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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>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>CFST to Concrete Pile Cap Connections - Refinement of Analysis Methodologies and Standardization of Design Details</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694292</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)...as cost-effective bridge foundations for short and medium-span bridges. While their performance under gravity loads is well understood, predicting their behavior under extreme lateral loads (e.g. seismic events) remains challenging with conventional design methods. Recent research at Montana State University developed a moment-rotation based methodology to predict CFST-to-cap connection capacity, but refinements are needed to improve its accuracy, particularly
regarding the effects of U-bar reinforcement. Additionally, lack of standardized design details for CFST pile cap connections has led to inconsistencies in bridge designs and construction practices. Without standard details, engineers must custom-design each connection, which can result in variable performance and uncertain safety margins. There is a clear need to build upon the existing research findings to enhance the design methodology and provide uniform design guidance for these connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:22:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694292</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Study of Real-Time Concrete Strength Measurements and Monitoring Systems that Conform to AASHTO T-412-24 for Use in Materials Testing Which Will Provide Cost Savings and Reduce Waste</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2687354</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Concrete strength testing is essential to Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT’s) quality control (QC). Current practice relies on destructive cylinder testing (ASTM C39), a labor-intensive, costly method
providing discrete-age strength data and delaying construction decisions. Maturity-based sensors (ASTM C1074) enable early-age monitoring but require mix-specific
calibration. The newly adopted AASHTO T-412-24 provides a nondestructive
alternative, measuring in place dynamic elastic modulus via acoustical resonance for real-time strength estimation. Field trials in Texas and Indiana achieved strength
estimates within ±15% of cylinder results and reduced testing costs by ~50%.
Sensors embedded at placement continuously log data, enabling immediate form
removal, traffic opening, or corrective actions. Nevada’s mixes, with ~20% pozzolan replacement and variable aggregate quality, may alter the modulus-strength relationship. Sensor performance under Nevada’s climate, data reliability, and integration into NDOT quality assurance (QA)/QC procedures remain untested. This study will (i) verify T-412-24 sensor accuracy with NDOT mixes in the field, (ii) assess field performance under local conditions, (iii) evaluate environmental, economic, and waste-reduction impacts, and (iv) develop protocols for NDOT adoption.

The objective of this research project is to evaluate whether T-412-24–compliant embedded sensors can deliver accurate, reliable real-time strength estimates for NDOT applications. The study will also correlate sensor data with ASTM C39 cylinder results for NDOT mixes in lab and field settings, identify implementation challenges, quantify cost/testing time savings, and produce specification-ready recommendations.

The University of Nevada, Reno team plans to achieve the project goal by: (1) Conducting a comprehensive literature review and identifying a set of 4-6 representative NDOT mix designs for use in lab and field testing. (2) Deploying AASHTO T-412-24-compliant real-time strength sensors in four NDOT pilot placements across regions and applications, with multiple sensors per placement to capture spatial gradients. (3) Analyzing and synthesizing the strength data generated through the field deployment, including sensor readings and companion cylinder tests. (4) Assessing the life cycle for each concrete mix design. (5) Analyzing the life cycle cost for each concrete mix design. (6) Estimating the waste reduction for each concrete mix design. (7) Producing final project deliverables including recommendations, tools, and guidance necessary for NDOT to evaluate and adopt real-time strength monitoring technologies.

This project will deliver validated specifications, installation guidelines, decision tools, and cost/benefit analyses for immediate use on NDOT pilot projects. If proven effective, AASHTO T-412-24–compliant real-time concrete strength sensors could be deployed on a wide range of construction and reconstruction projects, reducing cylinder testing costs, accelerating decisions, and improving durability. The main barrier is sensor cost, about $200 per unit plus a reusable datalogger, though savings from reduced materials, labor, and equipment operation are expected to offset this expense. Integration into NDOT’s QA/QC framework will require minor specification updates, with no significant political or socio-economic obstacles anticipated.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:10:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2687354</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seismic Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls, Buried Structures, Slopes, and Embankments</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2683238</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Final Report is organized into two volumes. Volume 1 is published  as NCHRP Report 611: Seismic Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls, Buried Structures, Slopes, and Embankments. Volume 2, which presents the proposed specifications, commentaries, and example problems for the retaining walls, slopes and embankments, and buried structures, is available for download only. The appendices to NCHRP Report 611 are available online.  The objective of NCHRP Project 12-70 was to remove the limitations of the current specifications through the development of analytical and design methods for the seismic design of retaining walls, buried structures, slopes, and embankments. This research was managed by Donald Anderson, CH2M HILL, Bellevue, Washington, with the assistance of Geoffrey Martin, University of Southern California; Po Lam, Earth Mechanics; and Joe Wang, Parson Brinckerhoff, New York. The report fully documents the program used to develop the design procedures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:22:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2683238</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Successful Applications of Alternative Delivery Methods by Highway Agencies to Accelerate Project Delivery</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2681234</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Recent studies indicate that alternative project delivery methods—particularly design-build (DB), progressive design-build (PDB), public-private partnerships (P3s), and progressive P3s—can accelerate project development and delivery. However, adoption across State DOTs remains uneven. Some agencies have strong internal capacity, established procurement practices, and enabling legal frameworks to use these approaches effectively, while others continue to rely primarily on design-bid-build. As a result, many agencies are not realizing the full potential benefits of accelerated delivery.

