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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <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>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Corrosion Concerns in Alaska to Personal and Commercial Vehicles Caused by Winter Operations Chlorides</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512615</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research effort was to synthesize relevant information on corrosion to Department of Transportation (DOT) equipment and vehicles caused by chloride-based deicing materials used in the state of Alaska. To accomplish this, a survey of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT & PF) personnel was used to identify deicers used and corrosion concerns. A literature review was conducted, and a synthesis document was developed that identified common corrosion issues and best management practices (BMPs) that can be used to prevent and or reduce corrosion. Fact sheets were developed to share information on corrosion concerns and BMPs that can be used to prevent and or reduce corrosion for both AKDOT & PF and the public. Identified best practices include using corrosion inhibitors in deicing products, washing equipment and vehicles as frequently as is feasible, following washing applying barrier protection when feasible, and conducting routine inspections of equipment and vehicles to report and initiate repairs of corrosion related damage.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 20:53:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512615</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>No Boundaries Transportation Maintenance Innovations: Phase IV</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2447297</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) are continually challenged to provide their customers with a high level of service despite tightening financial resources and staffing challenges. Innovation is the key to achieving more with less. By identifying and implementing innovative tools, technologies and practices, DOTs can get a job done faster, better and more cost-effectively and in many cases, safer. The No Boundaries pooled fund is dedicated to helping states save time and money on all aspects of their maintenance-related activities by promoting the adaptation, implementation and broader use of successful strategies, and facilitating opportunities that encourage collaboration and transfer of innovative technologies. Over the first three phases of theNo Boundaries Transportation Maintenance Innovations pooled fund spanning 13 years, member states have benefited from the real-world experiences and knowledge of transportation maintenance peers who have sought to solve similar challenges. In Phase IV, No Boundarieswill continue to assist in and accelerate the successful technology and innovation transfer among state DOTs. The Colorado DOT will serve as lead state and work with other member agencies to streamline the transfer of tried and tested innovations and avoid potential pitfalls that can be time-consuming and costly.
OBJECTIVES: The fourth phase of No Boundaries build upon its work to facilitate and support successful tech transfer of maintenance-related innovations among member states. These efforts will include hosting a twice-yearly in-person peer exchange for state representatives to meet and address their challenges and innovative maintenance solutions, supporting a variety of additional opportunities for learning and exchanging knowledge and developing marketing plans and case studies to document and highlight stories of successful tech transfer. In addition, No Boundaries will continue to build and maintain a searchable online database where maintenance innovations can be found and showcased by all state transportation agencies. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Nov 2024 17:42:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2447297</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Guidelines for Evaluation of Embankment Conditions in Bridge Approach Slabs and Pavement Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2255819</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Distresses of bridge approach slabs (BAS) and nearby pavement structures on roadway embankments are often caused by poor conditions in the embankments. The goal of this project is to develop guidelines for (1) evaluations of roadway embankment conditions and (2) maintenance strategies. The research team will (a) conduct literature review and survey to synthesize information about the current state of the practice for embankment evaluations and repairs, (b) locate field test sections for new evaluations and monitoring of past repair performance, (c) conduct field investigations of the test sections and develop evaluation guidelines for embankment conditions, (d) identify causes of distresses and classify them, (e) develop maintenance strategies for the classified distress types and mechanisms, and conduct pilot field applications, and (f) develop training materials for 
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:54:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2255819</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reduce Concrete Cracking through Mix Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083739</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Concrete cracking affects the long-term condition and performance of both bridge and culvert structures. Shrinkage cracking is perceived to be a deterrent to placing exposed decks/slabs during bridge and culvert rehabilitation and replacement projects. Concrete cracking during bridge construction allows oxygen, moisture and salts into the structure accelerating corrosion and deterioration. Understanding methods to avoiding cracking at the mix design level will allow exposed decks to be more often considered as a viable option. This is especially critical as more rapid bridge projects are proposed.
Different construction and specification methods have been previously explored to reduce concrete cracking at bridge curb locations. This research will explore alternates to current mix design practice including lightweight concrete, changes to PCC and pozzolan content, etc., to reduce concrete cracking. Stand alone, off structure concrete placement like sidewalks, concrete slabs, etc., could be used as test areas for observation. The NHDOT Bureau of Bridge Maintenance will work with the researchers at those locations as well as considering placement in bureau projects.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:23:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083739</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Airport Practices. Topic S09-10. Airfield Turf and Vegetation Management Practices</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1897250</link>
      <description><![CDATA[ACRP Synthesis 128: Airfield Turf and Vegetation Management Practices, from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, documents airfield practices for turf and vegetation management given the various constraints of staffing, equipment, safety, funding, climate, and regulations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:10:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1897250</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Identification of Maintenance Practices to Impede Corrosion Impacts on Prestressed Concrete Box Beam Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875088</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The prestressed concrete box beam bridge is one of the most utilized structures on Ohio's local transportation system. It has shown to be one of the more economical structures for spans of 40' to 100'. Over the years, bridge inspections have documented premature rust staining along the bottom, at joint lines, and outside fascia of beams. The rust staining is generated from the onset of prestressing strand corrosion. Many inspections document the staining and corrosion early within the life cycle of the bridge. Corrosion on these structures is expected due to a combination of water and winter salting, however the amount of corrosion and its subsequent impact to box beams is occurring at high rates. Some county engineers have reported bridges with significant corrosion 15-20 years after construction that, at times, has resulted in the bridge needing substantial repairs and in some cases replacement by age 35-40. There is little information available on how to manage or mitigate the crack and rust staining when it is first observed. 

