<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <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" />
    <description></description>
    <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>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>ME Guide: E* Model from Single Point Tests Results, Phase III: Development of Low-temperature, High-frequency Relations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329540</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This UDOT research project series incorporates the results obtained from existing asphalt mixtures tests (IDEAL-CT, Mixture BBR, and Hamburg WTD), as conducted during the mix design or the mix approval process, to the material properties used in the pavement structure designed using AASHTOWare Pavement ME. This Phase III of the research series will expand the relation from Phase II (at intermediate temperatures) to other types (i.e., families) of mixtures and incorporate data at low temperatures with the dynamic modulus master curve.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 14:53:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329540</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of an AI-Powered Dynamic Modulus Test with a Low-Cost Loading Frame
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071682</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The dynamic modulus (E*) of asphalt mixtures is essential for Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) pavement designs but is seldom measured by the departments of transportation (DOTs) because of the high cost and complexity of traditional E* tests. This research introduces an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered IDEAL-E* test that integrates IDEAL cracking test at various temperatures, finite element analysis, and machine learning. First, the Wiczak E* model was used to generate the E* dataset using a full factorial combination of variables (asphalt binder, aggregate gradations, binder content by volumes, and air voids) and ranges of those variables. That resulted in a total of 11,220 mixtures. The AI model for force-displacement and E* was then trained on 8,976 of those mixtures, and the remaining 2,244 mixtures were used to test the AI model's accuracy. Additionally, the AI model was calibrated and verified with 16 mixtures. The comparison between AMPT-measured and AI-predicted E* values is highly promising with a R² value of 0.97. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of existing models that struggle with evolving asphalt compositions. By simplifying E* data generation, it facilitates its use in AASHTOWare Pavement ME design software and is aligned with current practices with IDEAL cracking tests in DOTs’ Quality Assurance laboratories.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:53:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071682</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Optimizing the Sustainability of Asphalt Pavements through Incorporating Crumb Rubber in High-Modulus Asphalt Concrete (HMAC) Mixtures in Louisiana</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948607</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research study will build on the results of the authors’ initial study, titled “Viability
Assessment and Cost-Effectiveness of Using High-Modulus Asphalt Concrete (HMAC) as Base
Course in Asphalt Pavements in Louisiana.” In specific, this project aims to optimize the
performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of HMAC mixtures using crumb rubber and
local materials in Louisiana. To achieve this objective, high-modulus asphalt mixtures mimicking
the European approach will be prepared using the Superpave specifications. These mixtures will
include different percentages of crumb rubber, two PG grades, and different binder contents. The
dynamic modulus as well as the performance of these mixtures against rutting and cracking will
be evaluated in the laboratory. In addition, the field performance and cost-effectiveness of these
mixtures will be predicted. The results of this study will provide solutions for fatigue and rutting
failures in asphalt pavements in Region 6 enhancing the durability and service life of the road
infrastructure. Furthermore, it will enhance the sustainability of the road infrastructure through
using crumb rubber from scrap tires.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:52:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948607</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4619: Back-calculated Dynamic Modulus Master Curve from the Time Histories of Falling Weight Deflectometer Surface Deflections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1879925</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The analysis of deflection data collected by the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) provides a quick and reliable way of characterizing the properties of the asphalt layers as well as assessing the load-carrying capacity of existing pavement structures. This research will provide the back-calculation methodology of the |E*| master curve for the asphalt pavement layer using the time histories of FWD surface deflections and layered viscoelastic forward algorithms in an iterative dynamic back-calculation procedure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:18:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1879925</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Viability Assessment and Cost-Effectiveness of Using High-Modulus Asphalt Concrete (HMAC) as Base Course in Asphalt Pavements in Louisiana</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751117</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective of this research study is to evaluate whether local virgin and recycled materials in Louisiana could be used to produce Enrobé à Module Élevé- (EME) mixtures so that it can used as a base course in asphalt pavements. To achieve this objective, high-modulus