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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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    <language>en-us</language>
    <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>
    <image>
      <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>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>Field Friction Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672003</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary goal of this project is to perform comprehensive field friction testing on various Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) surfaces with polymer-modified asphalt binders (i.e, “H” and “V” binders) across the entire state. Conducting these tests in real-world conditions is crucial for identifying potential safety concerns related to skid resistance. Previous year friction testing conducted on certain SMA surfaces within the SE region using the “V” binder indicated that these surfaces exhibited notably lower skid resistance values compared to other SMA surfaces after few years of construction. Building on these findings, this project intends to carry out an additional round of field friction measurements targeting those same SMA surfaces in the SE region, while also expanding the scope of testing to include more SMA sections throughout the state. The data collected from this expanded field testing will be instrumental in determining whether the relatively low friction numbers are attributable to the specific type of binder used, the aggregate materials involved, or a combination of both factors. Furthermore, to gain a broader understanding of the current skid resistance condition of the state’s pavement infrastructure, several additional pavement sites will be evaluated as part of this study. This holistic approach aims to provide actionable insights that can guide improvements in pavement design and material selection to enhance overall road safety and durability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:27:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672003</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Use of FTIR Analysis to Verify Chemical Composition of Asphalt Binder</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672002</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this project is to evaluate the chemical composition of modified binder and emulsion samples submitted by suppliers to the central office. This will be achieved through FTIR spectroscopy, a widely recognized analytical method in the asphalt industry. FTIR spectroscopy utilizes mid-infrared energy to analyze molecular structures and compositions by measuring the absorption of specific infrared light frequencies, offering a unique molecular fingerprint for identification and analysis. As the asphalt industry continues to evolve, suppliers are increasingly adopting advanced polymer additives to enhance binder formulations. It is essential for the state to verify the components used in these binder mixes to ensure quality and compliance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:25:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672002</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop and Demonstrate an Evaluation Process for Acceptance of Additives for Use in Forensic Analysis in Hot Mix Asphalt</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2666836</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Although additives, modifiers, and extenders are commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) designs, a robust and structured laboratory evaluation process is needed to assess their impact on performance and minimize the risk of incorporating these materials in routine use. The research team will develop a framework to evaluate new products in the context of asphalt materials, leveraging insights from existing methodologies such as NCHRP 1-130. The study will assess asphalt binders and mixtures, considering material selection, laboratory performance, and field validation using test sections. The final deliverables will include a laboratory assessment framework, performance-based criteria, and a template for long-term monitoring of additives in HMA.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:43:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2666836</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Characterizing and Improving Binder Availability and Activity in Asphalt Mixtures with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2625486</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The majority of asphalt mixtures produced in Virginia contain reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) due to the associated economic benefits, resulting in environmental advantages. Presently, there is uncertainty regarding the degree of availability and activity of RAP binder. This uncertainty impacts the design and performance of mixtures with RAP contents of 25% and above by the total weight of mixtures. Furthermore, a recent research effort was completed to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of recycling agents (RAs) in improving the performance of asphalt mixtures, especially those with relatively high RAP contents.

This research effort will consist of three major phases. Phase I will aim to validate the two performance-based engineered frameworks developed and recommended as part of VTRC Project 177566 and Report 24-R3 titled “Engineered Frameworks for Evaluating the Use of Recycling Agents in Surface Asphalt Mixtures for Virginia.” Phase II will focus on characterizing the binder availability in typical RAP material stockpiles in Virginia and assessing the effectiveness of RAs at activating the available binder for improved blending with virgin asphalt binder. Phase III will work towards developing guidelines or guidance documentation on how RAP availability and activity levels should be accounted for in mix design methods for Virginia, specifically those used to design asphalt mixtures with RAs.

