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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>Determination of Test Methods to Quantify the Effects of Organic and Inorganic Constituents in Silica Sand Used for Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698276</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Quality control of sand and fine aggregate is of paramount importance to ensure the structural adequacy, long-term durability and sustainability of structures owned by the 
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). To ensure the organic components within sand do not exceed minimum threshold values, an evaluation of the materials as well as the test methods themselves will be performed as part of this research project. The results from the research project BEB28 suggest that there is a good correlation between the results obtained from the Modified Walkley Black (MWB) method and elemental analysis via combustion (EA) method. The two methods yield similar or consistent measurements of organic carbon content in soil samples. Such correlation is valuable because it indicates that both methods can be used interchangeably or in conjunction to assess soil organic carbon levels. This correlation strengthens the reliability and applicability of both techniques in soil research and management.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 07:34:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698276</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Study of Real-Time Concrete Strength Measurements and Monitoring Systems that Conform to AASHTO T-412-24 for Use in Materials Testing Which Will Provide Cost Savings and Reduce Waste</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2687354</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Concrete strength testing is essential to Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT’s) quality control (QC). Current practice relies on destructive cylinder testing (ASTM C39), a labor-intensive, costly method
providing discrete-age strength data and delaying construction decisions. Maturity-based sensors (ASTM C1074) enable early-age monitoring but require mix-specific
calibration. The newly adopted AASHTO T-412-24 provides a nondestructive
alternative, measuring in place dynamic elastic modulus via acoustical resonance for real-time strength estimation. Field trials in Texas and Indiana achieved strength
estimates within ±15% of cylinder results and reduced testing costs by ~50%.
Sensors embedded at placement continuously log data, enabling immediate form
removal, traffic opening, or corrective actions. Nevada’s mixes, with ~20% pozzolan replacement and variable aggregate quality, may alter the modulus-strength relationship. Sensor performance under Nevada’s climate, data reliability, and integration into NDOT quality assurance (QA)/QC procedures remain untested. This study will (i) verify T-412-24 sensor accuracy with NDOT mixes in the field, (ii) assess field performance under local conditions, (iii) evaluate environmental, economic, and waste-reduction impacts, and (iv) develop protocols for NDOT adoption.

The objective of this research project is to evaluate whether T-412-24–compliant embedded sensors can deliver accurate, reliable real-time strength estimates for NDOT applications. The study will also correlate sensor data with ASTM C39 cylinder results for NDOT mixes in lab and field settings, identify implementation challenges, quantify cost/testing time savings, and produce specification-ready recommendations.

The University of Nevada, Reno team plans to achieve the project goal by: (1) Conducting a comprehensive literature review and identifying a set of 4-6 representative NDOT mix designs for use in lab and field testing. (2) Deploying AASHTO T-412-24-compliant real-time strength sensors in four NDOT pilot placements across regions and applications, with multiple sensors per placement to capture spatial gradients. (3) Analyzing and synthesizing the strength data generated through the field deployment, including sensor readings and companion cylinder tests. (4) Assessing the life cycle for each concrete mix design. (5) Analyzing the life cycle cost for each concrete mix design. (6) Estimating the waste reduction for each concrete mix design. (7) Producing final project deliverables including recommendations, tools, and guidance necessary for NDOT to evaluate and adopt real-time strength monitoring technologies.

This project will deliver validated specifications, installation guidelines, decision tools, and cost/benefit analyses for immediate use on NDOT pilot projects. If proven effective, AASHTO T-412-24–compliant real-time concrete strength sensors could be deployed on a wide range of construction and reconstruction projects, reducing cylinder testing costs, accelerating decisions, and improving durability. The main barrier is sensor cost, about $200 per unit plus a reusable datalogger, though savings from reduced materials, labor, and equipment operation are expected to offset this expense. Integration into NDOT’s QA/QC framework will require minor specification updates, with no significant political or socio-economic obstacles anticipated.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:10:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2687354</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Statistical Evaluation of Illinois Modified AASHTO T161 Freeze–Thaw Testing Following Laboratory Relocation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2686616</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A critical way to build high-performing pavements and bridges is to evaluate a mixture’s freeze-thaw performance in the lab to ensure it meets performance parameters. The aim of this project is to calibrate and validate new equipment for freeze-thaw testing at the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT's) Central Bureau of Materials. Researchers will test aggregate samples using IDOT’s new and existing freeze-thaw equipment, ensuring the new equipment produces consistent and replicable results. They will also create calibration guidelines that will help to establish a repeatable framework when replacing future freeze-thaw testing equipment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:41:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2686616</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Innovative Materials for Improved Roadway Mobility and Drainage Efficiency</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677558</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Flood-related roadway closures and drainage failures cause major travel delays, increase congestion, and pose risks to public health and safety. Conventional stormwater culverts or highway drainage made from plastic, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are vulnerable to deformation, cracking, and chemical degradation, particularly in high-temperature or chemically aggressive soils. This project develops and evaluates advanced recycled HDPE composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for use in drainage pipes and highway culvert systems, designed to maintain roadway mobility and performance during extreme rainfall, with an emphasis on public health and safety benefits and long-term roadway performance.  

