A civil engineer in Amsterdam is designing a flood-resistant bike path elevated on permeable concrete. The path is 2.5 km long, 3 meters wide, and 0.2 meters deep. If the material density is 2.4 tons per cubic meter, how many tons of material are needed?
["A Thoughtful Innovation in Urban Infrastructure: The Permeable Concrete Flood-Resistant Bike Path in Amsterdam", "As climate change intensifies and urban areas face increased flood risks, innovative engineering solutions are emerging to protect cities while enhancing sustainability. One striking example is a newly designed 2.5-kilometer flood-resistant bike path in Amsterdam, engineered to withstand rising waters and heavy urban traffic.", "Constructed as a 3-meter-wide elevated path with a depth of 0.2 meters, this infrastructure not only provides a safe, accessible route for cyclists but also incorporates permeable concrete to manage stormwater efficiently. This eco-friendly design allows rainwater to filter through, reducing runoff and alleviating pressure on Amsterdam’s complex drainage systems—critical in a city famously built on water.", "Beyond environmental resilience, the path exemplifies modern civil engineering innovation. Using a lightweight yet durable permeable concrete with a density of 2.4 tons per cubic meter, the project optimizes structural performance while minimizing environmental impact. This specialized concrete ensures long-term durability against water exposure and dynamic loads from frequent cyclists, all while supporting sustainable urban mobility.", "---", "Calculating the Material Requirement: How Many Tons of Permeable Concrete Are Needed?", "The bike path measures 2.5 kilometers (2,500 meters) long, 3 meters wide, and 0.2 meters deep. To determine the total volume of material required, we use the formula:", "[\n\ ext{Volume} = \ ext{Length} \ imes \ ext{Width} \ imes \ ext{Depth}\n]", "[\n\ ext{Volume} = 2,500, \ ext{m} \ imes 3, \ ext{m} \ imes 0.2, \ ext{m} = 1,500, \ ext{cubic meters (m}^3\ ext{)}\n]", "Given the concrete’s density is 2.4 tons per cubic meter, the total weight of the material is:", "[\n\ ext{Mass} = \ ext{Volume} \ imes \ ext{Density} = 1,500, \ ext{m}^3 \ imes 2.4, \ ext{tons/m}^3 = 3,600, \ ext{tons}\n]", "Thus, approximately 3,600 tons of permeable concrete are needed to construct the entire bike path.", "This precise calculation supports sustainable urban planning, ensuring that Amsterdam’s cycling infrastructure remains robust, flood-resistant, and environmentally responsible. By combining durability, water management, and smart materials, this project sets a benchmark for future climate-adaptive public works."]
