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Building Institutional Capacity for Engaged Research: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education Board on Science EducationThe complex challenges facing society today call for new ways of doing research that bring researchers, policy makers, community leaders and members, industry stakeholders, and others together to identify evidence needs, contribute different kinds of knowledge and expertise, and use evidence to accomplish shared goals. Although momentum is building toward a research enterprise that more routinely enables and rewards this type of collaboration, the development of institutional capacities to support diverse forms of engaged research have not kept pace with the need for them. To explore opportunities for engaged and societally impactful scholarship, the Board on Science Education at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop, Building Institutional Capacity for Engaged Research in Washington, D.C, held online on June 13 and 14, 2024. A diverse set of leaders and stakeholders from across the research ecosystem shared actionable ideas and innovations that participants could use for building institutional capacity for engaged research in their own in their own institutions and settings and proposed concrete ideas for coordination and capacity building to advance engaged research. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion of the workshop.
Parks and Other Recreational Uses on Airport Property
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program C. Daniel PratherAirports that have publicly accessible parks or other recreational use spaces on airport property have reported strengthening community relationships. ACRP Synthesis 137: Parks and Other Recreational Uses on Airport Property, from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, describes the experiences of airports that provide airport property for publicly accessible parks and other recreational uses. This effort includes documenting the development, management, and operation of existing airport programs; the perceived benefits and risks of utilizing airport property for parks and recreational uses; and how these uses can support community goals.
Carbon Removal at Airports
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program Amy Swan Jane Zelikova Keith Paustian Zhe Huang Scott Cary Julia M. Nagy Sara Kaplan Katherine B. Preston Carly Shannon Candace Gosney Ben Pecheux Krista Robertson Jen Wolchansky Lauren Rasmussen Celeste Vandeventer Kate AndrusAirports are committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, some by as soon as 2050. Part of that commitment can include carbon dioxide removal (CDR), a segment of the industry that is rapidly changing; new technology, science, and best practices are constantly being discovered and published. With CDR pathways, there are many details, opportunities, constraints, and application guidelines for airports to consider. ACRP Research Report 270: Carbon Removal at Airports, from TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Board, aims to define the terms related to CDR and potential applications and discusses the need for carbon reduction, the different pathways for removing carbon, a process for evaluating CDR, and airport-specific considerations.
Electricity System Operability and Reliability Under Increasing Complexity: Proceedings of a Workshop
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences Board on Energy and Environmental SystemsThe U.S. electricity system, known collectively as “the grid,” is increasingly integrating a complex array of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and small-scale energy generators. By harnessing a diverse range of power sources and often generating energy close to the point of use rather than only in central power plants, DERs offer unprecedented flexibility in electricity generation and management. However, the imperative to maintain and improve the operational integrity of the grid as it takes on increasing quantities of DERs represents an emerging critical issue, particularly as demand for electricity enters a period of significant growth in many places across the United States. To consider the research needs, operational standards, regulatory approaches, market incentives, and other facets relevant to ensuring the operational integrity of the grid as it integrates complex distributed elements, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop on Electricity System Operability and Reliability under Increasing Complexity in Washington, DC, on June 17-18, 2024. The workshop convened representatives from government, industry, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to examine a variety of challenges that grid operators face in maintaining reliable and equitable electricity service, along with emerging technologies and capabilities that may impact grid operations and reliability.
Xavier Cortada: Climate Science Art
by Cultural Programs of the National Academy of SciencesThis catalog documents Xavier Cortada: Climate Science Art, an exhibition featuring Miami-based artist Xavier Cortada's climate change-focused artwork from Miami-Dade County, Florida, and the North and South Pole, spanning 2007 to the present. The exhibition was on view at the National Academy of Sciences from July 10 through December 31, 2024. Cortada initiated The Underwater, a community-led climate action project, to raise awareness about sea level rise. It uses interactive public art installations, including yard signs, murals, and sustainable concrete markers, to reveal South Florida's elevation, spark conversations, and spur civic engagement. The exhibition also featured earlier examples of Cortada's projects exploring ideas of global interconnectedness to raise awareness about the realities of climate change. The catalog features the transcript of an interview with Jennifer Jurado, chief resilience officer and deputy director of the Resilient Environment Department, Broward County, Florida, and an essay by xtine burrough, a media artist known for her work in digital poetry, social media interventions, artist books, and prints.
