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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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    <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>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Asphalt Rejuvenators on Asphalt Mixtures with High RAP</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768413</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has examined whether increasing the amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in surface mixtures can lower costs. One downside of higher RAP content is that the use of aged binder negatively affects cracking resistance. While asphalt rejuvenators may restore binder properties and improve the durability of high-content RAP mixtures, Kentucky has limited field experience applying them on state-maintained routes. As such, KYTC lacks sufficient performance data to determine if rejuvenated surface mixtures with high RAP content exhibit long-term performance similar to conventional surface mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:04:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768413</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determination of the Surface Oxidation of Pavement Preservation Treatments</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2761616</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Oxidation, a process in which asphalt binder reacts with oxygen, occurs in asphalt pavement, reducing its longevity, durability and performance. The role of oxidation in pavement preservation treatments, however, is little understood. This project seeks to determine the impact of environmental aging on pavement preservation treatments. Researchers will quantify the extent of aging on asphalt binder used in chip seal and microsurfacing treatments and, if aging is a significant factor, propose ways to mitigate it. Obtaining data on the role of aging in pavement preservation will allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to better predict the lifespan of pavement and help to lessen aging, improving the longevity of pavements and minimizing disruption to drivers for maintenance, rehabilitation or reconstruction activities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:05:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2761616</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Continuous and Rapid Detection Methods for Segregation in Asphalt Mixture Paving</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2734857</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Segregation in asphalt mixtures, where coarse aggregates become separated from fine aggregates, leads to non-uniform pavement surfaces with reduced density and durability. This deficiency significantly impacts the performance of asphalt pavements, often resulting in premature failures such as raveling, cracking, and potholes. Identification of segregation during or immediately after asphalt paving operations is crucial for mitigating these potential issues, ensuring higher-quality, longer lasting, and more durable pavements while minimizing future repair needs.

Historically, segregation detection has relied on visual inspection methods or density measurements, which are both time-consuming and susceptible to errors. Recent advances in real-time monitoring and continuous inspection technologies, such as infrared imaging, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), continuous density and macrotexture measurement, and machine learning-driven analysis present opportunities for detecting segregation as it occurs. These innovations promise to improve the detection process, allowing for more immediate interventions that preserve pavement quality and minimize costs.

Segregation is a leading cause of premature asphalt pavement failure. Thermal, density, and gradation inconsistencies create weak areas in pavements that deteriorate faster and cost more to maintain. The purpose of this study is to explore, identify, and validate advanced technologies for detecting and quantifying segregation in asphalt pavements both during and immediately following paving operations. The focus will be on the development and implementation of continuous, real-time detection methods that facilitate immediate corrective actions and improve the overall quality and longevity of pavements.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:25:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2734857</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effect of Using RAP on Gravel Roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2720399</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has been used in several construction applications, including blending of RAP with virgin aggregates in gravel roads. RAP is intended to reduce costs and offer environmental benefits through reduced consumption of natural aggregates, while adding cohesion, which can add strength and bind particles to reduce raveling and loss of aggregate. RAP can also reduce the permeability of the surface course by decreasing the void volume, which may have beneficial effects of reducing dust loss and creating a tighter particle packing that aids stability. However, the beneficial effects of RAP may decrease over time as the oils in the RAP dry out. Furthermore, RAP can make blading operations more difficult as the material adheres to the moldboard in hot weather or becomes hard and brittle in cold weather. The objective of this study is to help agencies better understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of using RAP in gravel roads by synthesizing the existing research, surveying local Minnesota agencies, performing field and laboratory tests on new and existing sections of gravel roads containing RAP, and conducting a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA). ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:25:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2720399</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Use of Recycled Plastic in Asphalt Pavements - Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689392</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is exploring sustainable alternatives for roadway construction. Among these, recycled plastics represent a particularly promising pathway, as both the United States and Nebraska face pressing environmental challenges, with more than 75% of waste plastics currently landfilled. In 2023, NDOT partnered with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) asphalt research team to launch the first Nebraska feasibility project on this topic, "The Use of Recycled Plastic in Asphalt Pavements: Feasibility Study". Initial findings from Phase 1 demonstrated that, when melted and potentially coating the aggregates, the WP can improve both rutting and moisture damage resistance to a greater extent compared to solid (not melted) WP particles within the mixture. The Phase 1 project could demonstrate the feasibility of producing plastic-modified reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycled asphalt mixtures (NDOT SPR) mixtures in actual asphalt plants, leading to the construction of the first Nebraska plastic road in South Sioux City (SSC), in collaboration with South Sioux City administration and funding support from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Based on initial findings of the NDOT funded research, 1% low-density polyethylene (LDPE) dosage (by aggregate mass) was selected for the SSC project. Despite these successes, the feasibility work was limited in scope. Laboratory-produced mixtures were not fully validated against the variability of plant production, long-term field performance remains unknown, and the recyclability of plastic-modified mixtures was not addressed. The findings of this research will demonstrate the feasibility of modifying asphaltic materials through the use of recycled plastics which can potentially improve the durability of asphalt pavements, resulting in significant cost savings and more sustainable asphalt pavements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689392</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Use of Recycled Plastic in Concrete Pavements - Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2685709</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Phase 1 of this Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)-funded study provided the first feasibility study of incorporating recycled plastic aggregates (RPA) and recycled plastic fibers (RPF) into concrete. Early findings indicated that incorporating up to 10% RPA or 1.5% RPF did not compromise key fresh and mechanical properties such as slump, air content, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, or modulus of rupture in comparison with the control mix (47B concrete). In fact, compressive strength values at 28 days exceeded 4,500 psi across tested mixtures. Furthermore, semi-circular bending (SCB) fracture testing revealed substantial improvements in ductility and fracture energy as ductility indices increased by as much as 135% for RPA and up to 225% for RPF mixtures, while fracture energy rose by 14– 45% for RPA and 47–147% for RPF mixtures. These results confirm the potential of recycled plastic to reduce crack propagation, enhance energy absorption, and improve overall structural resilience. Such improvements are particularly promising for paving applications, which must be able to withstand heavy traffic loads without cracking.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:23:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2685709</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluate Standard vs Blended PG Binders 
Performance in NM
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2704031</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Superpave asphalt binder system was introduced in the 1990s to better handle different temperatures and traffic conditions. Since then, New Mexico has adopted the PG grading system for its roads. The PG binder bump is an effective way to increase the asphalt binder’s grade, improving high-temperature performance and making it suitable for high-temperature ranges. It can be achieved mainly in two ways: Standard PG: this involves blending a base asphalt binder (a soft binder from crude oil refining) with synthetic rubber or other chemical additives at terminals. These additives may include styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) polymer and polyphosphoric acid (PPA). Blended PG: This method uses a certain amount of RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavements) and can also effectively bump the PG grade of the asphalt binder.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 11:10:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2704031</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5027: Evaluation of Recycled Concrete Pavement (RCP) for Base and Subbase Layers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698666</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will evaluate the feasibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness of incorporating recycled concrete pavement (RCP) into pavement base and subbase layers and subgrade replacement. The study will focus on mechanical, hydraulic, and durability characteristics of RCP gradations, fines control strategies, and field validation, aiming to provide practical implementation guidelines for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) pavement design framework. Further, the study will explore the viability of blending RCP with local fine-grained soils (such as American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A-7-6 as a strategy to mitigate calcium leaching and reduce the risk of tufa formation, while maintain adequate drainage performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:26:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698666</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Performance Study of Plastics-Amended Asphalt for Roadway Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696020</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the previous study, the research team collaborated with the City of Battle Ground in Washington and constructed a test road incorporating plastics amendments in 2024, using the dry method. The objectives of this study are to:
(1)	Evaluate the field performance of plastic-amended asphalt and compare it to conventional asphalt sections.
