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Civil, Environmental and Management Engineering

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FONDAMENTI DI INGEGNERIA DEI TRASPORTI SOSTENIBILI

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: GIUSEPPE INTURRI

Expected Learning Outcomes

To provide the knowledge and skills necessary to address the typical problems of Transport Systems Engineering, with particular attention to social, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects.

To provide the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and modeling tools within the framework of transport system planning, through the solution of simple numerical cases.”

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Mathematical Analysis and Physics

Detailed Course Content

1 TRANSPORT ENGINEERING

1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Transport Planning Process and Sustainable Mobility
1.3 Paradoxes in Transport
1.4 Modes of Transport

2 TRANSPORT DEMAND

2.1 Zoning
2.2 O-D (Origin–Destination) Matrix
2.3 Demand Estimation through direct surveys and mathematical models
2.4 Discrete Choice Models
2.5 Four-Step Model
2.6 Exercises for demand estimation

3 TRANSPORT SUPPLY

3.1 Elements of graph theory
3.2 Private and public transport networks
3.3 Cost functions
3.4 Dijkstra’s algorithm
3.5 Traffic Flow theory

4 INTERACTION BETWEEN DEMAND AND SUPPLY

4.1 Assignment models
4.2 Calculation of network flows
4.3 Network loading models and user equilibrium models

5 NETWORK EQUILIBRIUM

5.1 User Equilibrium: examples and graphical solution
5.2 Wardrop’s Principles
5.3 User-Optimized and System-Optimized Networks
5.4 Optimal pricing (tolling)
5.5 Assignment algorithms for congested networks

6 MECHANICS OF LOCOMOTION

6.1 Adhesion
6.2 Resistance to motion
6.3 Internal combustion engines and electric motors
6.4 Mechanical performance of road and rail vehicles
6.5 Ideal engine and engine elasticity
6.6 Consumption
6.7 Exercises

7 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

7.1 Classification of Public Transport Systems (PTS)
7.2 Design criteria for PTS

8 SEMINARS

8.1 Micro- and macro-simulation tools for transport networks
8.2 Sustainable mobility

 

Contribution of the course to the Objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Goal 3

  • Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

  • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

Goal 7

  • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Goal 9

  • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

Goal 11

  • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, especially by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

Goal 13

  • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Teaching Methods:

  • Lecture
  • Dedicated seminar
  • Supplementary materials

Textbook Information

1. Course notes provided by the teacher, available on http://studium.unict.it/

2. Marino de Luca, Manuale di Pianificazione dei trasporti, Franco Angeli

3. Vukan Vuchic, Urban Transit Systema and Technology, Wiley

4. Juan Ortuzar e Luis Willumsen, Pianificazione dei sistemi di trasporto, Hoepli

5. Stefano Ricci, Tecnica ed Economia dei Trasporti, Hoepli

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The examination consists of a single test based on an oral interview aimed at assessing both the theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics covered during the course. In particular, students are required to demonstrate the ability to solve simple numerical problems related to transport network flow analysis, locomotion mechanics, and the design of the fundamental characteristics of a public transport line.
The evaluation of the exam is based on the following criteria:
level of knowledge of the required topics; communication skills and appropriate use of technical language; ability to apply knowledge to simple case studies; ability to establish connections among the different topics of the course program.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD)

In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current regulations, interested students may request an individual meeting to arrange any necessary compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in accordance with the learning objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) Department coordinator.