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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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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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      <title>Design of Stormwater BMPs for Surface and Groundwater Protection Based on Site-Scale Soil Properties: Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706364</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to optimize the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal potential of stormwater basins by improving the ability to predict the performance of common native soil properties alone, or with a BAM amendment, and using two planting specifications typically utilized in Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) maintenance. Phase II will build upon the findings of Design of Stormwater BMPs for Surface and Groundwater Protection Based on Site-Scale Soil Properties: Phase I BDV24-977-43 (hereafter referred to as “Phase I”), which demonstrated the superior performance of unamended native soils with moderate soil organic matter and clay contents in the removal and sequestration of N and P during short-term laboratory experiments. Specifically, the research team will leverage this knowledge in a new experiment with improved external validity through the use of outdoor mesocosms in a multi-year study (e.g., scaling-up in both space and time). Commonly encountered native Florida soils will be prepared and planted per FDOT specification in replicated stock tanks (e.g., ~300-500 gal), with or without a BAM blanket filter, and using at least two FDOT approved vegetative strategies. Inflow and outflow hydrology will be controlled to mimic wet and dry basin hydropatterns and real-time mass balance of nutrient transport/transformation. The plant-soil-microbial interactions will be investigated to determine optimal N and P removal rates under varied hydrology. This new empirical data will improve stormwater BMPs by more accurately assessing the potential of native site soils, planting, and amendment strategies to function in nutrient remediation at the project site scale.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 10:39:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706364</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Improving Vehicle Cabin Air Quality in Daily Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652182</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Drivers and passengers are exposed to traffic-related air pollutants during their ride. This exposure can be high even for a short ride if the driving route includes highly urbanized areas with a large amount of traffic. Unfortunately, the public is vulnerable to this type of exposure in the absence of proper regulations for vehicle cabin air quality. This project aims to assess the effectiveness of portable purifiers and adsorption type cabin filters and establish a test method. First, the study will conduct a survey on portable air purifiers and to identify widely used products. Second, the project team will evaluate the effectiveness of air purifiers when used inside vehicle cabin compared to the existing vehicle cabin filter for particles. Third, the project team will evaluate the effectiveness of air purifiers and adsorption type cabin filters for a gaseous pollutant—nitrogen dioxide—in vehicle cabin conditions. Fourth, the project team will develop a lab-test set-up to specifically evaluate the effectiveness of adsorption type cabin filters. This project will help mitigate the adverse health effects of traffic-related air pollution by reducing their concentrations in vehicle cabins using advanced filters or portable air purifiers.    ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:25:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652182</guid>
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      <title>Implementation of NCHRP Research Report 887 - Guidance for Underwater Installation of Filter Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2560834</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge scour -- the erosion of soil or sediment around abutments and piers -- is one of the leading causes of bridge failure. During the construction of a bridge, countermeasures are taken to prevent this erosion. However, small soil particles can still pass through voids and gaps in the countermeasure structure. To prevent this additional erosion through the countermeasure, a filter should be placed between the countermeasure and the underlying soil. Despite the importance of including filters in the construction of countermeasures, a survey of bridge projects showed that few bridges in the United States include them due to constructability or environmental concerns. The goal of the original research undertaken by Ayres Associates on behalf of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) was to provide guidance on the process for installing these filter systems, addressing common concerns and issues that prevent their inclusion (NCHRP Project 24-42, Research Report 887).  In it, the research outlines the ways in which filters— both granular and geotextile filters — can be installed under different construction conditions. The research examined a number of approaches using these two methods:  -  Loose granular filter (placed either by clamshell or tremie, not dumped)   -  Geotextile fabric by itself (typically placed by divers and temporarily secured by sandbags, steel frame, or pins)  -  Self-sinking mat (machine-placed)   -  Self-sinking mat (diver-placed)   -  Pre-filled geocontainers   -  Diver-filled geocontainers   -  Geotextile affixed to armor. In cases using the loose granular filter and geotextiles, many approaches used certified divers to conduct the installation, giving greater flexibility and control over the process. Divers were responsible for filling geocontainers, guiding self-sinking mats, or placing granular materials using a tremie or clamshell depending on the method. The main considerations in determining which materials and methods to use were the access to the site and clearance (e.g. if the filter to be placed under a pier), the depth of the placement, and the velocity of the flowing water. After installation of any filter type and the armor layer is placed on top of the filter, there is no maintenance required unless the armor layer is damaged (for example during a flood event). Implementation & Impact | Training Workshop As part of the project, Ayres Associates produced an implementation document, Training Manual for Underwater Installation of Filter Systems which formed the basis of the implementation work conducted as part of this project 24-44.  