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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <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>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Augmented Reality-Assisted Quality Control for Structural Component Placement in Bridge Construction </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646964</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Construction quality control is an important part of building reliable infrastructure. This process starts with proper fabrication and depends heavily on how well the components are installed in the field. Construction requirements include surveying, documentation, inspection, and other means to control the quality of component placement during bridge construction. Making sure everything is placed and assembled correctly is key for the performance of the intended structural design over time. For instance, in bridge construction, even when components are fabricated within tolerance, improper placement during assembly can lead to alignment errors that compound over time, potentially affecting structural integrity, safety, and durability. This challenge has been observed in ongoing collaborations with New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Castillo Precast, where the transition from fabrication to field placement may introduce uncertainties that current quality control workflows lack to quantify. There are two main challenges: (1) planning properly given the tight schedules and different teams between the fabrication and installation on time and space, making it difficult to coordinate with all parties (precaster, inspector at the precast plant, truck driver, crane operator, field contractor, consultant at the site, owner); (2) recording, accessing and sharing the construction sequence over the life of the bridge when needed, for example 10-20 years later. 

To address these challenges, this project proposes a digital inspection and verification system that combines 3D scanning and Augmented Reality visualization to support quality control for structural component placement in bridge construction. The goal is to compare the as-built configuration of structural components with the design intent in real time, helping engineers detect deviations early and minimize the risk of cumulative construction errors. By engaging directly with active construction sites in New Mexico, the research takes into account practical challenges such as limited working space, variable lighting, irregular ground surfaces, weather exposure, and the fast-paced nature of construction schedules, all of which can affect the usability and reliability of digital tools in the field. Through this system, field personnel can visualize discrepancies between what was designed and what was built, directly overlaid on the structure without relying only on traditional tape measures, 2D plans, or surveying. The project also develops a QR code installed on each element that provides long-term access to critical data from fabrication and construction to be always at the bridge and accessible by scanning, supporting future inspections and maintenance activities by allowing users to retrieve component information directly on-site using Augmented Reality. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:16:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646964</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Understanding Factors Influencing Truck Crashes with Vulnerable Road Users: A Panel Data Approach</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2625592</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this project is to define the spatial, temporal, and socioeconomic factors that most significantly contribute to truck-related accidents involving vulnerable road users (VRU) and to determine how variations in these factors alter the frequency of crashes. VRUs, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, are at the greatest risk when interacting on roadways, and accidents involving trucks and VRUs very frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities. This research will be conducted in New Mexico and Tennessee, both served by major interstate highways and characterized by unique economic patterns. To achieve this, the research will employ panel data regression analysis using crash records from both states, combined with socioeconomic and economic activity indicators at the Zip Code level. The dependent variable will be the frequency of truck-related accidents involving VRUs, while independent variables will include demographic, economic, and contextual factors, with controls such as weather conditions. The models will be tested for robustness, and results from the two states will be compared to identify context-specific patterns and to develop policy recommendations that enhance roadway safety for VRUs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:15:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2625592</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Location-Based Technology for Construction Project Record and Activity Efficiency</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607968</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will fund a pilot project using the collaborative digital stationing program, OnStation, to complement existing New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) e-Construction technologies. The digital stationing software will be deployed in two districts for use on multiple construction projects for two years. The software will be deployed on mobile electronic devices for use by field inspectors, supervisors, and project managers. Software users will receive training before usage. Users will have the ability to access digital stationing and software features in the field and the project offices. The software deployment and usage will be a complete project. By piloting this software in two of the six Districts in New Mexico, the NMDOT can ensure that the software will be fully functional and a good fit for use in the state of New Mexico. In the future, if the deployment is successful, the software will be used in all six NMDOT Districts. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:31:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607968</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rockfall Hazard Assessment and Monitoring Program for New Mexico's Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607967</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Geotechnical Team proposes to develop and implement a geotechnical asset management program that integrates remotely sensed drone data (including photogrammetry, LiDAR, and thermal imagery) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the state’s rockfall monitoring program. Historically, rockfall events have been documented using paper records and Excel spreadsheets. This initiative will modernize data collection and management practices, improving the accessibility, consistency, and utility of rockfall monitoring across New Mexico. Recent advancements in remote sensing and geospatial analytics will equip NMDOT to conduct proactive maintenance, inform planning, and implement long-term risk mitigation strategies for transportation corridors susceptible to rockfall and other slope failure hazards - particularly those exacerbated by changing climate conditions. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:11:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607967</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utilizing historic geotechnical data for the development of state-specific design correlations - Part 1: Data Entry</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607966</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this innovative project is twofold, and the project will be broken into two parts. The first purpose is to organize historical geotechnical borehole data into a usable format. For each proposed bridge replacement that involves new foundation construction, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Geotechnical Exploration Section typically completes at least one geotechnical boring at each substructure element (i.e., each pier and abutment). Approximately 2,000 digital files in the form of PDFs or Excel files, dating back to the early 2000s, can be found in the NMDOT Geotechnical Section share folder. However, the files are not in a format that can be easily tied to a geographic location or specific formation. This project will organize the historical data into the OpenGround database, currently used to log new boreholes or another DIGGS-compatible database. This could be incorporated into preliminary desk studies that are conducted in the early stages of new construction projects (Geotechnical Scoping Reports). It could also be used to supplement and support the data that is collected during the exploration phase of a design project, help fill in gaps in the data, and provide greater context for the type of material that is anticipated to be encountered during construction. Therefore, having this data available in the existing internally accessible OpenGround database would be a great asset to the Department. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:53:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607966</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Debris Removal System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607965</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is responsible for maintaining safe roadways for the motoring public. 67-3-16 requires the State Highway Commission, the governing body of the NMDOT, to construct, repair, and maintain highways within the state, as in their judgment will best serve the interest of the general public. Part of maintaining the roadways in good operation is to clear debris that can be hazardous to the public. Currently, NMDOT personnel are required to close traffic lanes as well as leave the safety of their vehicle, putting themselves in harm's way,  to remove roadway debris. A safer and more effective way for the Department to meet this statutory requirement would be to use devices to clear the roadway. 
