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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>
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    <item>
      <title>Comparison of Sample Size and Curing time on Concrete Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672004</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of this research is to continue department’s initiative to reduce test specimen size and support departments transition to Performance Engineered Mixture (PEM) implementation. The funding for this project will allow the department to sample and perform testing on various concrete mixes across the state and gain deeper understanding on how concrete mixes in Wisconsin will perform. Due to an increased use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) in Wisconsin to improve durability of concrete mixes, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Mobile Concrete Technology Center (MCTC) laboratory and Wisconsin Highway Research Program (WHRP) studies indicated that using 28-day test results for acceptance may not be the most accurate representation of concrete performance as some SCMs require additional time to activate and gain strength in the concrete mixture. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) plans to evaluate the impact of extended curing of concrete strength specimens. These strength specimens can also be used to measure surface resistivity at 56 days to compare with surface resistivity values measured using the accelerated cure method per WTM T358. WisDOT would also investigate reducing compressive strength specimen size from 6”x12” to 4”x8”.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:28:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672004</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>Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Enhanced Durability, Crack Resistance, and Cost-Effectiveness of Concrete in Infrastructure Applications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598425</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop durable, crack-resistant, and cost-effective concrete for U.S. infrastructure by incorporating nanomaterials derived from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo, combined with Agricultural Residue Char (ARC) for internal curing. Traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) often require high replacement percentages to achieve significant improvements, increasing the cost and complexity of mix designs. In contrast, nanomaterials, even at small dosages (1-2% by weight), have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance both the early-age and long-term performance of concrete. ARC will serve as an internal curing agent, specifically targeting improvements at later ages by reducing shrinkage and enhancing long-term crack resistance. Nanomaterials extracted from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo will be evaluated for their impact on early-age strength and durability. The objectives of the proposed study are to: (1) Develop cost-effective synthesis techniques for nanomaterials from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo; (2)  Investigate the impact of nanomaterials on early-age compressive strength and hydration; (3) Utilize ARC for internal curing to reduce shrinkage and improve long-term performance, (4) Perform ASTM C1609 (notched beam test) for crack resistance and ASTM C157 (shrinkage test) for mix designs undergoing flexural testing, and (5) Analyze the cost and performance of developed mixes compared to conventional concrete.
The project will employ a comprehensive research approach, including detailed material characterization, mix design optimization, mechanical and durability testing. Material characterization will involve advanced techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction, to analyze the structural properties of the nano materials. The concrete mixes will undergo standard workability, compressive strength, crack resistance, shrinkage and surface resistivity testing to ensure optimal mechanical and durability properties. The tasks for this study involve the following: Task 1: Literature Review and Material Acquisition; Task 2: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials; Task 3: Mix Design and Optimization; Task 4: Mechanical and Durability Testing; Task 5: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; and Task 6: Reporting and Dissemination.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:03:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598425</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development and Characterization of UHPC Including Carbon Fibers and Internal Curing for Bridge Deck Overlays</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509298</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is an advanced concrete material with outstanding mechanical properties and considerable potential for extending the life of bridges. While traditionally based on Portland cement and reinforced with steel fibers, UHPC formulations reinforced with Carbon Fibers (CFs) of different scales have been recently investigated. Pilot experiments show promising results. Common dispersion techniques allow for CF contents under 1% by weight of cementitious content to avoid dispersion-related issues, such as clumping and balling, which affect the homogeneity of the matrix and deteriorate mechanical performance. These techniques are inefficient to fully explore the potential of CF in UHPC and additional research is needed to examine the effect of high concentrations of CF reinforcement on these matrices in pursuit of tensile properties equal to or above what is obtained with steel fiber reinforcement. Additionally, rapid setting and low shrinkage calcium sulfoaluminate cement and internal curing have significant potential for improving the speed of strength gain and improving overall performance of UHPC bridge deck overlays while reducing the unit weight of the material. 