This scan will assess how leading states have implemented alternative delivery models, the policies and laws that enabled their use, and lessons that may be transferable to other DOTs seeking to shorten delivery timelines. Areas of examination include: (1) criteria agencies use to select delivery models for major projects; (2) the role of enabling legislation and institutional frameworks in shaping delivery options; (3) cost and schedule performance comparisons across DB, PDB, P3, and design-bid-build; (4) stakeholder management, institutional considerations, and public communication practices; (5) risk allocation and risk-sharing approaches between public and private partners; and (6) use of innovative financing to improve project viability when paired with alternative delivery.

The scan will also examine decision-making processes, including leadership evaluation of delivery options, the influence of institutional and technical considerations, accountability mechanisms, internal capability development, procurement practices, and the integration of lifecycle cost considerations. Barriers to broader adoption—such as limited authority, staffing constraints, and concerns regarding cost overruns and accountability—will also be documented.

This scan will identify lessons learned, best practices, and decision frameworks for implementing accelerated delivery models. It will document how selected agencies evaluate delivery options, structure procurements, build internal capacity, and engage stakeholders to support successful outcomes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:10:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2681234</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Update to ACRP Report 25: Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2681232</link>
      <description><![CDATA[ACRP Report 25: Airport Passenger Terminal Planning and Design, Volumes 1 and 2, comprises a guidebook, spreadsheet models, a user’s guide, and a CD-ROM. Since its publication in 2010, ACRP Report 25 has been the most downloaded ACRP publication.
 
Over the last 10 years, significant changes have occurred in global trends, technology, protocols, design, regulatory requirements, passenger behavior, and customer expectations, including, but not limited to, changes accelerated by economic drivers, public health, and industry trends.
 
ACRP and other organizations have subsequently published numerous terminal-related guidance and tools (many of which are accessible through ACRP WebResource 2: Airport Passenger Terminal Design Library) that are not referenced in ACRP Report 25. Also, the means by which airport industry practitioners access ACRP products has evolved (e.g., many practitioners no longer have access to CD readers). Research is therefore needed to update the guidebook and the products associated with ACRP Report 25 and to provide them in more user-friendly formats.
 
The objective of this research is to produce a concise, user-friendly update of ACRP Report 25, through the consolidation of Volumes 1 and 2, including the methodologies cited in those volumes. This research will cover the terminal area from the terminal frontage/terminal entry to the aircraft gate apron and return. This update will consider all types and sizes of airports and will reference ACRP WebResource 2: Airport Passenger Terminal Design Library.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:37:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2681232</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing the Impacts of Safety-Focused Design Interventions on Arterial Roadways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677552</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Arterial roadways serve as critical connectors in urban transportation networks, yet their design often prioritizes vehicular mobility over safety. Despite the widespread application of safety-focused infrastructure interventions on local and collector streets, similar strategies are rarely implemented on arterials due to concerns over congestion, emergency response, and operational efficiency. However, these design choices have proven to result in unsafe conditions.

This project investigates how infrastructure design interventions can improve safety on arterial roadways while addressing operational and institutional constraints. The research follows a phased approach. First, it examines the historical, regulatory, and policy factors that have limited the adoption of safety-focused interventions on arterials, including the influence of fire codes and emergency response standards. Second, it assesses the real-world impacts of infrastructure changes on speeds, crashes, and emergency response metrics. Finally, it synthesizes findings to develop actionable recommendations and a decision-making framework for arterial design.

