How can you design transportation systems that work in humid areas?

Humidity can pose significant challenges for transportation systems, especially in regions that experience high temperatures and precipitation. Humid conditions can affect the performance, durability, and safety of various modes of transport, such as roads, railways, buses, and bicycles. How can you design transportation systems that work in humid areas? Here are some tips and best practices to consider.

1 Choose appropriate materials

The materials used for building and maintaining transportation infrastructure should be resistant to corrosion, rust, and decay caused by moisture and salt. For example, concrete should be mixed with additives that reduce water absorption and cracking, and steel should be coated with protective layers that prevent oxidation. Similarly, the vehicles and equipment used for transport should be made of materials that can withstand high humidity and temperature fluctuations, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic.

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Mehdi Azhdarbin

Transportation Logistics Executive Manager at BAT Pars
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In humid areas, it's crucial to consider corrosion-resistant materials for infrastructure, implement proper drainage systems to manage excess water, and design well-ventilated spaces to prevent moisture-related issues. Additionally, using durable and weather-resistant materials for road surfaces and transportation infrastructure can help mitigate the impact of humidity on the longevity of the systems. Regular maintenance and monitoring are also essential to address any potential issues promptly.

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2 Enhance drainage and ventilation

Humid areas often experience heavy rainfall and flooding, which can damage roads, bridges, tunnels, and rail tracks. To prevent water accumulation and erosion, transportation systems should have effective drainage systems that divert water away from critical areas and prevent ponding and seepage. Moreover, transportation systems should have adequate ventilation systems that reduce condensation and moisture buildup inside vehicles, stations, and terminals. Ventilation can also improve air quality and comfort for passengers and operators.

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Chinmay Prabhakar

Green Transition | Change Management | Infrastructure Governance | Fin-Tech | PFM | LKYSPP | NUS | CEPT | VNIT | NLU
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It's essential to prioritize durability and climate adaptability. Utilizing corrosion-resistant materials such as galvanized steel or weathering steel for infrastructure helps prevent deterioration. Ensuring proper drainage systems are in place is crucial to prevent waterlogging and flooding. Air-conditioned and well-ventilated public transport vehicles improve passenger comfort and prevent moisture-related damage. Incorporating advanced weatherproofing and insulation in both infrastructure and vehicles protects against extreme humidity. Finally, regular maintenance schedules should be more rigorous to address the accelerated wear and tear caused by humid conditions.

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3 Adapt to demand and behavior

Humidity can affect the demand and behavior of transport users, as they may prefer certain modes of transport over others depending on the weather and comfort level. For example, humidity can reduce the attractiveness of walking and cycling, and increase the demand for air-conditioned vehicles and public transport. To accommodate these changes, transportation systems should be flexible and responsive, offering a variety of options and incentives for users to choose the most efficient and sustainable mode of transport. For example, transportation systems can provide bike-sharing schemes, bus rapid transit, and carpooling services that reduce congestion and emissions.

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4 Monitor and maintain

Humidity can also affect the reliability and safety of transportation systems, as it can cause malfunctions, failures, and accidents. To prevent these issues, transportation systems should have regular monitoring and maintenance programs that check the condition and performance of infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment. For example, transportation systems can use sensors, cameras, and drones to detect cracks, leaks, and defects in roads, bridges, and tunnels, and use robots, machines, and workers to repair them. Likewise, transportation systems can use diagnostic tools, software, and inspections to identify and fix problems in vehicles and equipment.

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5 Learn from best practices

Humidity is not a new or unique problem for transportation systems, as many regions around the world have developed and implemented solutions that work in humid areas. For example, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai are examples of cities that have high humidity levels and have built efficient, resilient, and innovative transportation systems that serve their populations and economies. By learning from their best practices, transportation systems can adapt to humid areas and improve their design, operation, and management.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Shrinivas Rao Arragunta

Assistant General Manager Transportation Engineering at BEST Undertaking
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Designing transportation systems for humid areas involves considerations to address challenges like corrosion and infrastructure degradation. Here are some strategies: 1. **Corrosion-Resistant Materials:** Use materials resistant to corrosion caused by high humidity. Stainless steel, aluminum, and certain coatings can help mitigate the impact of moisture. 2. **Proper Drainage Systems:** 3. **Vegetative Planning:** 4. **Regular Maintenance:** 5. **Elevated Structures:** 6. **Climate-Adaptive Design:** By integrating these strategies, transportation systems in humid areas can be more resilient and sustainable over time.

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How can you design transportation systems that work in humid areas?

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3

4

5

6

1 Choose appropriate materials

2 Enhance drainage and ventilation

3 Adapt to demand and behavior

4 Monitor and maintain

5 Learn from best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

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How can you design transportation systems that work in humid areas?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose appropriate materials

2 Enhance drainage and ventilation

3 Adapt to demand and behavior

4 Monitor and maintain

5 Learn from best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Planning

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