LTPP Data Analysis: Improving Use of FWD and Longitudinal Profile Measurements
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Steve M. Karamihas Xue Helen Yang Joshua Li Alberto Rocher Nick Weitzel Sarah Lopez Timin Punnackal Linda M. PiercePavement structures are designed, constructed, and maintained to support traffic loadings and to minimize the impact of climatic factors on pavement performance. However, variation in environmental factors such as surface temperature and moisture content can result in changes in pavement material properties and impact performance. For asphalt pavement layers, the most significant environmental factor influencing performance is temperature, and for jointed plain concrete pavements, it is temperature and moisture gradients between the top and the bottom of the slab. NCHRP Web-Only Document 416: LTPP Data Analysis: Improving Use of FWD and Longitudinal Profile Measurements, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents the development of an approach to adjust falling weight deflectometer measurements to account for changes in temporal and diurnal temperature and moisture conditions for asphalt pavements and to evaluate longitudinal profile measurements to account for curl and warp of jointed plain concrete pavements.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Airport Passenger Parking Facilities
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program Karim Lujan Harshit Shukla Jacqueline KuzioElectric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States have increased from around 100,000 in 2013 to more than one million in 2023. In turn, airports have installed charging stations to meet their customers? needs, prepare for expected demand, and comply with local ordinances. At least 93 out of the 145 hub airports are offering EV charging in their passenger parking facilities, up from 37 in 2014. ACRP Synthesis 138: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Airport Passenger Parking Facilities, from TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program, documents the current experience with EV charging at airports, specifically within passenger parking facilities. Although the use of EVs and the need for charging equipment exists across the airport, publicly accessible charging is a unique use case that presents a different set of challenges than either employee parking or fleet charging facilities.
Load Rating of Segmental Bridges
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Benjamin Morris Eddie He John Corven Bellikoth Bhaktha Furkan Cakmak Christopher Eamon Fatmir Menkulasi Serap Hanbay Chan Yang Patrick Lou Hani Nassif Robert Barnes Jacek Chmielewski Pablo Hurtado Andrzej Nowak Karina PopokA segmental bridge is constructed in short sections or segments that are either precast or cast-in-place concrete. Segmental bridges were first built in the United States in the 1970s and have proven to be an efficient design for long span bridges. NCHRP Research Report 1128: Load Rating of Segmental Bridges, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents procedures for load rating of segmental bridges. The proposed recommendations were developed based on extensive review of the state of practice of the evaluation of segmental bridges and comprehensive analytical programs.
Knowledge Management at State Departments of Transportation: Research Roadmap
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Tanisha Hall Kristen Adams Connor Brown Frances D. HarrisonIn most state departments of transportation (DOTs), a significant portion of the workforce continues to be eligible for retirement, which could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge. Collaboration and interdisciplinary work are also increasing the need for effective, efficient, and timely knowledge transfer. State DOTs and other transportation agencies could benefit from knowledge management (KM) techniques and practices to help identify, capture, and transfer institutional knowledge and support continuous learning. KM continues to evolve, particularly in the understanding of factors such as cognitive science, learning cultures, and knowledge risk. NCHRP Research Report 1134: Knowledge Management at State Departments of Transportation: Research Roadmap, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents a research roadmap for promoting KM among state DOTs and other transportation agencies. The roadmap consists of 11 research problem statements covering a broad set of research needs that agencies at different stages of readiness for conducting KM research can undertake to support their KM programs.
Tracking Safety Leading Indicators to Improve DOT Employee Safety Performance
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Roy E. Sturgill Jr. Gabriel B. DadiLagging indicators in occupational safety and health are required reporting figures that provide an industry-standard metric to measure the number of employees injured annually or impacted by a recordable injury. Recognizing the weaknesses of traditional lagging indicators to proactively manage occupational safety, many organizations and industries have emphasized safety leading indicators; that is, metrics to identify safety-related activities to consider before an incident occurs. NCHRP Synthesis 637: Tracking Safety Leading Indicators to Improve DOT Employee Safety Performance, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, explores issues related to safety leading indicator practices used by state departments of transportation (DOTs) to track and prevent occupational injuries and other incidents. The synthesis also includes findings from a survey related to safety leading indicators of practices used by state DOTs.
Guide for Truck Parking Information Management Systems
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Ernie Perry Dan Murray Matt Junak Chuck Miller Gui Leao Chris Lindsey Peter RaffertyRecent studies of truck parking demand and capacity constraints reflect a consensus that truck parking demand exceeds the available supply in many public rest areas and private truck stops nationwide. NCHRP Research Report 1137: Guide for Truck Parking Information Management Systems, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, provides information on these systems that help address the need to provide safer parking options for commercial vehicle operators and reduce the time they take to search for parking through the collection and dissemination of real-time parking availability using a variety of technologies. Supplemental to the report is NCHRP Web-Only Document 415: Developing a Guide for Truck Parking Information Management Systems.