The goal of this research is to extend the service life of prestressed concrete box beam bridges utilized on Ohio's local (e.g., counties) transportation system. This research will identify cost-effective and pro-active maintenance practices that can alleviate or significantly slow the corrosion process in these bridges. A matrix of possible repairs or maintenance practices for use by county engineers will be developed. The findings of this research will provide local transportation professionals with valuable tools for the management and care of these structures. By extending the service life of these structures through cost-effective maintenance practices, more substantial and expensive repairs could be delayed without impacting the safety of the traveling public. This would allow local officials more time to plan and budget for costly bridge rehabilitations or replacements.           ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2021 06:54:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875088</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of the Performance of Rumble Strips on Pavements Where Seal Coats Have Been Applied</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1647625</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The repeated application of seal coats on pavements with rumble strips may reduce the effectiveness of the rumble strips to alert drivers of inadvertent lane departures. The goal of this project is to determine how many layers of seal coat can be applied on a pavement with rumble strips before rumble strip performance and, consequently, driver safety is compromised. The Proposing Agency will: 1) Review the literature for rumble strip performance thresholds for safety specifically relating to noise and vibration. 2) Develop a field-based testing plan using a statistical D-optimal design methodology. The plan will either be a before-after design of several projects scheduled for seal coat construction, or a repeated measures design of a few projects with controlled application and testing of multiple seal coat applications. Rumble strip location, seal coat grade, vehicle type, and speed are also considered. 3) Identify test sections according to the plan. 4) Measure interior noise and vibration for sections before and after seal coat application. Also measure texture with a laser profiler on select sections. 5) Determine how many seal coats result in an unacceptable drop in rumble strip performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Aug 2019 15:02:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1647625</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MoDOT Autonomous Leader-Follower TMA System: Development of Autonomous Trucks Operation Guidelines and Driver Training Process</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1581013</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mobile and slow moving operations, such as striping, sweeping, bridge flushing and pothole patching, are critical for efficient and safe operation of the highway transportation system. Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) slow moving operations have been crashed into over 80 times since 2013 resulting in many injuries to MoDOT employees. A successfully implemented leader-follower autonomous truck mounted attenuators (ATMA) system will eliminate all injuries to DOT employees in a follow truck (FT) provided appropriate statutory authority. The leader-follower system design imposes more requirements to the lead truck (LT) drivers in order to ensure a safe and smooth system operation. The driver is now required to make driving decisions not only from the lead truck’s perspective, but also consider the potential implications of his decisions to the follow truck. For example, when crossing a highway intersection, a regular driver can simply follow traffic signals and cross the intersection at any time in the green phase. However, for an ATMA lead truck driver, he may want to avoid crossing intersections at the end of a green phase, otherwise the follow truck won’t be able to pass and the lead truck will have to stop and wait for the follow truck to catch up. When scenarios like this happen, it’s very likely that the other vehicles will cut in between these two trucks and cause ATMA system failure. Another example is when vehicles are making turns at intersections, an ATMA driver will have to wait for a gap larger than normal to make sure both lead truck and follow truck can make the turns together. This project aims to develop a set of rules and clear instructions for ATMA system operation. Training materials for the lead truck drivers will also be developed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2019 07:22:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1581013</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reducing Service Interruptions in Linear Infrastructure Systems (Transportation and Water/Sewer) by Synchronizing Schedules for Selected Maintenance Activities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1474341</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Lifeline systems are those facilities that provide the main utility or transportation services to a community (e.g., electric and portable water transmission and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, highways, railroads, seaports and inland waterway ports). The extent of interdependency of the lifeline system plays a significant role in the vulnerability of a community--as one or more systems beginning to fail leads to a domino effect that could result in a major shut down, resulting in both economic and social impacts. Increasing population density and increased vulnerability of the coastal areas to hurricanes have created major challenges for communities especially with increasing awareness after recent disasters (i.e., Katrina and Rita). Lifeline interruption events are linked by time and dynamic interactions among the systems. This research will demonstrate the infrastructure limitations (design and operation) of lifeline facilities for coastal communities, identify critical bottlenecks in service quality and show how failure will propagate through the system. Analysis will be conducted for two case studies to answer the following questions: (1) What are the similarities in service interruption profiles in integrated lifeline systems (transportation, water/sewer)? (2) How do the stages, steps, phases or events relate to one another? (3) What happens if an event does not take place? What is the final outcome? (4) How can we establish check points? (5) How can agencies develop coordinated maintenance schedules to minimize (or reduce) service interruptions and increase maintenance cost effectiveness?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jul 2017 01:02:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1474341</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4121: Pack Rust Identification and Mitigation Strategies for Steel Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1445901</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research will study the development of pack rust in Indiana steel highway bridges and investigate possible repair methodologies. Specific areas of interest are the frequency of occurrence of pack rust in steel highway bridges in Indiana, locations and types of bridges where pack rust has been observed to occur, and repair or mitigation procedures that have been developed and implemented in other state DOTs and other industries.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2017 11:13:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1445901</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transit Traction Power Cables: Replacement Guidelines</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1442154</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The transit industry uses insulated cable for traction power supply and negative return cables between traction power substations, tie switches, and points of delivery to the vehicles, whether third (contact) rail or overhead contact system (OCS). In addition, third rail systems use jumper cables to provide continuity of power around third rail gaps and expansion joints. The conductor insulation system used for traction power cables as well as for lower voltage power distribution and signal/communication systems typically has a specified life of 30 years. Many of the transit systems in the United States are that age or older with original cables still in service.
