The main objective of this Project is the development of a methodology and ICT tools which will allow an advanced simulation of intermodal railway logistics platforms models in order to support tasks related to both design and planning phases. Using the combination of demand/economic/capacity models as main inputs, an evaluation of scenarios will be possible by means of the comparison of an underlying Building Information Modeling output composed of different data sets such as CAPEX, OPEX or energy efficiency. Moreover, using these new design tool an improvement of the QOS and boost transhipment operations between rail and road transport will be achieved. Above BIM2Operate translate and demonstrate the benefits of BIM during the operational phase, the tools can be extended with a specific simulator to get other indicators about the performance of the operations. The scope of this proposal addresses two of a maximum of five aspects expected by the European Commission: - Development of whole system planning environments (based e.g. on virtual design concepts such as BIM - Building Information Modeling) to support the streamlined delivery of infrastructure projects from concept to deployment. In this respect, the rail sector deserves particular attention. - Solutions for advanced infrastructure capacity planning and modeling for all transport modes.

BlueBird - BuiLding-integrated User-Empowered flexiBIlity tRaDing With the objectives of the Green Deal in mind, BlueBird aims to tackle the advantages derived from an increased use of flexibility assets in the electricity domain, leveraging AI and data solutions. BlueBird will deliver a comprehensive and validated toolset, to fully allow competitive adoption of buildings as energy flexibility assets, supporting smooth integration of services towards energy market players (i.e., TSO, DSO, aggregators) while maximally aligning with end-user's (i.e., building managers, occupants) requirements and acceptance criteria. BlueBird trials will take place in seven large-scale pilots in six countries: Spain, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Denmark, and Germany. These trials will include the validation of end-user and beneficiary acceptance using social-science methods. To foster replicability, BlueBird will offer a package of lessons learned and recommendations for future adoption. This will include suggestions for feasible win-win industrial partnerships and guidance on ecosystem sustainability. These ambitious objectives will be achieved by a consortium of experienced and highly complementary partners from research institutions, industrial sectors, public authorities, and NGOs across eight European countries.

This proposal is in response to the call for International Cooperation in Aeronautics with China, MG-1.10-2015 under Horizon 2020 “Enhanced Additive Manufacturing of Metal Components and Resource Efficient Manufacturing Processes for Aerospace Applications”. The objectives are to develop the manufacturing processes identified in the call: (i) Additive manufacturing (AM); (ii) Near Net Shape Hot Isostatic Pressing (NNSHIPping) and (iii) Investment Casting of Ti alloys. The end-users specify the properties and provide computer-aided design, (CAD) files of components and these components will be manufactured using one or more of the three technologies. During the research programme, experiments will be carried out aimed at optimising the process routes and these technologies will be optimised using process modelling. Components manufactured during process development will be assessed and their dimensional accuracies and properties compared with specifications and any need for further process development identified. The specific areas that will be focussed on include: (a) the slow build rate and the build up of stresses during AM; (b) the reproducibility of products, the characteristics of the powder and the development of reusable and/or low cost tooling for NNSHIP; (c) the scatter in properties caused by inconsistent microstructures; (d) improving the strength of wax patterns and optimising welding of investment cast products. The process development will be finalised in month 30 so that state-of-the-art demonstrators can be manufactured and assessed by partners and end-users, during the final 6 months. The cost of the process route for components will be provided to the end-users and this, together with their assessment of the quality of these products, will allow the end-users to decide whether to transfer the technologies to their supply chain. The innovation will come through application of improved processes to manufacture the demonstrator components.