Comprehensive benefits evaluation of highway sand control engineering based on matter-element extension model with variable weight

Abstract

Abstract A scientific and reasonable sand control engineering can effectively reduce the impact of wind and sand activities on highway. The accurate evaluation of the comprehensive benefits about sand control engineering is the key to judging whether they can achieve the expected protective effect and ensure the smooth operation of desert highway. Through literature surveys and integrated analysis of typical highway sand control engineering in desert areas, a comprehensive benefits evaluation indicator system for highway sand control engineering was constructed from three dimensions: engineering benefits, economic benefits and environmental benefits. Then, the matter-element extension model with variable weight was introduced to calculate the indicator weights and a comprehensive benefit evaluation model for sand control engineering was proposed. The model allows the problem of distortion in evaluation result due to fluctuations in indicator values to be resolved. Combined with sand control engineering in the desert section of the Wuhai-Maqin Highway in China, the verification of the evaluation results was implemented. The research results show that the comprehensive benefits of the sand control engineering in the desert section of the Wuhai-Maqin Highway is in the “good” level, but it is slightly inclined towards the trend of the “medium” level. In this case, the ability to resisting wind and sand, construction quality and growth and restoration of vegetation, the three evaluation indicators of 13 evaluation indicators are the key indicators which make a significant impact on the comprehensive benefits. In the operation and maintenance stage, the growth and recovery ability of vegetation can be enhanced by strengthening the cultivation of vegetation, and the linkage of engineering, economy and environmental benefits can be promoted. The research results can be used as a reference for the evaluation of highway sand control engineering in wind and sand areas.