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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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    <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>
    </image>
    <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>Innovative Materials for Improved Roadway Mobility and Drainage Efficiency</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677558</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Flood-related roadway closures and drainage failures cause major travel delays, increase congestion, and pose risks to public health and safety. Conventional stormwater culverts or highway drainage made from plastic, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are vulnerable to deformation, cracking, and chemical degradation, particularly in high-temperature or chemically aggressive soils. This project develops and evaluates advanced recycled HDPE composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for use in drainage pipes and highway culvert systems, designed to maintain roadway mobility and performance during extreme rainfall, with an emphasis on public health and safety benefits and long-term roadway performance.  

Laboratory-scale fabrication and mechanical testing will optimize the composition of carbon nanotube-reinforced recycled HDPE blends for improved fracture strength, chemical resistance, and physical properties. Past research by the PI has previously produced and evaluated nanoclay-reinforced recycled plastic, demonstrating established expertise in composite preparation and testing.   

The research team will collaborate with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), El Paso Water Utilities, and El Paso County to validate the material in representative stormwater applications and to assess long-term material performance under demanding exposure conditions such as ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures. By utilizing recycled HDPE, the project reduces material waste while improving performance and supporting long-term infrastructure reliability. The project will also conduct performance analysis and compare lifecycle costs against conventional PVC or HDPE systems, providing guidelines for integrating innovative polymer composites into transportation drainage infrastructure that support efficient roadway operation and reduced flood-related mobility disruptions. This project undertakes breakthrough research by applying carbon nanotubes to strengthen recycled thermoplastics for stormwater drainage systems. It is an innovative effort combining material science, hydraulic engineering, and laboratory-scale testing.    

  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:53:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677558</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Smart Healing in Additively Manufactured Engineered Cementitious Composites Beams for Durable Transportation Infrastructure </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2665667</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project investigates the self-healing capabilities of 3D-printed Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) for transportation infrastructure applications, focusing on enhancing the durability and longevity of 3D-printed concrete structures. In particular, the research will examine how factors such as material composition, fiber reinforcement, and curing mechanisms influence the self-healing behavior of 3D-printed ECC beams. This self-healing capability has significant potential benefits as the layer-by-layer deposition process used in 3D printing can introduce "cold joints" or interlayer weaknesses, which may negatively impact long-term durability. The project will explore whether ECC’s intrinsic self-healing ability can mitigate these effects and enhance the durability of printed infrastructure, such as pavements, bridges, and retaining walls, which are subjected to harsh environmental conditions. The specific objectives of the project are to: evaluate the influence of supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and blast furnace slag on the self-healing properties of 3D-printed ECC; assess the effect of different fiber lengths (6 mm and 10 mm) on crack control and healing kinetics; investigate the impact of various curing regimes (e.g., water immersion, relative humidity conditions) on the healing process; and conduct mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, and data modeling to develop predictive models for self-healing behaviors. 

The research will produce implementable results in the form of optimized ECC formulations with enhanced self-healing properties for 3D-printed infrastructure. It will also generate valuable data, including mechanical performance metrics, microstructural insights, and predictive models that could shape future design practices and standards for 3D-printed construction. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:30:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2665667</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites with Incorporation of Cellulose Nanocrystals </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646935</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cellulose nanocrystals are a type of nanomaterial derived from cellulose, which have gained interest due to their effect on concrete materials. This research study aims to investigate the effect of Cellulose nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). To accomplish this goal, four levels of nanocellulose will be evaluated. In addition, two types of Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures will be assessed; one with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and without SCBA. A comprehensive experimental program will be conducted to evaluate the compressive, tensile, and flexural performance of the Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures. Results will provide insights into the effects of nanocellulose on the mechanical behavior of low-cost Engineered Cementitious Composites materials.  

