Infrastructure Maintenance in a Changing Climate: Amir Parekh's Perspective

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THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON INFRASTRUCTURE
MAINTENANCE AND DESIGN
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Introduction
Climate change is a global reality reshaping our
lives and infrastructure. From roads to energy
systems, its impact on maintenance and design is
profound. Let's explore key points highlighting
these effects.
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01.
Rising Sea Levels

• Coastal infrastructure faces increased risk due
  to rising sea levels.
• Higher water levels can lead to erosion,
  flooding, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater
  supplies.

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02.
Extreme Weather Events

• Increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes,
  storms, and heatwaves pose challenges to
  infrastructure stability.
• Buildings and bridges must be designed to
  withstand extreme weather conditions.

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03.
Temperature Extremes

• Changing temperatures affect the durability of
  materials used in infrastructure.
• Roads and runways may experience deterioration,
  requiring more frequent maintenance.

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04.
Impact on Transportation

• Changes in precipitation patterns affect
  transportation infrastructure like roads and
  railways.
• Flooding and landslides can disrupt
  transportation networks, leading to increased
  maintenance costs.

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05.
Energy Infrastructure Challenges

• Thermal power plants are vulnerable to water
  scarcity and rising temperatures, impacting
  energy production.
• Renewable energy sources may face intermittency
  due to unpredictable weather patterns.

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06.
Water Supply and Infrastructure

• Changing rainfall patterns impact water supply
  systems.
• Droughts can strain water treatment and
  distribution systems, requiring infrastructure
  adaptations.

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07.
Urban Heat Island Effect

• Urban areas face heightened temperatures due to
  the heat island effect.
• Infrastructure design needs to incorporate
  measures to mitigate heat impacts on buildings
  and roads.

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08.
Adaptation and Resilience

• Infrastructure design must focus on resilience
  and adaptation strategies to withstand climate
  change impacts.
• Incorporating nature-based solutions, such as
  green infrastructure, can enhance resilience.

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Conclusion
Climate change impacts infrastructure. Rising
seas, extreme weather, and temperature shifts
bring challenges. However, they also offer
opportunities for innovative, resilient, and
sustainable solutions. Adapting and committing to
sustainability are crucial for resilient critical
structures.
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Thank You