asphalt mixtures mimicking the European approach will be prepared using the Superpave specifications. These mixtures will include different asphalt binder grades, polymer contents, and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) percentages. The dynamic modulus as well as the performance of these mixes against rutting, moisture damage, and fatigue cracking will be evaluated. The results of this study will provide solutions for fatigue and rutting failures in asphalt pavements in Region 6, hence, enhancing the durability and service life of the road infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2020 08:33:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751117</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a 4.75mm (No. 4) NAMS Mixture</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1471560</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to develop mix designs criteria for 4.75mm Nomial Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS) mixtures in high and low traffic volume roads.  Criteria targeted in the research will be gradation controls, volumetric property requirements (air voids, VMA, VFA, and dust-to-binder ratio) and mechanical tests.  The mechanical tests include the Loaded Wheel Track (LWT) test, Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) test, Dynamic Modulus, and friction testing.  Local aggregates and asphalt cements will be evaluated to determine the most economical mix.  The primary aggregate types that will be examined are gravel and limestone because of their prevalence in Louisiana.  Asphalt binder grades tested will follow Louisiana Standard Specifications which include, PG 64-22, PG 76-22, and PG 82-22crm.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:59:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1471560</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interconversion of Dynamic Modulus, E* to Creep Compliance, D (t) and Relaxation Modulus, E(t): Numerical Modeling and Laboratory Validation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1328346</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Asphalt concrete's (AC) dynamic modulus (E*) and creep compliance (D(t)) are important input parameters for asphalt pavement design using the new Pavement Mechanistic Empirical (ME) Design software. In this software, the E* of asphalt concrete is used to predict rutting and fatigue cracking of asphalt concrete in addition to mechanical stress-strain calculations, and D(t) is primarily used to predict low temperature cracking in asphalt pavements. Therefore, both E* and D(t) tests are required to be performed separately, which have resulted in significant volume of laboratory work and necessitated for expensive and sophisticated laboratory equipment and technicians. As such, if D(t) values of an asphalt concrete can be derived from E* test data, laboratory time and expenses can be saved. To this end, this study proposes to conduct dynamic modulus (E*) testing on selected asphalt mixes collected from actual pavement construction sites, develop methods/codes based on existing theory or modifying existing theory to convert dynamic modulus to creep compliance, and validate the numerical E*-D(t) interconversion protocol using actual creep test data generated through laboratory testing. In addition, selected relaxation modulus (E(t)) testing will be performed for examination and validation of E*-E(t) numerical interconversion. It is hoped that D(t) or E(t) testing can be eliminated or at least can be reduced and thus this study will expedite the use of new Pavement ME design software at its full benefit.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2014 01:01:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1328346</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Relating Dynamic Shear Modulus (G*) of Performance Grade (PG) Asphalt Binders to Nanoindentation Stiffness (E)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1328345</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Asphalt concrete's dynamic modulus (E*) is one of the key input parameters for structural design of asphalt/flexible pavements according to the new Pavement Mechanistic Empirical (ME) Design software. This software uses asphalt binder shear modulus, G*-based equation to estimate E* of asphalt concrete (AC) from mix volumetric information and binder properties. Use of shear modulus, G* of liquid asphalt to estimate E* of solid asphalt concrete (AC) sample is not justified and has been questioned by asphalt researchers for long time. Because liquid binder is not a part of AC, rather thin film of asphalt binder, mastic, and aggregate are the parts of a solid AC sample. Not only that, AC's E* testing is performed in uniaxial compression mode, whereas asphalt binder's G* test is performed in shear mode. Due to equipment and discovery limitations, over the past years, asphalt industry has performed asphalt binder tests that are limited to rheology and bulk volume of liquid. Asphalt industry has not come up yet with equipment and/or method that can be used on binder film or mastic or aggregate phase of a solid AC sample. Recently, nanoindentation has created an opportunity to determine the stiffness (E) of asphalt binder, mastic, and other phases while they are being integral parts of an AC sample and also, under compression (indentation) loading. This project proposes to conduct dynamic shear modulus (G*) and nanoindentation stiffness (E) testing of selected performance grade (PG) asphalt binders, examine possible correlation between G* and E, and possibly replace the existing G*-based equation with E-based equation for pavement design. This proposed study may dramatically improve the way our asphalt pavements being designed using the new Pavement ME Design software.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2014 01:01:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1328345</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>