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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>
    <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>Efficacy, Advancement, and Monitoring of Carbon Fiber Composite Cable (CFCC)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2724770</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Carbon Fiber Composite Cable (CFCC), and the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) materials are being used for prestressing
applications in Michigan bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects with the most recent generation of CFCC is a 0.7-inch strand
configuration. The quantity of stands is similar to conventional strands, and concomitant updated design criteria. Determining the
efficacy of the new 0.7-inch CFCC strand long-term behavior is essential for future design and construction considerations.
Monitoring the CFCC elements in newly constructed bridges (with 0.7-inch strands) and some prior construction (from OR14-039)
will provide an understanding of the long-term behavior and realizations of recommendations on future designs, and continued
considerations of field deployment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:05:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2724770</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>UHPC Roadmap: Advancing the Use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) in Bridge Applications ​ ​</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2712044</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the early 2000s, a new class of cementitious materials—known as Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)—emerged. UHPC is a highly durable material characterized by low or discontinuous porosity, which significantly reduces water and chemical ingress. These properties help mitigate concrete deterioration, thereby supporting the FHWA’s goal to “Get in, Get out, and Stay out” in bridge construction and lowering maintenance costs.

With support from the Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) and the Iowa DOT, several projects have explored the application of UHPC in various bridge components over the past two decades. These applications include girders, waffle decks, piles, and deck overlays. Additionally, UHPC has been used to connect prefabricated elements and to repair damaged structural members.

Recognizing the significant potential of UHPC in both the rehabilitation of existing bridges and the design of new bridges in the United States—and building on its involvement in earlier projects—a group of interested individuals came together to establish an organization that would bring together academia, government agencies, and industry to promote the use of UHPC in bridge applications. Following the 2019 UHPC International Symposium, an initiative to advance the understanding and application of UHPC was launched at Iowa State University. This initiative, known as the UHPC Initiative (or UHPCi), is dedicated to advancing UHPC for civil infrastructure by supporting both fundamental and applied research. It also maintains an active program of knowledge and technology transfer among academic institutions and partner organizations. The mission of UHPCi is to provide a collaborative forum that fosters the sharing of knowledge and promotes research, innovation, and the development of specifications to increase the understanding and use of UHPC.

Despite the progress achieved, further work is needed to advance the use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) in bridge applications. Key areas for advancement include identifying the most suitable applications, reducing material and construction costs, and enhancing bridge longevity with minimal maintenance. Recent inspections conducted by both the Iowa DOT and personnel on past UHPC projects have revealed some concerns, which should also be investigated as part of this ongoing effort. A persistent challenge is the high cost of UHPC. Promising strategies to address this include reducing the metallic fiber content or partially substituting metallic fibers with non-metallic alternatives. These approaches could be explored on an application-specific basis to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness.