This study will investigate UHPC formulations reinforced with high concentrations of CF at multiple scales using a dispersion technique that allows fiber contents of up to 4% by weight. Additionally, UHPC formulations using rapid setting cementitious materials and curing methods to achieve faster strength gain, reduced shrinkage, light weight, and improved durability will be investigated. This research entails the investigation of multi-scale carbon fiber reinforcement of UHPC mix designs aiming to achieve flexural strengths and strain hardening behavior similar or superior to the levels typically obtained with steel fibers. It will also examine the impact of calcium sulfoaluminate cement and internal curing on the same behaviors and compare performance of the best mix designs when used as a structural overlay. Small-scale four-point bending tests will be conducted to measure the flexural strength and ultimate strain of UHPC specimens and overlay specimens will be tested in flexure with the UHPC portion on the flexural tension side. The following tasks will be pursued in this multi-institutional study. Task 1: Evaluation of carbon fibers (lead: TAMU); Task 2: Evaluation of rapid setting calcium sulfoaluminate cement and internal curing (lead: OU); Task 3: SEM evaluation of microstructure (lead: TAMU); Task 4: Construction of overlay specimens (lead: OU and TAMU); Task 5: Bridge deck overlay specimen testing (lead: OU), and Task 6: Final report and dissemination of results (lead: TAMU and OU).
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:05:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509298</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Superabsorbent Polymers In Concrete to Improve Durability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508876</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Internal curing is the practice of providing small, well-distributed reservoirs of water throughout a concrete section such that the w/cm of the mixture can be kept low, but the water can later be delivered to hydrating cement as the system dries out. Internal curing has been reported to be effective in reducing shrinkage cracking, improving potential durability of concrete mixtures, and most notably, reducing warping and associated cracking in pavements and slabs on grade. Currently, the use of light-weight fine aggregate (LWFA) is the most common practice in the United States to produce internally cured concrete. This method, however, necessitates pre-saturation of aggregate at concrete batch plants in accordance with a set timeline. This may increase costs related to stockpile management in addition to the costs and emissions associated with production and hauling the LWFA. The use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) as a means of internal curing can address such problems, while still promoting hydration and reducing the risk of early age cracking. However, there has been relatively little work conducted in the US on these materials. The aim of the work described in this proposal is to conduct laboratory work to address some remaining questions:
• How should SAP products be specified?
• How much is needed?
• Can SAPs be dry batched with additional water in the mixture without compromising performance? • How are mixtures affected by their use?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:40:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508876</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2318 Implement Bridge Deck Cure and Seal for Slip-Formed Parapet Walls and Sidewalks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434143</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will investigate the performance of Silencure in both the lab and field for curing and treating horizontal and vertical concrete. The work will also aim to understand several other curing methods used by ODOT including wet curing, pulp cure, curing compounds, and silane sealers. This information will provide ODOT insight into maintaining its structural concrete, improving its construction practices, and improving the performance of its bridge decks while also reducing the time, cost, and effort during construction. In the past, the department investigated using lithium silicate curing compounds in the place of wet curing and also the use of silanes to penetrate and waterproof the surface of concrete. This work will benefit ODOT by providing a quantitative comparison of both laboratory and field usage of Silencure as well as other procedures used to cure and extend the service life of concrete. Recommendations will be made about the modification of ODOT specifications to help reduce costs during construction while still providing long-term performance of concrete structures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:57:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434143</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Revised Curing Practices for NDOT Bridge Decks to Minimize Restrained Shrinkage Cracks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387169</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Due to their high cement content and low water-to-cement ratio, cast-in-place concrete bridge decks are particularly susceptible to early-age cracking. This is often exacerbated by the shrinkage of the concrete when constrained by supporting girders. Such cracks can lead to significant issues, such as rebar corrosion and delamination, posing a primary concern for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). Recognizing this challenge, recent and ongoing research initiatives at NDOT, including projects SPR-FY22(001)1 and SPR-P1 (19)