By providing an evidence-based understanding of how design choices affect safety, mobility, and community outcomes on arterial corridors, this study aims to inform infrastructure design practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:07:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677552</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pavement Surface Properties Consortium Phase IV - Improving Safety and Saving Lives through Pavement Surface Optimization</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672598</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Functional pavement considerations are fundamental to the performance and management of pavements. In addition to structural and durability requirements, an optimum pavement wearing surface should provide a combination of a good riding quality, adequate safety, and a low noise level. All these responses are highly influenced by the various components of the pavement surface texture. Previous phases of the program demonstrated that a collaborative research program can provide an accessible and efficient way for highway agencies and other organizations to conduct research on pavement surface properties. The collaboration helped the participating agencies explore new technologies, verify the operation and accuracy of the equipment currently used for evaluating pavement surface properties, and enhance the methodologies for developing and implementing proactive friction management programs.
OBJECTIVE: The mission of the Surface Properties Consortium has been to conduct applied research focused on enhancing the level of service provided by the roadway transportation system by optimizing pavement surface characteristics.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:59:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672598</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Friction Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672003</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary goal of this project is to perform comprehensive field friction testing on various Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) surfaces with polymer-modified asphalt binders (i.e, “H” and “V” binders) across the entire state. Conducting these tests in real-world conditions is crucial for identifying potential safety concerns related to skid resistance. Previous year friction testing conducted on certain SMA surfaces within the SE region using the “V” binder indicated that these surfaces exhibited notably lower skid resistance values compared to other SMA surfaces after few years of construction. Building on these findings, this project intends to carry out an additional round of field friction measurements targeting those same SMA surfaces in the SE region, while also expanding the scope of testing to include more SMA sections throughout the state. The data collected from this expanded field testing will be instrumental in determining whether the relatively low friction numbers are attributable to the specific type of binder used, the aggregate materials involved, or a combination of both factors. Furthermore, to gain a broader understanding of the current skid resistance condition of the state’s pavement infrastructure, several additional pavement sites will be evaluated as part of this study. This holistic approach aims to provide actionable insights that can guide improvements in pavement design and material selection to enhance overall road safety and durability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:27:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672003</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Concrete Materials Research Synthesis</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671998</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The outcomes and objectives of this synthesis will include the following: (1) Compile, review, and summarize selected concrete materials research sponsored by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). (2) Identify common themes, research findings, and implementation outcomes related to concrete durability, performance-based approaches, and mix design practices. (3) Evaluate how previous research aligns with current agency priorities and national best practices. (4) Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for future research that can advance the agency’s materials and construction quality initiatives.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:18:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671998</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Water-Cementitious Material Ratio as Acceptance Parameter for Freshly Placed Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671983</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks to the importance of water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm) to concrete mixture design and performance, measuring w/cm could potentially be a valuable alternative to using strength testing as an acceptance parameter for concrete. However, few agencies measure or verify w/cm in concrete in-place, despite the fact that water content can vary from the design target value due to factors such as variability in aggregate moisture contents and concrete batching processes, and it is not uncommon for w/cm values reported on batch tickets to differ from the actual w/cm of concrete delivered to a project site (Robertson, et al., 2022). Petrographers can estimate w/cm from hardened concrete cores or samples within a range of values (e.g., +/- 0.05), but there is no generally accepted standard procedure for determining w/cm of hardened concrete (ASTM 2020).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:20:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671983</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Ride Quality and Tining/Finishing Practices for Concrete Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671982</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Many state departments of transportation (DOTs), including Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), use the International Roughness Index (IRI) to assess ride quality. The researchers shall review WisDOT’s incentives and disincentives for IRI Ride and compare them to practices with neighboring states. This study will guide the incorporation of ride quality considerations into Wisconsin’s Facility Development Manual (FDM), ensuring that the design process accounts for the elements necessary to produce good ride quality. These elements include traffic staging, lane width consistency, the need for tining or turf drag, and the handling of horizontal/vertical curves. The FDM should also include guidance on integrating ProVAL software into the design stage to predict achievable ride quality before construction begins.