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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>
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    <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>A Simulation and Decision-Support Tool for Vulnerability Reduction in Hazardous Material Transportation via the U.S. IWTS</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2499032</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Stakeholders are faced with challenges in tracking and managing freight movement, evaluating human-infrastructure interactions (e.g., navigation, lockage), and suggesting alternative solutions in response to contingencies. On the other hand, vessel operators need to have good situational awareness to quickly and effectively avoid hazards and accidents. Among various types of products, hazard materials constitute a great portion of shipments. Such materials can be found in many forms on the U.S. inland waterway transportation system (IWTS), including petroleum products (e.g., diesel fuel, asphalt), chemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides), and household and consumer products (e.g., paints, adhesives). Indeed, petroleum products make up over 75% of waterborne shipments. Compared to highways, rails and other modes of transportation for hazard materials, the waterways have the heaviest shipments. To minimize economic losses while ensuring safety and security during hazardous material transportation, it is invaluable to develop a computerized tool for sharing information and evaluating the impacts of a sequence of decisions, such as voyage planning and rerouting, on freight movement, costs and risks. With previous support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center (MarTREC), this research team has developed an advanced NetLogo-based simulation tool that enables visualizing, evaluating and maintaining multimodal transportation infrastructure. This research project seeks to advance the simulation- and machine learning-based tool to help involved personnel understand how the IWTS currently performs, assess potential risks, and respond to various accidents and disruptions, especially those involving hazard material shipments. The goal is to provide an open-source software tool and machine learning-based decision-making approaches that assist the relevant stakeholders and operators in tracking hazardous material movement, making timely decisions, and enhancing the safety of the U.S. IWTS and beyond. The research findings to be achieved will be broadly disseminated to researchers and practitioners through research publications and presentations. The team will promote real-world applications of the tool by working with MarTREC partners and collaborators.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:11:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2499032</guid>
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      <title>Feasibility of Using Alternative-Steel and Composite Material in Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093147</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will establish design qualifications, requirements, inspection procedures, and a roadmap for using alternative steel and non-steel composite systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:53:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093147</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071557</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Under IAA with the US Census Bureau, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will receive high-quality data on hazardous materials packaging and number of shipments. This data will give context to the hazardous materials incidents data that is currently collected, assist PHMSA in identifying and eliminating burdensome regulations, and provide PHMSA the ability to quickly and precisely calculate the changing risks presented by hazardous materials in transportation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071557</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategies to De-energize Damaged/Defective and End-of-Life Lithium-ion Batteries for Safe Shipment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071554</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research project will identify essential attributes of fire-resistant packaging technologies and develop a novel prototype system to enable the safe shipment of aged/defective lithium-ion batteries via highway, railway and maritime vessel.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:19:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071554</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Specification of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Materials for Highway Cargo Tank Packaging Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071552</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will establish experimental testing procedures and develop a finite element analysis framework for evaluating the performances and determining the specifications of fiber reinforced plastic cargo tanks used for highway transport of hazardous materials and will provide performance data and technical parameters for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to use in developing uniform performance and design standards for fiber reinforced plastic cargo tank motor vehicles.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:19:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071552</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Of Portable Tanks Constructed of Fiber Reinforced Plastic</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071551</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Research will conduct performance tests to determine if existing fleet of portable tanks statisfy the design requirements proposed by the United Nations]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:19:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071551</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>High Strain Rate Rupture and Fragmentation of Aluminum Cylinders</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071550</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposal will evaluate potential effect of synthesis gas containing hydrogen on AL6061-T6 fragmentation during rupture.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:19:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071550</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Specification of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Materials for Highway Cargo Tank Packaging Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071549</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will establish experimental testing procedures and develop a finite element analysis framework for evaluating the performances and determining the specifications of fiber reinforced plastic cargo tanks used for highway transport of hazardous materials and will provide performance data and technical parameters for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to use in developing uniform performance and design standards for fiber reinforced plastic cargo tank motor vehicles.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:19:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071549</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Composite Metal Foams for Impact Protection of Hazardous Material Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067995</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will focus on larger-scale manufacturing, welding, assembly, and optimization of SS CMF and evaluation of its performance in small- and large-scale dynamic puncture testing as well as a full-scale torch fire testing through both experimental and modeling approaches to prove its potential in improving the puncture and fire resistance of tank cars, particularly those that are carrying HAZMAT.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067995</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HazMat Incidents (REaCH) - Phase VI</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1944000</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project addresses two issues related to the health of transportation workers, first responders and the public in the presence of hazardous materials: (1) Real-time information on the exposure of hazardous materials to transportation workers and first responders during hazardous material incidents is lacking. (2) Currently, the ability to identify and communicate information regarding hazardous material incidents in real time to all stakeholders is limited. 

