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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>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Improved VDOT Bioretention Media Specification</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672501</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) uses bioretention as a stormwater control measure (SCM); however, the most recent special provision for VDOT bioretention soil media requires that testing the media’s infiltration rate use a unique mesocosm test method, outlined in VTM-134 (VDOT, 2025), which presents five challenges.  These are (1) inconsistency in how the media is placed and ultimately compacted in the test apparatus and therefore potential variability in the test results; (2) lack of labs willing to run the mesocosm test (only one in Virginia does this); (3) large amount of media required (40 5-gallon buckets of media and related materials); (4) lack of information proving this test is needed to procure successful bioretention soil media; and (5) a cost of $6,000 to run one test.  Due to these challenges, few media providers both try to meet the requirements and then succeed in doing so, which ultimately increases the overall project costs when bioretention is selected as the SCM.  A unique aspect of testing a media’s infiltration rate using the mesocosm test is consideration of how both de-icing salts and wet and dry cycles (to mimic rainfall patterns) impact a media’s infiltration rate. These unique aspects of the mesocosm test appear to be why it’s included in the current special provision. This study will recommend a specification for VDOT bioretention soil media that addresses the five challenges of the mesocosm test method to determine the media’s infiltration rate based on laboratory testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:50:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672501</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Bioswale sizing calculator to optimize placement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2566925</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The design of bioswales faces ongoing challenges due to the absence of formal guidance, particularly regarding the optimal number and placement of bioswales on a given street. This lack of clarity hampers effective stormwater management strategies in urban areas. Current literature fails to provide sufficient direction on how to optimize bioswale sizing and placement based on watershed size and soil moisture levels, leading to suboptimal performance and maintenance issues. Addressing this gap, the proposed research aims to leverage the correlation between watershed size and soil moisture levels to develop a comprehensive understanding of optimal bioswale sizing and placement. By instrumenting 70 bioswales in New Haven with soil moisture sensors, this study seeks to answer critical questions that have long plagued city planners and land managers. Specifically, it aims to determine how many bioswales should be constructed in a given area to maximize stormwater management efficiency while minimizing maintenance requirements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:02:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2566925</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Bridge Scour Mitigation with Nature Binding Material: Seaweed</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2441705</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: Green construction material plays an important role in sustainable development. With the development of construction materials, biopolymers are gradually being used as a soil improvement additive in geotechnical engineering. Seaweed, also known as macroalgae, is a diverse group of marine autotrophs that thrive in coastal and offshore environments. While seaweed has traditionally been used in applications such as food, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals in many cultures, its potential as a sustainable resource has garnered renewed attention worldwide. Seaweed was used as construction materials where act as nature fiber in some coastal areas. However, research work about seaweed’s polymer properties is limited. Most of the research related to the extracts of seaweed. This proposed project will use seaweed as natural polymer for polymer modified sandy soil to prevent bridge scouring.

The objective of this research is, therefore, to develop an eco-friendly and sustainable solution to increase the erosion resistance of sandy soil. Unconfined compression and tensile strength tests will be used to assess the soil strength of various seaweed percentage treatments. Triaxial testing will be used to analyze the shear stress characteristics of seaweed-treated sandy soil, such as cohesion and friction angle. Finally, a pocket erodometer test will be performed to investigate the erosion resistance capabilities of seaweed-treated sandy soils.

US DOT Priorities: This proposed project aligns closely with the "Transformation" pillar of the US DOT Strategic Goals, particularly emphasizing "Design for the Future." By investing in purpose-driven research and innovation, it aims to address present challenges while also modernizing the transportation system for the future. This endeavor seeks to create a transportation network that caters to the needs of everyone both now and in the decades ahead. The PI, Kang Du’s research group will develop an eco-friendly and sustainable solution to increase the erosion resistance of sandy soil and investigate the bridge scour mitigation with seaweed as nature binding material. A series of experiments will be conducted to optimize the seaweed particle sizes and content. The mechanical behavior and erosion resistance of seaweed-treated soil samples will be evaluated. Standards might be developed in the future work.