This research will lead to improvements in the long-term durability and performance of recycled asphalt mixtures in Virginia, ultimately resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impacts from pavements. Additionally, this approach will enhance the understanding of truly innovative materials with promising performance, such as RAs and their effectiveness at activating the available RAP binder. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 08:45:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2625486</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2501 Evaluate the Performance and Consistency of BMD Mixes during Production using Rheological and Chemical Binder Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606534</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project is part of an ongoing plan by Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to implement Balanced Mix Design (BMD) and to promote asphalt recycling. The overall objective of this study is to build on the findings of previous studies conducted by ODOT, and to provide more insight into the performance and variability of BMD mixes, which will guide ODOT in its efforts to develop specifications for BMD. The specific objectives that will be addressed in this proposal are: Quantify the variability of BMD mixes during production using mixture and binder testing, including mixes from different asphalt plants, and constituting a wide variety of local materials and mix designs. Identify test methods that are appropriate to use to assess the variability of mixes, focusing on cracking, rutting, and binder rheological and chemical properties. The test methods will be evaluated based on their ability to capture the variability during production. The analysis will also include studying correlations between binder testing and mixture testing. Guidelines will be developed to evaluate the impact of variability on mix production and how to incorporate the variability into mix acceptance specifications. A statistical approach to incorporate the variability in mix acceptance specifications will be specified, including methods such as percent within limits (PWL), to ensure mix consistency during production.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606534</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Study on Mix Design for 3D-Printable Components using Geomaterials and with CSA Cement as Binding Material</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509296</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project proposes the idea of using locally available, natural geomaterials for 3D printing. Successful applications of geomaterials like soils into current 3D printing mix design can reduce the consumption of cement and produce a more sustainable mixture. The project will focus on the development of the mix design using sand, silt, or clay soils with calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement as the major binding material. CSA cement is a fast-setting material which makes it an ideal binding material for 3D printing purposes. To make the proposed mixture 3D printable, different admixtures like superplasticizers, viscosity modifiers, retarders, or accelerators will be used. Properties of the mixture during its fresh state including viscosity, yield stress, and setting time will be examined to ensure proper flowability, extrudability, and buildability for 3D printing. A viscosity test is introduced in this project to find the correlation between the fresh properties of the printed mixture and its printability. Correlations between the viscosity, setting, and the flowability and extrudability will be analyzed to find the ideal viscosity range for initial printing. In addition, creep tests under varying load levels at different intervals will be applied to the mixture to understand the creep behavior. When the printable mix designs are developed, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) will be measured as the major strength parameter, which works as a refence for their possible future applications. The volume stability of the printed composite materials will be studied as well. 
The research objectives can be achieved through four major tasks: (1) Task 1 is to conduct a comprehensive literature review on 3D printing using geomaterials; (2) Task 2 is to develop mix designs using geomaterials and CSA cement that are suitable for 3D printing. Observations on potential cracks will be made to help screen the different mixtures suitable for 3D printing; (3) Task 3 is to develop methods to quantitatively evaluate the printability of geomaterials for 3D printing purposes. These include the fresh properties such as viscosity, setting time, and yield stress of the mixtures and the printability such as flowability and extrudability. Admixtures will be added in this task to modify the viscosity of the mixture and the setting time. The yield stress and creep properties of the mixture will be measured to evaluate the buildability. Trials of printing will be performed in this task to verify the suitability of these mixture designs for 3D printing; (4) Task 4 is to validate the mechanical performance of the printable mixtures developed in previous tasks. 7- and 28-day strength of the mixes and their shrinking potentials will be evaluated.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:07:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509296</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sieve Analysis Procedure to Quantify Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Binder Availability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2505725</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will develop a new procedure to quantify reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycled binder availability (RBA) using comparative sieve analysis of RAP and recovered RAP aggregate. Work in Stage 1 will involve ruggedness evaluation to identify how closely the sieve analysis procedural operating factors need to be controlled. A fine RAP sample from Virginia and a comparatively coarse RAP sample from Indiana will be acquired to cover variations in climate, geologic origin, and particle size distribution. Ruggedness testing will be conducted according to ASTM E1169 and ASTM C1067. The experimental factors to be evaluated will include: (1) sample size, (2) washing time, (3) drying temperature, (4) particle separation method, (5) sieving time, (6) asphalt removal method, and (7) unwashed vs. washed sample for aggregate recovery. Statistical analysis will be performed to identify experimental factors with statistically significant effects on RBA. Subsequently, controls for these factors will be established to minimize the impacts of their deviation on the average and variance of RBA results. Stage 2 work will involve an interlaboratory study (ILS) according to ASTM E691 to establish the precision of the RBA results. The study will include a minimum of six participating laboratories from academia, industry, and highway agencies.  