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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>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <title>Dissimilar Metal Welds Between ASTM A709 Grade 50CR and Other Bridge Steels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890402</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Steel bridges can be susceptible to corrosion if adequate corrosion protection design and detailing is not provided. Specific portions of bridges can be especially vulnerable to corrosion, such as near bridge joints where moisture is common due to leaks and on spans over water or high volume roads with heavy de-icing salt application, such as overpasses over interstates in metropolitan areas. In recent years, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has begun using ASTM A709 Grade 50CR (50CR) in corrosive environments where uncoated ASTM A709 Grade 50W (50W) (i.e., weathering steel) is not recommended, such as bridges with low water clearance, near industrial areas, and in marine environments. Although 50CR steel has shown outstanding corrosion resistance, its initial cost is greater than traditional steel bridge corrosion protection systems such as uncoated 50W. A proposed solution for corrosion on steel bridges and to minimize the cost of 50CR is to use dissimilar metal welded connections. These types of connections would allow 50CR to be used in targeted corrosive portions of a steel bridge, while traditional corrosion protection systems could be used elsewhere. For example, a corroded beam end on existing bridge made with ASTM A36 (A36) steel could be repaired by cutting out the corroded portion and welding a new 50CR beam end to the existing A36 steel beam to provide additional corrosion resistance under the joint. A similar concept could also be used in new designs in which 50CR is used on a water or overpass span over an interstate, and uncoated 50W steel is used throughout the remainder of the structure. This research will investigate the weldability, nondestructive evaluation, weld metallurgical structure, mechanical properties, and corrosion implications of 50CR dissimilar metal welds. This research will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 50CR dissimilar metal welds in both repair and new construction applications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2021 07:33:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890402</guid>
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      <title>Investigation of the Benefit of Using a Novel Corrosion Resistant Steel in New and Existing Steel Bridges in Pennsylvania</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1840495</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective of this project is to investigate the benefit of using a novel corrosion resistant steel for repairing existing steel girder bridges and design of new steel bridges in Pennsylvania. Under this objective, the total life-cycle costs of steel girder bridges with and without using maintenance-free steel for replacement will be investigated. Herein, a broad range of replacement actions will be considered including the replacement of structural components as well as replacement of the whole superstructure. Therefore, a system approach, which models a bridge in its life-cycle as a time-variant multi-component system, will be adopted. The use of this locally sourced material, denoted as ASTM A709-50CR, previously specified as ASTM A1010, promoted by Arcelor Mittal Steel in Pennsylvania and Arcelor Mittal USA in the United States, will also contribute to the sustainability of rehabilitation actions and help boost local economy. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:01:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1840495</guid>
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      <title>Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1628607</link>
      <description><![CDATA[National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Research Report 1161: Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements presents state-of-the-art guidelines to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements. The guidelines were developed based on extensive analytical and testing programs and review and study of the state of practice. In addition to the guidelines and design examples, modifications to the current Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) bridge design and construction specifications were identified. The findings will serve as a valuable resource for bridge owners, consultants, fabricators, and contractors.

The majority of bridges built in the United States utilize concrete bridge elements with prestressed uncoated steel strands that are susceptible to corrosion leading to structure deterioration. Delaying strand corrosion will reduce maintenance needs, extend the bridge service life, and enhance safety. Therefore, DOTs have been investigating alternative strand materials such as stainless steel to address steel strand corrosions. However, there are no national standards or specifications to support bridge owners in using stainless steel strands. Research was needed to develop requirements and guidelines for the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements. 

Under NCHRP Project 12-120, “Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements,” the University of Houston was asked to develop guidelines for the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements and recommend modifications to the current LRFD bridge design and construction specifications for consideration by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. To demonstrate the application of the new guidelines and the proposed modifications, the research team developed supporting design examples.



]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2019 10:02:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1628607</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Homopolar Generator Welding Qualification Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1515800</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will provide unbiased data of weld properties for a new homopolar generator to demonstrate adequate weld properties for ASTM A1010 corrosion resistant steel for the bridge industry.  It will also address the continued development of electroslag welding to open it up to HPS70W steel and for fracture critical members.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 2018 09:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1515800</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Project 1a: Structural Steel Coatings for Corrosion Mitigation - MS&amp;T</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230723</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Significant maintenance costs are extended nationwide each year for coating structural steel bridge elements in an effort to protect them from corrosion and deterioration. Coating of structural steel presents a significant, costly maintenance challenge that is critical to mitigating the detrimental effects of corrosion to extend the service life of bridges and reduce operational costs. The field performance of coating can be inconsistent, being affected by the quality and method of surface preparation, the environment surrounding the bridge, presence of chlorides and corrosion products (which may be entrapped between plates in built-up members or other details that cannot be cleaned), the type of coating utilized and other factors. The goal of this study is to identify the most cost effective coating for protecting structural steel from corrosion, with consideration of factors such as ease of installation, long-term performance and costs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:04:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230723</guid>
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      <title>Project 1a:  Structural Steel Coating for Corrosion Mitigation - UMC</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230719</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Evaluation of Coating System Performance in Missouri Task 1 of the proposed research consists of a field evaluation of the existing coating systems in Missouri to determine the past and current performance of coating systems utilized in the State. The steel coating systems and procedures being utilized by other State DOTs will be evaluated with respect to current practices to identify areas to be examined for enhancing current practices and potential cost impacts. A consistent and quantitative method for characterizing the condition and performance of a coating in place would be defined based on experience in other States, standards and needs such that a systematic study of coating performance in Missouri can be conducted. The field performance survey will document and correlate factors such as environment, location and extent of coating failure/corrosion, surface preparation procedures, etc.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:04:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230719</guid>
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      <title>Corrosion Monitoring Research for New York City Suspension Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230698</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to develop and deploy either innovative non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies (Direct Sensing Method) for detecting corrosion damage and/or by installing corrosion sensing technologies to monitor the internal environment of the main suspension cables (Indirect Sensing Method). The project has three phases: Phase I shall consist of identifying appropriate sensing technology, data recording and processing equipment, and making a mock-up to verify the measurement system configuration. Phase II will be a follow up project to transfer the technology from the laboratory to field. An appropriate bridge platform shall be identified for this field study in the future by FHWA based on the recommendation from Phase I. Phase III will include additional field testing, collection of field data and modification of sensors and algorithms as needed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:04:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230698</guid>
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