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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>A Performance- and Cost-Based Framework to Evaluate the Value of Multimodal Logistics Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703796</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project develops a practical, data-driven framework to evaluate the value of logistics infrastructure in a multimodal freight region. Focusing on the St. Louis metropolitan area, the framework integrates freight performance measurement with generalized logistics cost modeling to translate travel time, reliability, and terminal access improvements into economic outcomes. Methods include assembling a regional freight network representation, computing corridor-level travel time and variability metrics, and applying scenario-based valuation to estimate marginal benefits of targeted investments. The project also includes a private-sector truck–rail–barge use case to quantify multimodal tradeoffs and assess the competitiveness of inland waterway transportation under alternative infrastructure scenarios. The resulting workflow provides agencies and regional partners with transparent, repeatable methods to support freight investment prioritization and decision-making.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 11:52:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703796</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cone Penetration Test Correlations for Missouri Soils </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673279</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to provide MoDOT with Missouri-specific guidance on the use of cone penetration test (CPT) measurements to estimate geotechnical parameters. This work will focus on two areas: (1) Development of Missouri-specific correlations to estimate undrained strengths of Missouri clays from CPT measurements. and (2) Investigation of inconsistencies between standard penetration test (SPT) and CPT derived values for granular soils in Missouri.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:30:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673279</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Container-on-Barge Market Demand </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673252</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will assess the market demand and policy levers that could expand container-on-barge (COB) services along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The study will identify key shippers, high-potential commodities, infrastructure needs, and incentive mechanisms to make COB competitive with trucking and rail. This work directly supports the Missouri Department of Transportation's (MoDOT’s) freight, sustainability, and economic development goals, and aligns with the Missouri State Freight Plan and the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD’s) America’s Marine Highway Program.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:27:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673252</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Technical Specification and Publication Web Service </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673099</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Starting in 2021, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Research Section opted to provide access to an online standards portal for all of MoDOT. After some trial and error, the Research Section has changed vendors and limit-access to standards commonly used by MoDOT’s Bridge Division. Based on feedback from the Bridge Division, the Research Section should be able to tailor the service to meet their needs. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:23:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673099</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MIT-Dowel-Scan Pilot Implementation </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673060</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this pilot project is to evaluate and implement the use of the MIT-DOWEL-SCAN system to accurately assess dowel bar alignment in Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) concrete pavement projects. The selected researcher will utilize the Improve I-70 Design-Build expansion project as a testbed to develop a proof of concept and establish project requirements. The I-70 Design-Build teams will provide reasonable assistance with testing activities. The researcher must coordinate closely with the contractor’s schedule to ensure timely and non-disruptive testing. Researchers must follow all MoDOT safety procedures and well as any specific safety procedures or requirements of the responsible construction contractor.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:05:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2673060</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AI-Assisted System for Automated Work Zone Monitoring</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640702</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop and pilot an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted work zone monitoring system to help reduce inspection workloads, provide timely alerts for any deviations, and maintain a verifiable historical compliance record. By leveraging multi-camera dashboard camera data, such a system will also enable the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to address high-risk zones more quickly, reduce crash risks, and strengthen its ability to respond to post-project inquiries.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:24:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640702</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Shear Wave Velocity Measurements - Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640695</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to update and refine the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)’s geotechnical seismic site investigation and analysis procedures in response to the release of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide Specifications for Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Seismic Bridge Design, 3rd Edition. This will also include updates for geotechnical investigations procedures, analysis methods, and global stability procedures for retaining wall and embankment design in response to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 10th Edition. The project will include an evaluation of available software programs that may assist in performing the required seismic analysis as it relates to transportation projects, including but not limited to bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and roadway embankments. The conclusions and results of the analysis will be incorporated into the existing Engineering Policy Guide (EPG). Additionally, at the conclusion of the project, MoDOT staff will be trained on the preferred methods of performing the updated seismic hazard analysis.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:39:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640695</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementation of Balanced Mixture Design in Missouri Test Sections with Modifiers - Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640694</link>
