ACRP IdeaHub Synthesis Topics

The objective of this research is to create a database of performance benchmarks for airport facilities. Airport staff need a better understanding of key operational metrics associated with building performance in order to improve efficiency, decrease operating costs, and reduce environmental impacts. A standard system which normalizes for weather, location, carbon intensity of utility supplied energy, and airport specific... more »

The objective of this research is to create a guidebook of Aircraft Characteristics. The first step is a synthesis that summarizes the data sources available for determining Aircraft Characteristics for airport planning, design, construction, and operation. The characteristics would include at a minimum Aircraft Approach Category (AAC), Airplane Design Group (ADG), Taxiway Design Group (TDG), wingspan, tail height, length,... more »

Airports have been using the Internet of Things to become more connected and offer enhanced customer service logistics as smart airports. This synthesis would document the state of the industry with regard to the application of smart airport technologies and lessons learned from current adopters.

ACRP Synthesis 11-03/Topic S01-21 (The Benefits of Airport Arts Programs) provides an exhaustive analysis of current practices related to airport arts programs; the Synthesis identifies many tools that airports use to govern such programs and to manage them efficiently and economically. It was, however, beyond the scope of Synthesis 11-03/Topic S01-21 to provide an in depth analysis of precisely how these tools are used... more »

Identify how drones can be utilized as a tool for airport operations (inspections, maintenance, wildlife) and emergency response. Identify who is currently using them and what are the best practices for their use in an airport environment.

This topic was discussed for the FY2018 synthesis program and has been held over for further discussion at the FY2019 synthesis topic selection meeting.

John Pokryfke, jpokryfke@broward.org... more »

To compile data from various airports around the country about practices they use for airport credentialing. This would also include the setup and staffing of an airport credentialing office.

Compile and contextualize lessons learned, including strengths and areas for improvement, identified by airports of all sizes from around the nation. These lessons learned, derived from documented after action reports and interviews with airport officials, will support industry-wide preparedness when collected and shared.

Runways routinely require the removal of rubber to maintain adequate surface friction. According to FAA AC 150/5320-12C, rubber can be removed by High-Pressure Water, Chemical, High-Velocity Impact, and Mechanical removal. Survey experiences with various airports in different climates to assess the cost, time required, benefits, and tradeoffs with various methods of rubber removal.

Airports, airlines and their emergency response partners can develop a culture of interagency coordination that promotes the regular sharing of airline, airport, and other emergency response plans and strategies. This can provide an opportunity for both airline and support staff and the airports to be familiar with individual corporate emergency response and family assistance plans in the event there is the need for a... more »

Changes to the RCAM have impacted how and when airports remove contaminants on the runway and in turn has impacted the hours needed for personnel and equipment to remove contaminants as well as the useful life of markings and pavement surfaces.

Perform economic, environmental and social benefits analysis of using plant based diet in airports and flights.
Industrial meat, poultry, and dairy production has a huge footprint of resource consumption--energy, water, and land. As a result the practice produces air, water and land pollution. The practice also causes human health related deceases.

A triple Bottom Line analysis of low carbon plant based food usage... more »

Building Information Modeling is mainly used for design & construction phase of an airport project. Ultimately, if stated in the project contract requirements, as-constructed model data is transitioned to Asset Management platform used by Airport Facilities Management team. Hence, the intent of BIM is to represent a physical space digitally for construction purpose and not to address daily occupancy and utilization of... more »

The objective of this research is to identify how airports can assist Federal and state law enforcement in combatting human trafficking. By supporting investigation and interdiction of human trafficking occurring in and around their facilities, airports can improve their security posture and the safety of the traveling public, as well as the diverse victims of this under-reported crime. Potential research products would... more »

The purpose of this synthesis is to compile research, reports, and practices related to state and local regulations, seaplane operation, policy issues, arguments for and against aircraft and motorboat usage, and sample regulations, practices or guidelines regarding invasive species control.

The synthesis will serve as a useful reference document for presenting data and informing policymakers, seaplane operators, regulators,... more »

Due to COVID-19, airport operators had to develop strategies for maintaining the activity with social distancing. Some of them include remote work and remote learning. However, not all the tasks can be performed from home (e.g., real-time operations management). The goal of this synthesis would be to list the tasks and missions that airports have experimented in remote work, to explore the training sessions that can be... more »