M0832, as well as ongoing studies at NDOT Materials & Research (M&R), have identified promising strategies to mitigate this issue. These strategies include internal curing, reduction in cementitious material content, and the use of innovative admixtures (e.g., E5® Internal Cure admixture), all aimed at reducing shrinkage-related cracking in bridge decks. The previous projects exemplifies a successful approach for reducing free and restrained shrinkage strains in concrete bridge decks by reducing cementitious material content by 50, 100, and 150 lbs per cubic yard and optimizing aggregate gradation. This approach is expected to significantly lower the likelihood of shrinkage cracking in concrete bridge decks. Despite the progress in reducing concrete shrinkage, there remains a gap in understanding regarding the feasibility of shortened curing durations when using lower-shrinkage mixtures.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:04:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387169</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Internal Curing of 3D Printed Engineering Cementitious Composites: Paving the Way for Sustainable and Durable Infrastructure in the Southwest Climates </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291297</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is considered the next industrial revolution, allowing for the flexible production of industrial products. This emerging technology can aid engineers and architects in creating complex representational models economically and quickly during the design phase of an infrastructure project. When it comes to selecting materials for 3D printing of infrastructures, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) have several potential benefits. ECC is a novel class of high-performance fiber-reinforced material with demonstrated exceptional properties. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using internal curing of ECC materials for 3D printing, on a small scale. The goal is to construct durable infrastructures by adapting novel 3D printing technology for the future of transportation construction. A complementary goal is to examine the internal curing potential of the ECC materials used for 3D printing. The specific objectives of this research are: (1) Advance the application of innovative manufacturing techniques, 3D printing in this case, in transportation infrastructure projects in low-humidity regions like New Mexico; (2) Modify ECC mixes developed by the PI to enhance their mechanical and durability performance by incorporating internal curing agents, specifically lightweight aggregates. A 50% weight substitution of cement with suitable alternatives (fly ash and slag) will be pursued; (3) Investigate the effect of different types (local New Mexico pumice and expanded glass) and contents of internal curing agents (across three distinct substitution levels for normal weight aggregates, comprising 25%, 50%, and 100% replacement) on the performance of ECC for transportation infrastructure; (4) Ensure printable ECC mixes performance by thoroughly examining fresh properties including water content, extrudability, and buildability for 3D printing by 3D printing a zigzag pattern and wall; (5) Assess the feasibility of designing an ECC mix suitable for 3D printing infrastructure in arid conditions. This will be achieved by evaluating mechanical properties, including compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, across three distinct curing regimes. The goal is to establish an ECC composition demonstrating robust mechanical performance and durability within dry environments, enhancing its suitability for 3D-printed infrastructure applications; (6) Explore the economic viability of the 3D-printing process and the ECC used for transportation infrastructure projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:47:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291297</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Extend Service Life of Concrete Bridges Decks with Internal Curing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2292366</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Proper curing of the concrete during the hydration process plays a vital role in the durability and longevity of the service life of concrete structures. Conventional curing techniques adopted for bridge decks are applied externally through wet-burlaps, thermal insulators, or membranes. Due to the large surface areas of bridge decks and pavement concrete, these external methods are not always effective in providing sufficient moisture to support the long-term hydration of the concrete cementitious matrix. This leads to plastic shrinkage cracks, a considerable loss of strength, and abrasion resistance. Even though strength development on the concrete surface is adversely affected by improper external curing, long-term durability is a much more significant concern. IC-HPC offers a unique approach to more durable and sustainable concrete. IC-HPC is produced by incorporating highly absorptive materials such as pre-wetted lightweight aggregate (LWA), super absorbent polymers, or chemical admixtures. These materials readily desorb water into the cementitious matrix during hydration, promoting internal humidity and boosting concrete to offer its maximum potential, especially with the loss of external curing efficiency. To evaluate the efficiency of internally cured concrete for New Jersey bridge structures, the framework of this research proposes two main phases. Phase I consist of an extensive review of other neighboring states’ DOT’s specifications, lessons learned, and challenges of the current practices for IC-HPC in the US. Afterward, Phase II is aimed to; (1) conduct a laboratory testing program tailored to evaluate the use of LWA to produce more durable concrete, (2) assess the technical feasibility of implementation of IC-HPC, and (3) perform LCCA for the benefits expected. This research is devoted to promoting the application and production of IC-HPC in NJ.