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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
    <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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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>Integrating Remote Sensing and Ecological Monitoring for Wildlife-Resilient Roadside Maintenance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780408</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this project is to develop an automated, multi-scale decision-support framework that transforms satellite and vehicle-acquired remote sensing data into actionable roadside vegetation management workflows. Specifically, the project will achieve the following technical milestones: (1) Develop a Multi-Scale Sensing Architecture: Combine wide-area daily satellite imagery for macro-scale screening with meso-scale mobile sensor rigs mounted to daily Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) fleet vehicles (trucks, sweepers, mowers) for high-resolution edge diagnostics. (2) Engineer Multi-Modal Phenological Classification Models: Utilize Visible & Near-Infrared (VNIR) spectral bands (400–900 nm) to track rapid, post-monsoon green-up windows unique to invasive grasses and invasive forbs across all phenological growth stages, alongside Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging (900–1700 nm) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) thermal sensing to calculate accurate Live Fuel Moisture Content (LFMC). (3) Construct a Predictive Prioritization Matrix: Build an automated roadside inventory system that fuses structural vegetation canopy data (via oblique terrestrial LiDAR/RGB), fuel moisture maps, wildfire risk indices, and traffic data to automate maintenance work orders and preserve clear zones, seamlessly integrated with an Interactive Fire Risk Dashboard.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:11:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780408</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Enhanced Quality Assurance Methods for Full-Depth Reclamation Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2778041</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Full depth reclamation (FDR) with emulsified or foamed asphalt can rapidly renew a pavement with significant time and cost savings compared to major reconstruction while providing a durable, high modulus, moisture-resistant base. While most FDR asphalt projects are performing well, improvements are needed in construction startup operations, moisture control, and better relations of acceptance testing to field performance. The research team will assess existing FDR quality assurance frameworks, identify technological advancements, and develop new test methods and protocols to ensure FDR layers achieve their intended performance. The research team will develop more comprehensive and reliable testing coverage for moisture content control to reduce the risk of premature distress under early traffic. The research team will identify, develop, and pilot acceptance test methods that better correlate to long-term pavement performance. The research team will identify improvements to guidance resources to promote more successful FDR project startups. The research team will use the results from this project to develop new test procedures, update construction specifications, and update FDR construction guidelines.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:22:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2778041</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Road Ripples on North Carolina Roadways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726548</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Road ripples are an emerging and poorly understood form of asphalt pavement distress that has begun to appear with notable frequency on North Carolina roadways. Characterized by repeating surface undulations or shallow cracks that can form in the wheel paths or extend across entire lanes, they differ from conventional distress patterns and are not addressed in existing pavement distress manuals. They have been described as producing a “washboard-like” surface that degrades ride quality and draws the attention of both drivers and maintenance personnel. The phenomenon is particularly challenging because it does not have a single, well-established cause; instead, evidence suggests a complicated interplay of residual moisture in asphalt mixtures, moisture-sensitive subgrades, poor drainage or base support, and possibly traffic or environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycling. This lack of clarity has meant that road ripples are frequently mischaracterized in pavement evaluations and, more importantly, that no standardized diagnostic or treatment methods exist to guide agency practice.

In light of this need, the proposed research plan will seek to achieve four objectives: (1) evaluate the extent and severity of road ripples and the causative factors in North Carolina, (2) evaluate the potential for residual moisture to exist in asphalt mixtures produced in North Carolina, (3) evaluate the potential long- and short-term implications of road ripples on pavement performance, and (4) develop a targeted research plan for a follow-up study to systematically evaluate and quantify the impacts of different causative factors on causing road ripples.

These objectives will be met with six tasks: (1) Perform a literature review to understand the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-knowledge with respect to road ripples. (2) Conduct an evaluation of pavements in North Carolina that are experiencing road ripples to understand the extent and severity of the distress in the state and also identify potential causative factors. (3) Conduct experiments to evaluate residual moisture contents in North Carolina mixtures. (4) Conduct an assessment to understand the potential long-term performance implications of road ripples. (5) Develop a detailed work plan for conducting a Phase II study to systematically evaluate the causative factors. (6) Prepare a final report summarizing the methodology, results, and recommendations. 