Developing a Guide for Truck Parking Information Management Systems
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Ernie Perry Dan Murray Matt Junak Chuck Miller Gui Leao Chris Lindsey Peter RaffertySafe and efficient freight movement depends on sufficient and strategically located truck parking. Federal hours of service regulations require drivers to take breaks at defined intervals, leading to a search for parking ahead of their allowable drive time expires or while staging for their pick-up and delivery slots. This results in lost productivity, higher shipping costs, safety and environmental impacts of circulating trucks, and increased congestion. NCHRP Web-Only Document 415: Developing a Guide for Truck Parking Information Management Systems, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, is supplemental to NCHRP Research Report 1137: Guide for Truck Parking Information Management Systems.
Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program Katie Franco Rosemary Barnes Dirk Singer David Weingart Frank BerardinoAs communities become more socially and environmentally conscious, there is growing awareness of some of the adverse impacts of aviation activity, including its contribution to climate change and the resulting social pressure to sometimes discourage air travel. ACRP Research Report 277: Communicating a Balanced Look at Local Airport Activity and Climate Change, from TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program, is a guide for airport practitioners to understand the relationships among their airport’s activity, economic benefits, and climate change. The guide offers rules of thumb to estimate these changes and effectively communication strategies that directly address the most common community concerns.
Airfield Vehicle Service Road Design and Operations
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program Mark RichterIndustry guidance on the planning, operation, and design of airfield vehicle service roads (VSRs) is limited and dispersed across multiple documents. For that reason, VSR systems vary across the industry and are usually influenced by an airport’s unique operational demands, vehicle types, airfield and facility configurations, and other airport-specific characteristics. ACRP Synthesis 139: Airfield Vehicle Service Road Design and Operations, from TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program, describes planning, design, and operations for airfield VSR systems, including operations on apron, non-movement, and movement areas. The synthesis considers VSR issues such as maintaining the road, driver’s training, safety concerns, and operational challenges of VSR layouts.
Prevention and Mitigation of Bridge and Tunnel Strikes
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Neil Janes Hannah Silber Dan D'Angelo Jason J. Bittner Sam Arnold Bob Scopatz Frank Gross Mohammad Wael Amer Andrew Graettinger Habib Tabatabai Yang Li Xiao QinThere has been an increase in bridge and tunnel strikes in the United States, presenting significant hazards to both the vehicles involved and the structural integrity of bridges and tunnels. Nationally, there are over 15,000 bridge strikes annually, costing millions of dollars in repairs and posing serious safety risks. The pressing need for a comprehensive solution is evident. NCHRP Web-Only Document 411: Prevention and Mitigation of Bridge and Tunnel Strikes, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, is supplemental to NCHRP Research Report 1132: Bridge and Tunnel Strikes: A Guide for Prevention and Mitigation.
Bridge and Tunnel Strikes: A Guide for Prevention and Mitigation
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Neil Janes Hannah Silber Dan D’Angelo Jason J. Bittner Sam Arnold Bob Scopatz Frank Gross Mohammad Wael Amer Andrew Graettinger Habib Tabatabai Yang Li Xiao Qin“Bridge and tunnel strikes inflict serious damage to vehicles, highway bridges, and tunnels; cause injuries and fatalities; and impose detours and costly delays on highway users. Attempts by state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other bridge and tunnel owners to prevent bridge and tunnel strikes include signing, lighting, height detection systems, and actuated warning devices. NCHRP Research Report 1132: Bridge and Tunnel Strikes: A Guide for Prevention and Mitigation, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents state-of-the-art information to assist state DOTs in the prevention and mitigation of bridge and tunnel strikes by overheight motor vehicles. Supplemental to the report is NCHRP Web-Only Report 411: Prevention and Mitigation of Bridge and Tunnel Strikes.”
Implementing Data Governance at Transportation Agencies: Volume 1: Implementation Guide
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Llc Anything Awesome Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Spy Pond Partners, LLCAs of 2023, two-thirds of the 51 state departments of transportation (DOTs) had established some form of agency-level data governance or were actively exploring setting up data governance in their agencies.; NCHRP Web-Only Document 419: Implementing Data Governance at Transportation Agencies, Volume 1: Implementation Guide, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, draws upon lessons learned and successful practices of these early adopters.
Implementing Data Governance at Transportation Agencies: Volume 2: Communications Guide
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Llc Anything Awesome Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Spy Pond Partners, LLCData governance involves changing the mindset and behaviors of data managers, producers, and users across the organization. Therefore, communication is key to success of any data governance initiative. NCHRP Web-Only Document 419: Implementing Data Governance at Transportation Agencies, Volume 2: Communications Guide, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, is a companion document to NCHRP Web-Only Document 419: Implementing Data Governance at Transportation Agencies, Volume 1: Implementation Guide.