      <description><![CDATA[As the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) expands its balanced mix design (BMD) implementation, there are several critical gaps that need to be addressed for widespread implementation. To address these gaps, MoDOT is conducting a round-robin study with eight participating MoDOT District Laboratories. The Mizzou Asphalt Pavement and Innovation Laboratory (MAPIL) will support MoDOT’s efforts under Phase II of project TR202418.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:35:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640694</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sustainable Anti-Icing Solutions Reducing Concrete Damage with Organic-based Agents </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640693</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of the research is to identify sustainable alternatives to traditional chloride-based de-icing solutions by evaluating organic-based anti-icing agents, such as beet, corn juice, etc. These agents are intended to reduce the detrimental impact on concrete infrastructure, minimize corrosion, and maintain effective performance at lower temperatures. This project will provide the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with an innovative, sustainable approach to winter road maintenance, enhancing road safety while protecting infrastructure longevity. Reduced salt usage will lower maintenance costs over time and improve environmental outcomes, benefiting Missouri's residents and ecosystems. Organic-based anti-icing solutions can be more effective at lower temperatures than traditional salt solutions and may be less corrosive to concrete. The goal for this research project is to find an organic alternative by exploring renewable resources from organic by-products, which are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:28:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640693</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research Strategic Plan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640692</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Research wants to develop a Strategic Research and Process Improvement Plan. The plan will support MoDOT’s mission, values, and tangible results and improve the effectiveness of the program. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:23:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640692</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>High Friction Surface Treatment Decision-Making Criteria </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640691</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Between the years of 2019 and 2023, there were 203,662 run-off-road (ROR) crashes in Missouri resulting in 1,983 fatalities and 9,428 severe injuries. One safety countermeasure used by state departments of transportation (DOT) to address ROR crashes is called a high friction surface treatment (HFST). The goal of this research project is to provide the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with criteria to help proactively identify locations for potential friction treatment applications. An ideal situation would be to calculate the minimum friction at a given curve location and have a list of friction treatment options (e.g., HFST, superelevation adjustments, curve realignment, and others). These criteria would be incorporated into MoDOT’s Engineering Policy Guide (EPG).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:20:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640691</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Detection of Passages Beneath Highways </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640689</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Missouri has over 8,000 known caves and at least 350 mines. Internal investigations reveal that about a tenth of each (800 caves and 35 mines) are within 500 feet of Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) rights of way. However, it is challenging to determine which of these have passages beneath MoDOT roads and rights of way, as well as the depth of these passages. Addressing these questions is critical to ensuring infrastructure stability. In the case of threatened and endangered species and sensitive cave environments, understanding these locations can help better assess project impacts. This research should produce a comprehensive literature review detailing technologies and documented case study results. This will provide MoDOT with critical insights into advanced detection and mapping technologies for caves and mines beneath highways. By identifying more accurate, efficient, and minimally invasive methods for subsurface assessment, MoDOT can enhance infrastructure stability, minimizing the risk of unexpected subsurface collapses or disruptions. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:16:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640689</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Use of Colloidal Silica as a Finishing Aid for Concrete Pavement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577018</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To determine the feasibility of utilizing colloidal silica as a finishing aid to achieve a smooth pavement surface without negatively impacting the concrete surface. A few years ago, the cement manufacturers located in Missouri all switched to producing Type IL cement.  The limestone is introduced to the clinker during the grinding process.  For Type IL cements to have similar strength gain properties as Type I cements, the Type IL cements are ground finer than Type I cements.  This has resulted in less bleed water occurring along the concrete surface, making it more difficult to finish. To improve the finishing properties, finishers are adding water to the surface increasing the water-to-cementitious ratio at the surface.  This results in the concrete being more permeable, having reduced strength, and lower abrasion resistance. Utilizing a colloidal silica as a finishing aid could allow the finishers to achieve a smooth concrete surface without negatively impacting the surface. If the use of colloidal silica does not negatively impact the concrete, the department could develop a Qualified List (QL) of concrete finishing aids for contractors to utilize on Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) projects.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:02:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577018</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Missouri Work Zone Speed Study</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2548661</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will assess speeds driven by motorists in Missouri freeway work zones, including not only average speeds but also levels of work zone speed compliance and noncompliance. The research team will perform a literature review and conduct field work to collect and measure work zone speed data. This project will help improve work zones by providing Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with data to help inform decisions regarding how to focus work zone speed enforcement efforts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:40:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2548661</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Creation of a Rapidly-Updating Road Weather Impacts Prediction System (RWIPS)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2548657</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposal lays the framework for an end-to-end decision-support capability for the 
Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) that provides potentially impactful weather information coupled with a routing decision tool to aid in effective response to road weather hazards.  The project is a multi-stage one that will leverage expertise within NOAA and OU/CIWRO for real-time weather monitoring and forecasting and then expand upon capabilities developed and demonstrated by Missouri University Science and Technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:20:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2548657</guid>
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