Three RAP materials, procured from North Carolina, Virginia, and Indiana with distinct RBA values, will be used. A  protocol outlining the necessary procedures and data reporting for the ILS experiments will be developed for the ILS participants. A webinar will also be organized to educate the ILS participants on the experimental procedure and the ILS protocol. Each lab will execute the required sieve analysis experiments according to the ILS protocol. Statistical analysis of the results will be conducted to define the repeatability (single-operator precision) and reproducibility (multi-laboratory precision) of the RBA results. The research team will work with the ILS participants to develop pilot implementation plans. The final report will include all relevant data, methods, models, and conclusions along with guidance on how to use the sieve analysis procedure in a state DOT.   ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:33:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2505725</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Hot Mix Asphalt Aging Effect on Mechanical Properties of Mixes Based on Their Binder Performance Results – Phase II </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480360</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project is focused on developing a framework to estimate the fatigue behavior of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) by establishing correlations between the fatigue resistance of aged asphalt binders and mixtures. This research is an extension of the Cycle 1 project (or Phase I), which found a strong link between the fatigue cracking data of aged HMA and the fatigue parameters of binders recovered from oven-aged asphalt mixtures. The Cycle I study provided valuable insights into the impact of HMA aging on changes in binder performance, considering factors, such as RAP percentage, aggregate quality, rejuvenator dosage and type, and asphalt content. The data analysis revealed that asphalt binder parameters, including fatigue and Glover-Rowe, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization, can be linked to the mechanical performance of aged asphalt mixtures.
Phase II, proposed for Cycle 2, will focus on investigating the potential correlation among aging protocols, including asphalt binder and mixture aging, and pressurized methods. This will involve accelerating the aging process of asphalt mixtures using PAV equipment and optimizing the aging process of asphalt binder and mixtures by adjusting pressure. Oven aging typically requires at least five days to produce practical results. Phase II will consider pressurized aging protocols to determine if a similar correlation of rheological and chemical results can be obtained in a shorter time, either through binder or asphalt mixture aging. Conventional and pressurized aging methods have been established in previous research. This research focuses on determining how accelerated aging methods can be leveraged to produce reliable results for implementation. 
To achieve the objectives of this research, the following tasks will be pursued: Task 1: Aging and characterization of asphalt binders - asphalt binder samples will undergo both short-term aging using the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and long-term aging using the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) under standard and modified conditions (i.e., adjusted pressure). Similarly, asphalt mixtures will be aged using a pressurized aging device, and the binder will be extracted and recovered for further comparison and analysis. Subsequently, the aged binders will be subjected to frequency sweep tests using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) to determine the fatigue parameter, master curve, and Glover-Rowe parameter and evaluated using FTIR to obtain carbonyl and sulfoxide groups. Task 2: Data analysis and validation - the results will be compared to the fatigue resistance data of aged HMA and recovered aged binders obtained in Phase I to see if a similar correlation exists. The study aims to validate the observed relationship between HMA and binder fatigue behavior. Task 3: Provide recommendations for asphalt mixture and binder aging - the findings will contribute to optimizing or strengthening the findings and relationships identified for aging asphalt binders and mixtures in the laboratory in Phase I. Task 4: Prepare project deliverables - the research team will prepare final deliverables summarizing the research results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:04:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480360</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improved Pavement Durability and Resiliency Using Balanced Mix Design with High RAP and Rejuvenator: A Path Toward Statewide Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480354</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research initiative, developed in consultation with the Materials Division of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), addresses a critical agency need related to the statewide implementation of Balanced Mix Design (BMD). Two SPTC partner institutions, namely the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Louisiana Tech University (LTU), will collaborate to accomplish the goals of this research. Incorporating Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) into asphalt mixes offers significant benefits, including reduced cost, resource conservation, energy savings, and reduced environmental impact. With a focus on achieving reduced environmental impact, increasing RAP usage in asphalt mixes can substantially lower the environmental impacts of pavement materials. However, challenges such as variations in material property and a lack of performance data complicate the design of asphalt mixes with high RAP content. ODOT has been actively implementing BMD through pilot projects and research, allowing up to 15% RAP for surface courses and 20% for base courses. This project aims to further increase the RAP content using the BMD approach.