(2)	Assess the impact of plastics in asphalt on skid resistance of vehicles.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:48:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696020</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>Ladle Furnace Slag Properties When Blended with Dolomitic Underutilized Quarry Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677554</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Dolomite, a mineral commonly found in Illinois quarries, may be used to improve the durability and stability of road foundations when stabilized with other materials. This project explores the use of ladle furnace slag, a material formed when making steel, as a way to reduce cement content in dolomitic materials while maintaining performance. Researchers aim to optimize the ratio of cement content, ladle furnace slag and fine-grained dolomite to create more durable road foundations. Effectively determining the ratio will help to reduce the cost of cement within dolomitic materials as well as open a market for underutilized quarry materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:16:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677554</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) for Rutting Resistance Assessment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671980</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objectives of this project are to determine if the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) test accurately represents rutting and stripping behaviors of fine-graded asphalt pavement design mixtures, and make appropriate adjustments to the HWTT criteria and/or propose and develop a representative rutting test that allows Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to retain the benefits of fine-graded mixes while supporting the state’s goal of fully implementing balanced mix design concepts. WisDOT expects to use the results and recommendations of this research study to support the acceptance of performance-based asphalt pavement designs. Practical candidate test procedures must also be considered for production. WisDOT has conducted significant external and internal research efforts in the past several years toward the implementation of Balanced Mix Design (BMD) to improve the performance of asphalt mixtures in Wisconsin. Based on experience, WisDOT has observed a tendency of the HWTT to rank fine-graded mixtures as having more rutting potential than coarse-graded mixtures. This tendency is noticeable even when rutting in the field is not a primary concern regarding the performance of fine-graded mixtures. A reliable BMD performance test is expected to be sensitive to changes in mixture components, but it also should have a good correlation with the field performance. Because the current rutting performance of fine-graded mixtures in Wisconsin is satisfactory, WisDOT does not want to implement the BMD approach using the HWTT as a rutting performance indicator if the test is going to lead mixture designers to develop coarser gradation mixture designs. It is, therefore, critical for WisDOT to investigate what factors drive HWTT results and understand how BMD specifications could be written to allow for finer mixtures while properly representing their field performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:14:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671980</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Use of “Plazrok” Aggregate to Produce Durable Grade 3.0 and 4.0 Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652729</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The rising demands for high-quality aggregates, alongside efforts to reduce the environmental impact of mining, have encouraged using recycled material as aggregate in concrete. Over the decades, plastic production has surged, yet only 25% of used plastics have been recycled or incinerated (US EPA 2023). Numerous studies investigating the strength development and modulus of elasticity of concrete containing plastic waste as an aggregate have reported reduced strength and stiffness with increasing replacement levels. Despite this reduction in strength compared to traditional mixes, Kansas State University developed mixtures containing Plazrok, a commercially available extruded product containing fly ash, waste plastics, and glass, that achieved sufficient strength (5264 psi) to be classified as grade 4.0 concrete.
The increasing replacement of mined aggregate with Plazrok was found to have a greater impact on the compressive strength than the modulus of rupture and tensile strength. Furthermore, structural testing of a 10-inch by 6-inch by 12-foot beam demonstrated that a beam containing Plazrok (at 30% replacement level) performed similarly to other lightly reinforced normal-weight concrete members. Moisture corrections (to account for the wash water of the concrete truck drum) were not applied during this preliminary investigation, therefore, the reported mechanical properties may be an underestimation. Another issue identified during this preliminary study was the potential for Plazrok to float to the top of the forms, but no segregation was observed in hardened concrete samples.
Building on these experiences, the primary goal of this study is to develop grade 3.0 and 4.0 concrete with maximum possible Plazrok content. Environmental Produce Declarations (EPDs) for successful mixture designs will be produced to help demonstrate the environmental impact of such concretes. Segregation will be monitored as it is a known possible issue and, if observed, will be controlled by modifying the viscosity of the paste and/or increasing the fine/coarse aggregate ratio for the concrete mixture.
Another focus area will be studying the freeze-thaw durability of Plazrok concrete. Since Plazrok particles have low absorption and stiffness, and the concrete containing Plazrok retained tensile strength (compared to the control), it could be hypothesized to have satisfactory freeze-thaw durability provided the paste is protected with adequate air content. If deemed freeze-thaw durable, concrete containing Plazrok could be suitable for outdoor applications like sidewalks, provided they meet the strength requirement for grade 4.0 concrete.