Laboratory-scale fabrication and mechanical testing will optimize the composition of carbon nanotube-reinforced recycled HDPE blends for improved fracture strength, chemical resistance, and physical properties. Past research by the PI has previously produced and evaluated nanoclay-reinforced recycled plastic, demonstrating established expertise in composite preparation and testing.   

The research team will collaborate with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), El Paso Water Utilities, and El Paso County to validate the material in representative stormwater applications and to assess long-term material performance under demanding exposure conditions such as ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures. By utilizing recycled HDPE, the project reduces material waste while improving performance and supporting long-term infrastructure reliability. The project will also conduct performance analysis and compare lifecycle costs against conventional PVC or HDPE systems, providing guidelines for integrating innovative polymer composites into transportation drainage infrastructure that support efficient roadway operation and reduced flood-related mobility disruptions. This project undertakes breakthrough research by applying carbon nanotubes to strengthen recycled thermoplastics for stormwater drainage systems. It is an innovative effort combining material science, hydraulic engineering, and laboratory-scale testing.    

  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:53:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677558</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Efficient Construction Material Testing and Inspection Based on Risk Levels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2533743</link>
      <description><![CDATA[South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) previously completed research project SD91-05 Essential Testing and Inspections Levels which was conducted over 30 years ago. It would be beneficial to review SDDOT’s current construction material testing and inspection program using a “Risk-Based Analysis”. This type of analysis would focus on the value of each material test and type of inspection, thus helping SDDOT to direct resources to where they would provide the most value and reduce the risk to end quality and performance. Risks include but are not limited to time, cost, safety, quality, and scheduling. Advancements in technology and software since SD91-05 have improved processes and productivity in the highway construction industry. Current and emerging technologies should be considered in this research to improve the efficiency of SDDOT construction material testing and inspection. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:45:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2533743</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Materials-Based Methods to Improve Rumble Strip Durability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414317</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The use of centerline rumble strips (CLRS) has been shown to reduce severe head-on crashes on two lane roads by up to 64%. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has included rumble strips in their new “Proven Safety Countermeasures” initiative, which may result in more widespread use of rumble strips. Through the lens of pavement performance, installing CLRS in asphalt pavements may accelerate deterioration of the pavement at the longitudinal construction joint. Recent research has measured this effect and suggested chip sealing new rumble strips as a preventive measure; however, chip sealing following installation may not be practical or desirable for many reasons. Other materials that have a demonstrable impact on centerline joint durability, without sacrificing the functionality of the rumble strip, have been described, namely Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) and Rapid Penetrating Emulsion (RPE). This project will evaluate the efficacy of these material methods for improving CLRS durability while maintaining safety through the use of full-scale field projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:45:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414317</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ME Guide: E* Model from Single Point Tests Results, Phase III: Development of Low-temperature, High-frequency Relations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329540</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This UDOT research project series incorporates the results obtained from existing asphalt mixtures tests (IDEAL-CT, Mixture BBR, and Hamburg WTD), as conducted during the mix design or the mix approval process, to the material properties used in the pavement structure designed using AASHTOWare Pavement ME. This Phase III of the research series will expand the relation from Phase II (at intermediate temperatures) to other types (i.e., families) of mixtures and incorporate data at low temperatures with the dynamic modulus master curve.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 14:53:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329540</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>System Design for Highly Accurate and Efficient Target Detection in Triaxial Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2289621</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For photogrammetry-based volume measurement, existing coded target (CT) recognition and identification algorithms have limitations in perspective deformation, freely rotated CTs, and unfavorable light conditions. This study will develop an innovative system design for highly accurate and efficient target detection in triaxial testing. The proposed method will remain all the merits in existing methods and have several improvements, including blob analysis, automatic outlier identification, and an increased number of points on the membrane for more representative 3-D results. The developed photogrammetry-based volume measurement method with the target detection technology will be applied in the widely used triaxial tests to evaluate stress-strain behavior of geomaterials. The method will improve the testing accuracy and efficiency. The low-cost testing system has the potential to be widely adopted by government agencies, contractors, and research institutes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:26:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2289621</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Characterization of Combined Environmental Effects on Bituminous Paving Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262757</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Over the past 6.5 years, the Construction Materials Research Center (CMRC) within the Mississippi State University (MSU) department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) has been active in assessing time dependent and combined environmental effects on paving materials. A considerable amount of this work has been funded by Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and supported by industry, and a central component of this work has been a test section in Columbus, MS. This proposal, if funded, would continue the field aging work in Columbus, but would also expand CMRC’s efforts and include time dependent assessments on projects in other areas for multiple damage mechanisms.  