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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>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>SPR-4943:  An Experimental Study into the Fatigue Strength and Ductility of Builtup Steel Members with Holes made using Plasma Cutting Methods</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2444810</link>
      <description><![CDATA[SPR‐4841 served as a preliminary phase to this proposal, in which a literature review was conducted to evaluate current standards and existing research around the use of PACH in fatigue. The results of SPR-4841 revealed that the state of the practice for PACH is promising and suggest that plasma arc cutting could be proven acceptable as a hole making technique. In order to conclusively determine if such is the case, further experimental studies are recommended. This study proposes to fulfil the gaps in the literature related to such experimental test data. The project deliverables will be a final project report and if the technologies are found to produce holes that meet current behavior requirements, then move the research into practice through incorporation into INDOT and AASHTO Specifications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:12:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2444810</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Capacity and Acceptance Criteria of Welded Splices on Cold-Bent Reinforcing Steel</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2323252</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications require welding of bridge reinforcing steel (rebar) splices to conform to the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.4 Structural Welding Code – Steel Reinforcing Bars. Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) uses cold-bent reinforcing steel hoops and spiral bars as confinement in its concrete-filled steel pipe pile bent system. Structural adequacy of this system is essential for seismic performance. In Alaska, and other seismic states, ASTM A706 Grade 60 reinforcing steel (rebar) is 
routinely specified for members expected to form plastic hinges. A706 rebar has a 
restricted chemical composition and carbon equivalent to enhance its weldability.
AWS D1.4 describes filler metal selection, preheat/interpass temperatures and 
performance and procedure qualification requirements for welding of steel reinforcing 
bars. However, welded splices on hoops and spiral bars are technically not in 
compliance with AWS D1.4, which does not allow welding within two bar diameters of 
the bent portion of the steel. Despite this AWS D1.4 code provision and decades of 
research on the pipe pile system, no known defects have arisen from these welded 
splices. However, the reliability of the splices to behave as anticipated is extremely 
important in plastic hinge regions. Specific testing of cold-bent reinforcing steel welds
has not been completed to ensure that current materials and methods would not 
adversely affect the strength and ductility of the reinforcing bars. 
The goal of this research program is to investigate the effect of welding on cold-bent 
ASTM A706 Grade 60 reinforcing steel. Specific objectives are (1) to determine 
changes in microstructure and microhardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of 
welded cold-bent reinforcing steel, (2) to compare the tensile strength and ductility for
welds made on cold-bent versus unbent reinforcing steel, (3) to determine the 
monotonic stress-strain behavior locally in the HAZ of welded cold-bent reinforcing 
steel, and (4) to identify specific requirements and/or acceptance criteria for welding on 
cold-bend reinforcing steel beyond those in AWS D1.4.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:12:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2323252</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advanced Concrete Materials for Rapid Infrastructure Repair and Rehabilitation 
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291295</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The United States has many infrastructure challenges in terms of maintaining and repairing an extensive network of aging roads and bridges. Additionally, an increased focus on environmentally friendly processes and materials means that there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate alternative cementitious materials and novel portland cement-based solutions to infrastructure maintenance issues. One promising technology is the utilization of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements in the production of concrete materials. CSA cements offer several advantages, including lower carbon intensity (compared to portland cement), rapid setting and strength gain, and low shrinkage. These properties make them an ideal candidate for rapidly replacing or repairing critical transportation infrastructure. In addition, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) with superior ductility and mechanical strength have been proposed as a promising material alternative to extend the durability and service life of infrastructure. However, ECC typically requires a high cement content, leading to challenges such as increased hydration heat, autogenous shrinkage, and lower environmental impacts. To address these challenges, this project aims to investigate the feasibility of using CSA as a partial or complete replacement for cement in ECC without sacrificing its mechanical properties, specifically tensile ductility. The addition of CSA in concrete and ECC materials will be tested separately at the participating institutions. The PIs have planned activities to enhance collaborations between the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University by sharing research findings, which include pursuing future collaborations and strengthening the connections between the researchers.