The primary outcome of this research will be the establishment of a foundational understanding of road ripple distress in North Carolina, including its likely mechanisms, diagnostic indicators, and performance implications. While road ripples have been observed across the state, there is currently no standardized method to investigate, quantify, or manage them. This study will combine field investigations, laboratory studies, and analytical assessments, to provide clarity on the potential causes of this distress. Ultimately, the outcome of this work will be a clear, evidence-based foundation for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to use to make informed decisions about repair, prevention, and long-term management of pavements affected by road ripples.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:48:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726548</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Transportation Safety through Moisture Control Using Wicking Geotextiles in Pavement Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703923</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Excess subsurface moisture is a primary cause of pavement deterioration, contributing to frost heave, thaw weakening, pumping, stiffness loss, and surface roughness. These moisture-driven mechanisms compromise roadway safety by reducing vehicle stability, braking performance, and ride quality, while increasing maintenance frequency and costs. Wicking geotextiles are an emerging geosynthetic technology designed to actively remove both gravity and capillary water from pavement systems without external energy input. By transporting moisture laterally toward pavement shoulders and releasing it through evaporation, these materials help maintain drier and more stable subgrade conditions. Previous laboratory studies and field applications have demonstrated their technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness; however, current implementation remains largely empirical due to the lack of a mechanistic design framework.
This project aims to develop a fully coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical (THM) modeling framework to quantify the moisture-removal capacity of wicking geotextiles and evaluate their impact on pavement performance under unsaturated and freezing conditions. The research integrates laboratory characterization of soil–geotextile systems, controlled freezing tests to assess frost-heave mitigation, and advanced numerical modeling grounded in modern unsaturated soil mechanics. The validated model will be used to conduct parametric studies examining soil type, groundwater level, environmental loading, and installation configuration.
The expected outcomes include a validated THM model, quantitative evaluation tools for moisture control effectiveness, and practical, safety-oriented design guidance for transportation agencies. By transforming wicking geotextiles into a design-ready technology, this project will support safer, more resilient, and cost-effective pavement infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 09:19:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703923</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hydraulic Conductivity of Base Course Material, Pavement Drainage, and Relation to Pavement Buckling</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671989</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project aims to study the effects of excessive moisture in base courses, focusing on the potential contributions of base course drain ability and water retention to pavement buckling and investigate adjustments to base course gradations and drainage details and strategies to improve drain ability, control sensitivity to moisture changes, and reduce buckling potential while maintaining adequate pavement support. The proposed project will include sampling and testing of base courses around the state to characterize the index properties, hydraulic conductivity, water retention curves, drainage properties, and resilient modulus. Base course samples from pavement buckling occurrences will also be collected to assess if commonalities exist in the base courses where pavement buckling occurs. Current pavement drainage strategies employed in Wisconsin will also be reviewed. Base course gradations, water retention properties, and pavement drainage strategies of surrounding states will also be reviewed. The culmination of reviewing current 
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) base course gradations and drainage details and those of surrounding states will be the development of updated base course gradations and drainage strategies to improve moisture management while maintaining adequate pavement support.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:35:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671989</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Water-Cementitious Material Ratio as Acceptance Parameter for Freshly Placed Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671983</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks to the importance of water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm) to concrete mixture design and performance, measuring w/cm could potentially be a valuable alternative to using strength testing as an acceptance parameter for concrete. However, few agencies measure or verify w/cm in concrete in-place, despite the fact that water content can vary from the design target value due to factors such as variability in aggregate moisture contents and concrete batching processes, and it is not uncommon for w/cm values reported on batch tickets to differ from the actual w/cm of concrete delivered to a project site (Robertson, et al., 2022). Petrographers can estimate w/cm from hardened concrete cores or samples within a range of values (e.g., +/- 0.05), but there is no generally accepted standard procedure for determining w/cm of hardened concrete (ASTM 2020).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:20:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671983</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integrating MBA, PIRS, and DSR Testing Process for Rapid Assessment of Emulsified Asphalt Quality in the Field </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646945</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ensuring emulsified asphalt quality in the field is vital to the success of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects and the resulting enhancement of durability and service life. The current test methods for determining emulsified asphalt residue quality are time-consuming and do not address some important properties of residue, like the oxidation level. In the proposed project, the research team from the University of Oklahoma will work collaboratively with a nationally known industry expert to develop a rapid, field-ready testing of emulsified asphalt residue by integrating three different technologies into an innovative quality testing method. The first is a Moisture-Balance Analyzer (MBA), which is an automated laboratory instrument used to measure the moisture content of a sample, will be used for rapid characterization of residue. The second is a Portable Infrared Spectroscopy (PIRS), which is used to identify substances by unique absorption patterns when they interact with infrared light, particularly for assessment of asphalt oxidation. The third is a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), which is an instrument used to measure the rheological properties of asphalt binders, and to determine its high-temperature performance grade. These three integrated technologies will provide valuable data on emulsified asphalt residue, which is a pay factor for contractors and agencies, affecting payments based on quality standards. Residue not meeting agency specifications and pay deductions impact profitability and cause project delays. Among other factors, the use of MBA ensures fast, automated, and accurate residue testing. The “oxidation fingerprint” serves as an indicator of performance and durability. The integrated MBA-PIRS-DSR test process makes residue results available to contractors much faster than is currently possible, increases agency efficiency and productivity, and reduces project delays.  

