<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
    <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSJhbGwiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9ImxvY2F0aW9uIiB2YWx1ZT0iMCIgLz48L3BhcmFtcz48ZmlsdGVycz48ZmlsdGVyIGZpZWxkPSJpbmRleHRlcm1zIiB2YWx1ZT0iJnF1b3Q7U2FsdCZxdW90OyIgb3JpZ2luYWxfdmFsdWU9IiZxdW90O1NhbHQmcXVvdDsiIC8+PC9maWx0ZXJzPjxyYW5nZXMgLz48c29ydHM+PHNvcnQgZmllbGQ9InB1Ymxpc2hlZCIgb3JkZXI9ImRlc2MiIC8+PC9zb3J0cz48cGVyc2lzdHM+PHBlcnNpc3QgbmFtZT0icmFuZ2V0eXBlIiB2YWx1ZT0icHVibGlzaGVkZGF0ZSIgLz48L3BlcnNpc3RzPjwvc2VhcmNoPg==" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <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>
    <image>
      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
      <url>https://trid.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle.jpg</url>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Study on the mechanical response and mechanism of high-performance mineral-based cementitious materials solidifying discarded ballast in aqueous-saline environments</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2687047</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The reloading of railway ballast cleaning operations will produce a significant quantity of discarded ballast, and its comprehensive utilization can facilitate the green transformation and advancement of the social economy. To achieve the comprehensive utilization of discarded ballast, this article employs self-developed High-Performance Mineral-Based Cementitious Materials (HMCM) and PO42.5 cement for the industrial production of non-fired bricks. It compares and tests the mechanical properties of these bricks under varying curing and erosion environments, while also incorporating FTIR analysis to investigate the phase transformation behaviors of non-fired bricks subjected to different curing and erosion conditions. The results indicate that: (1) The mechanical properties of standard cured non-fired brick samples improved by approximately 20% compared to those subjected to natural curing. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of HMCM bricks are markedly superior to those of cement-based bricks, exhibiting a compressive strength that can reach three times that of cement bricks within just three days. (2) HMCM bricks exhibit superior resistance to erosion from both clear water and saltwater compared to cement bricks, with a strength loss rate of merely 50% relative to their cement counterparts. Notably, the damage inflicted by saltwater erosion is considerably greater than that caused by clear water, while the anti-erosion performance of standard cured specimens is even more remarkable. (3) HMCM exhibits superior corrosion resistance under standard curing conditions, as it facilitates the transformation of monomer Si-O and Al-O bonds within the reaction system into high-polymerization Si-O-Si and Si-O-Al bonds. This process enhances the degree of polymerization and crystallinity of the cementing system. Furthermore, by developing a compressive strength damage model, the damage evolution patterns of non-fired bricks in erosive environments have been elucidated, thereby validating the practicality of utilizing discarded ballast non-fired bricks and establishing a theoretical foundation for their engineering applications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:42:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2687047</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a road snow and ice condition model considering deicing agent and passing vehicles</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2686755</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A model for predicting road snow and ice conditions that takes into account the effects of deicing agent application and passing vehicles (an RSIC-SV model) was developed in this study for predicting the state of snow and ice on roads. This model was created by taking into account the effects of mechanical snow removal and deicing agent application, and the thermal and physical effects of passing vehicles. The entrainment of snow and ice on roads by passing vehicles, which was quantitatively evaluated through field tests in this study. The factors in developing the model were heat balance, air volume balance, and mass balance of water/ice/solid-phase salt/liquid-phase salt. Field observations were conducted to compare measured values and analytical values related to the conditions of snow and ice on roads. Then, the accuracy of the model's predictions of snow and ice conditions on the road was verified.Consequently, the entrainment flux due to the passing of a small truck or a passenger car was formulated by using the thickness of the snow-and-ice layer on the road. Additionally, it was proved that the application of a deicing agent and entrainment by passing vehicles were anthropogenic factors that could not be ignored in analyzing the conditions of snow and ice on the road. The RSIC-SV model had an analysis accuracy of up to 70%.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:29:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2686755</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Gel-Coated Salt Storage Additives in Antifreeze Asphalt Pavement</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2675545</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Antifreeze asphalt pavements incorporating salt storage additives offer a promising solution to road ice and snow management. However, the adverse effects of these additives on asphalt mixtures have hindered the development of this technology. To address this issue, this study investigated the use of silica gel as a slow-release layer for salt storage additives, leading to the development of a novel gel-coated salt storage additive (GSSA). To fully assess the applicability of GSSA in asphalt pavement, it was incorporated into both asphalt mortar and mixtures by replacing mineral powder with an equal volume, followed by a series of microscopic and macroscopic experimental evaluations. The results showed that the particle morphology and gradation of GSSA are similar to those of conventional mineral fillers, with the silica gel component exhibiting a dense, porous network structure. Sodium chloride (NaCl) was uniformly distributed