Given the aforementioned challenges and opportunities, this pooled fund project—conducted in collaboration with the UHPCi—aims to consolidate current knowledge and develop a strategic roadmap to enhance the use of UHPC in both bridge rehabilitation and new bridge construction. The effort will focus on identifying the most promising applications (e.g., bridge decks), where UHPC can offer the greatest impact.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:32:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2712044</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Hollow-Core UHPC-Steel Columns with UHPC Socketed Connection
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696153</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Limited techniques are available to accelerate construction of bridge substructures. Previous research was conducted by the research team on innovative hollow-core FRP-concrete-steel (HC-FCS) bridge columns consisting of an ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) or self-consolidating concrete (SCC) core sandwiched between an outer fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tube and an inner steel tube. The results of these previous projects indicated the proposed column design had significant potential, but lingering questions remained about the possibility of eliminating the FRP outer shell and relying on UHPC to provide required confinement of the steel tube and durability of the overall column. The proposed project will build on the results of the previously funded projects on HC-FCS columns sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and ABC-UTC to extend to UHPC-steel (HC-US) columns and to examine unanswered questions relative to column composition, UHPC thickness, and column-footing connection. The project will consist of experimental testing of four approximately half-scale column and footing specimens with variation in steel wall thickness and column to footing connection type. Results from the proposed research will provide an improved basis for comparison with completed finite element modeling and for subsequent design guidelines, thereby increasing the likelihood of implementation. The final report will include a section with guidance for design and construction of the proposed HC-US columns. These guidelines will include equations to determine steel thickness, UHPC thickness, footing and girder embedment depths, and nominal flexural and shear strengths of HC-US columns.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:42:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696153</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dynamic Behavior of Repairable and Constructible Precast Bridge Columns
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696149</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Columns are usually the weak links in conventional bridges for seismic design. In current seismic codes, bridge collapse is prevented under rare earthquakes by providing large ductility, but damage of ductile elements including columns is allowed. Reinforced concrete (RC) columns are widely used in seismic regions of the US due to their controlled ductility through confinement and enhanced durability. Damage of RC columns under moderate earthquakes includes cracking, reinforcement yielding, and major spalling. Nevertheless, significant damage is expected under strong earthquakes, which may result in the bridge closure for repair or total replacement. Even though current practice is successful in attaining the no-collapse objective, a new design paradigm is emerging to minimize bridge column damage incorporating low- to no-damage materials and techniques. The benefit can be enhanced if the low-damage details are combined with precast techniques to further promote accelerated bridge construction (ABC). This proposal explores the seismic behavior of a new class of precast bridge columns that are repairable through component replacement. The project goals are achieved by developing new repairable and constructible precast column detailing, performing pre- and post-test analytical studies, large-scale shake-table testing of a top column model, and proposing design and construction recommendations for such columns. Outcomes include dynamic experimental data, design and construction recommendations, and dissemination through technical reports and journal publications. Repairable precast columns may further facilitate the implementation of ABC in high seismic regions of the nation due to their improved performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:35:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696149</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Corrosion Resistance of Using Very High Strength Steel Reinforcing Bars in Reinforced Concrete Beams– An Experimental and Analytical Approach</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694443</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: Advancements in manufacturing methods and the growing demand for high-strength materials in reinforced concrete have led to the development of steel reinforcing bars with strengths exceeding 100 ksi. These ultra-high-strength bars hold significant promise for bridge construction, as they could extend feasible span lengths beyond those achievable with conventional reinforcement while still meeting strength and serviceability requirements. Their use can also reduce girder depth, leading to material savings and lower overall construction costs. However, successful implementation requires addressing key concerns regarding serviceability and durability. Critical factors include corrosion resistance, structural behavior, and ductility of beams reinforced with these high-strength bars. 
The primary objective of the proposed work is to investigate the durability (corrosion resistance) and serviceability of concrete girders reinforced with very high-strength reinforcement, by testing bond-slip relationship between corroded and non-corroded steel rebars and concrete. 12 medium-span (8 in x 12 in x 10 ft) concrete beams will be cast and tested for strength and ductility. Six of the 12 beams will be subjected to accelerated corrosion. Under controlled conditions, the research team will test the strength and ductility characteristics of the beams reinforced with these bars. 
By addressing the performance of very high-strength reinforcing bars in reinforced concrete girders and their behavior under corrosive conditions, this project advances the application of durable, next-generation materials for transportation infrastructure.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:10:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694443</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Feasibility of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) as Joint Material for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694442</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Advancements in manufacturing methods and the growing demand for high-strength materials in reinforced concrete have led to the development of steel reinforcing bars with strengths exceeding 100 ksi. These ultra-high-strength bars hold significant promise for bridge construction, as they could extend feasible span lengths beyond those achievable with conventional reinforcement while still meeting strength and serviceability requirements. Their use can also reduce girder depth, leading to material savings and lower overall construction costs. However, successful implementation requires addressing key concerns regarding serviceability and durability. Critical factors include corrosion resistance, structural behavior, and ductility of beams reinforced with these high-strength bars. 
The primary objective of the proposed work is to investigate the durability (corrosion resistance) and serviceability of concrete girders reinforced with very high-strength reinforcement, by testing bond-slip relationship between corroded and non-corroded steel rebars and concrete. 12 medium-span (8 in x 12 in x 10 ft) concrete beams will be cast and tested for strength and ductility. Six of the 12 beams will be subjected to accelerated corrosion. Under controlled conditions, the research team will test the strength and ductility characteristics of the beams reinforced with these bars. 
This study directly supports the mission of the Center for Healthy and Durable Transportation (CHDT), a University Transportation Center (UTC), whose primary research focus is enhancing the durability and service life of transportation infrastructure through innovative construction materials and techniques. By addressing the performance of very high-strength reinforcing bars in reinforced concrete girders and their behavior under corrosive conditions, this project advances the application of durable, next-generation materials for transportation infrastructure.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:16:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694442</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In Situ Performance Monitoring of Bridge Joints Constructed with Rapid-Setting Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689761</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The effectiveness of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) relies on the performance and durability of field-placed connections, particularly those utilizing Rapid-Setting Concrete (RSC). While ABC significantly reduces construction time and minimizes traffic disruptions, its success is contingent upon ensuring that these connections exhibit long-term structural integrity and durability under real-world conditions. A primary concern with RSC joints is their susceptibility to environmental and mechanical stressors, including freeze-thaw cycles, chloride ingress from deicing salts, shrinkage-induced cracking, and repeated loading from traffic. These factors can compromise load transfer efficiency, stiffness, and overall durability, leading to higher maintenance demands and potential early-life failures.
One of the key questions facing transportation agencies is whether performance-based specifications for RSC joints are adequately calibrated to address real-world service conditions. While these specifications help ensure quality, they also increase material costs and require extensive laboratory testing and quality control oversight. Given that ABC aims to accelerate construction without compromising long-term resilience, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding how well RSC joints perform under in-service conditions as compared to their expected design performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:42:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689761</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing a Roadmap for Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2684169</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this pooled fund study are to: (1) Facilitate communication and information sharing among member states on the project topic, as well as with participants of the Fourth International Interactive Symposium on Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). (2) Establish a forum for technology and knowledge exchange to enhance the practical understanding of UHPC implementation among member states. (3) Develop a strategic roadmap for future UHPC use and advancements, including the identification of research needs and the formulation of research ideas to be pursued through NCHRP, Pooled Funds, grants and other funding mechanisms.