Using this training manual as the foundation, Ayres Associates worked with NCHRP to plan a one-day workshop on October 10, 2019, in Fort Collins, CO. Over 60 different state departments of transportation (DOTs) were invited to participate in the workshop, and ultimately representatives from 16 DOTs attended along with two consultants, and a representative from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Over the course of the workshop, participants learned about the purpose and importance of filters, approaches for their installation, and best practices and recommendations from NCHRP research. At the conclusion of the educational sessions of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to work through a problem-solving session using a real-world case study, where they could apply the knowledge learned earlier in the workshop. Attendees were provided the resources (the Instructor’s Guide, the Power Point® presentation, and a brief video) and the knowledge to return to their agencies and provide essential training on underwater installation of filters to their associates, consultants, and contractors. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:24:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2560834</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Enhanced Covid-19 Rail Car Air Filtration and Air Purification Research Demonstration</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067957</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will test and evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced air filtration (MERV-13) and purification (UVC disinfection) technologies on railcars in revenue service.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067957</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transit Vehicle Enhancements to Mitigate Exposure and Strengthen Confidence in Transit for Riders, Drivers and Staff</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067955</link>
      <description><![CDATA[MMTs proposed fixed-route vehicle enhancements, APCs on all vehicles, greater availability of PPE and an improved on board air filtration system, is critical to mitigating the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and strengthening the confidence of transit within the community.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067955</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2286 Compost Filter Socks for Storm Water and Erosion Control in Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1667133</link>
      <description><![CDATA[ An update to the Standards Specifications for Highway Construction of
erosion and sediment control measures through the Storm Water Action Team is ongoing. Part of
this update includes reviewing and evaluating new erosion control products like compost filter
socks. It is not known if compost filter socks can function effectively as an erosion control product
without leaching contaminants to the environment. Research in conjunction with laboratory and data
analysis are needed to determine if compost filter socks do leach contaminants under conditions
identified at transportation construction sites in Oklahoma. This project will develop and refine a
simplified laboratory method for determining leaching potential of compost filter socks at Oklahoma
construction sites. This new standard will then be utilized to test various compost filter sock
compositions for leaching of contaminants. A cost-benefit analysis will be performed to compare
the use of compost filter socks to current practices. Results from field monitoring of filter sock
implementation will be used to inform the ODOT Storm Water Action Team for development of a
standard and specification to use on ODOT construction sites.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2019 10:54:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1667133</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Filter Systems to Produce Industrial Use Water for UDOT Maintenance Stations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1570668</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will determine the viability and purchase a water filtration system that will filter water from Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) retention/detention ponds for industrial use.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2018 16:54:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1570668</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation and optimization of engineered media amendments for contaminant removal in stormwater runoff filtration systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1530171</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Various contaminants exist in stormwater runoff, including nutrients, metals, pathogens and organic compounds. Filtration systems built with engineered media are used to manage stormwater runoff, but NCDOT’s current standard filtration media mix specification does not take the optimization of contaminant removal into consideration. To better meet regulatory compliance, it is beneficial for NCDOT to explore different material selections and mixing options to build filtration systems with better capacity of contaminant removal, while maintaining desirable support for plant growth and water infiltration. The objective of this project