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:59:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2292366</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Unveiling synergistic effects of Nano-modification and CO2 curing on the durability and carbon footprint of precast elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250459</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Carbon dioxide (CO2) curing of concrete, a process well-suited for precast operations, increases the strength and reduces the porosity while lowering carbon footprint in two ways: (1) directly through carbonation and (2) by reducing the amount of cement required to achieve target performance. The addition of nano-TiO2 to cementitious composites was also shown to reduce porosity and increase the strength of cementitious composites. Furthermore,  previous studies showed that the combination of both nano-TiO2 addition and CO2 curing can increase the CO2 uptake and further reduce the porosity. However, the combined effect of both CO2 curing and nano-TiO2 addition on the transport properties was not studied, and nano-TiO2 is expensive; thus, this project aims to elucidate the combined effects of CO2 curing and nano-modification with respect to porosity, transport properties, and strength. This will enable the production of more durable, sustainable, and economical precast elements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:15:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250459</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RES2024-06: Early Age Concrete Acceptance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2233695</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The design strength of traditional concrete is obtained at 28 days. However, there is an increasing need to predict design strength at earlier ages. Often, projects cannot wait to verify in place concrete has reached the desired strength, particularly with increased use of acceleration construction schedules. Presently, Tennessee Department of Transportation
(TDOT) accepts the design strength of traditional concrete at 28 days and still bases acceptance and payment on 28-day cylinder breaks. However, TDOT is administering more early strength requirements in plans due to accelerated project delivery timelines. Therefore, TDOT needs to set early age acceptance criteria that can be used to approve early strength concrete at the age that it is intended to be in service. TDOT has standard (Classes) of mixes, it would be possible to determine calibration curves over a range of mixes and apply this range to field placement. If done properly, it may be possible to eliminate most destructive field cylinder testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:44:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2233695</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessment and validation of concrete durability testing procedures in support of AASHTO PP-84</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085728</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will investigate the sensitivity of the bucket test to mixture design variations (e.g., w/cm, air content, paste/aggregate ratio, and components (SCMs)) that might impact curing rates.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:15:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085728</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PEM: Influence of Curing Regimes on Formation Factor</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077942</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will investigate new techniques for quantifying curing effectiveness of concrete materials. The study focuses on the reduction of early age shrinkage cracking.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077942</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4727:  Practical Implementation of Superabsorbent Polymers for Internally Cured Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2011440</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will determine practical ways to utilize superabsorbent polymer (SAP) internal curing agents in concrete mixtures composed ofType IL cement and other supplementary cementitious materials, including slag, silica fume, and E5® nanosilica. Evidence-based guidance will be provided on specific implementation strategies, including SAP delivery method, batching sequence, mixing requirements, and external curing needs for SAP-concrete mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:53:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2011440</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Automated Curing and Strength Monitoring of Sensor-Embedded 3D Printed Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948611</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective of this project is to address a major existing challenge with respect to the
curing conditions and mechanical strength development of 3D printed infrastructure. Integrated
curing techniques are proposed, and the impact of these techniques on the mechanical strength
development of early-age 3D printed specimens will be studied. Embedded sensors in the 3D
printed specimens will be used to monitor the electrical resistivity and temperature variations over
time. The sensory data will then be used to quantify the efficiency of different curing methods and
to estimate the mechanical strength at different ages and under different curing conditions. The
proposed research addresses a major practical challenge for widespread adoption of construction
3D printing technology for automated transportation infrastructure construction.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:38:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948611</guid>
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