In the realm of transportation infrastructure, a quiet revolution is underway, one that promises to reshape how we build bridges and culverts, particularly in the energy sector. At the forefront of this shift is Mykola Harkusha, a researcher from the State Enterprise «National Institute for Development Іnfrastructure» (SE «NIDI») in Kyiv, Ukraine. His recent work, published in the journal ‘Дороги і мости’ (translated to English as ‘Roads and Bridges’), is shedding new light on the use of corrugated metal constructions for low water crossing structures, offering a compelling alternative to traditional steel or concrete bridges.
For decades, the energy sector has relied on conventional bridge structures to span waterways, often facing challenges such as high costs, lengthy construction periods, and environmental impacts. Harkusha’s research is challenging these norms, demonstrating that corrugated metal constructions (CMp) can provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution. “The well-known advantages that justify the choice of such a solution mainly include the short construction period and relatively low cost,” Harkusha explains. This is particularly relevant for the energy sector, where infrastructure often needs to be built quickly and economically to support remote or challenging terrains.
However, the current design and construction process of low water crossing structures with CMp is not without its challenges. One significant issue is the potential for erosion caused by high-energy water flow at the exit of the low water crossing pipe. Harkusha’s research addresses this problem head-on, focusing on the use of hydraulic jumps to dissipate excess kinetic energy from the water flow. “An analysis of the characteristics of the junctions of the pools for road water-crossing pipes in flat problems was conducted, the impact of various factors on the length of the hydraulic jump was determined, and a methodological approach to solving the junction problems was presented,” he notes.
The implications of Harkusha’s work are far-reaching. By refining the existing approaches to the junction of pools for road water-crossing structures made of corrugated metal constructions, his research could significantly enhance the durability and environmental sustainability of these structures. This is particularly important for the energy sector, where infrastructure often needs to withstand harsh environmental conditions and minimize ecological impact.
Moreover, Harkusha’s methodological approach to solving the problems of pool junctions could pave the way for more innovative and efficient designs in the future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly infrastructure solutions will only grow. Harkusha’s research is a significant step in this direction, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation infrastructure in the energy sector.
In the words of Harkusha, “The main objectives of this scientific work are to study the junction of pools for low water crossing pipes in the context of a flat problem, to determine the influence of a number of factors on the length of the hydraulic jump, and to present a methodological approach to solving the problems of pool junctions.” His work is not just about improving existing structures; it’s about reimagining what’s possible in the world of construction and infrastructure. As the energy sector looks to the future, Harkusha’s research offers a compelling vision of what’s to come.