	A key factor in the performance of RAP-containing asphalt mixes is the aging of the asphalt binder. Rejuvenators can replenish the volatiles and light binder fractions, restore the mechanical and chemical properties lost due to aging and aid in meeting the BMD design criteria. While rejuvenators generally reduce the stiffness of the asphalt mix, their effects on binder and mix properties need evaluation, along with determining the optimum amount of rejuvenator for satisfactory performance. This collaborative study focuses on designing high-RAP asphalt mixes using commercially available rejuvenators and the BMD approach, followed by performance evaluation of field test sections. LTU will investigate the properties of asphalt binder blends with high RAP and rejuvenators, while OU will focus on the mix design. The project tasks include the following: (1) Select and collect test materials (OU and LTU); (2) Extract and recover aged binders from RAP (LTU); (3) Prepare blends of unaged binder, RAP binder, and rejuvenators (LTU); (4) Evaluate binder properties (LTU); (5) Develop asphalt mix design with high RAP and rejuvenator (OU); (6) Construct field section and perform evaluation (OU); (7) Evaluate plant-produced mixes and monitor field performance (OU), and (8) Modify special provision/specification (OU). The results of this study will inform modifications to the BMD special provision for high RAP content. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:15:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480354</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Phase-II: Addressing Durability Concerns in Binders with Interlayer Reinforcement for 3D Printed Elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480350</link>
      <description><![CDATA[3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is one of the fastest emerging technologies and involves layer by layer building of a binder material with additives without the use of formworks while enabling the design freedom to produce complex structural geometries. To enable this technology to reach end use applications in construction such as printing large scale fail-safe concrete structural elements, the low tensile strength of concrete is to be overcome. These structures are constantly subjected to environmental deterioration mechanisms affecting their durability and life. Moreover, lack of knowledge and data about durability of 3D printed reinforced concrete structures hinders the growth of this digital fabrication method to truly offer its advantages towards transportation. 
Phase-I of this project titled “Durability Assessment of Binders with Interlayer Reinforcement for 3D Printed Elements” is under investigation to understand the effect of deterioration mechanisms such as chloride ingress and freeze and thaw on the mechanical performance, and flexural strength capacities of (a) cementitious binders with successive layers representing 3D printed elements, and (b) cementitious binders with different types of reinforcement incorporated at the interface between successive layers. 
Phase-II proposes solutions to address the durability concerns assessed from preliminary investigations in Phase-I which are: (1) steel deterioration is higher when compared to deterioration in fiber reinforcement due to aggressive environments; (2) the reinforcement at the interface needs a protective barrier to prevent ingress; (3) a small portion of reinforcement extends out of the interface and is therefore exposed which needs additional protection. The objectives of Phase-II are to investigate two solutions that can potentially address the durability concerns of cementitious binders with different types of reinforcements incorporated at the interface between successive layers: (i) Investigate the suitability of polymer surface finishings for 3DCP with interlayer reinforcement, and (ii) Investigate the effect of a printed protective barrier using the same 3DCP mix around the reinforced 3DCP with sufficient design modification to create a strategic interface mismatch. 
Eight tasks have been curated to realize these objectives. Task 1: Coordinate with ACI 548 vice-chair Dr. Moneeb Genedy (Stakeholder) to identify which polymer resin and constituents may be ideal for a protective system against 3DCP to investigate objective (i). Task 2: Design outer layer external to 3DCP element using SolidWorks that enables interface mismatch and bonds with the fiber reinforcement to investigate objective (ii). Task 3: Acquire materials from Transpo and Euclid Chemicals who have actively donated materials for the PI’s ongoing work to investigate objective (i). Task 4: Develop a mix design for polymer surface protection for either spray-on or application technique to investigate objective (i). Task 5: Print 3DCP specimens with three types of interlayer reinforcement – steel, Glass Fiber (GF) and Carbon Fiber (CF). Task 6: Subject beam specimens (along with protective measures) to two types of deterioration mechanisms- freeze-thaw and chemical ingress exposure. Task 7: Perform flexure test on beam specimens. Task 8: Conduct post testing analysis and understand reinforcement behavior.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:01:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480350</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>High-Polymer Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Mixture for Enhanced Durability and Cost-Effectiveness in Urban Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2475695</link>
      <description><![CDATA[While traditional materials have performed satisfactorily across a wide range of roads in the past, road failures are now occurring at an accelerated rate. Increased traffic loading—encompassing axle loads, tire pressures, and the number of load passes—has exposed limitations in the performance of asphalt binders and mixtures. To address this growing challenge, the asphalt industry has shifted over the past 50 years toward using polymers as modifiers for asphalt binders, especially in pavements exposed to severe climatic conditions and heavy truck traffic.  