The scope of this study is to investigate the effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites. The objectives of the proposed research are to synthesize cellulose nanocrystals from rice husk through acid hydrolysis treatment, prepare two sets of mixtures of Engineered Cementitious Composites: one with SCBA as sand replacement and one without SCBA, evaluate the compressive, tensile and flexural performance of Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures, and evaluate the cracking behavior of Engineered Cementitious Composites materials after uniaxial tensile test. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:23:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646935</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlay Applications in Virginia: Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2567106</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will evaluate the use of Polyester Polymer Concrete (PPC) and Hybrid Composite Synthetic Concrete (HCSC) for bridge deck overlay applications in Virginia. These polymer concretes are expected to provide rapid and durable solutions for bridge deck maintenance, particularly on high volume roads where short turnaround times are needed. The study will include laboratory testing to assess the engineering properties of PPC and HCSC, along with the planning and coordination required for future field trial to document the application process and performance of these polymer concretes. The results of this research will help establish best practices, inform maintenance strategies, and support future revisions to Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT’s) special provisions for polymer concrete overlays.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:14:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2567106</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigating Bond and Flexural Performance of Thin Bonded Engineered Cementitious Composite Overlay for Concrete Bridge Decks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434108</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Resilient and durable overlays are critical for enhancing the service life of bridge decks by shielding them against harmful effects of water, chemicals, and abrasion. Currently, polymer concrete overlays are widely employed for bridge decks. Polymer concrete overlays outperform conventional concrete topping overlays. However, instances of polymer concrete overlay debonding have been encountered. Moreover, polymer concrete overlays utilize proprietary materials and are costly in price. A new class of material, Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is emerging as a promising bridge-deck overlay material owing to its ultra ductile tensile crack-resistance, lower elastic modulus, and high durability characteristics. ECC overlays can provide a lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for rehabilitating and protecting bridge decks. The overarching goal of this study is to develop a comprehensive understanding on the behavior of ECC as an overlay material. The primary objectives of the study are to develop and characterize non-proprietary ECC mixture suitable for overlay applications, evaluate and compare the strength, shrinkage, and bond characteristics of ECC with other polymer and cementitious (UHPC) overlays, and to assess the flexural performance of overlay-substrate system by testing representative slabs with ECC, polymer, and UHPC overlay materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:32:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434108</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prefabricated Bridge Columns with Self-Centering Capability Using Shape
Memory Alloy (SMA) And Ultra-High Performance Concrete
(UHPC) In Plastic Regions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404251</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research proposal introduces a new column-bent cap connection, with innovative materials such as Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) to promote the self-centering behavior and post earthquake functionality of bridges subjected to earthquake ground motions. Circular columns will be considered in this study. The significance of this research is to propose a simple yet practical and effective use of innovative materials such as UHPC, SMA and ECC as substructure connection for bridges in medium and high seismic regions. Several factors are simplified in the construction of the column due to novel properties of UHPC and SMA to minimize the splice length between column longitudinal reinforcement. This phase of study will focus on comprehending on fundamental behavior of the proposed system and identify, possible future steps that are needed for implementation of the idea in the field. Research builds on previous work conducted at FIU (Azizinamini, et al) in the form of moving the plastic hinge outside of capacity protected areas in seismic design process, through use of UHPC. The research will involve experimental studies, in the form of 2/3 scaled column specimens subjected to constant axial load and cyclic lateral loads, small scale component tests to comprehend the behavior of SMA and durability aspects of the proposed system. The research is expected to develop a roadmap to implement the proposed idea in the field as well as tentative seismic design methodology that can be applied to bridge column-cap beam connections, column-footing connections, and plastic hinge zones.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:44:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404251</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Data-Driven Smart Composite Reinforcement for Precast Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2314008</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research aims to develop a smart composite reinforcement in precast concrete for real-time health condition monitoring using embedded sensors on the composite. The monitoring system can provide the health condition and risk information of the composite reinforcement and investigate the load transfer effectiveness between layers of the reinforcement and the precast concrete. The self-sensed composite reinforcement health and environmental data such as stress, strain, and temperatures will be paired with mechanical models of composite-concrete system and data-driven machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of the composite reinforcement for a better reinforced precast concrete system. Specific research objectives include: (1) develop embedded distributed sensors for self-sensing composite reinforcement; (2) conduct multi-scale multi-physics modeling with finite element analysis for the composite reinforcement mechanical and bonding performance using the sensor data; (3) integrate the data-driven machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of different composite reinforcement.