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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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    <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>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>Seismic Performance of Steel-Concrete Composite Bridge Piers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646095</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Traditional cast-in-place reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers, while common, involve a slow, multi-stage construction process that elevates project costs and poses significant safety risks to both workers and traffic within construction zones. As an innovative alternative, steel-concrete composite structural systems offer a substantial reduction in construction time—estimated at up to 40%—thereby enhancing project schedules and safety. However, the widespread adoption of this promising technology is currently hindered by a critical lack of knowledge and codified guidance regarding its seismic design and performance.

This research proposal aims to systematically address this gap by investigating the key parameters influencing seismic behavior and developing comprehensive design guidelines for steel-concrete composite bridge piers. The project’s primary objectives include the design of multiple composite pier configurations, the development and validation of detailed 3D nonlinear finite element models using commercial software, and the execution of performance-based seismic assessments to evaluate damage states and failure mechanisms. The methodology will encompass designing piers and their connections to foundations based on existing experimental data, creating sophisticated finite element models that capture material nonlinearities, and conducting extensive pushover analyses under varied conditions (e.g., axial load, reinforcement ratio, cross-sections).

The anticipated outcomes are highly relevant to national strategic goals, including improved seismic resiliency through higher ductility and stiffness, enhanced safety via reduced time in construction work zones, and greater economic efficiency through accelerated project completion. The research will yield advanced numerical modeling techniques, performance-based seismic design methodologies, and practical design recommendations and specifications for structural engineers. These outputs will be disseminated through a final report to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations, ultimately contributing to the development of more resilient and rapidly constructed infrastructure. The project also offers significant educational benefits by training students in advanced computational modeling and seismic design, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. The work is planned over a 24-month period, structured into four six-month phases covering literature review and design, model development, seismic analysis, and the formulation of final design guidelines.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:22:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646095</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bracing for Impact: Developing Steel-Concrete Sandwich Panel Retrofits for Increased Bridge Pier Protection</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2499034</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project will address retrofits for piers in and around shipping channels. Bridge pier stability is integral for the continued operation of shipping channels after a vessel-pier collision occurs. Without sufficient pier protection systems, when vessel collisions occur, bridge damage can limit traffic over the bridge and through the waterway below, causing both travel and economic disruption. A novel steel-concrete composite system will be investigated for reducing the collapse potential of vulnerable bridge piers (essentially developing bridge life-preservers). The proposed strengthening method provides an alternative construction approach by installing the system directly onto bridge piers in lieu of constructing more robust barrier type systems. Additionally, the proposed barrier employs energy dissipative mechanisms along with a new structural system (steel- plate composite sandwich panels) that has been recently investigated for use in building applications. The project contains two integrated research components: 1) detailed finite element analysis of retrofit pier details and 2) impact testing of retrofit details. Outcomes of this project include a direct-to-pier retrofit strategy, ultimately improving waterway infrastructure reliability. Additionally, novel impact data for sandwich panels will be generated and engineering graduate students will receive advanced research training providing knowledge transfer to industry upon student graduation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:03:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2499034</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Composite Mangroves for Reducing Soil Erosion near Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2260007</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal erosion results in the movement of land or the long-term removal of sediment and rocks from the action of waves, currents, tides, wind-driven water, or waterborne ice. This creates gaps within the underlying subsoils supporting transportation infrastructure. Infrastructure such as pavements and piers experience distress due to loss of soil support, which will lead to failure. The objective of this research is to use synthetic composite materials to mimic mangroves as a Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) system. Mangroves can withstand wave energies, and reduce wave velocities, this study will evaluate how the synthetic mangroves mitigate coastal wave-induced erosion around transportation infrastructure. Unique designs of these composite mangroves with different root systems will be studied in the laboratory to assess the reductions in wave velocities and energies. These results will be incorporated into various design methods and coastal infrastructure design software to study the use of artificial mangroves to reduce soil erosion around pavements, bridge piers, MSE walls and other infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:42:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2260007</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>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design of Anchors for Rapid and Durable Strengthening of Bridges with Externally Bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites—Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1907230</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The beams tested in Phase 1 had sufficient steel stirrup shear reinforcement, which allowed the research team to evaluate the effectiveness of U-wraps in anchoring the longitudinal CFRP reinforcement. However, in practice, an RC beam deficient in flexure may also be deficient in shear, requiring both vertical (shear) and longitudinal (flexural) CFRP reinforcement. Due to the lack of experimental data, the current ACI 440.2R design guidelines do not permit to count on shear U-wrap reinforcement to provide anchorage for the longitudinal CFRP. Thus, the specific objectives of the proposed research program are to determine how effective U-wraps are in:
i. enhancing the shear capacity of shear-deficient RC beams, AND
ii. increasing strain utilization of longitudinal CFRP reinforcement in shear-deficient RC beams.
The primary expected outcome of this work will be more economical FRP strengthening. This will be accomplished by allowing the designer to limit the required area of longitudinal CFRP reinforcement through improved strain utilization (provided by the U-wrap anchorage) while, the same time, being able to consider U-wrap anchors as shear reinforcement.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:08:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1907230</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design of Stud Shear Connectors in Composite Steel Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1854195</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For composite steel girder bridges, stud shear connectors are provided along the length of a bridge at the interface between the concrete deck and the steel girder to resist the interface shear and prevent slip of the concrete deck on the top flange of the girder. Currently, bridge engineers use the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) to determine the size and spacing of the stud shear connectors to satisfy the fatigue and strength limit states. Section 6 of the AASHTO LRFD BDS only allows the horizontal shear force between a concrete deck and steel girder to be transferred through the shear connectors. However, field studies on steel girder bridges designed as noncomposite have indicated that some level of unintended composite action is present despite having no stud shear connectors. Quantifying a reliable contribution of friction and cohesion in transferring the horizontal shear force between a concrete deck and the top flange of a steel member could result in a dramatic improvement on the calculation of the demand and resistance of stud shear connectors at the strength and fatigue limit states. Reducing the number of required stud shear connectors without compromising the performance of composite steel girder bridges will also increase the efficiency of fabrication and erection as well as decrease the number of tripping hazards during construction. Bridge engineers need guidance on updating the current AASHTO LRFD BDS design of stud shear connectors in composite steel girder bridges.