Outputs: The use of nature polymers to tackle geotechnical problems is an essential step toward the development of sustainable geotechnical systems. The proposed project is anticipated to yield several tangible outputs, including: (1) publication of scientific papers detailing the methodology, findings, and conclusions of the investigation in peer-reviewed journals; (2) compilation of experimental data concerning the effectiveness of seaweed-based materials in mitigating bridge scours; (3) documentation of protocols and procedures developed for laboratory experiments, encompassing material preparation, testing methodologies, and data analysis techniques; (4) recording of field test results and observations, providing insights into the real-world performance of seaweed-based scour mitigation techniques; (5) creation of educational materials, such as presentations, videos, or brochures, aimed at disseminating information about the use of seaweed for bridge scour mitigation; and (6) presentation of findings at conferences, workshops, and seminars within the fields of civil engineering, environmental engineering, and infrastructure construction management.

Outcomes/Impacts: The proposed project aims to address the issue of bridge scours. Seaweed, known for its binding properties and environmental sustainability, is being explored as a potential solution for mitigating bridge scours. Here are potential outcomes and impacts of the project: (1) the primary outcome of the project would ideally be a significant reduction in bridge scour through the application of seaweed-based materials; (2) by utilizing seaweed, the project promotes sustainability and reduces the ecological footprint of bridge construction and maintenance activities; (3) if successful, using seaweed as a binding material for scour mitigation could potentially offer cost savings compared to traditional methods; (4) by stabilizing the sediment around bridge foundations, seaweed-based solutions could help prevent progressive scours, thereby extending the lifespan of bridges and reducing the need for frequent maintenance or repairs; (5) beyond bridge scour mitigation, the project outcomes may have broader implications for erosion control in aquatic environments; (6) research findings and methodologies developed through the project could serve as a basis for further studies and innovations in scour mitigation and erosion control; (7) the project offers opportunities for community engagement and education regarding the importance of sustainable infrastructure practices and environmental conservation; and (8) successful implementation of seaweed-based scour mitigation techniques may influence policies and regulations related to bridge construction and environmental protection.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:17:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2441705</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Bio-Inspired Water Treatment Plant Sludge Materials Through Mycelium</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2266623</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Researchers are focusing on developing innovative, sustainable materials characterized by low energy consumption and versatility. Mycelium-based materials, an emerging topic in sustainable construction, offer promise due to mycelium's renewable properties and its ability to break down organic matter, potentially serving as a building block for eco-friendly construction materials. The objective of this research is to use water treatment plant (WTP) sludge as a substrate for mycelium to develop a bio-inspired sustainable construction material for transportation infrastructure.

Mycelium is a root-like structure of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Mycelium fibrous network structure can bind material together by growing into its substrate and provide tensile strength. A WTP produces large quantities of sludge as a result of treatment processes of raw water such as flocculation, filtration, and coagulation. Instead of shipping this non-hazardous waste sludge to commercial landfills, it can be used as a substrate for mycelium to grow sustainable, renewable construction materials.

Various substrate mix designs using WTP and mycelium will be prepared to test and optimize mechanical properties of the designs, including compressive and tensile strength, and others. Microstructure of the mix designs and development of mechanical properties will also be evaluated over time. Leachate tests will be performed to assess the environmental impacts, if any, of the developed materials. Water erosion and landslide resistance of the developed materials will also be evaluated to determine their suitability for use as a construction material in the transportation infrastructure.