The project will address three objectives. The first is to develop and validate the integrated test process. Although the MBA and PIRS have ASTM and AASHTO standards, respectively, they are not established tests in the asphalt industry. The DSR tests are established methods for hot-mix asphalt but not for emulsified asphalt. Their integration into a cohesive test process will require a phased approach involving cross-validation and educated trial and error. The second objective is to conduct off-line (lab-based) testing and explore at-line (field-based) testing with MBA and PIRS. The team will work closely with the state DOTs and contractors to collect and test residues of emulsified asphalt widely used in Oklahoma and other states in Region 6. Once integration for off-line (lab-level) testing is achieved and repeatability of results assured, the at-line (field-level) testing will begin. The final objective is to expand applicability by adapting the process for polymer-modified emulsified asphalt to broaden applicability across Region 6 states. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:14:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646945</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating and Implementing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Continuous and Rapid Monitoring of Moisture Fluctuations in In-Service Roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487309</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Traditional methods for measuring pavement moisture, including in-place sensors and indirect assessments like FWD, can be costly, invasive, slow, offer limited spatial coverage, and disrupt traffic. In contrast, ground penetrating radar (GPR) offers a non-invasive, portable solution for swiftly evaluating extensive road segments, detecting subsurface moisture levels with reasonable cost, thereby supporting local road authorities in promptly assessing moisture conditions in critical pavement areas. The aim of this research study is to advance the validation and implementation of GPR-based pavement moisture assessments on actual low-volume roads.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:49:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487309</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>Cryosuction and Its Role in Infrastructure Distress from Freeze-Thaw Cycles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2534019</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement infrastructure in cold regions experiences significant distress due to freeze-thaw cycles, which govern moisture migration, frost heave, and post-thaw weakening. Cryosuction, the process by which water is drawn toward freezing fronts due to soil suction, plays a critical role in this phenomenon by intensifying frost heave and accelerating pavement deterioration. However, the influence of cryosuction on moisture migration and subsequent pavement damage remains insufficiently understood, particularly concerning varying soil properties, salinity levels, and environmental conditions. The proposed study aims to quantify the role of cryosuction in moisture distribution during freeze-thaw cycles and examine its effects on soil freezing characteristic curves (SFCC) and soil water characteristic curves (SWCC) across different salinity levels. An experimental approach will be employed, involving soil suction measurements, moisture content analysis, and frost heave observations using advanced geotechnical instrumentation in a setup that will be fabricated as a part of this study. The results will provide clarification regarding the relationship between cryosuction, soil properties, and pavement distress, enabling the development of advanced models and potential mitigation strategies. This study through its findings will contribute to the design of more resilient pavement systems, reducing maintenance costs and extending infrastructure lifespan in cold climates.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:34:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2534019</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Moisture Susceptibility of Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) Mixes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414048</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is committed to enhancing the resilience of Virginia’s transportation network in the face of changing climatic conditions and extreme weather events.  The VDOT Resilience Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to incorporate resilience measures into transportation planning, project development, delivery, operations, maintenance, and asset management.  As part of this plan, VDOT is exploring a wide range of innovative solutions, including the use of advanced materials, improved construction methods, adaptive design criteria, and nature-based solutions, to align with its resilience goals.  Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) is one such technique that can offer numerous benefits and has the potential to significantly contribute to VDOT’s resilience objectives. Even though FDR, as a stabilized material, possesses higher strength and stiffness compared to unbound base/subbase layers, it is still unknown whether it is durable under fully or partially saturated conditions and retains high strength at increased moisture content during water-driven climatic events.  Thus, there is a need to thoroughly evaluate the susceptibility of FDR mixes to moisture-induced damage to ensure their long-term performance and resilience under water-driven climatic events. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:03:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2414048</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Using a Cosmic Ray Neutron Rover to Measure Unpaved Road Moisture for Improved Maintenance and Safety</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2408378</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Unpaved roads represent an important component of the nation’s transportation portfolio. The moisture of unpaved roads affects their preservation, safety, and health impacts. However, monitoring road moisture has been difficult because rapid, non-invasive measurement methods have not been readily available. In recent years, cosmic ray neutron (CRN) rovers have been developed, which can rapidly sense nearby water. Because most of the CRN signal originates near sensor, CRN rovers can potentially observe road moisture when driven on unpaved roads. The objective of this project is to evaluate the accuracy of a CRN rover for monitoring the moisture of unpaved roads. The project will focus on a lightly traveled section of an unpaved road in Colorado. The road moisture will be estimated by combining the rover measurements with landscape soil moisture estimates obtained by downscaling SMAP remote sensing data. Also, methods for shielding the CRN rover to reduce the landscape signal and emphasize the road moisture will be tested.  The resulting road moisture estimates from both approaches will be evaluated by comparing to gravimetric moisture measurements from road material samples.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 21:37:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2408378</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>South Dakota Granular Moisture-Density Curve Development and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2377866</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Ohio moisture-density curves used by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) were not developed specifically for South Dakota’s granular materials. Previous SDDOT research projects, SD2014-12 and SD2019-05, developed new moisture-density curves; however, these curves are not useable in their current form and further refinement is needed. Further recommendations from this previous research suggested SDDOT use a strength-based testing procedure for granular materials. Based on the results of this previous research, SDDOT has decided to refine the new granular moisture-density curves and implement a field density testing procedure using the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP).