within this structure, providing effective slow-release properties. The appropriate addition of GSSA enhances the water stability and thermal crack resistance of asphalt mixtures, although it slightly reduces high-temperature stability. The observed changes in high- and low-temperature performance of the asphalt mortar correspond to those of the asphalt mixture. Additionally, GSSA lowered the freezing point and delayed surface icing. However, excessive GSSA content reduced the stability of asphalt mortar and compromised the durability of the antifreeze asphalt mixture. Replacing up to 50% of the mineral powder with GSSA provided optimal overall performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:23:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2675545</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Closing the chloride loop: Halophyte biomass for circular road salt management</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2713193</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Road salt contamination is an increasing environmental concern in cold-climate cities, where repeated applications lead to long-term chloride accumulation in soils and waterways. Salt-tolerant vegetation (i.e., halophytes) can help intercept this chloride, but the resulting salt-laden biomass presents a secondary management challenge. This study evaluates the feasibility of recovering chloride from the biomass of the grasses Panicum virgatum and Sporobolus michauxianus using two water-based leaching approaches. Passive rinsing removed up to 70% of chloride at high water volumes, while active leaching achieved near complete (≈100%) recovery with fourfold less water. Based on plant densities and tissue chloride concentrations measured at a Canadian field site, preliminary estimates indicate that halophyte stands could recover 4–21 g Cl⁻/m² annually, comparable to the salt applied during a single winter road treatment. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a scalable approach to reclaim road salt from phytoremediation biomass. Scaling considerations—including biomass collection and transport, volume reduction, dewatering, pre-treatment, water reuse, and brine concentration—suggest that the system could be integrated into existing vegetation management infrastructure. Life-cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis are significant next steps. Implementing circular biomass-based salt recovery could reduce salt procurement, improve resilience to supply disruptions, and support more sustainable winter maintenance practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:50:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2713193</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Study to Determine Salt Usage Efficiency and Transport to the Surrounding Environment on Two Pavement Types</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2711630</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this study was to collect and analyze field data to determine whether winter salt applications on Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC) and Dense Graded (DG) pavement types are appropriate, deficient, or excessive. The study aimed to provide the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) with evidence-based guidance for optimizing winter maintenance practices for these pavement types.  MassDOT had a unique opportunity to investigate salt usage efficiency on both pavement surfaces at an existing field site located consecutively along I-95 (Rt. 128) southbound in Needham, Massachusetts. The methodology for evaluation of both pavement types, with respect to winter maintenance, included: field site instrumentation, documenting winter maintenance activities at the field location, direct friction measurements, analysis of crash data, photograph comparison, and data analysis.  The overall combined data analysis could not be completed as there were gaps in a crash data and photographs. The winters of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 were less harsh than historically anticipated for the region, thus yielding limited data to analyze. In fall 2024 the research team proposed a no-cost time extension so that another winter of data could be collected, but there was no formal response to that extension request.  The internet based survey showed that only 12.5% of respondents currently place OGFC in their state. The reasons noted for opting not to use OGFC included snow and ice concerns, durability issues, project failures, cost, and poor performance issues.  Limited field instrumentation data combined with winter maintenance treatment application data indicated that the OGFC and DG pavement surfaces responded similarly to the winter maintenance in terms of pavement temperature and friction (base d on data from both invasive and non-contact sensors). The safety implications related to winter maintenance activities for both OGFC and DG pavement types could not be investigated due to incomplete crash data and limited direct friction measurements. No changes could be recommended to winter maintenance treatment application rate for either pavement type based on this study. Generally the data collected in this study indicated OGFC and DG pavement types perform similarly when the same winter maintenance was applied.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:32:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2711630</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design and Optimization of a High-Efficiency Seawater Wireless Power Transfer System With 1:1 Distance-to-Diameter Ratio</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2659234</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The seawater wireless power transfer (SWPT) technology presents an effective solution for addressing the charging requirements of underwater equipment, enabling the long-term continuous operation. However, in seawater environments, the presence of eddy current loss significantly reduces efficiency as the transfer distance increases. This article proposes a frequency optimization method for the SWPT system with a high distancediameter ratio (HDDR) to enhance the efficiency in seawater environments. Initially, the principle of eddy current loss is analyzed to establish the relationship between the eddy current loss and frequency in the HDDR system, while examining the influence of different distance-to-diameter ratios (DDRs) on eddy current loss. The harmonic component of the S–S compensation topology and the optimal efficiency point are derived, and a coupling structure of a multilayer series with segmented compensation is proposed to enhance the system efficiency. Furthermore, the total loss of SWPT systems of a 1:1 DDR with various sizes is analyzed. Finally, a prototype of a 5-kW SWPT system with a 1:1 DDR was constructed, when seawater conductivity was 4 S/m, dcdc efficiency reached 88.39% at DDR =1 (transmission distance 500 mm), and 95.49% at DDR =0.6 (transmission distance 300 mm).