To achieve its goals, the research project will employ graduate and undergraduate students in experiments and plans to disseminate findings through journal papers and reports. This collaborative approach and knowledge sharing are essential components of the research's technology transfer plan, contributing to the broader understanding and adoption of eco-friendly construction materials.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2023 07:18:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2266623</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bio-waste Materials as Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Coastal Concrete Applications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2259932</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the U.S., coal fly ash is by far the most used supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Despite being used every day, the supply of coal fly ash in the U.S. has become a matter of concern because we are blending different coals that produce less amount of Class F fly ash – a type of fly ash that is preferred by the concrete industry. Therefore, it is critical to identify and evaluate alternative SCMs that can offer concrete equivalent or better strength and durability characteristics to Class F fly ash. This is especially critical in coastal areas where concrete durability remains a challenge. One area that is being overlooked by the concrete industry for alternative SCMs is bio-waste materials, which include agricultural waste, eggshells, burnt oyster shell, etc. In this project, the feasibility of using two bio-waste materials, sugarcane bagasse ashes and ground waste eggshells, as alternative SCMs in portland cement concrete for coastal applications is investigated. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:07:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2259932</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rapid Repair of Cracks on the Embankment Slopes Using Bio-Cement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751130</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of the research is to explore the use of bio-cement for rapid repair of cracks on the embankment slopes. Slope failures are often induced by surface cracks which are widely present on the embankment slopes. To date, most rapid repair methods for slope failures (e.g., geosynthetics, soil nails, plastic pins, and lime, etc.) involve large earth work, special installation equipment, and/or special construction processes, which may require long construction time, disturb the traffic, and increase the cost of the whole project. This research will explore the feasibility of using bio-cement to seal, waterproof, and cement the cracks on the embankment slopes. This bio-cement can seal, waterproof, and cement slope cracks in a relatively short time (e.g., 12 hours) due to its fast reaction rate. The preliminary direct shear tests performed by the PI showed that the shear strength of the soil cracks (i.e., failure plane) increased by 50 – 100 % in a relatively short time (8 to 12 hours). Furthermore, bio-cement utilizes a low-viscosity and eco-friendly bio-grout that can be easily percolated into the cracks on the slopes without the need of a pressurized pump. Thus, no special installation equipment and no special construction process are required, which saves the construction time and budget. The PI envisioned that field slope repair using bio-cement could be simply achieved by percolating bio-grout into the cracks at the slope surface using several buckets of bio-grout. Maintaining the statewide highway embankment systems is a major challenge with considerable impacts on the limited budgets of state DOTs. This research will have the potential to offer state DOTs a fast and cost-effective repair method for maintaining highway embankment slopes. This research will provide a quick, non-traffic disturbed, and cost-effective repair method (i.e., bio-cement) for sealing, waterproofing, and cementing slope cracks on highway embankments. This slope repair method will ultimately minimize the life-cycle cost for maintaining highway embankment slopes for state DOTs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:44:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751130</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bio-Inspired Reusable Crash Cushions with Superior Energy-Absorbing Capacity</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1740336</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Crash cushions are used as a roadside safety treatment alternative to protect errant vehicles from striking potentially hazardous fixed roadside objects by absorbing the kinetic energy of the vehicles. The goal of this project is to design lightweight reusable crash cushions with superior energy-absorbing capacity. A bio-inspired approach is used in this study. Three biological role models, i.e., coconut endocarp, sea urchin spines, and bovid horns, are picked out from nature due to their low density, high strength, and remarkable impact-resistant and energy-absorbing capacities. Then, a comprehensive structural and mechanical analysis is conducted on the natural structures to understand the mechanisms underlying their superior mechanical properties. Finally, the identified structural characteristics are transferred from the biological structures to the structure of the crash cushions. Four tasks are carried out in this study: (1) A series of structural and mechanical tests are performed on natural structures to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their superior mechanical properties. (2) Numerical simulation is performed to identify the main design parameters, and a multi-objective optimization is conducted to optimize its energy absorption characteristics and comprehensive crashworthiness. (3) The optimized design is fabricated by 3D printing. (4) An experimental campaign is conducted to test the 3D printed crash cushions.
The developed energy-absorbing structures are useful for other applications where materials are prone to impact damages, such as other types of traffic barriers, exterior bridge girders, bridge piers, earthquake-resistant structures, and packaging materials for hazardous goods transportation.