 
The Department is currently conducting a Debris Removal System pilot study with vendors J-Tech (Lane Blade) and IC Innovations (Incident Clear). The units selected are equipped on the front of the vehicles and are truck-mounted hydraulic-actuated blade attachments to collect litter. This will allow the NMDOT personnel to remove hazardous road debris without leaving the safety of their vehicle. At the end of the pilot study, the Department will select the best Debris Removal System to ultimately provide safer roadways and reduce delays for the Department and the motoring public of New Mexico. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:17:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607965</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NMDOT Pedestrian Outreach Program</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598430</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research report reviews best practices in pedestrian outreach and engagement from various state, regional, and city agencies that will guide pedestrian outreach for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP). This report summarizes insights from interviews with government personnel overseeing pedestrian safety or active transportation initiatives throughout North America. The study examines engagement methods, including in-person and remote approaches, to effectively involve communities in the transportation planning processes. Key findings stress the significance of successful engagement regarding safety through data-driven prioritization methods and trust-building with communities while offering adaptable feedback systems. The findings led to practical recommendations for NMDOT to develop a sustainable and inclusive engagement framework while leveraging the best national practices and tools, such as the Our Voice App and the AARP Walk Audit Toolkit. The report recommends building a statewide advisory committee and regional engagement administrators alongside supporting outreach programs for youth and dedicated residents.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:51:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598430</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>E-Ticketing Technologies for Efficient Asphalt Ticket Collection and Quantity Calculation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2596426</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Every Day Counts program has highlighted e-Construction as a proven innovation to shorten the project delivery process, enhance roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion, and integrate automation. The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has implemented many e-Construction innovations. The use of e-Ticketing software on construction projects will complement existing NMDOT e-Construction technologies.   
The decision was made to use an e-Ticketing platform by Haulhub Technologies on NMDOT projects during the 2024 project season. Biweekly meetings with Haulhub and the NMDOT e-Ticketing implementation team commenced in January 2024. User accounts for the implementation test were created for training and testing purposes.  An NMDOT landing page with a picture and a quote from the technology champion was created as an initiative introduction to contractors and vendors. 
Two Haulhub-led e-Ticketing training sessions were scheduled with construction crews and audit sections throughout the state. The sessions were held virtually and covered how to interact with ticket data on the mobile application online (how to mark tickets as delivered, input notes, and take pictures) and offline, how to submit a missing ticket report, and how to interact with the web interface including flex grid overview and daily and delivery reporting options.
A list of construction and audit users was sent to Haulhub for account creation in preparation for the training sessions. Once the accounts were created, users were able to interact with the e-Ticketing platform in advance of the training sessions. This interaction allowed users to formulate questions to ask during training sessions.   
E-Ticketing was optional for contractors starting on the July 2024 bid letting. When projects were let and subsequently awarded, the contractor was allowed to use e-Ticketing technology on their project. The contractor was reimbursed for the cost of any associated equipment via a bid item in the contract and submitted invoices. Contractors were notified of the potential for e-Ticketing use on projects via the Notice To Contractors (NTC). Information on the use of e-Ticketing was also dispersed through partnership associations with the Associated Contractors of New Mexico (ACNM) and the Asphalt Pavement Association of New Mexico (APANM). Contractor use of e-Ticketing will be mandatory starting in the September 2025 bid letting for all projects over 10,000 tons of asphalt.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:57:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2596426</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rural Transportation Innovation and Mobilities Equity (RTIME)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2586797</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Rural Transportation Innovation and Mobilities Equity (TIME) Project focuses on enhancing mobility and accessibility in the rural areas served by Western New Mexico University (WNMU) by addressing three interconnected areas: access to nature, innovative transportation solutions, and economic development. The first area emphasizes the creation of safe, multi-modal pathways that connect Silver City and surrounding communities to natural recreational sites, as well as linking the historic downtown to the WNMU campus through a Complete Streets framework. This initiative aims to incorporate best practices from national and global contexts. 