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 11:56:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2659234</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Concentration Preserving Deicing Solutions for Higher Ice Melting</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2701276</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Chloride-based brine deicers are widely used to maintain winter roadway safety, but their performance drops in extreme cold as meltwater dilutes the brine, and their runoff accelerates concrete deterioration, rebar corrosion, and ecological harm. This report investigates sustainable, high-performance deicing formulations that enhance low-temperature ice melting while limiting infrastructure damage and preserving pavement friction. Both concentration-preserving and oversaturated deicing formulations have been considered. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and corn-derived polyols were used to prepare concentration-preserving and oversaturated deicing formulations, respectively. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are introduced to brines to retain meltwater and sustain salt concentration at the ice–solution interface. Their swelling behavior is quantified using both bulk absorption tests and optical microscopy with 3D reconstruction of individual particles in distilled water and saline solution, revealing strong particle-size dependence and rapid uptake primarily within the first five minutes. Deicer performance is evaluated through freezing-point depression and ice-melting capacity tests at 0, −10, −20, and −30 °C using controlled laboratory setups. The results showed that adding 5% large-particle-sized SAPs increased ice-melting capacity by up to 80% compared to the brine solution at − 30°C. This improvement in ice-melting capacity occurred by preserving the salt concentration in the SAPadsorbed water. Corn-derived polyol additives (erythritol and xylitol) are assessed in salt brines for freezing-point reduction and enhanced melting, achieving freezing points near −37.5 °C and improved ice-melting capacity at subzero temperatures relative to conventional brines. Skid resistance is evaluated using British Pendulum testing on asphalt and Portland cement concrete, showing negligible friction loss with optimized SAP brine formulations and comparable or slightly improved skid resistance with select polyol brine mixtures. Corrosion mitigation is evaluated for low-carbon, high-strength steel exposed to aggressive chloride environments using visual inspection and potentiodynamic polarization tests. Polyols act as mixed-type inhibitors that adsorb onto steel surfaces, markedly reducing corrosion rates. Overall, the results demonstrate that tailoring the additive type, concentration, and SAP particle size can simultaneously improve extreme-cold deicing effectiveness, maintain skid resistance, and reduce chloride-driven corrosion.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 10:59:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2701276</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Flammability Characteristics of TKS Anti-Icing Fluid</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2694508</link>
      <description><![CDATA[TKS anti-icing fluid is being used in a variety of platforms to provide anti-/deicing capability for smaller commercial aircraft. The flammable liquid is comprised of 85 percent ethylene glycol, 10 percent water, and 5 percent isopropyl alcohol, and questions about its potential hazards have been raised. These hazards include, but are not limited to, the heating of small puddles of fluid that were either spilled or leaked, dripping of the fluid on hot surfaces, and the contact of the fluid mist with ignition sources. Simple tests were performed to allow for a more basic characterization of the TKS anti-icing fluid flammability. These tests were (1) an ASTM D 56-87 flash point test, (2) a hot-pan flammability test, (3) a hot-surface ignition test, and (4) a spray flammability test. As expected, TKS anti-icing fluid is flammable under the correct conditions. The flash point was found to be approximately 150°F, but the fluid appears to have a very low energy release when reacting. The fluid will burn if heated in a pan to approximately 250°F and subjected to an ignition source, but burns relatively cool. When dripped onto a hot surface, the fluid does not react but will probably display relatively violent characteristics if heated in a confined space above 750°F (approximate autoignition temperature). The fluid will burn in a mist at ambient temperature and pressure when exposed to a flame, but will not sustain a reaction when the flaming ignition source is removed. Only sporadic ignitions (no fireball) confined to small areas were observed when the mist was ignited with a spark.