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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>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <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>Develop Best Practice to Improve CRCP Performance near Transverse Construction Joints</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652074</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will develop best practices to enhance the performance of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) near transverse construction joints (TCJs). To support this effort, the research team will identify key construction variables that affect concrete compaction quality near TCJs through a combination of literature review, surveys, field investigations, and statistical analysis. Based on the findings, the research team will develop evidence-based recommendations to ensure acceptable concrete compaction quality and performance of manually constructed TCJs. Upon approval by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the research team will propose revisions to the statewide standard specifications, CRCP design standards, and quality control procedures related to TCJs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:35:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652074</guid>
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      <title>Test Methods for Joint Fabrics Used in Precast Concrete Adjacent Member Beam Connections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2592103</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The precast concrete adjacent member beam is one bridge element that is frequently used throughout all Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) districts. However, one shortcoming in this bridge type is the joint between the adjacent members, which is prone to leaking. One option for mitigating that leakage is to install an epoxy-coated fabric mesh across the joints. However, the cost of the fabric has increased substantially over time while the material’s quality has come into question. Furthermore, some joints are wide enough to require overlapping widths of the material, particularly for the transverse joint at a pier. Greater competition in the industry could lead to the development of more cost-effective and practical solutions to these issues. 

To foster that competition, criteria for accepting new products need to be established. This project will entail laboratory testing to develop those criteria for the tensile strength of the fabric material itself and the development length of the mesh bonded to either concrete or another layer of mesh. Successful implementation of the results of this study into VDOT’s Road and Bridge Specifications should lead to more options for strengthening and waterproofing the joints between precast concrete adjacent members. The established criteria will help to reduce the maintenance activities required to extend the service life of these types of bridges.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:36:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2592103</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Polymer Concrete Joints for Precast Bridge Elements. Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Closure Joints in Accelerated Bridge Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582920</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For joints between precast elements on Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) projects, Polymer Concrete (PC) has a great advantage of cost saving over Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). PC can also be mixed without needing specialized equipment and uses non-proprietary products in its mix designs, which are easier to source than the products used in UHPC mix designs. The primary objective of the project is to develop and test joint designs with PC and develop a mix design that can be used by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).

The overall objective of this project is to equip MNDOT with the science and tools towards implementing a polymer concrete alternative solution for field joints of precast bridge members for accelerated construction.

The polymer concrete alternative is to be comparable to what the NMDOT has recently implemented using ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) solutions. The NMDOT will leverage several years of research at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) in the area of polymer concrete and non-proprietary UHPC mix development and applications for accelerated bridge construction (ABC). UNR hosts world-class structural and large-scale testing facilities, as well as the materials laboratories under the Western Regional Superpave Center, to conduct a comprehensive experimental program that support the implementation tools that NMDOT requires.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:51:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582920</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Mechanical Characterizations of Joints in Segmented Tunnel Liners Due to Flexural and Thrust Jack Loading (UTI-UTC 28)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543421</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research investigates the structural behavior of joints in segmented tunnel liners subjected to flexural and thrust jack loading, which are critical conditions encountered during tunnel construction and operation. The project focuses on quantifying the mechanical response of these joints, particularly under load scenarios simulating bending moments and axial forces applied by tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Experimental testing is conducted on full-scale precast concrete segments, including those from the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel project, to assess parameters such as joint stiffness, rotational capacity, and load-bearing performance. The study is complemented by detailed numerical modeling and analytical evaluations to validate test results and improve segmental design methodologies. The outcomes are expected to inform design guidelines and enhance the durability, safety, and reliability of segmented tunnel systems used in modern underground transportation infrastructure.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:37:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543421</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Mechanical Characterizations of Joints in Segmented Tunnel Liners Due to Flexural and Thrust Jack Loading (UTI-UTC 43)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543433</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project investigates the mechanical behavior of joints in segmented tunnel liners subjected to flexural and thrust jack loading conditions commonly encountered during tunnel construction and operation. Utilizing both experimental testing and numerical modeling, the research aims to understand the load-deformation response and failure mechanisms at segment joints, particularly under combined loading scenarios. The study is based on data and specimen segments from the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel expansion, with testing conducted to evaluate performance under controlled thrust and bending loads. Analytical models are developed and calibrated to replicate observed behaviors, contributing to more accurate predictions of joint behavior. The outcomes of this project will inform the design and construction of more resilient and efficient segmental tunnel linings, supporting improved safety and performance in underground transportation infrastructure.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 15:59:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543433</guid>
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