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:18:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671982</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) for Rutting Resistance Assessment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671980</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objectives of this project are to determine if the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) test accurately represents rutting and stripping behaviors of fine-graded asphalt pavement design mixtures, and make appropriate adjustments to the HWTT criteria and/or propose and develop a representative rutting test that allows Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to retain the benefits of fine-graded mixes while supporting the state’s goal of fully implementing balanced mix design concepts. WisDOT expects to use the results and recommendations of this research study to support the acceptance of performance-based asphalt pavement designs. Practical candidate test procedures must also be considered for production. WisDOT has conducted significant external and internal research efforts in the past several years toward the implementation of Balanced Mix Design (BMD) to improve the performance of asphalt mixtures in Wisconsin. Based on experience, WisDOT has observed a tendency of the HWTT to rank fine-graded mixtures as having more rutting potential than coarse-graded mixtures. This tendency is noticeable even when rutting in the field is not a primary concern regarding the performance of fine-graded mixtures. A reliable BMD performance test is expected to be sensitive to changes in mixture components, but it also should have a good correlation with the field performance. Because the current rutting performance of fine-graded mixtures in Wisconsin is satisfactory, WisDOT does not want to implement the BMD approach using the HWTT as a rutting performance indicator if the test is going to lead mixture designers to develop coarser gradation mixture designs. It is, therefore, critical for WisDOT to investigate what factors drive HWTT results and understand how BMD specifications could be written to allow for finer mixtures while properly representing their field performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:14:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671980</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Reflective Cracking in Wisconsin</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671979</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research aims to determine mixture performance and mix design requirements that increase the resistance of asphalt overlays to reflective cracking in Wisconsin. Recommendations must not sacrifice other critical performance or constructability attributes, such as rutting resistance and smoothness. Research efforts should focus on mill and overlay and overlay over existing Portland Cement Concrete design scenarios. Summarize existing mix design and performance requirements for asphalt overlays used by local and State Agencies in regions with similar climatic and aggregate resources as Wisconsin. Identify and recommend process-driven methods and technologies that show promise in reducing reflective cracking in Wisconsin. Using existing Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) mixtures as a benchmark, modify or supplement the existing WisDOT balanced mix design (BMD) special provision focusing on BMD “Approach C” for mixtures designated for asphalt overlays. Researchers will summarize relevant local and State practices concerning asphalt overlays and reflective cracking resistance, focusing on regions with similar climate, traffic, and aggregate resources as Wisconsin. Identify potential process-driven methods and technologies to improve reflective cracking resistance for recommendation as future WisDOT research. Using the existing WisDOT BMD special provision as guidance, researchers will preferentially modify or supplement the provision using BMD “Approach C” to reduce the reflective cracking of asphalt overlays. Develop recommendations and requirements to validate the BMD framework developed in prior tasks. Recommendations should consider a minimum number of projects, mix design designations (such as traffic level), project scope and size, and requirements for mixture sampling and data acquisition, among other variables.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:13:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671979</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design Requirements for High Traffic Asphalt Mixes to Ensure Pavement Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671978</link>
      <description><![CDATA[High Traffic Asphalt Mixes in Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are routinely using Stone Matrix Asphalt compacted to 100 design gyrations. Concerns have arisen that the mixtures contain low asphalt contents and are difficult to compact in the field. A more equitable balance between mixture stiffness and cracking resistance is desirable to optimize and/or improve the constructability and performance of High Traffic Asphalt Mixtures. The project objective is to modify WisDOT Hot Mix Asphalt design requirements for High Traffic mixtures to improve constructability and performance for high-volume freight corridors over a 20-year design life. The project will involve summarizing existing mix design requirements in regions with similar climates ("Wet- Freeze") and aggregate resources, benchmark existing WisDOT mixture designs using volumetric and performance testing and use a combination of laboratory-reproduced mix designs and construction/in-service performance data to propose modifications to existing mixture designs and procedures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:11:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671978</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design and Testing of High-Load Multi-Rotational Disc Bearings for Bridges



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2669883</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) currently contain limited design criteria for disc bearings. The BDS requirements are predominately based on NCHRP Project 10-20A, “High-Load, Multi-Rotational Bearings: Design, Materials, and Construction” initiated in 1986 and published in 1999 as NCHRP Report 432: High-Load Multi-Rotational Bridge Bearings.  At the time, only one company manufactured disc bearings and testing samples of their product were limited.  Since 1999, multiple companies manufacture disc bearings and industry standards have progressed. 

Due to the limited research, bridge designers are reliant on disc bearing manufacturers’ unique in-house designs, which introduces uncertainties that may result in nonuniform reliability and performance. Renewed consideration of high-load multi-rotational (HMLR) disc bearings would likely result in a more thorough and robust design approach. Research is needed to update the current practice for the design, fabrication, and construction of disc bearings.

The objective of this research is to develop design procedures and acceptance testing methods and criteria for HLMR disc bearings for highway bridges. It shall be applicable to all design limit states.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:46:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2669883</guid>
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