NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

20040120889
Alternative Modes as an Air Quality Mitigation Strategy
Schreffler, E. N.; Jun. 2004; 70 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-106799; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A04, Hardcopy
Many states, regions, localities and private entities promote the use of alternative modes, alternatives to signal occupant
automobile travel, for a variety of reasons. Of interest to this research, many regions and states use the promotion of alternative
modes as an air quality strategy. A reduction in the amount and timing of automobile travel is often one element of a region’s
air quality strategy. In Arizona, the two largest urban areas, Maricopa and Pima Counties, each have travel or trip reduction
programs, aimed at reducing automobile emissions by shifting commuters to alternative modes. The Arizona Department of
Transportation (ADOT) commissioned this research to assess current experience with the use of alternative modes as an air
quality mitigation strategy. This includes investigating what other state departments of transportation (DOTs) are doing to
promote, support, and evaluate alternative modes. It is hoped that the information provided here will assist Arizona planners
and program managers to inform state policy and provide the perspective and insights necessary for ADOT personnel to
effectively communicate with their counterparts at the state’s regional and local agencies and state air quality planners.
NTIS
Air Quality; Cost Effectiveness; Exhaust Emission
20040120890 New Jersey Dept. of Transportation, Trenton, NJ, USA, Rutgers - The State Univ., Piscataway, NJ, USA
Demonstration Project: The Measurement of Pavement Noise on New Jersey Pavements Using the NCAT Noise Trailer
Bennert, T.; Hanson, D.; Maher, A.; May 2004; 34 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-106777; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
A demonstration project was conducted for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to evaluate the
measurement of pavement/tire noise on New Jersey pavements. The pavement/tire noise is defined as the noise directly
produced by the tire traveling over the pavement surface. It does not consider other traffic-related noise such as
automobile/truck engines, braking, etc. This is important since the only factor the NJDOT can truly control to aid in the traffic
noise reduction is the pavement surface. The demonstration project was developed to provide two key pieces of information:
(1) An evaluation of the NCAT Noise Trailer as a means of measuring pavement/tire related noise, and (2) To develop an initial
database of noise values for different pavement surfaces that are typically encountered on New Jersey highways. The NCAT
(National Center for Asphalt Technology) Noise Trailer uses the Close-Proximity Method (CPX) to measure the pavement/tire
noise levels. In this method, microphones are placed near the pavement/tire interface to directly measure the pavement/tire
noise levels. The microphone set-up and tires are enclosed in a chamber that is insulated with noise absorbing insulation. This
provides an enclosure that is only measuring the noise developed by the pavement/tire interface and not any external noise
of the passing vehicles or environment.
NTIS
Asphalt; Pavements
20040120895 California Univ., Riverside, CA, USA
Measurements of NO(y), Nitric Acid, NO, and PAN in the South Coast Air Basin
Fitz, D. R.; May 2004; 72 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): PB2004-106391; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A04, Hardcopy
NO(y)-No(y)(star) analyzers and NO2/PAN gas chromatographs were used in the continuation of a study to evaluate the
concentrations of nitrogenous species in Azusa and Riverside. These two sites are generally on the same afternoon wind
trajectory with Azusa, approximately 35 miles to the west-northwest, being upwind. NO-NO(y)-NO(y)(star) instruments are
chemiluminescent NO-NO(x) analyzers equipped with dual converters, with one preceded by a NaCl-coated denuder to
measure nitric acid by difference. NO2/PAN gas chromatographs separate NO2 and quantify the amount using luminal
detection. This selective method of measuring NO2 and PAN is used to quantify the amount of these species contained in the
NO(y). The analyzers were operated from May 2001 through December 2002. Data were compiled, validated, and submitted
for all of 2002. Data from 2001 were submitted as invalidated data. In 2002 NO(y) values at Riverside ranged up to 250 ppb,
and values at Azusa reached up to 500ppb. The diurnal pattern of nitric acid was observable nearly every day, although at each
site one of the two collocated NO(y)-NO(y)(star) instruments was biased low, most likely due to a slight converter efficiency
mismatch.
NTIS
Nitrogen Dioxide; Nitric Acid; Measurement; Air Quality
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