Several areas are envisioned to be monitored for time dependent environmental effects and/or usage pattern effects across MDOT’s network. The aforementioned Columbus test section itself would be one of those items. In additional Stone-Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is to be evaluated for mixing temperature and other relevant effects by way of cores or gyratory compacted specimens that would be placed on top of the full-scale Columbus parking lot test sections that have been in place since 2011. Alongside the SMA, cores or gyratory compacted specimens are also to be aged at the Columbus test section that are produced with Dense-Graded Asphalt (DGA) to widen the knowledge base of aging that has already been initiated. A fourth area of interest is monitoring pavement infiltration over time for several types of projects and pavement surfaces of interest to MDOT; infiltration monitoring is expected for Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC) with and without treatments, thin lift joints, and composite treatments such as scrub seals with a thin overlay. The final item to be assessed for time dependent and/or usage pattern effects are shoulder aggregates.  This study’s objectives are as follows:  (1) Improve understanding of field aging of asphalt mixtures; (2) Provide clarity on mixing temperature effects on SMA; (3) Characterize water infiltration resistance over time of several pavement surfaces, and (4) Improve MDOT shoulder aggregate practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:21:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262757</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Comprehending the Structural Performance and Examining Potential Field Applications of Sileto, as a New Material</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221104</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sileto is a new polymer based concrete that its properties does not change by temperature. It is a proprietary material developed by a company named Sileto.
Florida International University (FIU) undertook a preliminary project with total funding of $10,000 to conduct a very limited work to evaluate the material. This constituted Phase I of the project. Now Sileto is interested in conducting additional study, this time to final application areas, in cooperation with Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC). Sileto will provide $120,000 cash to FIU, in addition to Sileto material that will be needed in conducted of the test. Sileto will also assist the research team where it is needed. ABC-UTC will provide $80,000 toward this Phase II of the project. In Phase I of the investigation, of a project funded by Sileto, at FIU, a series of activities were undertaken to develop preliminary assessment of Sileto and identify the feasible areas of application for Sileto in United States.  Following the conclusion of the Phase I research the final report summarizing the activities within Phase I was submitted to Sileto. In addition to FIU research, Sileto was also evaluated by Construction Technology Laboratories (CTL) in Skokie Illinois. The main objective of the proposed study is to comprehend some fundamental structural performance of Sileto as a material to be used for (1) bridge deck overlay, (2) precast deck panel, to form deck system for folded plate girder bridge system, (3) 3D printing in the form of layer by layer, (4) retrofitting structural elements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:28:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221104</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Performance Approach to Evaluate ASR in Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2215649</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The formation of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) gels in concrete has been a major issue for the industry since they were first discovered in the 1930s. The gels are formed by the reaction of the alkalis from the cement with the silica in certain ASR susceptible aggregates. The gels can absorb water, swell, and cause the concrete to crack.
The first tests to determine the ASR susceptibility of aggregates came out in 1947. There have been many tests since then. They mostly rely on the measurement of engineering properties. Typically, a sample of mortar or aggregate is immersed in sodium hydroxide solution at elevated temperature and the physical expansion of the sample measured after a period. The T-FAST method is a more sensitive and accurate test which predicts ASR expansion using purely chemical measurements. The test is completed in 21 days.
Although these tests can detect ASR reactive sites in aggregates, they cannot determine whether gels will form in the resulting concrete. That depends on the alkali loading of the mix. The idea of measuring the alkali threshold of aggregates has been discussed for many years although no simple or reliable test has been available. A new ATT test, has been developed in the chemistry laboratory at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). The test is simple and is completed in 21 days. With the ATT method it is possible to determine the likelihood of ASR formation in concrete.
While research at TFHRC supports this notion there is a need to verify the validity of this technique by evaluating many commonly used aggregates.
OBJECTIVES:  To evaluate a wide selection of concrete mix designs to validate the use of the new American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) TP-144-21 (T-FAST) and alkali threshold test (ATT) methods in conjunction with mix design data, cement mill reports and SCM properties to determine the of ASR gel formation in concrete.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:32:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2215649</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 55-06. State DOT Certification Programs for Materials Sampling and Testing Personnel</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2204222</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR Subpart B) requires that each state department of transportation (DOT) develop a quality assurance program for materials and workmanship that includes the use of qualified sampling and testing personnel. To that end, state DOTs and some groups of state DOTs have developed programs to qualify or certify the personnel performing the testing. The entities that administer the certification programs may be the state DOTs themselves or other entities that have been delegated the authority to administer the certification programs by the state DOTs themselves or other entities that have been recognized by the state DOTs as qualified to administer certification programs.