is to evaluate a variety of affordable media materials that can remove multiple contaminants simultaneously and maintain high performance in runoff filtration measures under various natural conditions. Up to 25 different filter materials identified from an extensive literature review will be screened to select the ones with the highest contaminant removal rate and capability. These materials will be tested with different mixing strategies to identify media mixtures that allow stormwater infiltration at a reasonable rate and have enough organic matter and water retention to support plant growth. The selected media mixtures will be tested in bench-scale columns for contaminant removal performance under various natural conditions, such as alternating concentrations, antecedent drought period, low temperature and presence of deicing agents. The best performing media mixture(s) will be recommended for future field tests, then be applied in NCDOT stormwater management systems. Information gained through this project will enable NCDOT to improve the performance of its stormwater filtration systems to effectively remove contaminants including nutrients, metals, pathogens, and organic contaminants. Such improvement will help NCDOT comply with the NPDES permit, state nutrient load reduction rules, future dissolved metals TMDLs, and potential regulations on organic contaminants in future.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:12:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1530171</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stormwater Management with Enhanced Tree Filter Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1235319</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project addresses the treatment of stormwater runoff with tree filters. The major objective of this research project is to investigate the bacteria and petroleum hydrocarbon, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), removal efficiency of a conventional tree filter and then directly compare it with that of a second, innovative tree filter system. Besides a strong field test component, this project includes detailed laboratory experiments that investigate the permanent fixation of bioactive amendments to strong sorbents. Together, these enhancement, once installed in a tree filter, promise to greatly enhance the sorption capacity for hydrophobic pollutants and the reduction of bacterial load from the stormwater infiltrating into the modified tree filter. Field testing of these filters will be conducted on the Rhode Island Stormwater Treatment Demonstration Facility (RI STDF).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:27:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1235319</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Evaluation of Constructed Storm Water Quality Treatment Products</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231879</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed investigation will evaluate the effectiveness of Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) Flexstorm™ catch basin inserts for the collection and treatment of storm water runoff. Catch basin inserts are becoming a common and practical solution for municipalities required to comply with storm water quality requirements as mandated by the United States Clean Water Act and the Ohio Department of Transportation Storm Water Management Program (SWMP). The inserts are designed as a relatively low-cost retrofit solution for storm water quality treatment in high contaminant load areas within urban environments. Flexstorm™ inserts are used where the installation of other treatment structures would be too difficult or expensive due to existing structures, utilities, or space limitations. The investigation will be conducted in two phases. Much of the physical work that includes catch basin selection, sample collection and sample analysis will be conducted by graduate students in fulfillment of their thesis requirements under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Dick and Harry Bircher, P.E.. The first phase will involve the location and characterization of catch basins and associated drainage areas within the Youngstown State University campus and the bounding roadways of Fifth, Lincoln, and Wick Avenues and the service road bounding the northern edge of campus. Each catch basin will be located and its associated drainage area will be delineated. Once the catch basins have been identified, storm water samples will be collected and analyzed for common pollutants. Catch basin structures showing high pollutant loading will be fitted with Flexstorm™ inserts for use in Phase 2 of the study. Phase 2 will involve the collection of runoff samples before entering the Flexstorm™ filters and after passing through the filters. The Youngstown State University campus was chosen for the study for several reasons. First, it is a convenient and safe location for students to conduct the research. The campus location reduces travel time and expense and provides a safe and controlled site to collect samples (for example, access will be assured and campus grounds and police can help provide a safe working environment). Secondly, collected storm water samples can be immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis. Third, the campus has a variety of land uses that are representative of an urban environment with parking lots, parking garages, various traffic load roadways, service drives, delivery zones, and lawn areas within a compact area. These conditions allow for easy adaptation of the results to a broad array of storm water catchment settings within urban areas across Ohio. Phase 1: Survey, identification, and selection of storm water catchment structures. Phase 2: Evaluation the effectiveness of ADS Flexstorm™ catch basin inserts as a retrofit for storm water quality treatment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:27:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231879</guid>
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