The anticipated benefits of this pooled fund are: (1) Minimized disruption to the traveling public by reducing the frequency and duration of bridge deck repairs. (2) Lower maintenance costs resulting from the enhanced durability and performance of UHPC wearing surfaces. (3) Improved worker safety through reduced exposure to on-site repair activities due to less frequent maintenance needs.

The participating state departments of transportation (DOTs) will provide input throughout the project and benefit from shared insights into technologies used to date, as well as lessons learned from past projects across various regions. Additionally, they will gain exposure to the latest advancements to be presented at the Fourth International Interactive Symposium on UHPC, which will cover topics including UHPC material innovations, recent applications, and the long-term performance of UHPC-designed structures. Pooled fund participants will attend the symposium free of charge.


]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:07:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2684169</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ultra-high performance concrete composite decks for long-span coastal bridges (OSU)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663233</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal and marine environments present some of the most aggressive conditions for bridges, due to exposure to salt spray, high humidity, chloride ingress, and cyclic wet-dry cycles. Many of the nation’s longest span bridges are in and around tightly constrained coastal regions and these bridges commonly employ orthotropic steel decks (OSD) to reduce dead weight and improve structural efficiency. Conventional orthotropic steel plate decks are vulnerable to fatigue cracks in welded joints, deck plate corrosion, and deterioration of overlays under harsh environmental loading. Many of these OSDs are failing well short of their intended design lives. To overcome these limitations, this project will develop and validate a novel UHPC-composite steel rib deck system as a replacement for conventional OSDs for long-span bridges. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) offers high compressive strength, ductility, low permeability, and durability. We propose to make relatively thin UHPC slabs composite with strategically embedded structural steel ribs to produce a direct replacement for conventional OSDs but with reduced weight, equivalent or better stiffness and load carrying capacity while mitigating past persistent fatigue and corrosion issues. 