State DOTs must ensure that sampling and testing personnel possess a required understanding of and competency in the performance of their duties. This should lead to reliable test results that enable the states to make a valid acceptance decision and comply with the CFR. The purpose of certification is to indicate that testing personnel possess a thorough understanding of, and competency in, the performance of their duties. This should lead to reliable test results that enable the states to make a valid acceptance decision and comply with the CFR. The purpose is the same for all state DOTs, but the means to qualify testing personnel to perform specific tests, and applicable DOT regulations, varies between the agencies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this synthesis is to document practices used by state DOTs for implementing qualification and/or certification programs for materials sampling and testing personnel in accordance with 23 CFR 637 Subpart B.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:09:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2204222</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field-Cured Products and Water Quality: A Guide for Screening and Risk Mitigation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2188136</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State departments of transportation (DOTs) routinely receive requests from vendors to approve new products and materials. These products may involve in-the-field curing of materials such as sprays, foams, epoxies, or resins in constructing or maintaining culverts, pipes, or bridge supports. These products are in contact with surface water and may pose adverse impacts to water quality. Although manufacturers may provide evidence of meeting required laboratory testing standards indicating minimized or no impacts to water quality, several studies have nonetheless documented adverse effects during and after installation. Although some DOTs have developed specifications for certain repair methods, they do not have methods to screen products for environmental impacts. Finally, the fast-paced nature of product innovation presents DOTs with several challenges to ensuring products will not put surface waters at or near project sites at risk.  

Products should be screened before use and properly field-cured to minimize adverse water-quality effects. Even with screening, risks may manifest from (1) the product not performing outside of laboratory conditions due to differing environmental conditions that are difficult to simulate, (2) installation not being performed to manufacturer specifications, (3) incomplete cure or extended cure times, and/or (4) long-term abrasion of the product from debris or sediment flows. Research is needed to provide DOTs with a standard framework to consider a range of products and installation procedures that require in-the-field curing and mechanisms to minimize risks to water quality. 

The objective of this research is to develop a three-part guide for evaluating products that cure in the field, such as sprays, foams, epoxies, or resins used in constructing or maintaining culverts, pipes, or bridge supports that may be in contact with surface water.  

At a minimum, the guide will deliver (1) a testing protocol for manufacturers to follow so that DOTs can qualify in-the-field curing products prior to product approval, (2) an implementable and consistent protocol with methods for field testing to ensure minimum impact on water quality, and (3) procedures or processes for DOTs to address risk factors.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 19:43:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2188136</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alternative PT Tendon Strand/Filler Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096564</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project, alternative strand and grouted materials are tested for corrosion performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096564</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mobile Concrete Testing Trailer to Deploy Performance Engineered Mix Design for Concrete, Deploy New Test and Technologies, and Provide National Leadership for Concrete Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062421</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will advance new technologies through demonstration on active State construction projects and will provide workshop on best practices for pavement Quality Assurance and technical guidance on specification improvements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:17:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062421</guid>
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