Development of a Data Collection Methodolgoy for Examining Construction Equipment Emissions and In-Cab Air Quality

Abstract

In the United States, heavy duty diesel equipment (HDDE) is a contributor of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the transportation sector. Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) are a concern for the operators of the equipment. The major objective of this study is to investigate the relation between tailpipe emissions from the equipment and the corresponding air quality inside the cab. The question we are looking to answer is: can we develop a methodology for data collection by utilizing portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and other small data collection devices to collect emissions data directly from the exhaust pipe of the equipment and air quality inside the cab? In this project we will look at what data collection equipment is needed and how to create a methodology to collect HDDE tailpipe emissions and the in-cab air quality. The outcome from this project will be a methodology for measuring in-cab air quality and tailpipe emissions on HDDE for potential human health studies for construction workers.