The objectives of this study will be met through two primary tasks, one at UARK and one at LSU. The UARK researchers will examine the durability properties of belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement through the following sub-tasks: (1) reviewing existing literature and preparing a test matrix including mixture designs, cement types, and curing conditions; (2) conducting experimental testing to determine carbonation and chloride penetration depths; and (3) analyzing results and preparing the final report. The LSU researchers will investigate the mechanical properties of CSA-based ECC through the following sub-tasks: (1) characterizing CSA cement to determine chemical composition, surface condition, and particle size distribution and then using that information to develop ECC mix designs; (2) investigating compression and tension behavior of developed mix designs; (3) examining adaptation of developed ECC mixes for 3D concrete printing; and (4) working with UARK to develop the final project report.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:23:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291295</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Bolt Holes on the Performance of Steel Girders</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2289610</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The design and construction of steel girder bridges, most often, require the use of bolts to connect various components in the field. In some cases, bolt holes have to be located at critical locations such as the tension flange of a steel girder. The impact of these holes on the capacity and the performance of the steel girders are accounted for during design. The current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) Equation 6.10.1.8-1 provides a limit on the maximum major-axis bending stress permitted on the gross area of steel girder flange, neglecting the loss of area due to holes in the tension flange. This equation is used in lieu of the 15 percent rule that had existed in previous editions of AASHTO design specifications, which allowed holes with an area less than or equal to 15 percent of the gross area of the flange to be neglected. However, for modern steels with yield-to-ultimate tensile strength ratio (Y/T ratio) higher than Grade 36 steel, the 15 percent rule was revised.

The current provision is based on the yielding and fracture of axially loaded tension members as opposed to the yielding and fracture of tension flanges of flexural members. A refinement of the current provision may lead to improved design strength of steel I-girders, particularly for girders with longer spans where modern steels are employed. Research is needed to better understand the impact of tension flange holes on steel girder performance and possibly improve the current state-of-practice. 

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to conduct an analytical study on the impact of tension flange holes on the strength and ductility of composite steel I-girders and recommend modifications to existing compact steel I-girder design requirements, if needed. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:03:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2289610</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4841:  Investigation into the Fatigue Strength and Ductility of Steel Plates with Holes made from Plasma Cutting Methods</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2238797</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will perform a study to examine and synthesize all of the existing data related to the use of plasma cutting to place holes in steel components. While this method is very efficient resulting in cost and time savings, questions remain regarding the possible effect on ductility and fatigue life as compared to traditional hole drilling techniques. The results will be used to craft a detailed experimental program should additional data be needed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:39:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2238797</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Criteria of Welded Splices on Cold-Bent Reinforcing Steel</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2151375</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Specific objectives of this research are (1) to determine changes in microstructure and microhardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welded cold-bent reinforcing steel, (2) to compare the
tensile strength and ductility for welds made on cold-bent versus unbent reinforcing steel, (3) to determine the monotonic stress-strain behavior locally in the HAZ of welded cold-bent reinforcing steel, and (4) to identify specific requirements and/or acceptance criteria for welding on cold-bend reinforcing steel beyond those in AWS D1.4. Project includes quarterly, interim and final reporting as well as technical advisor meetings and a final presentation/workshop in Alaska.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:13:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2151375</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Characterization of Regular Concrete and Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites with Incorporation of Cellulose Nanoparticles and Cost- Effective Ingredients</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948613</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are a special class of nanomaterials derived from cellulose, which
is the most abundant natural polymer. These nanomaterials have gained growing interest due to
their mechanical, chemical, optical, and rheological properties. This study aims to investigate
the effect of CNC on the physical and mechanical properties of ECC and concrete materials. To
accomplish the goal of this study, three levels of CNC dosage will be assessed for both ECC
and conventional concrete. In the case of concrete, a structural class A1 concrete mixture will
be prepared according to the Louisiana specifications. In addition, three different mixtures
exhibiting different strength and ductility levels will be assessed for ECC. A comprehensive
experimental program will be conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the prepared
mixes (compressive strength, tensile strength, and surface resistivity as an indicator of concrete
permeability). Furthermore, the microstructure and crack behavior of the prepared mixes will be
evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy (EDS). Results will provide insights into the effects of CNC on the fundamental
properties of ECC and PCC composites. It is also expected that incorporating CNC into ECCs
can further help the implementation of the readily available low-cost ingredients for optimum
performance and cost.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:34:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948613</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Ultra-High Performance Engineered Geopolymer Composites (UHP-EGCs)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904904</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The emergence of ultra-high strength ultra-high ductility cementitious composites such as ultra-high
performance Engineered Cementitious Composites (UHP-ECCs) for construction
application are promising for the future of civil infrastructure as these materials overcome
important weaknesses of conventional concrete materials including their low tensile strength