The second area of focus revolves around developing innovative transportation options that cater to a diverse population, including children, retirees, and individuals with disabilities. This involves creating active transportation infrastructure that provides safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles. The project also aims to integrate these mobility solutions with regional economic and workforce development by introducing planning for technical certifications and degree programs at WNMU, tailored to meet local workforce needs.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:15:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2586797</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quantifying Portland-Limestone Cement Chemical and Physical Characteristics Affecting Concrete Quality</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582993</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The benefits of this work will assist in developing high-quality concrete and long-term durability, which is needed to provide a resilient transportation infrastructure.  The adoption of low-carbon transportation materials offers many challenges and opportunities for success. This work presents the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) the chance to influence the adoption of low-carbon materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout New Mexico, aligning itself with U.S. Federal goals of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:54:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582993</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Phase 4 Study and Evaluation of Materials Response in Hot Mix Asphalt Based on Field Instrumentation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582991</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The instrumented pavement section at Interstate I-40, near Albuquerque, New Mexico (Dist. 3), has provided the stress-strain data needed to fully implement the pavement mechanistic-empirical design (PMED) software in New Mexico. The Phase III study recommended considering additional instrumentation sections under different structural types, weather patterns, and loadings. As the I-40 pavement section can still provide valuable pavement design and material response data, Phase IV is proposed to continue data collection using this instrumented section. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:35:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582991</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determining NM Harvested Fly Ash Quality for Deployment in Durable Concrete Mix</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582990</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This Agreement details services provided under the Research & Climate Bureau project CN R925030. The main objective is to assess the viability of using disposed fly ash from six federally operated coal ash storage sites in New Mexico as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in concrete. This includes: Characterization via ASTM C618 and C1897; Evaluation of fresh and hardened concrete properties; Micro-modeling of cement hydration with harvested fly ash; Development of mechanistic models; and Validation testing via ASTM C191, C109, C469, and C456.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582990</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing High RAP Asphalt Mixtures toward Pavement Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Emissions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582988</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will advance the responsive use of high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) asphalt mixtures in New Mexico, providing the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) with significant cost savings and improved transportation systems for the traveling public. Increasing the RAP content in asphalt mixtures from 20% to 40% while improving pavement performance could reduce the material cost by $10 per ton and reduce carbon emissions by 8%. These economic and environmental benefits would be substantial to NMDOT and the people of New Mexico, considering that over 3.5 million tons of asphalt mixtures are produced annually across the state. This research will also position NMDOT at the forefront in advancing pavement longevity and sustainability while allowing NMDOT to participate in the national efforts ot the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) nand collaborate with other state departments of transportation (DOTs) interested in using high RAP asphalt mixtures.

OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this research is to advance high RAP asphalt mixtures toward pavement sustainability and net zero carbon emissions in New Mexico. Specifically, the research seeks to: Develop mix design strategies to improve the long-term pavement performance and life span of high RAP asphalt mixtures; Determine the multi-cycle recyclability of high RAP asphalt mixtures; Quantify the economic and environmental benefits of high RAP asphalt mixtures through life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and life cycle analysis (LCA).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:02:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582988</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of UAS-enabled Bridge Deck Inspection System from Investigation to Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582929</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For this research project, the research team introduces a pilot study that is geared towards inaugurating an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) bridge inspection program, operating on a component-level approach, with the overarching goal of enhancing the caliber of bridge inspection methodologies within the confines of New Mexico. The envisioned program encompasses the formulation of UAS-based inspection strategies, the establishment of frameworks for data interpretation, and the development of specialized software implementations tailored to individual bridge components as delineated in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). To achieve automated data acquisition, cutting-edge UAS platforms equipped with high-resolution sensors will be deployed.

The research outcomes from the proposed project will be delivered to New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) personnel as a technology transfer. A training workshop will be hosted to NMDOT personnel to gain knowledge of UAS-based bridge inspection. Besides, a site demonstration will be hosted to NMDOT personnel to show the developed UAS platform working on the site and software implementation. As a part of the research outcomes, a guideline for UAS based bridge deck inspection will be drafted.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:47:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582929</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aggregate Alkali-Silica-Reactivity and Mitigative Measures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582928</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Alkali-Silica-Reactivity (ASR) is a well-documented issue with aggregate used in concrete throughout New Mexico. Historically, inexpensive coal fly ash (FA), a waste byproduct of power generation with pozzolanic properties, has been relied on as an effective means of mitigating ASR. As more and more coal-fired power plants are retired and replaced by natural gas power plants and renewable energy sources, FA is no longer a reliable and readily available source of material for mitigating ASR. Natural pozzolans currently used for ASR mitigation, such as pumicite and metakaolin, are available but are costly. New Mexico has many undeveloped sources of alternative natural pozzolans which could be utilized with proper characterization and become a significant economic contribute to the state’s economy. Establishing a statewide alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) database based on detailed ASR testing is required to provide high quality concrete with excellent long-term performance necessary for the construction of highly safe and durable concrete transportation structures. It is expected future changes to concrete specifications will reduce supply burdens and costs for quality concrete, while at the establishing local sources for alternative pozzolans, benefiting local economies, as well as concrete suppliers and customers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:32:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582928</guid>
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