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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>Idaho-Specific Correlation of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) to Resilient Modulus (Mr)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2601427</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project builds on previous Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) research to develop Idaho-specific equations that more accurately correlate Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) penetration rates with Resilient Modulus (Mr) values for different soil types across the state. The DCP provides a simple, cost-effective method for collecting in-situ subgrade and base resilient modulus data to support pavement design. Reliable correlations will allow districts with limited geotechnical resources to design simpler roadway projects and validate laboratory testing for larger projects. Improved accuracy will help prevent over- or under-designed pavements, reducing costs and extending roadway service life.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:28:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2601427</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improve Modulus Determination Using Falling Weight Deflectometer</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553185</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objectives of this research are: (1) Characterize Seasonal Variations in Resilient Modulus: Utilize historical falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data to analyze and characterize the seasonal variations in the resilient modulus of pavement embankments. Investigate the influence of seasonal variations, particularly fluctuations in groundwater levels and moisture content, on resilient modulus by correlating FWD data with historical rainfall, geological data, and other relevant factors. (2) Enhance FWD Testing Protocols: Review and evaluate the current FWD-based procedure for calculating embankment Mr and investigate alternative methods to produce more accurate and comprehensive results. Review the frequency and timing of FWD testing to determine the most effective intervals for characterizing the embankment resilient modulus and capturing seasonal variations considering historical data, geological data, environmental conditions, and workload of data collection staff. Identify practical test lengths and other testing protocols that could improve the accuracy and efficiency of pavement assessments.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2025 10:13:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553185</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4919:  Develop Resilient Modulus Percent Within Limits (PWL) Values for Specifying Pavement Subgrade Construction in Performance-Based Specifications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434095</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research study aims to identify statistical measurements describing the distribution resilient modulus values for as-constructed constructable stylesheets (CSS) so that reliable percent within limits (PWL) limits can be established.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:10:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434095</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementation and Performance Monitoring of Accelerating Mix Designs for Cement Treated Base</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420071</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will work with a minimum of three (3) Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Districts to conduct demonstration projects with performance monitoring. The research team will apply the accelerated mix design procedure to real pavement designs, encouraging utilization of the new test procedure, enabling the identification of potential areas of improvement, and demonstrating the mechanistic design check. The research team will conduct initial performance monitoring on the constructed projects. This monitoring aims to assess the effectiveness of the accelerated design, validate the stability of the designed pavement by evaluating pavement conditions and enhance the estimated resilience modulus.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:10:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420071</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Perform Tests on LTS and Fine-Grain Soils and Evaluate CSM Base Layer IDT Gradient</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262762</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research leverages work being performed in the ongoing MDOT funded State Study (SS) No. 263, “Data Collection for Local Calibration of the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design Performance Models for Mississippi,” by performing additional tests on Shelby tube samples of fine grain subgrade soils and cores of cementitious stabilized material (CSM) already being collected via SS No. 263. The C-Factor for fine grain soils will be used to convert subgrade soil backcalculated modulus values to equivalent laboratory derived resilient modulus values for input into Pavement ME when performing a rehabilitation design of an existing pavement constructed on fine grain subgrade soils.  If the existing pavement also includes a lime treated subgrade layer then the appropriate C-Factor may be applied to the backcalculated modulus of that layer to provide a resilient modulus input value to Pavement ME for that layer.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:42:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262762</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4723:  Investigate Resilient Modulus Improvements to Bases and Subgrades from Geosynthetic Reinforcement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2012430</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will employ state-of-the-art methods, i.e., automated plate load testing (APLT) and bender element (BE) field sensors to directly measure geosynthetic reinforcement stiffness improvements to base and subgrade layers. Testing results will be used to develop geosynthetic reinforcement design guidelines for Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) pavement design (e.g., recommended resilient modulus values due to geosynthetic reinforcement and the related mechanically stabilized base course modulus profile with depth, optimum geosynthetic layouts, Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) implementation, etc.).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:07:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2012430</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4714:  Use of Machine Learning Methods to Obtain a Reliable Predictive Model for Resilient Modulus of Subgrade Soil</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2012428</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will use machine learning to develop/train data model(s) for predicting the resilient modulus of soil in the state of Indiana. The developed model(s) will reduce the need for routine iterative laboratory testing conducted for obtaining the resilient modulus of soil, which is complicated, resource intensive, time consuming, and expensive. In addition, based on the developed model(s), recommendations will be provided for future sampling locations. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:04:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2012428</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4547: Data Interpretation of Automated Plate Load Test (APLT) for Realtime, In Situ Determination of Unbound Layer Resilient Modulus</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1768681</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Findings from this study will inform both pavement design and pavement quality assurance processes for INDOT. ALPT measurements of aggregates and subgrades will yield high-quality, in situ resilient modulus measurements that can validate (or refute) current INDOT pavement design assumptions. Refined resilient modulus inputs can be incorporated into INDOT pavement design upon completion of the study.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:21:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1768681</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4334: Improved Reliability of FWD Tests Results and Correlation with