and brittle nature. However, these materials use large amounts of ordinary Portland cement
(OPC), which limit their sustainability. The objective of this study is to develop novel Ultra-High
Performance Engineered Geopolymer (GP) Composites (UHP-EGC) as materials for repair and
new construction of transportation infrastructure in Region 6. The developed composites will be
mainly made utilizing locally available resources (kaolin clays, natural sand, etc.) to enhance
practicality and cost-effectiveness of these materials. To achieve this objective, a
multidisciplinary team from Louisiana State University and Texas A&M University will develop
several high-strength GP matrices reinforced with functionalized Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight
Polyethylene (UHMWPE) microfibers. Material properties will be thoroughly evaluated to identify
composition-microstructure-property relationships necessary for systematic design of the novel
composites. Furthermore, UHP-EGCs’ cracking characteristics, dimensional stability, and
bonding properties with regular concrete will be assessed to determine the feasibility of the
developed composites for repair applications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:22:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904904</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementation of Balanced Mix Design Methods in Oregon to Meet Long-term Performance Goals</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1897043</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The overall objective of this research project is to implement the Balanced Mixture Design (BMD) method that was developed in SPR 801.
With the accomplishment of the objectives, the durability of new asphalt pavements will be extended by improving the ductility of mixes used to construct roads in Oregon.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2021 13:12:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1897043</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Direct Design Method of Hybrid High Strength Steel Web Tapered Members</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890628</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of the present project are to investigate the ductility and ultimate strength of HSS hybrid web-tapered members subjected to bending and combined bending and axial compression to propose a direct design method based on slenderness. An experimentally verified numerical model will be developed and nonlinear buckling analysis will be conducted. Four (4) different high 
strength steel grades ranging from 690 to 1100 MPA will be employed to study the buckling behavior and rotation capacity of members with various local and overall slenderness ratios. A comprehensive parametric study consists of 450 models will be generated based on the most influential design variables and correlation between the parameters will be presented.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:05:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890628</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Resilient 3D-Printed Infrastructure with Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751182</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Conventional construction of reinforced-concrete structures is slow, labor-intensive, and expensive. 3D-printing holds great potential to assist engineers and architects in the construction of fast and economical, yet complex representational infrastructures. One of the biggest barriers to broader adoption of concrete 3D-printing in civil infrastructure is the difficulty of providing printed structural components with reinforcement to achieve sound structural performance under different loading conditions. Hence, it is essential to design a concrete which can be utilized as a rebar-free material through considering both strength and ductility. Recently, the development of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) has neared the possibility to achieve both strength and ductility in the concrete structures without embedding steel reinforcement. ECC has been offered to enhance the problem related to the ductility and low tensile strength of traditional concrete and Fiber Reinforced Composite (FRC). As such, the implementation of intrinsically reinforced cementitious materials has the potential to address this barrier in reinforcement of 3D-printed concrete and yields significant benefits such as an enhanced structural capacity, durability and resiliency. This project proposes the development of ECC materials utilizing readily available ingredients in Region 6 with rheological characteristics tailored specifically for 3D-printing applications. Furthermore, the project aims to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the hardened properties of 3D-printed ECC specimens, including mechanical tests.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2020 09:44:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751182</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Novel Ultra-High Performance Engineered Cementitious Composites (UHP-ECC) for Durable and Resilient Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751126</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For the design of structures, both strength and ductility of structural materials are of utmost importance to ensure safety and reliability of structures, particularly at extreme conditions. As such, endowing concrete with high strength and ductility capabilities could potentially allow for the design of civil infrastructure with concrete as the solo structural material. Recently, Ultra-High-Performance Engineered Cementitious Composites (UHP-ECC) have been proposed to overcome the limited ductility of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHP-FRC) and produce cementitious composites with remarkable mechanical properties. The design of this emerging class of concrete materials are based on the combination of the micromechanics and fracture mechanics design concepts of ECC and the high particle packing density matrix design approach of UHPC. Through the combination of these, high strength and high ductility can be simultaneously achieved. The objective of this research project is to develop novel UHP-ECC materials utilizing readily available ingredients in Region 6. The development of such materials will provide the region with state-of-the-art cementitious composites that will be available for the construction and repair of transportation infrastructure as well as for further research and development.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:24:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751126</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Sesimic-Resisting Connections or Concrete-Filled Tube Components In High-Speed Rail Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1547447</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In seismic design of transportation structures there are several competing demands that must be met: high strength and stiffness, large ductility, damage resistance and efficient construction. Prior research at the UW demonstrates that concrete-filled tubes (CFTs) can meet these competing demands. For a given diameter, CFTs have larger strength and stiffness than an RC component. Testing of CFT connections demonstrates their ductility, with drift capacities larger than 8%. When used with precast components, CFTs facilitates ABC.

