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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Impact of Noise Barriers on Residential Property Values</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652033</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Highway noise barriers require substantial investment from the Commonwealth of Virginia, yet their effects on nearby residential property values remain uncertain. This study will evaluate the impact of highway noise barriers on residential property values in Virginia, addressing two gaps: (1) reliance on dated Virginia studies, and (2) unclear roles of confounding factors such as school redistricting, crime, interest rates, HOA (homeowner associations and associated amenities), and economic shocks.  The study will deliver Virginia-specific, quantitative evidence on the extent to which noise barriers affect property values.

The study will identify and analyze at least eight matched pairs of neighborhoods (one with a barrier and one without) for the years with available 2012-2024 sales data, with additional pairs included as data availability allows.  If those years are not available, the analysis will focus on the years for which verified sales and barrier data can be obtained.  A regression model will be developed that forecast the log of sales price based on barrier presence or absence plus confounding factors such as home size, type of neighborhood, and time (year and quarter) of sale.  Then, the regression model will be used in two study designs—a cross-sectional analysis and a pre-post analysis.

This study has been requested by Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT’s) Environmental Division to support litigation and to improve communication with citizens.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:12:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652033</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Framework for participatory evaluation of greenery screens in
environmental justice communities
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420067</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A growing strategy to mitigate environmental harms is the implementation of green infrastructure in
high-pollution zones, such as greenery screens, vegetation barriers, and living walls. This study
synthesizes the outcomes of existing projects and proposes an evaluation framework that centers
community participation. Greenery screens and sound walls are intended to mitigate noise and air
pollution, which can reduce health disparities and improve quality of life in surrounding communities.
Additional co-benefits may be observed when considering the role of this infrastructure during
extreme weather events, such as flooding, extreme heat, and poor air quality from wildfires.
Within the sustainability framework known as the triple bottom line, some studies have begun to
examine the environmental, social, and financial benefits of green infrastructure, but initial findings
on the effectiveness of greenery screens remain inconclusive. Expanding this framework to include
the principles of equitable evaluation, methodological advancements are needed to account not only
for distributional equity, but structural and procedural equity, as well. For example, integrating the
cumulative impact assessments required by the National Environmental Policy Act into the infrastructure evaluation process could be one means of addressing structural equity, and practicing
living labs where community members collect and interpret data from sensors tracking environmental
determinants of health could be a technique to incorporate procedural equity into the evaluation
process. The proposed systematic literature review will result in actionable strategies for working in
collaboration with low-income communities of color who have been disproportionally harmed by
freeway infrastructure to advance environmental justice. Findings from this study will provide
recommendations to policymakers and analysts committed to advancing distributional, structural,
and procedural equity.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:05:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420067</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Evaluation of Lightweight Soundwall Panel Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2314003</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will focus on the lightweight soundwall panels, and the structural components associated with them that are often mounted on bridges but can also be found adjacent to a roadway.  While it is common for these panels to be metallic, other materials have also been used by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).  Therefore, it is expected that some of the lightweight soundwall panels may be more durable than others.   

Since VDOT is the owner of these soundwall panels, VDOT must also maintain them when they degrade and need to be repaired.  Therefore, the relative durability of the different soundwall panels is important to VDOT because more durable soundwall panels will decrease maintenance costs for the Department. To better understand the relative durability of lightweight soundwalls in Virginia, a research effort to study this question was proposed.     