Resilient Modulus</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1563541</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project addresses three issues identified in previous research regarding the interpretation of FWD data: (1) FWD experiment performance; (2) limited data available for meaningful correlations with the subgrade resilient modulus; and (3) shortcomings of results analysis using the code ELMOD. The project will improve INDOT FWD testing methods, increase the quality and reliability of its results and increase the confidence and reliability of the calculations using the MEPDG for pavement design. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2018 11:27:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1563541</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Establishing a Correlation between Resilient Modulus and CBR/Soil Index Properties and Development of a Performance-Based Specification for Pavement Subgrade Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1522887</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this research is to develop a simple method to estimate resilient modulus based on available resources and develop a performance-based specifications (PBS) approach for subgrade materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2018 16:08:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1522887</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4230: Alternative Quality Assurance Methods for Compacted Subgrade</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1502463</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The overall goal of this research study is to develop quality assurance procedures for DCP, LWD, and APLT that link in situ measurements with design parameters (i.e., resilient modulus).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2018 16:47:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1502463</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In Situ Modulus Measurement Using Automated Plate Load Testing for Statewide Mechanistic-Empirical Design Calibration</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1485618</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the new AASHTOWare™ Pavement Mechanistic Empirical (ME) Design guide, resilient modulus (Mr) values for the pavement foundation layers are used in both rigid and flexible pavement design, yet in situ Mr values have not been directly measured as part the current statewide ME calibration process. To date, the ME calibration process for foundation input parameters has relied upon on limited and time-consuming laboratory testing and adopting conservative values based on historical numbers and empiricism. The next big step forward in Iowa’s ME pavement design optimization and reliability on foundation input parameters will be realized through collecting in situ and direct measurements of Mr for a wide range of typical subgrade and subbase materials used in the foundation layers. Innovations in automated plate load testing (APLT) to directly measure the in situ stress-dependent Mr now makes modulus measurement direct and rapid. This technology has been proven in recent years on several projects and is ready for deployment statewide to assist with the statewide calibration.
(TASK 1) – Project Management: Within one month of starting work on this project, a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be established. The TAC will provide technical advice throughout the project and review information and reports. The TAC will consist of a group of 4 to 6 Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) representatives, preferably from the districts where the projects will be selected for field testing. The project management task will be carried out throughout the project. In addition to establishing the TAC, other ongoing efforts will be completed throughout the duration of the study. This includes the following activities: (1) Discuss potential field project opportunities, (2) Provide quarterly updates to IHRB, (3) Conduct conference calls with TAC, and (4) Project Tracking. Deliverables: Quarterly updates, project tracking, minutes from TAC conference calls. (TASK 2) – Project Selection and Field Testing: The research team will coordinate with the IDOT Construction and Soils Design group and the District offices to select the 10 to 12 project sites for field testing. Projects will be selected to be representative of the soil and projects conditions statewide including compacted aggregate base layers with virgin aggregates and recycled aggregates, compacted select subgrade soils, compacted special backfill materials, and stabilized layers (e.g., fly ash, cement, and geosynthetics). Once the projects are identified, the research team will travel to the selected sites for in-situ testing. The in-situ testing area will include sampling from test sections of about 500 ft to 1000 ft long. At each site, testing includes six to eight 1,100 cycle multi-stress sequence in situ Mr test with 12 in. diameter plate and a layered-kit so that can provide stress-dependent Mr values for composite Mr as well as base and subgrade layer Mr values, and two 30 in. diameter static plate load test to determine k-values. In addition, DCP tests will be conducted at each APLT location. A bulk sample of the materials from each site will be obtained for laboratory characterization/classification. Deliverables: Test results, photos and maps, memo report. (TASK 3) – Assess Results and Develop Recommendations:  This task will involve combining all the data reports, summarizing the key findings and observations, and provide guidance for IDOT to use the values in design depending on the project materials. Deliverables: Final Report, Tech Brief, and Presentation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:13:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1485618</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Resilient Modulus Prediction Models of Unbound Materials for Nevada</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1403618</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The resilient modulus (Mr) input parameter for unbound materials plays a major role in pavement designs and has a significant influence on the projected pavement performance.  Hence, a proper estimation of the Mr value for locally available subgrade and crushed aggregate base materials becomes critical for designing long-lasting flexible pavements in Nevada.  Currently, the Mr is being estimated from the R-Value using dated correlations that were established for specific group of soil types obtained from specific geographic areas that might not be applicable for the type of soils and base materials typically used in Nevada.  Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess and enhance as needed the Mr correlation equations for Nevada.  Any improvements to the correlation equations would result in a better characterization of the unbound materials encountered in Nevada.  Such enhancements become critical and valuable when designing flexible pavements, and in particular for low volume roads which are very common in several rural and urban areas in Nevada.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2016 11:27:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1403618</guid>
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