The research consists of four (4) phases. First, conceptual design and modeling: we will create analytical and finite element models of composite deck panels, varying parameters such as rib geometry, spacing, shear connectors, UHPC thickness, and interface behavior. Second, fabrication and laboratory testing of prototype panels that will be constructed and tested under repeated load cycles modelling wheel loads on the deck surface, environmental (freeze/thaw, chloride exposure), and static failure tests to measure structural performance characteristics including stiffness, crack patterns, fatigue life, and ultimate capacity. Third, interface and connection optimization where shear connections between the UHPC and steel ribs will be optimized to produce reliable composite action and minimal slip under repeated loading. Fourth, develop design guidelines using test data to produce simplified design rules and apply the system concept to a real long-span bridge as a case study.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:05:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663233</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lightweight, Durable, and Cost-Effective: Advancing Voided Concrete Technology with Engineered Cementitious Composites  </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646966</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Voided concrete technology, which integrates hollow plastic spheres into concrete to create a lightweight, material-efficient structure, has gained attention in construction for its ability to reduce concrete use by 30–50% and for its lower dead loads. This innovation is particularly promising for transportation infrastructure such as bridge decks, railway platforms, and parking garages where weight reduction directly impacts foundation costs and construction efficiency. Current voided concrete systems demonstrate 70–90% of conventional slab and beam load-bearing capacity, with enhanced flexural performance due to optimized reinforcement distribution. However, limitations persist: (i) reduced stiffness and shear resistance compared to solid slabs/beams, (ii) sensitivity to sphere placement errors, requiring specialized labor, and (iii) durability concerns in high-stress environments like heavy-traffic bridge decks. These challenges hinder broader adoption in transportation, where structures demand high durability, fatigue resistance, and minimal maintenance.  

This project will evaluate replacing conventional concrete with Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) in the existing voided concrete technology to address current limitations while leveraging material synergies. Indeed, ECC, reinforced with polyethylene fibers, offers superior mechanical performance in tensile ductility and strain-hardening behavior, mitigating shear and crack propagation issues in voided slabs and beams. In addition, the compressive strength exceeds that of conventional concrete, which in turn compensates for capacity reductions from voids. In terms of durability in harsh environments, the crack-width control in ECC enhances corrosion resistance, which is critical for bridge decks exposed to de-icing salts. Finally, the proposed solution is cost-effective through material efficiency as ECC’s higher cost is offset by combining its performance with voided concrete material reduction.  

This study will include a series of mechanical tests on lab-scale voided biaxial beams made with ECC and regular concrete to assess the viability and quantify the expected improvements in structural behavior. The study will provide crucial information on the newly proposed voided ECC technology and will explore: (i) the possibility of constructing longer bridge spans with reduced deck weight, minimizing pier and foundation requirements, (ii) an accelerated construction via potential prefabricated ECC voided modules, and (iii) potential service life extension through enhanced fatigue and corrosion resistance. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:19:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646966</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Augmented Reality-Assisted Quality Control for Structural Component Placement in Bridge Construction </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646964</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Construction quality control is an important part of building reliable infrastructure. This process starts with proper fabrication and depends heavily on how well the components are installed in the field. Construction requirements include surveying, documentation, inspection, and other means to control the quality of component placement during bridge construction. Making sure everything is placed and assembled correctly is key for the performance of the intended structural design over time. For instance, in bridge construction, even when components are fabricated within tolerance, improper placement during assembly can lead to alignment errors that compound over time, potentially affecting structural integrity, safety, and durability. This challenge has been observed in ongoing collaborations with New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Castillo Precast, where the transition from fabrication to field placement may introduce uncertainties that current quality control workflows lack to quantify. There are two main challenges: (1) planning properly given the tight schedules and different teams between the fabrication and installation on time and space, making it difficult to coordinate with all parties (precaster, inspector at the precast plant, truck driver, crane operator, field contractor, consultant at the site, owner); (2) recording, accessing and sharing the construction sequence over the life of the bridge when needed, for example 10-20 years later. 