At the end of this six-year project, the research team will develop a prototype for a statewide technology system that includes wearable sensor devices, mobile apps and a real-time communication network for stakeholders that can be used during a hazardous materials incident. The new system is called REaCH - Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HazMat Incidents. The REaCH system will include real-time health monitoring of transportation workers and first responders through wearable devices that capture individual health parameters and exposure to hazardous materials. Individual health data and hazmat exposure data will be transmitted to a dashboard that integrates all of the information for the incident commander to monitor.  The incident commander can evaluate if individuals need to be removed from the scene for example, if his or her health status is being compromised, with the goal of minimizing any health-related consequences.  The team is in the third year of their project.  This proposal presents plans for year 6.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:27:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1944000</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HazMat Incidents (REaCH) - Phase IV &amp; V</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1870306</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary goal of this project is to create a real-time data gathering and emergency communication system prototype (e.g., integrated dashboard) for HazMat incidents in Nebraska that collects, integrates, and facilitates sharing of information among transportation workers and first responders.  This project aligns directly with the Mid-America Transportation Center’s interest in research projects that seek to advance the USDOT’s strategic goals of enhancing safety.  At the end of this five-year project, the investigators will develop a prototype for a statewide technology system that includes wearable sensor devices, mobile apps and a real-time communication network for stakeholders that can be used during a hazardous materials incident. The new system is called REaCH - Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HazMat Incidents. The REaCH system will include real-time health monitoring of transportation workers and first responders through wearable devices that capture individual health parameters and exposure to hazardous materials. Individual health data and hazmat exposure data will be transmitted to a dashboard that integrates all of the information for the incident commander to monitor.  The incident commander can evaluate if individuals need to be removed from the scene for example, if his or her health status is being compromised, with the goal of minimizing any health-related consequences.  The investigators are in the third year of their project.  This proposal presents plans for the remainder of the project (years 4 and 5).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:22:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1870306</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Logistics Solutions in the Supply Chain: Economic Benefits of Safety and Environmental Impacts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1868903</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed study will investigate the contribution of logistics facilities (e.g. transload, intermodal, or freight consolidation facilities) to safety and health benefits in the transportation of hazardous materials and other freight. Logistics models have been developed, such as the Nebraska Supply Chain Optimization Model (NESCOM), that estimate changes in costs to manufacturing, wholesale and other firms which use logistics facilities to substitute rail trips for long-haul truck trips. From the perspective of benefit and cost analysis, these changes in costs primarily reflect internalized worker travel time and vehicle operating costs associated with travel. These models, however, do not measure and include external safety (e.g. accidents avoided) and health (e.g. pollution avoided) benefits of investments in logistics facilities. The proposed study would evaluate such safety and health benefits, creating a model which can be used to supplement existing models such as  NESCOM. A team of civil engineers and economists will examine the broad literature on truck and rail safety and health costs, and how those vary based on local traffic and socio-economic conditions, utilizing widely available socio-economic and traffic data maintained by state Departments of Transportation. The research team also will apply the model to a specific logistics facility example within the state of Nebraska.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:24:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1868903</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing a Safety Management System Including Hazardous Materials for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGC) in Region VII</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1777948</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Collisions between highway vehicles and trains have been one of the greatest sources of injuries and fatalities in the railroad industry. At highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs), accidents tend to be more severe compared to accidents reported at non-HRGC locations. HRGCs continue to be of major concern despite an ever-increasing focus on improved design and engineering practices.
The project will start with preparing a comprehensive data base. Specifically, the data will include (1) HRGC crash with specific coordinates, (2) HRGC inventory data, (3) traffic operations data, and (4) freight volume data from both a railroad and a highway perspectives. These data will be obtained from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the four state Department of Transportation (DOTs), i.e., Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, and the Class 1 railroads operating in Region VII.
Second, prediction models for HRGC crashes using both traditional deterministic models (the current practice) and the stochastic machine learning models will be calibrated and validated. This study will include estimating the risk of hazardous materials being released into the surrounding areas as a result of a crash.
Finally, a prototype HRGC safety management system (SMS) will be developed. The prototype will be tested using Nebraska’s crash data and first implemented for Nebraska. The prototype SMS structure will be designed so that it can be adopted readily by state DOTs in Region VII and across the United States.
The benefits of this project will be to improve the quality of the information provided to decision-makers and enhance the statewide safety management of HRGCs. In particular, the development of SMS can assist HRGC managers in taking proactive, instead of reactive, actions to risk situations they face. It will also allow Emergency Management System personnel to understand the risk of HRGC crashes and associated risk of hazardous goods releases in their jurisdictions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2021 11:27:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1777948</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HazMat Incidents (REaCH) - Phase III</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1686353</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project addresses two issues related to the health of transportation workers, first responders and the public in the presence of hazardous materials: (1) Real-time information on the exposure of hazardous materials to transportation workers and first responders during hazardous material incidents is lacking. (2) Currently, the ability to identify and communicate information regarding hazardous material incidents in real time to all stakeholders is limited. At the end of this five-year project, the research team will develop a prototype for a statewide technology system that includes wearable sensor devices, mobile apps and a real-time communication network for stakeholders that can be used during a hazardous materials incident. The new system is called REaCH - Real-Time Emergency Communication System for HazMat Incidents. The REaCH system will include real-time health monitoring of transportation workers and first responders through wearable devices that capture individual health parameters and exposure to hazardous materials. Individual health data and hazmat exposure data will be transmitted to a dashboard that integrates all of the information for the incident commander to monitor. The incident commander can evaluate if individuals need to be removed from the scene for example, if his or her health status is being compromised, with the goal of minimizing any health-related consequences. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:13:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1686353</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Risk Assessment of Hazardous Material Transportation for Small and Tribal Communities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1686344</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research is focused on small communities and tribal communities in Nebraska. Research is proposed to assess the risk from highway based transportation of hazardous materials to small (population <5,000) and tribal communities in Nebraska. Highway-based incidents involving hazardous materials constitute about 88% of incidents reported nationwide by all modes of transport (air, rail, water, and highway). In 2018, about 18,000 incidents involving hazardous materials were reported on highways nationwide with an estimated cost of about $92 million (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Office of Hazardous Material Safety, 2019). Small communities and tribal communities may be more vulnerable to the effects of incidents involving hazardous materials due to a variety of reasons including possible lack of planning, preparedness, and limited resources to deal with incidents. Therefore, it is important to: (1) assess the vulnerability of small and tribal communities to hazardous materials involved highway incidents by assessing the risk, (2) develop a framework for emergency planning for dealing with the outcomes of hazardous material involved incidents, and (3) develop a manual with guidance for small and tribal communities. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2020 15:26:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1686344</guid>
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