、静叶叶栅稠度的改变对喷泵性能和内部流场的影响,最终得出最优的动静叶片数组合。     

复合结构桥梁的特性

概要介绍复合结构桥梁的发展背景;复合结构的定义及构成;复合结构桥梁的特征及特有的力学性能,如:钢和混凝土材料性能的合理利用,结构形式的多样化和广泛的应用性,组合梁的结合力,剪力键的疲劳机理,混凝土板与钢梁的组合类型,组合构件的强度、韧性和变形,钢与混凝土的互相约束与支持等。复合结构桥梁不仅是将异种材料构件组成一起的结构体系,也意味着结构机能以及强度和变形的一体性。因此,深入理解符合结构的这些特性,有利于开发新的组合结构形式并建立新的设计概念。可以使复合结构桥梁建设更趋于合理、可靠、耐久、经济,便于快速施工,维修工作量少,适合于高速铁路建设的需要。     

浅谈电涌保护器在铁路信号设备中的应用

铁路信号是铁路运输安全的重要保障之一。铁路信号系统的雷电过电压保护，则是其免遭雷电过电压侵扰和损坏的有效措施。电涌保护器（SPD）的防护安全性和在线安全性，直接关系到铁路信号的正确与否。串混型SPD是铁路信号系统过电压防护的新用法。分析和了解串混型SPD的工作原理，对SPD的选型、使用和安装都有重要的指导意义。     

Accounting for stochastic variables in discrete choice models

The estimation of discrete choice models requires measuring the attributes describing the alternatives within each individual’s choice set. Even though some attributes are intrinsically stochastic (e.g. travel times) or are subject to non-negligible measurement errors (e.g. waiting times), they are usually assumed fixed and deterministic. Indeed, even an accurate measurement can be biased as it might differ from the original (experienced) value perceived by the individual.Experimental evidence suggests that discrepancies between the values measured by the modeller and experienced by the individuals can lead to incorrect parameter estimates. On the other hand, there is an important trade-off between data quality and collection costs. This paper explores the inclusion of stochastic variables in discrete choice models through an econometric analysis that allows identifying the most suitable specifications. Various model specifications were experimentally tested using synthetic data; comparisons included tests for unbiased parameter estimation and computation of marginal rates of substitution. Model specifications were also tested using a real case databank featuring two travel time measurements, associated with different levels of accuracy.Results show that in most cases an error components model can effectively deal with stochastic variables. A random coefficients model can only effectively deal with stochastic variables when their randomness is directly proportional to the value of the attribute. Another interesting result is the presence of confounding effects that are very difficult, if not impossible, to isolate when more flexible models are used to capture stochastic variations. Due the presence of confounding effects when estimating flexible models, the estimated parameters should be carefully analysed to avoid misinterpretations. Also, as in previous misspecification tests reported in the literature, the Multinomial Logit model proves to be quite robust for estimating marginal rates of substitution, especially when models are estimated with large samples.     

Understanding cyclists’ perceptions,keys for a successful bicycle promotion

Many variables that influence bicycle use beyond time and cost have been included in models of various types. However, psycho-social factors that make the bicycle eligible as a modal alternative have not been identified properly. These factors are related to intention, attitudes and perceptions, and their identification can contribute to obtain the keys for a successful bicycle policy. Here, an in-depth investigation of cyclists’ perceptions is attempted using a large university survey designed and collected ad hoc, and then applying exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. After identifying fourteen factors, a structural equations model was estimated to find structure and relationships among variables and to understand users’ intentions to use the bike. Four (latent) variables are identified, namely convenience, pro-bike, physical determinants and exogenous restrictions. The main conclusion is that convenience (flexible, efficient) and exogenous restrictions (danger, vandalism, facilities) are the most important elements to understand the attitudes towards the bicycle.     

A methodology for classification by priority for action: Selecting road stretches for network noise action plans

Road traffic noise is an element of outstanding importance within the overall context of environmental impact. This problem must be technically addressed from an efficient viewpoint, and solutions or alternatives should be considered by means of appropriate and consolidated procedures.Up to now, there is no regulated guideline for establishing well-founded priorities when dealing with the diverse road stretches included in the corresponding Action Plans against noise under the Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC). To this end, the present study proposes a methodology to sort, by priority, road stretches identified by their noise problems and therefore requiring appropriate action. The methodology is based on the so-called “road stretch priority index” (henceforth referred to as RSPI). This index involves a number of variables (called “road stretch priority variables”) that are weighted according to their influence on the road traffic noise problem. Thus, the RSPI makes it possible to prioritize different stretches of the Action Plan. To illustrate the application of the proposed methodology, this paper also describes a real case entailing a difficult choice, applying the proposed methodology to a review of the Action Plan against Noise 2008–2012 in the province of Almería, for the road network of the regional government of Andalusia, Spain.     

钢筋混凝土结构随机时变强度和刚度的模型及结构抗力分析

研究了钢筋混凝土结构时变抗力的多因素影响机制,探讨了钢筋、混凝土材料强度的时变衰减规律,给出了钢筋混凝土构件的随机时变抗力模型。考虑结构刚度的时变性,提出了时变刚度的简化模型,并以高层水塔为例,根据所提出的强度、刚度和抗力随机时变模型对水塔结构构件的时变抗力进行了计算分析。     

计算机辅助船舶技术经济论证

本文介绍了 Apollo CAD 工作站上开发的船舶技术经济论证系统,并叙述了船舶技术经济论证的计算方法,文中还详细讨论了在应用计算机条件下本系统所具有的一些特色,如指标与变量关系曲面的构成,多目标优选方案等,最后阐述了本系统的总体结构及运行环境.