 
Many cables within transit tunnels have had failures because of the water penetration through and around the cable insulation, causing damage to the insulation and corrosion of the copper conductor. In some subway tunnels, the conduits themselves have degraded to the point where they cannot be cleaned out and reused for their original purpose. Transit systems have experienced cable fires and system-wide closures due to the degradation of traction power cable insulation. In recent years, major storms affecting the United States have inundated transit tunnels with fresh and contaminated water and exacerbated cable lifecycle concerns.
 
Research is needed to answer key questions and to determine end of life and replacement criteria for transit traction power cables.
 
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop guidelines for determining when to replace transit system cables. The research will include a study of current practices for (1) assessing insulation aging and (2) replacement of cables before failure, including (a) approaches used in transit systems for which there are no monitoring programs and/or testing systems, (b) factors affecting life of cable, and (c) effective practices from transit agencies.
 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jan 2017 13:15:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1442154</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hand-Held Diagnostic Controller for ITS Field Maintenance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441795</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Hand-Held Diagnostic Controller is a device that enables field technicians to control Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) field elements and have a diagnostic platform for troubleshooting devices that are not working properly.  This task builds on work previously done in-house by students and produces a deployable prototype to be tested in the districts.  Work includes creating the sv170 protocol module for the Caltrans Model 500 series Changeable Message Signs, Cohu, Pelco and Sony Visca protocols for the camera units used within California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Also included is the interface module and all supporting modules needed to produce a Hand-Held Diagnostic Controller.  This task will also focus on documentation of the modules, as well as creating stubs for future field element development.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:52:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441795</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Phase 2 Biological Control of Invasive Phragmites Australis</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1440527</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Phragmites australis plant growth and rapid expansion causes negative impacts including public safety and interference with New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) maintenance operations. More broadly, the growth and expansion of Phragmites australis interferes with NYSDOT’s Landscape Stewardship Policy to promote biodiversity. Current practices to control Phragmites australis include the application of herbicides followed by burning or mechanical removal of dead stalks. Success of eradication using herbicides has only been achieved for small infestations covering less than 1 acre. For larger areas, eradication has not been successful; plants re-grow and require re-treatment with herbicide application at a 3-5 year rotation. These practices pose problems to the maintenance budget and can cause negative ecological side effects for non-target plants.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2016 14:07:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1440527</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4124: Implementation of LEAN Business Processes for INDOT Maintenance (Training and Tacking Process Improvements)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1424253</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will assist the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) with successfully implementing LEAN practices into maintenance operations. This project has a training component  with a focus on hands-on implementation of the material presented in the workshops. Participants will be directly engaged in completing a value-added INDOT project to demonstrate mastery of the workshop tools & methods. Quality & Productivity metrics will be tracked and reported.   Mentoring will be provided beyond the workshops to help ensure successful completion of all projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2016 15:06:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1424253</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>UAS Maintenance, Modification, Repair, Inspeciton, Training, and Certificaiton</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1397593</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The FAA already knows how to certify maintenance procedures and train maintenance professionals for manned aircraft, but UAS are different. Kansas State is leading a team with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Montana State University to test current industry UAS practices against current manned aircraft safety regulations. The team will be providing the FAA various reports with recommendations on maintenance simulation training, ASI Training, Gap Analysis of 14 CFR 145 Repair Station Criteria, UAS Accidents/Incidents Data Recording. The FAA will use this research to help set UAS maintenance standards and training certification to ensure UAS are kept safe to fly. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2016 09:38:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1397593</guid>
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