This research builds on the prior CFT research to develop connections specific for use in structural systems for high-speed rail (HSR). While the FIU study focuses on the column-to-cap connection, this study will investigate a new, untested direct column-to-pile connection. This connection is critical to the structural performance and cost of the system, but few studies have focused on it, in particular for ABC. This study will advance design and construction of pile connections for HSR.

The research will investigate the connection and HSR system response using advanced, nonlinear analysis methods. A thorough literature review will identify types of connections and document their structural response; the UW team will work with the HSR team to identify one or more connections for further study. Using high-resolution finite element modeling, salient parameters of selected connections, including materials, geometry, and soil-structure interaction, will be studied. Those results will be used to develop spring and line-element nonlinear models of the components and connections as a function of the important connection parameters. The final research task will investigate the seismic response of a prototype HSR CFT system using these nonlinear models. Connection design details, seismic performance objectives, seismic hazard levels, and soils will be varied to study their impact. The results will provide important initial guidelines for the connection design and seismic performance which will found a future experimental research study to validate the work]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:22:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1547447</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4326: Self-healing Cementitious Composites (SHCC) with Ultrahigh Ductility for Pavement and Bridge Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1530318</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The aim of this project is to develop a new class of self-healing cementitious composites (SHCC) with ultra-high ductility and durability that can autonomously heal cracks developed in the concrete, due to shrinkage, free-thaw damage, and service loading. The superior ductility and durability of SHCC can accommodate pavement and bridge structures deformation imposed by concrete shrinkage, temperature fluctuation, etc. As such, this class of SHCC materials provide a cost-effective solution to pavement and bridge rehabilitation as well as new construction projects. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:55:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1530318</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Toward Corrosion-Free and Highly Sustainable Structural Members by Using Emerging Ultra-High-Performance Materials for Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1505461</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research aims to develop next-generation highly corrosion-resistant structural members by utilizing the high durability, compressive ductility, crack resistance and shear strength of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC). The use of high-strength fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars can reduce reinforcement congestion while achieving a high structural efficiency (that is, high flexural strength with a smaller cross-section), as well as eliminate the corrosion concern prevalent in conventional steel reinforced concrete members. The high shear strength of UHP-FRC allows total or substantial elimination of supplemental shear reinforcement.  The combination of the very ductile UHP-FRC with the brittle but high-strength FRP bars can provide the corrosion-free characteristics needed for future concrete infrastructure. The primary parameters to be investigated include 1) types of FRP bars (glass fiber, carbon fiber or basalt fiber); 2) fiber types of UHP-FRC: high-strength micro steel fibers and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers), and 3) shear reinforcement (steel, FRP, or none). The primary objective is to develop a design procedure for the new durable structural members through large-scale beam testing. The economics of using the proposed UHP-FRC/FRP members can be justified as follows: 1) The much higher stiffness and strength properties allow lighter, longer, and fewer members to be used. This, in turn, saves construction time and labor cost. 2) UHP-FRC has a high early strength of 10 to 12 ksi after 24 hours. This will allow rapid construction and overall savings in time and costs. 3) Eliminating most shear reinforcement leads to simple design and construction. 4) Lower life-cycle costs will be incurred due to the sustainability and corrosion-resistance capability of UHP-FRC. Thus, savings will accrue due to less initial maintenance and repair and fewer social, environmental, and demolition expenses. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2018 14:46:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1505461</guid>
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