More recently, researchers have developed polymer-modified asphalt with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) content of 7–8% by weight of the binder, offering enhanced elasticity and potentially improved pavement performance compared to traditional polymer-modified asphalt. An experimental study by the Florida Department of Transportation compared three asphalt binder types: a neat asphalt binder, a conventional polymer-modified asphalt binder (3% SBS), and a high-polymer asphalt binder (6% SBS). Results demonstrated that mixtures prepared with the high-polymer asphalt binder exhibited greater fracture energy, indicating superior fracture resistance compared to mixtures using conventional polymer-modified asphalt or neat asphalt binders. Furthermore, accelerated pavement testing showed that polymer-modified asphalt mixtures significantly outperformed mixtures prepared with neat asphalt binders in terms of rutting resistance. 
The ultimate goal of this study is to conduct a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of high-polymer modified asphalt binder and to assess the cost-effectiveness of this emerging class of asphalt binder as compared to conventional polymer-modified asphalt and neat asphalt binders. To this end, research activities will evaluate and compare the binder rheological, chemical, and aging characteristics of high-polymer asphalt, conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and neat asphalt binders. Based on the results of the binder study, researchers will evaluate the cracking, rutting, and moisture-damage resistances of asphalt mixtures prepared with high-polymer asphalt, conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and neat asphalt binders. In addition, cohesive and adhesive failure mechanisms will be evaluated for high-polymer asphalt, conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and neat asphalt binders. The tasks involve in this project are as follows: Task 1: Materials selection and development of test factorial; Task 2: Prepare and characterize asphalt binder blends; Task 3: Prepare and characterize the mechanistic properties and failure mechanisms of asphalt mixes; Task 4: Analyze performance and cost effectiveness of high-polymer asphalt and conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and Task 5: Prepare final report.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:46:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2475695</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4912:  Development of Level 1 Binder Property Input for AASHTO Pavement ME Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2444792</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Outcomes from the proposed project will provide proper material inputs regarding the INDOT MSCR - 28°C PG implementation in Indiana asphalt pavement design. Project deliverables will be the quantified impact of the INDOT MSCR PG on pavement designs and recommend categorized asphalt property design level 1 inputs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:27:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2444792</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Alternative Solvents for Asphalt Extraction and Recovery</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437340</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In October 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced an impending ban on trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is a widely used solvent that can dissolve many organic materials, including asphalt binder. The objectives of this research are as follows. Identify potential alternative solvents to TCE. Assess the benefits and drawbacks of each. Develop solvent extraction protocol using the most promising solvent. Evaluate extracted binder (using the selected solvent) for characterization. Quantify the variability between recovered binder and that of TCE extracted and original asphalt binders. Introduce an optimum approach to utilize the new technique if feasible.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:52:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437340</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2500 Asphalt Binder Test (ABT) for Quick Performance Grade of Asphalt Binder</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434205</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed study will evaluate the continuous performance grades (PGs) of commonly used neat and polymer-modified binders in Oklahoma from different sources using the Asphalt Binder Test (ABT) device. The results of the ABT test will be verified with the traditional American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) M 320 specification to ensure confidence. Also, this study will evaluate binders with Engineered Crumb Rubber (ECR), and US Polyco Rapid Digestion Process (RDP) rubber modifiers using the ABT and AASHTO M 320 specification. Based on the test results, the ANN model will be retrained following a physics-informed process to predict the continuous PG of the crumb-rubber modified binders. In addition, this study will evaluate the properties of the RAP binder blends. The continuous PG grades of binders blended with RAP extracted binders will be tested using the ABT device. The maximum percentage of RAP binder for blending will be determined in consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the consultant. The test data will be used to retrain the ANN model for better prediction of the PGs of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder blends. In addition, field cores will be collected from asphalt pavements exhibiting premature distresses and failures with the help of ODOT. The extracted binder will be tested, and the results included in the ABT database. The effect of binder extraction using the automatic extractor and a relatively new and rapid method using Dichloromethane (DCM) on the continuous PGs will be studied selectively. Based on the review of literature, state DOT practices, test results, and consultant’s experience, preliminary guidelines will be developed for the implementation of the ABT test as a screening and/or QC tool.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:16:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434205</guid>
    </item>
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