The research study discussed herein proposes to perform field evaluations to assess the general condition of lightweight soundwall panel systems.  This study will capture condition data for various types of soundwall systems located throughout Virginia to determine if there are any features that contribute to greater durability.  Data  will be gathered on the materials used, the condition of the soundwall panels, and any visual damage to the structural components.  This information will be shared, and recommendation will be made in the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) final report.    
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Dec 2023 11:11:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2314003</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bio-Inspired Solutions for Jersey and Road Noise Barriers: Exploring 3D Printing as Alternative Precast Technology</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250458</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project aims to leverage the potential of concrete 3D printing as an alternative precast technology to develop innovative Jersey barriers for impact energy absorption and self-reconfigurable acoustic metamaterials for road noise mitigation. By combining concrete and polymers and exploring the novel approach of printing two materials simultaneously, the project seeks to optimize energy dissipation in Jersey barriers and develop customized acoustic barriers with improved noise reduction capabilities. The research will involve design, comprehensive analysis, fabrication techniques, and rigorous testing to validate the performance and durability of the 3D-printed barriers. The findings from this project have the potential to significantly enhance road safety and noise reduction in transportation infrastructure. By providing novel solutions backed by thorough validation, the project aims to offer sustainable and effective measures for mitigating impact forces and reducing road traffic noise.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:12:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250458</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effectiveness of Short Solid Barriers to Reduce Noise Generated by Different Types of Highway Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2118538</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Highway noise impacts are currently abated with relatively tall concrete noise barriers, which can be costly and visually obtrusive. Shorter barriers are starting to be evaluated for noise reduction in other states.  For at-grade and elevated roadways, placement of a jersey barrier at the edge of pavement instead of a traditional metal beam guard rail could reduce noise levels enough to avoid construction of a traditional taller sound barrier.  The ability to effectively mitigate noise impacts using a shorter less expensive structure such as a jersey wall, could equate to significant cost savings for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration if doing so is a viable alternative to constructing a traditional concrete noise barrier.  This solution could also be effective for locations where a traditional noise barrier cannot be feasibly constructed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:15:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2118538</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Acoustic Effectiveness of Vinyl Fence Noise Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1762184</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of this research is to evaluate the acoustic benefits of vinyl fencing and determine its potential as an alternative to a traditional noise barrier. This research will design, construct and acoustically test a vinyl fence noise barrier and compare the results with Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT's) conventional concrete and fiberglass noise barriers in terms of cost, installation, material characteristics, maintenance, noise, etc.                                ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2021 11:45:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1762184</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Acoustical Standard for Noise Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1650696</link>
      <description><![CDATA[​
Noise walls are constructed along the highways and roadways to protect adjacent residents from the adverse effect of noise from road traffic. Although most noise walls in United States are made of concrete, other​ materials are also available and newer materials are being introduced. However, no uniform standard is maintained by the material manufacturers and vendors regarding the acoustical effectiveness of these materials. Additionally, there is no available benchmark to evaluate different materials with respect to the existing concrete noise walls in terms of reducing traffic related noise. In this proposed project, the research team will systematically evaluate available materials for noise walls and their corresponding industry acoustical standards.  Different acoustical evaluation methods will be analyzed methodologically considering the factors such as human perception, noise frequency bands. Adequacy of different methods will be determined for the purpose of selecting materials for noise walls. Based on the detailed analysis, thresholds for different noise measurement methods will be determined and benchmarked. The research team will also collect field data for the existing noise walls to determine the acoustical effectiveness of commonly used noise wall materials (such as concrete). To help NCDOT in selecting and approving noise wall materials, the team will develop a guideline which will include a material attribute matrix benchmarked with respect to concrete noise walls. The guideline will also include directions regarding how a new noise wall material needs to be evaluated and tested.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:58:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1650696</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research for the AASHTO Committee on Environment and Sustainability. Task 106. Highway Noise and Historic Properties: A National Review of Effects and Mitigation Practices</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1489874</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties eligible for listing in, or listed in the National Register of Historic Places ("historic properties") and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) a reasonable opportunity to comment. According to 36 CFR 800.5(a)(2)(v), adverse effects specifically can include the "introduction of visual, atmospheric, or audible elements that diminish the integrity of the property's significant historic features". While the analysis of effects resulting from alteration or diminishment of setting by visual changes are a common element of Section 106 consultation, analysis of noise effects on historic properties is less common.

In 2012, NCHRP Task 72 examined the practices used to address the potential effects of construction vibration on historic buildings (the Task 72 final report is available at http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3115). Since that time, there has been considerable interest in taking a similar approach to examine highway noise impacts to historic properties.   

The purpose of this study was to provide a resource to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) in understanding the long-term effects of highway noise on historic properties, how these effects are considered under Section 106, and to provide examples of successful mitigation practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Nov 2017 19:44:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1489874</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP); Special Studies, Reviews, Conferences, and Special Projects</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1415608</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this task order is to provide research on the topic of Field Evaluation of Reflected Noise from a Single Noise Barrier.  The research objectives are as follows:  (1) determine the noise level magnitude, and in particular, the fractional octave-band frequency spectrum of the overall noise in the presence of a single reflective noise barrier for positions on the opposite side of the highway; (2) compare through use of equivalent site analysis and/or simultaneous measurements, the difference in overall noise level and frequency distribution (3) compare cases with both reflective barriers and to include data based on standard highway noise metrics that would contribute to an overall understanding of the perception of this reflected sound; (4) use the quantitative analyses to determine if the degree/magnitude and /or composition of the noise level actually changes; (5) help state departments of transportation (DOTs) gain a better understanding of when it may be necessary to use absorptive surfaces on noise barriers or other structures such as retaining walls; and (6) produce insight and data to help serve as a validation tool and be incorporated into future version of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model to enhance implementation of reflection calculation algorithms in the program.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:34:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1415608</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strength of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1320623</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Post-tensioned masonry walls (PT-MWs) will be an ideal candidate for accelerating the construction of sound barriers in highways. PT-MWs have been in use for a while; however, there has been no rigorous single-study in the United States about in-plane strength of PT-MWs built out of concrete masonry units. This project will investigate the in-plane behavior of six full-scale unbonded post-tensioned walls. All the walls will have the same total post-tensioning force and identical dimensions of 104 in. long, 96 in. high, and 8 in. wide. Spacing between tendons ranging from 32 in. to 96 in. will be investigated. The walls will be subjected to in-plane shear loads of increasing amplitude. Both flexural strength and shear strength will be evaluated and compared to the strengths given by MSJC (2011). The stresses in the tendons will be measured using strain gauges and compared to different formulae.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2014 01:00:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1320623</guid>
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