The objectives of this research are to provide (1) guidance on calculating the demand and resistance on stud shear connectors for steel girder bridges (including straight, skewed, and horizontally curved) at the fatigue and strength limit states and (2) design examples.
At the minimum, the research shall investigate:
(1) The contribution of friction and cohesion in transferring the horizontal shear force between a concrete deck and the top flange of a steel member (include I-girder, tub girder, stringers, and floor beams) and 
(2) The validity of the shear flow equation.   ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2021 19:26:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1854195</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessment and Optimization of Double Ct Bridge Girder Sections with Longitudinal Precast Decks (3.10)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1741273</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project focuses on the extension of novel, fiber-reinforced polymer tub girder (CT girder) sections to incorporate precast concrete deck panels. This will extend the application of this new bridge technology by modularizing construction, optimizing the use of relatively costly composite materials, and reducing required superstructure depth. This research project will employ both large-scale and smaller-scale experiments, and includes direct collaboration with an industrial partner who is actively marketing this technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:34:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1741273</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluate Effects from Shored Construction on Steel Composite Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1690009</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this project is to better understand the performance of composite steel girder bridges using shored construction (discretely or fully supported). This will involve an extensive review of existing research and current international design codes. Surveys will be used to determine the design policies, construction specifications and experiences of other states and countries relevant to shored construction of composite steel girder bridges. Furthermore, projects using shored or pre-decked steel girder bridges will be reviewed for design approach, detailing, construction methods and performance history. Lastly, an analytical study will be performed to determine the effects, and economic benefit, of using shored construction for composite steel girders.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2020 13:54:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1690009</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a System-Level Distributed Sensing Technique for Long-Term Monitoring of Concrete and Composite Bridges (C11.2019)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1683657</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Long-distance distributed sensing of bridges using fiber optic sensors is achieved by the Brillouin scattering of nonlinear acoustic photons (laser light) inside an optical fiber. Such nonlinear scattering of incident photons can be exploited to obtain the change of state (due to temperature or stress) at different locations in an optical fiber over a long distance (e.g., from several to hundreds of miles). In this project, Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (BOTDR) technique has been adopted for distributed sensing of mechanical and thermal strains of bridges. Figure 2 shows the schematic configuration of BOTDR for bridge monitoring and the conceptual description of multiphysical observation of structural behavior for health monitoring. The research team will develop a system-level distributed sensing technique and its design procedure for composite and concrete bridges, as well as developing structural health monitoring algorithms based on mechanical and electromagnetic measurements using fiber optic, video motion, and radar sensors. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:41:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1683657</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FRP-Concrete Hybrid Composite Girder Systems: Web Shear Strength and Design Guide Development </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1683235</link>
      <description><![CDATA[UMaine has recently developed an FRP-concrete hybrid composite girder (CT girder) bridge that shows great promise. Work to-date has verified critical aspects of girder strength and FRP-concrete shear connector performance. Ongoing, separately funded research is focused on refining shear connector design to simplify construction and allow the use of fully-threaded, stainless steel (SS) connectors.  In parallel, this technology is being commercialized and implemented by AIT Bridges of Bangor, Maine. AIT has designed a new CT girder bridge to be built on US Rt. 1 in Hampden in 2020, and is extending the concept to incorporate longitudinally pre-cast decks with double CT girders to speed construction (the girder also accommodates transversely pre-cast deck panels and CIP decks). UMaine will load-test the new Hamden CT girder bridge and perform 3D FEA to assess as-built performance and facilitate future load ratings with funding from the UMaine Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center.
However, there are two topics that require additional research: the assessment of web shear strength and the development of a design guide. The foam-core webs of these girders have complex fabric layups and web-to-flange transition zones that make their shear strength difficult to accurately estimate with conventional engineering calculations. Because of this, web shear design to-date has been purposely conservative. The topic of web shear is close linked to the development of a design guide, which is essential for widespread acceptance and implementation of the CT girder system. There are three main girder strength design aspects that must be addressed in every design and that are vital components of a future design guide: bending strength, shear connector strength, and web shear strength. Research conducted to-date has reinforced the ability to accurately predict bending and shear connector strength, but web shear strength must be better quantified to permit the development of a design guide.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2020 13:30:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1683235</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>3D Printed FRP-Concrete-Steel Composite Hollow Core Bridge Column</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1581012</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A 3D printed hollow bridge column structure is proposed with a concrete shell sandwiched between FRP and steel tubes. The microstructure and texture of the FRP tubes will be controlled by the 3D printing technique to enhance the interfacial bonding with concrete. Both modeling and experiments will be conducted to achieve the optimum multilayer design for enhanced structural performance under seismic loadings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2019 07:18:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1581012</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FAA Research Requirement on Lightning Strike Composites Structure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532789</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2018 11:42:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532789</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Delamination/Disbond Arrest Features in Aircraft Composite Structure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532763</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2018 11:41:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532763</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effects of Moisture Diffusion in Sandwich Composites</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532645</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No abstract provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2018 10:45:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1532645</guid>
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