Currently, SDDOT does not have the resources available to analyze the additional available test results and refine the new moisture-density curves or to develop DCP specifications. Additional work is needed to digitize the moisture-density curves to incorporate into the Department’s testing software.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 16:47:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2377866</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quantifying Soil Moisture Reduction by Wicking Geotextile to Minimize Pavement Distresses</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2341500</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Excessive moisture in pavement foundations including base courses and subgrade is one of the major causes for pavement distresses, which often pose safety risks to vehicles and drivers and increase the cost for maintenance and reconstruction. Moisture can weaken pavement foundations and become a source for freeze-thaw problems in cold regions, which accelerate the deterioration of pavements with time. Therefore, pavement drainage is critical to pavement performance. Typical drainage systems are effective for saturated soils but become less effective or ineffective for unsaturated soils. Wicking geotextile that contains deep-grooved fibers can generate suction when in contact with water and reduce moisture in unsaturated soils. However, the effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in reducing moisture depends on several factors including the percent of fines in soils. So far, no simple test method is available to evaluate the effectiveness of the geotextile in reducing moisture in soils including those with fines and no fine content limit has been established for the wicking geotextile to be effective.  The proposed research is to develop a simple soil box test to quantify the effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in reducing moisture in sands at different fine contents and distances from the geotextile as compared with the conventional geotextiles. The soil box tests will first determine field capacities of silty sands at different fine contents and then evaluate moisture reduction by geotextiles by measuring moisture contents at different distances from the geotextile location at different times. These tests will determine the amount of moisture reduction and the distance of influence, and the fine content limit for the geotextile to be effective. The objective of this research is to develop a simple test method to quantify soil moisture reduction by geotextile and provide guidance for its use in sands with fines.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:20:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2341500</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Multifunctional Geosynthetic-based Stabilization to Increase Coastal Infrastructure Resilience</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265858</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal communities of Texas and Louisiana primarily rely on road infrastructure for their transportation and access to goods and services. Due to surges in extreme rainfall and storm events, coastal infrastructure is at pressing risk. The aggressive infiltration of water in the pavement due to frequent flooding declines its functional and structural performance gradually. Geosynthetics have been extensively used in pavement structures to enhance their bearing capacity and stiffness. Most of the commonly used geosynthetics do not help with subsurface drainage under pavements. A novel geotextile with special hydrophilic and hygroscopic wicking fibers is gaining popularity due to its multiple functions, including separation, reinforcement, gravity drainage, and capillary drainage through wicking action. Because of its versatility, it can potentially serve as a unified drainage and reinforcing element in a pavement.
This project aims to assess wicking geotextile as a resilient adoption in coastal pavement infrastructure vulnerable to the impacts of changing weather patterns. The objectives of this research study are: (1) To understand the efficacy of wicking geotextile reinforcement in pavement infrastructure under extreme weather conditions; (2) To compare the overall performance of wicking geotextile with conventional geotextile reinforcement in coastal pavements. 
To address these objectives, the following research tasks will be conducted: (1) Existing literature on novel geosynthetics and their characterization will be reviewed and summarized in progress reports and in the final report; (2) Moisture movements within a soil layer with wicking geotextiles and conventional geotextiles will be studied. Moisture probes or tensiometers will be installed in the large direct shear box, and moisture variation in compacted soil will be recorded for up to 7 days. This will help understand and compare drainage capabilities of conventional and wicking geotextiles under different normal loads; (3) Around 20 large-scale direct shear tests (apparatus shown in Figure 1) will be performed on soil with wicking geotextile and conventional geotextile to determine interface friction angle and cohesion. Tests will be performed at different normal loads after 3 and 7 days of drainage. The experimental results will potentially provide a degree of increase in the strength of the subgrade with an application of wicking geotextile; (4) A fully coupled finite element model of coastal pavement infrastructure reinforced with both geotextiles under different environmental stressors will be developed. Laboratory results will be used to develop a model in PLAXIS, and the performance of wicking geotextile in pavements will be assessed under extreme rainfall and flooding events. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2023 07:26:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265858</guid>
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