<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>Developing a Balanced Mix Design (BMD) Framework for SBS Modified Dense-Graded Asphalt Surface Mixtures – Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2361932</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has established a balanced mix design (BMD) framework for its 9.5 mm and 12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) dense-graded asphalt surface mixtures with unmodified binders (commonly referred with A and D designations) and is in the process of full-scale implementation. VDOT desires to further explore the implementation of BMD for other mixtures, such as dense-graded surface mixtures with E designation (denoted “E mixtures”), gap-graded mixtures, base mixtures, and intermediate mixtures. 

The next phase of BMD implementation will focus on VDOT’s E mixtures, containing polymer modified binders (PMBs) typically modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymer. However, findings from the work assessing high polymer modified asphalt mixtures suggest that the tests within VDOT’s BMD framework for “A” and “D” mixtures, particularly the cracking resistance test, may not adequately capture the performance improvement resulting from the use of polymer modified binders (PMBs). Given the central role of performance tests in the BMD methodology, it is of paramount importance to identify test methods and associated indices capable of accurately capturing the performance of SBS-polymer-modified mixtures. This crucial first step holds significant implications for the decision-making process regarding the establishment and implementation of a BMD framework for such mixtures within VDOT.

The primary objective of this study is to develop a BMD framework(s) specifically designed for VDOT’s SBS-polymer-modified dense-graded asphalt surface mixtures (i.e., E mixtures). Accordingly, the research will thoroughly evaluate test methods that can accurately reflect the performance enhancements of mixtures achieved by polymer modification. Subsequently, the research will offer a roadmap for BMD methodology adoption for these mixtures. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:41:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2361932</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A New Generation of Dense-Graded Asphalt Mixtures with Superior Performance against Stripping and Moisture Damage </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904903</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The presence of moisture in a pavement structure is a matter of great concerns as it is
responsible for significant distresses such as stripping, fatigue cracking, rutting, and poor
durability. Asphalt concrete (AC) stripping, which is a chronicle problem in flexible pavements in
Louisiana and Arkansas, refers to the loss of bond between the aggregate and asphalt binder
usually caused by the accumulation of moisture underneath the pavement surface. In
Louisiana, shallow groundwater table (GWT) and heavy rainfall conditions (average annual
rainfall of 60 in.) throughout the year make the pavement highly vulnerable to water entrapment
and moisture damage. The effect of AC stripping is manifested in the roadway through poor
durability of the mixes and shorter service life. These pavement distresses greatly affect user
safety, pavement performance, and cost-effectiveness of maintenance and rehabilitation
activities. Research results by the PI showed that pavement service life, the average
performance increase, and cost-effectiveness decreased significantly when a chip seal was
applied on moisture-damaged pavements. Similar results were observed for AC overlays as
overlaying extended pavement service life by 13 years when placed on non-stripped pavements
but only performed adequately for 8.7 years when moisture damage was present in the
underlying AC layers.
The objective of this research is to develop a new generation of dense-graded asphalt
mixtures that would provide superior performance against AC stripping and moisture damage.
To develop this improved asphalt mixture, the current state of practice including aggregate type
and gradation, and additives, will be reviewed and comprehensively evaluated. Furthermore,
innovative ideas will be evaluated in the laboratory including the use of hydrophobic
nanomaterials and emerging anti-stripping agents such as Evotherm and vegetable-based oils,
recycled products such as crumb-rubber, warm-mix asphalt technologies, and adhesion
promotors. For promising technologies, the research team will ensure that the new generation of
asphalt mixtures will be environmentally friendly and cost-effective by testing and evaluating
different additive types, recycled products, and other additives such as nanoclay and super-fine
hydrated lime.
The scope of this project includes two phases, namely Research and Implementation.
The Research Phase involves the technical aspects of the project and will consist of two main
stages. First, the study will review the current state of practice in designing and producing
asphalt mixtures in Louisiana and Arkansas. The reasons for the frequent appearance of AC
stripping will be investigated and identified. Second, the study will develop a new generation of
asphalt mixes that would address the identified causes of AC stripping in asphalt pavements.
The developed mixes will be cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. On the other hand, the
Implementation Phase will focus on the technology transfer, education and workforce

development, and outreach activities of the project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:14:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904903</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>