Transitioning to Net-Zero Carbon: Engineering Challenges and Opportunities: Proceedings of a Forum
by National Academy of EngineeringEngineers will be at the vanguard of the energy transition away from a heavy reliance on fossil fuels to energy systems that result in no net release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. They will develop, commercialize, implement, and evaluate the technologies that will result in net-zero carbon. They will work with natural and social scientists, policymakers, and the general public to provide guidance on needed investments and technological options. At the 2022 forum of the National Academy of Engineering’s annual meeting, five prominent engineers who are experts in the area of energy discussed the transition to net-zero carbon. Presenters explored the prospects for achieving net-zero carbon and the role engineers must play if the world is to meet that ambitious goal. This publication summarizes the discussion of the forum.
State DOT Certification Programs for Materials Sampling and Testing Personnel
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Desna Bergold Georgene M. GearyState departments of transportation (DOTs) are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the nation‘s roadway infrastructure, which requires quality materials and workmanship verified through inspection and testing. NCHRP Synthesis 638: State DOT Certification Programs for Materials Sampling and Testing Personnel, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, documents practices used by DOTs for implementing qualification and certification programs for the personnel who conduct materials sampling and testing in accordance with federal requirements.
Quantitative Safety Analyses for Highway Applications
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Jennifer Ogle Brelend Gowan John Campbell Douglas W. Harwood Daniel Cook Elizabeth Wemple Ingrid Potts Karen Dixon Darren TorbicDevelopment of the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual began from a TRB conference session and a workshop, both held in 1999, that identified the need for a traffic safety document analogous to the role of the Highway Capacity Manual for traffic operations. NCHRP Research Report 1140: Quantitative Safety Analyses for Highway Applications, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, describes a multiyear research process undertaken to improve the state of the practice for quantitative safety analyses for highway applications.
Agency Implementation of Alternative Contracting Methods
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Mounir El AsmarThe use of alternative contracting methods (ACMs) has accelerated the delivery of highway design and construction projects. Led by documented successes on large, high-profile projects such as I-15 in Utah, the Intercounty Connector in Maryland, and the Sellwood Bridge in Oregon, ACMs have resulted in shorter project delivery times with less disruption to the traveling public. The use of ACMs is becoming commonplace in projects by state departments of transportation, but not just for large projects. The information in this document builds on the three-volume NCHRP Research Report 939: Guidebooks for Post-Award Contract Administration for Highway Projects Delivered Using Alternative Contracting Methods. NCHRP Web-Only Document 421: Agency Implementation of Alternative Contracting Methods, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, aims to ensure agencies have the practical methods and tools to improve their ACM contract administration.
Engineering the Future for Sustainability: Measuring and Communicating Our Progress: Proceedings of a Forum
by National Academy of EngineeringThe theme of the 2023 annual meeting of the National Academy of Engineering, which was held in Washington, DC, on October 1-2, was "Engineering the Future for Sustainability." A highlight of the meeting was a plenary presentation entitled "Sustainability: The Defining Challenge and Opportunity of the 21st Century", which explored the vital contributions of engineers in the movement toward sustainability. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the plenary.
Gaps and Emerging Technologies in the Application of Solid-State Roadway Lighting
by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program Don McLean Katie McLaughlin Tom Timcho Paul Lutkevich Travis Longcore Mansoureh Sadat Jalali Steven Stapleton Andrew Kassing Yingfeng “Eric” Li Rajaram Bhagavathula Ronald GibbonsRoadway lighting must balance user needs and safety with the impact of the lighting system on the environment. For example, the impact of lighting on flora and fauna might be considered more important for a roadway along a wildlife reserve or in a coastal region, whereas user safety might be more critical on interstates and major arterials. NCHRP Web-Only Document 420: Gaps and Emerging Technologies in the Application of Solid-State Roadway Lighting, from TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, narrows the knowledge gaps related to the further application of Solid-State Roadway Lighting.
The Garden Gate
by Christa J. KindeThe Pomeroys pull together in the aftermath of the storm that shook West Edinton—and Prissie’s faith—to its very foundations. Letting go proves difficult, and holding on takes all of her courage. With the encouragement of a brother who’s in on her secret, Prissie finds her feet. With the help of the bane who’s now a brother, she takes a stand. As spring comes to the orchard, a cryptic remark from Abner hints at West Edinton’s long-kept secret. A beloved aunt returns from overseas. A faded angel takes up residence atop the Pomeroys’ refrigerator. A treasured friend must say goodbye. While ranks of the Faithful rally to defend what’s most precious, Prissie discovers that angels aren’t the only ones who are Sent.