To address these challenges, this project proposes a digital inspection and verification system that combines 3D scanning and Augmented Reality visualization to support quality control for structural component placement in bridge construction. The goal is to compare the as-built configuration of structural components with the design intent in real time, helping engineers detect deviations early and minimize the risk of cumulative construction errors. By engaging directly with active construction sites in New Mexico, the research takes into account practical challenges such as limited working space, variable lighting, irregular ground surfaces, weather exposure, and the fast-paced nature of construction schedules, all of which can affect the usability and reliability of digital tools in the field. Through this system, field personnel can visualize discrepancies between what was designed and what was built, directly overlaid on the structure without relying only on traditional tape measures, 2D plans, or surveying. The project also develops a QR code installed on each element that provides long-term access to critical data from fabrication and construction to be always at the bridge and accessible by scanning, supporting future inspections and maintenance activities by allowing users to retrieve component information directly on-site using Augmented Reality. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:16:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646964</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Site Response Analysis for Bridge Infrastructure in the Southern Plains Region: Issues, Pitfalls, and Pathways to Improvement </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646962</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridges in the Southern Plains Region are essential to the continuity and resilience of the regional transportation network. Although traditionally considered a region of moderate seismic hazard, past seismic events and updated hazard characterizations along with escalating bridge costs have highlighted the need for the additional use of site response analysis in seismic bridge design. This project aims to investigate and resolve key technical limitations in current site response analysis practices as applied to bridge infrastructure within the Southern Plains Region. These include discrepancies in design acceleration estimation between American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) general procedure and site-specific site response analyses, the influence of bedrock shear wave velocity on seismic hazard and amplification, the sensitivity of site response outcomes to input motion depth, and the comparative accuracy of equivalent-linear and nonlinear modeling approaches under varying site conditions. The project will utilize detailed geotechnical and seismic data from existing Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC), Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) efforts to assess representative bridge sites, ultimately producing evidence-based recommendations and tools for more reliable seismic design and evaluation of bridge systems throughout the Southern Plains Region.  

There are four objectives of this project. The first is to quantify discrepancies in fundamental period and design spectrum estimates between the AASHTO general procedure and site-specific site response analysis across varying geologic conditions. The second is to evaluate the sensitivity of site response predictions and Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis results to different bedrock shear wave velocity assumptions, including stiff soil and rock layers. The third is to assess the influence of varying ground motion input depths—from shallow to deep—on spectral amplification and response characteristics for deep basin sites. The last is to compare equivalent-linear and fully nonlinear site response analyses to establish practical modeling guidelines based on site condition, shaking intensity, and data availability. Project tasks include (1) literature review, (2) site selection and data complication, (3) baseline site response analysis, (4) comparative and sensitivity analysis, (5) guideline development, (6) reporting, and (7) dissemination. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:14:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646962</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rehabilitation of Deteriorated Timber Piles Using Ultra High Performance Concrete </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646939</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research focuses on rehabilitating deteriorated timber piles using Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) to extend the service life of aging bridge infrastructure commonly found across rural Louisiana. Timber piles are increasingly affected by environmental and biological degradation, particularly at wet-dry interface zones, as well as physical damage from floating debris, excessive loading, and failure of adjacent piles. Full replacement of the piles is often economically unfeasible, making an effective rehabilitation solution essential due to its lower cost, reduced material usage, and minimal disruption to service.  

This project will develop a novel UHPC-based rehabilitation strategy specifically tailored for deteriorated timber piles, with the goal of restoring structural performance, enhancing durability, and enabling practical field implementation. A key technical contribution lies in the development and experimental validation of an effective composite interface between timber and UHPC. Through targeted small-scale experiments, the bond and shear transfer mechanisms at the timber-UHPC interface will be quantified, and optimal surface preparation techniques will be identified to maximize bond performance, an area currently lacking standardized guidance. Large-scale experimental testing will generate a comprehensive dataset on the structural performance of deteriorated timber piles strengthened with UHPC jackets, evaluating the effectiveness of different rehabilitation configurations. These tests will assess critical performance parameters such as axial load-carrying capacity, stiffness recovery, and failure modes, under conditions that simulate field-relevant deterioration.  

