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 »

Provide a synthesis to the airport emergency management community which identifies and assesses best practices across various airport emergency operations centers (EOCs).

This project will provide airport administrators and other stakeholders with a concise resource that applies software solutions, applications, and digital technologies toward a multitude of common tasks, responsibilities, and problems. The project will synthesize existing research and resources on the subject, paying particular attention to off-the-shelf style product categories that can be easily procured, implemented,... 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.

Sustainability and environmental mitigation are rapidly being incorporated into construction efforts at airports to mitigate and offset environmental impacts such as air emissions, water quality issues, etc. Naturally, every airport and their associated construction efforts and ability to incorporate sustainability vary on multiple fronts. This effort would provide a synthesis of construction sustainability and environmental... more »

This project proposes a look into building design and furniture layout for protection of the general public and airport employees during an active shooter event.

By understanding what other airports are doing in the very wide subject area of sustainability, it may spur airports to try different means of conserving energy, recycling materials, or otherwise improving its sustainability practices. By looking not only at the practices, but the results, the challenges to implementation, and the costs of implementation, airports will be provided with guidance to improve their practices... more »

Progressive design-build (PDB) has proven to generate both time and cost savings on a number of major airport projects because its qualifications-based selection of the DB team, combined with a negotiated construction price reduces the time it takes airports to procure the DB contractor and reduces the contingencies buried in a typical DB lump sum price. An assembly of PDB best practices would provide the foundation for... 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.

The proposed work will provide a synthesis on the experiences of airport operators so far with integrating the alternative jet fuels into the airport fuel setting.

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 »

The Synthesis project would review and summarize the aviation system performance measures that have been adopted as part of national, state and regional airport system plans.