A QUALITATIVE STUDY INTO THE CHALLENGES IN ADAPTINGRAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

Chuks Medoh, Mbavhalelo Dzimbahe, Jan Harm Pretorius

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study examines challenges faced by operators of a South African railway in adapting their infrastructure to climate change impacts. The research aims to investigate climate impacts on railway infrastructure, existing adaptation measures, challenges in adaptation, and their influence on railway infrastructure resilience to climate impacts. One-on-one interviews were conducted with seven key participants out of fifteen invited within a single department with a population of fifty engineers and engineering managers. The study used qualitative research strategies to examine data and four qualitative research strategies to ensure reliability and validity: Prolonged Engagement, Triangulation, Member Checking, and Audit Trail. The study finds that extreme weather events such as excessive rainfall, extreme winds, and extreme temperatures significantly impact railway infrastructure. The study recommends proactive measures, adequate funding, leadership commitment, awareness and training programs, and real-time data monitoring to enhance resilience.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2024 International Annual Conference and 45th Annual Meeting
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering Management Riding the Waves of Smart Systems, ASEM 2024
EditorsGanapathy Natarajan, Hao Zhang, Ean Ng
PublisherAmerican Society for Engineering Management
Pages629-638
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9798985333480
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event2024 International Annual Conference of the American Society for Engineering Management and 45th Annual Meeting: Engineering Management Riding the Waves of Smart Systems, ASEM 2024 - Virginia Beach, United States
Duration: 6 Nov 20249 Nov 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2024 International Annual Conference and 45th Annual Meeting: Engineering Management Riding the Waves of Smart Systems, ASEM 2024

Conference

Conference2024 International Annual Conference of the American Society for Engineering Management and 45th Annual Meeting: Engineering Management Riding the Waves of Smart Systems, ASEM 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirginia Beach
Period6/11/249/11/24

Keywords

  • Adaptation
  • Barriers
  • Climate Change
  • Climate Impact
  • Railway
  • Resilience
  • South Africa
  • Transportation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Strategy and Management
  • Information Systems and Management

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