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 10:25:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2694508</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Microscale deterioration of polyethylene-modified asphalt under water-induced damage using atomic force microscopy</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2666232</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study investigated the microscale degradation mechanisms of neat asphalt (NA) and polyethylene-modified asphalt (PE-NA) under various water-induced conditions by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that PE modification increases the bee structure density by 23 % and improves surface roughness, adhesion, and modulus. Water-induced damage resulted in coarsening of the bee structure, increased roughness, loss of adhesion, and embrittlement in both asphalts, with the severity of degradation following the order: salt erosion > freeze-thaw > immersion. After salt erosion, the Ra value of NA increased significantly by 86.0 %, compared to only 26.0 % for PE-NA. PE-NA demonstrated superior structural retention, maintaining over 60 % more bee structures and preserving approximately 47.8 % of its adhesion force after salt erosion, whereas NA retained only about 38.4 %. FTIR analysis showed that water erosion intensified carbonyl oxidation (at 1700 cm⁻¹) in NA, whereas the PE modifier acted as a physical barrier, effectively suppressing oxidation and preserving morphological integrity. These findings highlight the effectiveness of PE modification in significantly enhancing asphalt durability in aggressive aqueous environments through microstructural stabilization and oxidation resistance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 08:50:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2666232</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance of surface-grafted nano-SiO₂ -modified bamboo bark fiber asphalt mixtures under low-temperature and water-salt damage conditions</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2666223</link>
      <description><![CDATA[An investigation was conducted into the application of modified bamboo bark fibers derived from bamboo plywood processing waste in asphalt mixtures. To improve the adsorption capacity of bamboo bark fibers for asphalt, the bamboo fiber was modified by grafting nano-SiO₂. The microstructure, chemical composition and modification mechanisms of the fibers were analyzed by SEM, TG, contact angle and adhesive work. Comparative evaluations with traditional lignin fiber-based mixtures focused on water resistance, low-temperature crack resistance and fatigue performance. The results demonstrated that the modification significantly improved the surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability of the bamboo bark fibers, while enhancing their adhesion to asphalt. Among the modified fibers, NaOH-KH570-nano-SiO₂- modified bamboo bark fibers (NKSBF) exhibited the most remarkable performance improvements. Compared to lignin fibers, NKSBF increased the high-temperature stability of the asphalt mixture by 24.2 %, maximized the low-temperature bending strain by 57.8 %, and effectively delayed crack propagation under low-temperature stress, indicating substantial enhancement in low-temperature crack resistance. In saline environments, the tensile strength under splitting resistance of NKSBF-modified asphalt increased by 10.3 %, while its fatigue performance improved by 59.3 %. These findings confirm the promising application potential of SiO₂-grafted bamboo bark fibers in asphalt mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 08:50:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2666223</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Long Short-Term Memory Modeling of Road Surface Grip for Salt Application in Winter Roadway Maintenance</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2645432</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Road surface grip during snowstorms is critical for traffic mobility and safety. It is important to incorporate surface grip as a quantitative indicator for effective decision-making in winter roadway maintenance. However, the timing of salt application and its influence on grip are rarely considered in decision-making to improve the efficiency of winter maintenance. To address this gap, data-driven approaches were developed to predict road surface grip (friction) for salt application in winter roadway maintenance. An advanced recurrent neural network (RNN) model, long short-term memory (LSTM), was developed with hyperparameter tuning. The LSTM model considers sequential effects of surface temperature, atmospheric condition, and salt application on the time-dependent evolution of road surface grip. Sensitivity analysis results show that road surface grip changes to a higher level more quickly when a 50–100 lb/mi higher salt application rate is applied as compared to current practice. The interaction effects of salt application and climate condition on road surface grip were further analyzed. It was found that the grip change became more sensitive to salt application rate when road surface temperatures were 4°C lower. The use of the LSTM model enables event-based decision-making for salt application in winter roadway maintenance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:15:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2645432</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The chemical evolution of tributaries to Lake George (Essex County), New York (USA), 1970–2024: Recovery from acidic atmospheric deposition and the impact of road salt</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2661986</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Acidic atmospheric deposition from air pollution (elevated sulfate, nitrate) and salinization from highway deicing (normally sodium chloride) have significant impacts on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Lake George, New York (USA), is the largest waterbody totally within the Adirondack Park, a U.S. region identified by the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program as containing surface waters sensitive to acidification. Lake George also is typical of temperate lakes at risk for elevated sodium and chloride concentrations from winter deicing. We evaluated the ionic composition of 18 Lake George tributaries using >4300 samples, intermittently collected from 1970 to 2024. Sulfate, in response to the Clean Air Act and Amendments, declined above road salting areas, reaching “steady state” about 2019 for sulfate (a 90% decline) and base cations. Chloride from road salt has increased irregularly, starting before 1970. Watershed soil accumulated considerable Na⁺ during ion exchange by 2016, displacing Ca⁺², Mg⁺², and K⁺ from soils to Lake George. This trend then reversed as total (Ca⁺² + Mg⁺² + K⁺) declined more than Na⁺, which converged on Cl⁻. Consequently, the Ca⁺², Mg⁺², and K⁺ concentrations in Lake George now are being diluted but remain elevated. Continued salt loading since before 1970 has resulted in soil depletion of exchangeable Ca⁺², Mg⁺², and K⁺, even as Na⁺ and Cl⁻ declined from reduced salt use. Base cations in runoff from some salt-impacted tributaries are approaching the weathering rate. Elevated Ca⁺² made Lake George susceptible to invasion by non-native bivalve species. The Lake George outlet lags behind tributary chemistry changes by a few years.