An analysis of the development of the infrastructures linked to the use of electric cars on the Titano and an in-depth analysis of the use of an experimental asphalt in a section of the highway, built within the framework of an international project, characterized the graduation session which last Monday, December 7, involved the master's program in Civil Engineering of the University of the Republic of San Marino.
In detail, the student Umberto Lonfernini has signed a thesis which has made it possible to define, among other things, how much infrastructure, in particular charging stations, will be necessary to support the progressive diffusion of electric vehicles in the republic, with what costs and with what impact for the electricity grid, given the resulting increase in energy use. Among the elements analysed, all the details of the over 3 top-ups carried out in the 20 columns managed by the Autonomous State Authority for Public Services, which participated in the project, between July 2018 and July 2020. The study also addresses the issue of environmental impact considering both the direct production of CO2 from internal combustion cars and the indirect production linked to the generation of the electricity required for recharging.
"It has been established, with sufficient knowledge of the facts", how "convenient it is to invest in the sustainable mobility sector", reads one of the conclusions of the thesis. In this context, Lonfernini foresees the need to "introduce incentives for the use of electric vehicles and continue with the purchase incentive policy implemented so far". At stake, he underlines, are "economic and environmental benefits".
The study on the recent construction of an experimental section of asphalt on the highway, in the uphill lane in front of the former La Serenella restaurant, in Domagnano, was instead curated by Elisa Guidi, graduated with 110 cum laude. According to the analysis, the 'green' technologies at the center of the works were confirmed as "valid eco-sustainable alternatives to traditional blends" and "offer appreciable advantages from an environmental and economic point of view".
The initiative, which involved an area of about 800 square meters, was carried out by the Autonomous State Company for Public Works in collaboration with the University of San Marino and as part of an international project financed by the Conference of European Directors of Roads, which promotes best practices in the management of the continent's road networks.
The graduation session on Monday involved a total of five students from the bachelor's and master's degree programmes. It took place remotely, in telematic mode.