This project will be investigated by two research groups with complementary expertise. The PI Prof. Congrui Jin has done extensive research in 3D printed bio-inspired designs. Her team will perform Task 1, 3 and 4. The co-PI Prof. Joshua Steelman has extensive experience in numerical and experimental study of structural responses to severe impacts. His team will contribute to Task 2.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:10:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1740336</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Corn Based Deicers TR-754</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1562397</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The overarching goal of this proposal is to investigate the deicing potential of raw corn juice and other corn juice mixtures containing small fractions of polyols and sodium chloride (NaCl). The proposal is based on a premise that the dissolved sugar in the corn can be used as an economical efficient and environment friendly alternative to chloride based deicers. In this proposal, different inexpensive juice extraction procedures will be investigated in order to efficiently extract corn juice with maximum dissolved sugar. Along with this, corn juice mixtures with different combinations of corn juice, limited amounts of polyols derived from corn starch (sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, inositol and erythritol) and NaCl will be prepared. The deicing properties of raw corn juice and other corn juice mixtures containing polyols and NaCl will be investigated in accordance to procedures prescribed in appropriate standards. Finally, an objective scoring system will be introduced to evaluate the relative deicing performance of corn based deicers with respect to chloride based deicers. Furthermore, relative costs of the corn based deicers will also be evaluated with respect to chloride based deicers. Based on the performance and cost scores and further consultations with the Iowa Department of Transportation the top corn based deicer(s) will be identified and will be recommended for future use in the state of Iowa as an alternative to traditional chloride based deicers to improve traffic safety, re-mediate traffic congestion and to cut travel times in winter months.
The technical objectives of this study are:
(1) To identify an inexpensive and effective juice extraction process from raw corn that optimizes its sugar content and thereby deicing properties.
(2) To investigate the deicing properties of raw corn juice and corn juice mixtures with limited quantities of polyols and chloride salts.
(3) Propose a performance and cost scoring method to identify efficient, economical and readily adaptable corn based deicer/s. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2018 13:39:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1562397</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reducing Erosion Susceptibility of Coastal Highways Using Biologically-Based Methods
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1481061</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Roadbeds supporting coastal highways in North Carolina are susceptible to erosion during large storm events. During large storms, such as hurricanes and nor’easters, storm surge and waves are able to erode the soil and undermine the highway.  Coastal highways in North Carolina have experienced over-washing due to coastal storm surges, which led to pavement damage and even highway closure. Direct storm wave action on the seaward side of the highway and weir-flow damage on the landward side of the highway can undermine the roadbed, erode the supporting soil, and lead to pavement failure and road closure.  In addition, slopes supporting roadways in sandy material are designed with a 3:1 (horizontal:vertical) slope due to the erodibility and stability of the material.  More competent material may be designed with a 2:1 slope, thereby reducing the right-of-way extent.  By reinforcing vulnerable coastal subgrades and slopes, erosion potential can be reduced and vital infrastructure can be maintained.
Bio-mediated soil improvement methods can be used to stiffen sandy subgrade and slopes and reduce the soil’s susceptibility to erosion.  Natural biological processes have been shown to improve the behavior of sand deposits by increasing the sand’s strength, stiffness, and erosion resistance (Montoya and DeJong 2015, Lin et al. 2015, Shanahan and Montoya 2016).  Bio-mediated soil improvement methods utilize natural soil bacteria to hydrolyze urea as a nutrient source and produce calcite cementation within the soil matrix.  This bio-cementation process can be used to mitigate damage to highway subgrades and slopes by implementing the process in situ.  The bio-cemented reinforced sand deposits would ultimately improve the resiliency of the coastal infrastructure by reducing the susceptibility to erosion in an innocuous, natural, and cost-effective manner.
In order to develop a bio-mediated method to reduce erosion susceptibility, a research program consisting of both laboratory and field work is proposed.  The treatment process will be developed to improve the sandy subgrades and slopes and to be implemented by the Department.  A relationship between the level of treatment and the resistance to erosion, shear strength, permanence and cost will be developed.  Field test sections are proposed to assess the implementation and performance of the treatment method. The test sections, which will be treated and monitored, will take place within the right-of-way of one of the Department’s sites. The results of the field test sections will provide valuable information for developing a treatment method to be implemented by the Department.
 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2017 09:44:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1481061</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Feasibility of Biological Production of Hydrogen from Wastewater by a Two-stage Fermentation Process</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228244</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rapid development of renewable fuels is a critical challenge globally and a national research priority. Several biologically-produced fuels have emerged as potential alternatives to gasoline in the past several years. Of these, hydrogen is widely believed to be the ultimate energy carrier since it is abundant, clean, and can achieve high energy conversion efficiencies (~50-70%) in fuel cells. Although microorganisms naturally produce hydrogen either through photosynthesis or anaerobic fermentation, current biological technologies are not sufficiently efficient to produce a cost-competitive, alternative fuel. The proposed research aims to lower the cost of biohydrogen by utilizing available waste streams as feedstocks for anaerobic fermentation coupled with photosynthesis. This two-stage fermentation process would utilize the products of fermentation for photosynthesis, producing higher hydrogen yields and off-setting carbon dioxide emissions. These processes have not been combined to treat wastewater and produce hydrogen, and success would aid the development of a clean, renewable hydrogen economy.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:17:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228244</guid>
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