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:04:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2661986</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reducing the Dependency on Chlorides and Impacts</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2685593</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study examined the performance and environmental impacts of various deicing materials, assessed their short- and long-term effects on infrastructure, soil, and water quality, and identified opportunities for operational improvement within Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT’s) winter maintenance practices. The study used a comprehensive methodology that included an extensive literature review, a detailed survey of INDOT personnel (both field crews and supervisory staff), in-depth interviews, and rigorous statistical analysis. Additionally, a multi-criteria decision analysis framework was developed and used to evaluate alternative deicing materials based on performance, cost, environmental impact, and ease of application. The results and findings suggest that sodium chloride remains the predominant deicing agent because of its cost efficiency and wide availability, despite its significant drawbacks such as corrosion and environmental degradation. Alternatives like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and environmentally benign deicers offer superior performance under extreme conditions, but face challenges related to higher cost and supply limitations. The survey provided indications of the benefits of specific practices including pre-plowing and reduced driving speeds, and highlighted issues with material overuse and inconsistent application rates. The study recommends greater integration of advanced technologies, more rigorous equipment calibration, enhanced route planning, and comprehensive training of staff, and the development and adoption of standardized guidelines for leftover-salt management, to optimize winter deicing operations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:41:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2685593</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Protection of Precious Waters from Road Salt: Mitigation Through Roadside Ditch Capture</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2686621</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Roadway deicers are essential to the functioning of daily life in northern states in winter. After plowing, roadway salting is currently the most practical way of making safe transportation possible in winter. However, road deicer chloride (salt) has a severe negative effect on surrounding watersheds. Yet, currently no methods or procedures have been developed to capture the chloride. The situation is particularly dire where highways cross small receiving streams that are the habitat of endangered and threatened species, such as the Topeka Shiner, because the high concentration of chloride in the highway runoff does not dilute sufficiently to prevent toxicity in the hatching and juvenile rearing areas of the streams. This project developed in-ditch salt capture techniques based on mitigation of chloride migration through absorption and capture in a manufactured backfill media. Chloride mass in drainage water was observed and monitored at a range of concentrations before and after percolation through granular soil mixtures “manufactured” to capture chloride and deployed in flow-through sandbags. Absorbance of chloride was quantified by manufactured soil sandbags in ditch-deployed configurations, allowing optimization of the deployed geometry. Field test installation approaches were designed and tested for chloride capture from actual winter maintenance operations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:37:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2686621</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accurately forecasting saltwater intrusion through navigation locks requires nautical traffic simulation modelling</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2685032</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Navigation locks enable vessel transit between separated water bodies but also induce water exchange, leading to saltwater intrusion. During droughts, operational strategies that limit this intrusion cause vessel delays. Consequently, accurate estimation of the salt intrusion is essential for optimising these strategies. Current analytical lock exchange models, such as the Sea Lock Formulation, are a suitable and computationally efficient option for this purpose. However, the performance of these models relies on scarce gate-status data of the lock operation. To overcome this challenge, we present a novel method integrating the Sea Lock Formulation with the nautical traffic model OpenTNSim to derive time-varying lock operation parameters from accessible vessel data. This approach uniquely enables simultaneous evaluation of mitigation strategies on both saltwater intrusion and traffic performance. Applied to the world’s largest lock at IJmuiden, the model is validated against measured salt concentration and operation records. When forecasting, our method significantly improves the accuracy of the analytical models, reducing long-term salt intrusion errors from +22.2% to −2.6%. This marks a critical advancement toward a systematic exploration of tradeoffs between hydraulic and nautical objectives, enabling, for the first time, integrated lock management strategies that balance hydraulic protection with nautical efficiency in closed waterway systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:55:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2685032</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>