Complementing the experimental work, advanced finite element modeling will be developed and validated against the experimental findings. This model will capture the complex interaction between timber and UHPC under service conditions and will serve as a predictive tool for evaluating the efficacy of different rehabilitation configurations. Through a comprehensive parametric study, the model will be used to investigate the influence of key design variables. The findings from both experimental and numerical investigations will provide valuable insights into the structural enhancement achievable through UHPC rehabilitation and will significantly advance current practice by development of practical design guidelines and recommendations. This work will promote the adoption of UHPC as durable, high-performance solutions for extending the service life of aging timber piles in transportation and waterfront infrastructure. 

Consultation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will guide the research direction and assist in planning future in-field applications. By delivering a scalable, effective, and economically viable rehabilitation strategy, this research directly supports the mission of the Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC) and aligns with the USDOT’s statutory priority of improving the durability and extending the service life of transportation infrastructure. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:38:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646939</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interfacial Shear Transfer for Concrete Elements with Non-Corrosive Composite Reinforcement </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646936</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will investigate a novel approach to enhance the dowel resistance of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars when used as shear reinforcement construction of concrete bridges. Fiber reinforced polymer is known to be resistant to corrosion with potential benefits in bridge construction. However, it has low dowel action resistance, which can jeopardize the integrity of the composite action between precast/prestressed concrete and cast-in-place bridge deck slabs, which can lead to failure of the bridge girder system. Improving the dowel action resistance of GFRP stirrups will eliminate a barrier to wider adoption of non-corrosive GFRP bars in bridge construction. The objective of this project is to explore a novel approach whereby GFRP dowels will be placed at an angle to the shear interface between the precast beam and the cast-in-place deck for enhancing the horizontal shear resistance of fiber reinforced polymer dowels for the purpose of ensuring composite action in bridges built with non-corrosive reinforcement.  

The scope of the project is limited to GFRP bars, which is the most widely used rebar alternative due to its lower cost and acceptable properties compared to other types of fiber reinforced polymer bars. The contribution of the GFRP bars to the mechanism of shear transfer will be evaluated by using push-off specimens that have been successfully used for studying dowel action of steel bars. Push-off specimens with non-orthogonal GFRP dowels at two angles and two spacings are proposed to be tested experimentally along with a control specimen. The proposed specimens will explore the effect of different angles and dowel spacing on the interfacial shear resistance between concrete elements with GFRP dowls. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:26:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646936</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Dual Grade/Hybrid Steel Plate Girders Utilizing Stainless Steel</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646068</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Corrosion is a significant concern for steel bridges, and if not properly designed for or mitigated, can lead to costly maintenance or service failures. One option for making steel bridges more corrosion-resistant is to use 50CR steel (formerly ASTM A1010 steel), which is a stainless steel having similar mechanical properties to typical bridge steels with much greater corrosion resistance. While 50CR steel is attractive due to its corrosion resistance, it’s cost, relative to traditional carbon steel, may preclude it from use due to budgetary restraints. One option for making 50CR steel bridges more cost-effective is by using a dual-grade girder, in which 50CR is used in targeted corrosive locations, while conventional steel, such as uncoated ASTM A709 Grade 50W or coated steel, are used elsewhere. By using the more costly material where it provides the most benefit, dual-grade girders have the potential to achieve life cycle cost savings by reducing future maintenance and increasing the overall service life of the girder. There has been limited research addressing the strength and corrosion performance of 50CR welded to traditional carbon steels. This research will quantify the corrosion behavior and the galvanic corrosion potential through accelerated corrosion tests. Strength tests will also be performed to evaluate any potential issues with the welding processes required for hybrid welding.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:32:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646068</guid>
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