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:34:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2314008</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Low-damage bridge columns for post earthquake serviceability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2232154</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge columns are typically designed to behave in a ductile manner during large earthquakes, sustaining significant damage without collapse. This is not a resilient approach, as post-earthquake repair may be substantial and lead to bridge closure. The seismic performance of many of these bridges is essential to post-earthquake mobility, as bridges are relied upon as critical lifelines into urban centers after natural disasters. Bridge closure can impede emergency response, and significant financial losses may be associated with downtime of the bridge. State DOTs in Washington and Oregon recently have begun to require bridges along key emergency response lifelines to be designed to remain in-service following a Magnitude-9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake. There is a need for cost-efficient, low-damage bridge columns to meet this objective. One approach, used recently by WSDOT on the SR-99 bridge, is shape memory alloy (SMA) as longitudinal column reinforcement in combination with engineered cementitious composite (ECC) in place of conventional concrete. The SMA provides post-earthquake re-centering of the column, while the ECC mitigates crushing at locations that would typically have conventional concrete. Although SMA is a more expensive material than conventional reinforcement, the SMA is only used at plastic hinge locations. While the same is true for ECC, the ECC requires a separate installation relative to casting of conventional concrete, reflecting a more significant disruption to the typical construction process. For the proposed research, SMA will be used with conventional concrete rather than ECC, with steel jackets used in the plastic hinge region to confine the concrete to prevent crushing. The steel jackets may take the place of traditional sonotube formwork at these locations, providing minimal disruption to the typical construction process. Although the approach is applicable in all seismic locations, the proposed research will focus on the response of bridge columns to CSZ earthquake demands, which produce long duration shaking. Previous research on SMA in columns has not focused specifically on long-duration earthquakes, which have more potential to induce damage based on fatigue. In the proposed research, an experimental study will be conducted, and test results will be used to characterize column response, including determination of parameters needed for column modeling. Design guidelines will be formulated to provide needed guidance to DOTs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:02:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2232154</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Feasibility of Using Alternative-Steel and Composite Material in Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093147</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will establish design qualifications, requirements, inspection procedures, and a roadmap for using alternative steel and non-steel composite systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:53:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2093147</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Honeycomb-encapsulated phase change materials composites for battery transportation safety</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067998</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Virginia Commonwealth University proposes to manufacture composites that can prevent thermal runaway. The composites are based on inorganic aerogels, which are excellent, porous thermal insulators.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067998</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thermo-Mechanical Responses of FRP Composite Jacketing for Tank Cars under Impact and Fire</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067996</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project aims to develop and easily install prototype composite panels in place of the steel jacketing, and to demonstrate their ability to meet 49 CFR 179 requirements required for DOT-117R non-pressure tank cars.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067996</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Composite Metal Foams for Impact Protection of Hazardous Material Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067995</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will focus on larger-scale manufacturing, welding, assembly, and optimization of SS CMF and evaluation of its performance in small- and large-scale dynamic puncture testing as well as a full-scale torch fire testing through both experimental and modeling approaches to prove its potential in improving the puncture and fire resistance of tank cars, particularly those that are carrying HAZMAT.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067995</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Steel-Free Concrete Bridge Decks (3.18)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994581</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In order to realize a potentially transformational improvement in concrete bridge deck durability, the proposed research program intends to validate a deck design by which little to no conventional reinforcement is required. The design relies on the development of so-called arching action to maintain compressive stresses in the concrete thereby minimizing the risk of cracks that adversely affect long term durability. The project will move the technology forward by both validating the structural parameters by which the arching action is invoked, and by developing a suitable concrete mix reinforced with small non-metallic fibers that will meet the structural and long-term durability requirements. The outcome of the project will be a set of guidelines by which a field demonstration project can be developed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:21:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994581</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Recycling Large-Scale 3 D-Printed Polymer Composite Precast Concrete Forms (2.18)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994577</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Large-scale thermoplastic composite extrusion-based 3D printing has been used in research labs and is moving into industry. One significant use of large-scale 3D printing has been to make forms for manufacturing precast concrete parts. Once the forms have been used for casting concrete parts, there is an opportunity to reuse the material and recycle the thermoplastic composite. Ideally, the 3D printed thermoplastic composite can be recycled into feedstock pellets that can be used again for 3D printing newer parts. However, the process of recycling 3D printed concrete forms is not well-established. Efficient ways of removing debris, cutting the 3D printed parts into smaller pieces, and pelletizing need to be figured out. The degradation in material properties with each recycling needs to be characterized and if necessary, a suitable ratio of a mix between virgin and recycled polymer needs to be determined. The cost of recycling needs to be evaluated and compared to the cost of the 3D-printed material.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:08:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994577</guid>
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