Since aggregates impact the stress-strain behavior of concrete, this project will also document elastic properties for plazrok concrete. Furthermore, impact on other mechanical, durability, and fresh properties such as modulus of rupture, shrinkage, permeability, slump, etc. will also be recorded.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:28:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652729</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing the Durability and Long-Term Performance of Rejuvenated Asphalt Mixes with RAP </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646944</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research idea addresses an important Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) need to use higher amounts of recycled materials in asphalt mixes, which is essential for the statewide implementation of Balanced Mix Design (BMD). Rejuvenators have been used successfully to restore the properties of asphalt mixes containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). There is a wide variety of petroleum-based and bio-based rejuvenators available commercially that purport to improve the performance of asphalt mixes with RAP. A crucial aspect of the design of these mixes is to ensure durability and long-term performance. Some additives may only impart a short-term effect and aid in mix compaction without showing a sustained long-term effect on performance. In this study, rejuvenated asphalt mixes with RAP will be prepared, using local materials from Oklahoma, and assessed to evaluate their long-term performance, including raveling resistance and stripping susceptibility. A comprehensive testing plan will be developed and conducted for testing of both asphalt binder and asphalt mixture. The test plan includes mixture testing to assess the moisture susceptibility using Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) and Hamburg Wheel Tracking (HWT) tests. The HWT test results will be analyzed using the corrected rut depth (CRD) and striping number (SN) parameters to evaluate rutting and moisture resistance. The mixes will also be tested using IDEAL-CT at both short-term aged and long-term aged conditions to ensure durability and balanced performance. The binder testing will include evaluating the rheological properties of the binders at extended Pressure Aged Vessel (PAV) aging durations. The binders will also be evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to assess aging susceptibility. The proposed study will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of rejuvenators on asphalt mixture performance during service life. The findings of this study will be used to propose specification requirements for rutting, cracking, and moisture-induced damage for rejuvenated asphalt mixes considering long-term performance and durability. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:09:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646944</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Asphalt 3D Printing for On-Demand Transportation Infrastructure Construction and Repair </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646934</link>
      <description><![CDATA[There is a growing need for more advanced construction methods for asphalt pavements in the U.S., driven by aging infrastructure, increasing traffic demand, and constrained maintenance budgets. Accelerated and cost-effective construction techniques have the potential to reduce project timelines, lower labor costs, and minimize downtime, making them essential for meeting the nation’s infrastructure goals. Additionally, asphalt composites are known to deteriorate over time due to factors such as repeated traffic loading, oxidation, loss of volatiles, and environmental exposure. This deterioration results in increased surface stiffness, the formation of cracks, stripping, aggregate loss, and development of potholes. This study responds to these needs by designing and evaluating a novel asphalt 3D printing methodology (PAVE3D) and demonstrating its practical feasibility for transportation applications. The proposed technology is mainly intended for pavement construction and repair applications including maintenance applications (e.g., crack sealing, and patching). With PAVE3D, customized pavement slabs for roads or bridges can be fabricated on-demand, or the geometry of existing potholes can be precisely scanned and filled with printing material. However, there exists a significant knowledge gap regarding the rheological requirements of asphalt-based binders suitable for 3D printing, as well as the key considerations involved in designing printable asphalt mixtures.  

To address these knowledge gaps, a comprehensive 1-year study involving systematic experimentation and data analysis is planned. The research methodology for this study will involve preparing four asphalt mixtures in the laboratory, two using 3D printing techniques, and two using conventional preparation methods. Various laboratory factors will be systematically varied during preparation to assess their effects on the asphalt mixtures. The prepared mixtures will then be tested to evaluate their performance with respect to major failure mechanisms. The planned effort leverages the existing high-temperature extrusion and material characterization capabilities at Louisiana State University (LSU) and provides valuable scientific and practical insights into the printing material requirements and the interplay of printing parameters during the PAVE3D asphalt printing process.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:19:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646934</guid>
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