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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Evaluation of a Local Carbonate Aggregate Source for Pavement Surface Applications in the Bristol District</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2714406</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this project is to evaluate the field frictional performance of surface paving applications incorporating a local carbonate aggregate source to support potential approval for use in surface applications in the Bristol District. This purpose will be accomplished through coordinated field trials, laboratory characterization, and continued monitoring of existing field sites. Specifically, the study will: (1) further evaluate the performance of existing field projects in the Bristol District to determine whether conclusions drawn from short-term performance monitoring remain consistent over a longer evaluation period, and (2) implement and monitor additional field trials incorporating carbonate aggregates in pavement preservation treatments and surface asphalt mixtures on roadways carrying traffic volumes greater than 750 ADT.
The scope of this study includes friction and surface texture measurements of 14 field sections consisting of carbonate aggregate treatment sections and, where applicable, companion reference sections incorporating conventional non-carbonate aggregates. The evaluated sections will include both pavement preservation treatments and surface asphalt mixture applications. These field sections will be systematically monitored throughout the study period to assess friction and texture performance trends over time and to further evaluate the long-term field behavior of the local carbonate aggregate source under varying traffic conditions.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:54:44 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Virtual Reality as a Tool to Enhance the Design Review Process</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606404</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research enhances transportation infrastructure design processes by addressing limitations of modular workflows where roadway, hydrology, lighting, and utilities design occur in separate processes with limited feedback, leading to conflicts during design review and construction stages. The project extends previous work on virtual reality (VR) applications for public involvement to include design review capabilities, partnering with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on a novel double roundabout design in Bristol, Virginia, an area with high pedestrian and bicycle activity. The methodology involves converting 2-D design files into comprehensive virtual reality simulations using Unity platform, integrating topographical data and creating immersive environments that showcase experiences of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists under various scenarios including different traffic densities, lighting conditions, and signal configurations. The research compares traditional 2-D plan-based design reviews with VR-based immersive reviews, allowing engineers to experience proposed designs in day and night conditions and evaluate lighting design impacts on sight distances, safety perceptions, and situational awareness. Building on survey data from 33 respondents across state DOTs, consulting firms, and universities, the project synthesizes current practices and develops standardized processes for VR integration in transportation design review workflows.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:07:13 GMT</pubDate>
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