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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <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>
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      <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>Applications of data science and big data analytics in underground transportation infrastructure (UTI-UTC 02)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543307</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project focuses on harnessing the power of data science, machine learning (ML), and big data analytics to enhance the construction, operation, and maintenance of underground transportation infrastructure (UTI). By collecting and processing large-scale datasets from tunneling projects—such as TBM performance data, geotechnical records, and operational logs—the research develops predictive models to assess ground conditions, detect anomalies, and forecast potential structural failures. Key objectives include refining data-driven methods for real-time TBM state prediction, designing algorithms to detect defects like cracks or rock incursions, and creating interactive visualization tools to support decision-making. The project emphasizes scalable ML architectures (e.g., deep learning, recurrent neural networks) to improve the resilience, safety, and cost-efficiency of UTI systems. Its outcome serves as a foundation for intelligent tunneling and infrastructure health monitoring frameworks in modern urban environments.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 19:00:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543307</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing Machine Learning (ML) Techniques to Predict Tunnel Performance and Stability (UTI-UTC 09)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543317</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project explores the application of machine learning (ML) techniques to enhance predictive capabilities in tunnel performance and stability, particularly focusing on mitigating the risk of collapse during tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations. By leveraging geological and TBM operation data from past tunneling projects, the research develops and trains classification models—including multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) algorithms—to forecast collapse events with high accuracy. A novel contribution of the project is the introduction of the "influence zone" concept, enabling spatial prediction of collapse-prone regions ahead of excavation. The research demonstrates the feasibility of ML in tunneling safety and paves the way for real-time risk monitoring systems that can alert engineers to unstable zones, thereby improving construction planning, operational safety, and infrastructure reliability.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543317</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Experimental Investigation of Rockburst Phenomenon in Tunnels Using a True-triaxial Apparatus (UTI-UTC 15)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543410</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research explores the mechanisms and risk factors associated with rockburst events in tunnel environments through controlled laboratory simulations. Utilizing a true-triaxial apparatus and specially designed analog sandstone specimens, the project replicates high-stress underground conditions to trigger and analyze rockburst phenomena. By integrating acoustic emission sensors, digital image correlation techniques, and advanced stress loading protocols, the study captures fracture initiation, crack propagation, and dynamic energy release processes during tunnel excavation. A miniature tunnel boring machine (TBM) is employed to simulate excavation through stressed rock blocks, enabling visualization and quantification of damage evolution. The findings aim to enhance the understanding of rockburst behavior, inform predictive models, and guide the development of effective monitoring and mitigation strategies to improve safety in deep tunneling projects.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:43:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543410</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Framework for dynamic risk assessment in subsurface excavation projects (UTI-UTC 20)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543415</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop a comprehensive framework for dynamic risk assessment tailored to subsurface excavation projects, particularly in urban environments where uncertainty in ground conditions, equipment behavior, and construction activities poses significant challenges. The framework integrates real-time monitoring data, expert judgment, and probabilistic modeling techniques to continuously assess and update the risk profile as excavation progresses. By leveraging machine learning and Bayesian updating principles, the system captures evolving project conditions and provides predictive insights into potential hazards, such as face instability, excessive ground settlement, or equipment malfunction. The objective is to improve decision-making processes in tunneling operations, enabling proactive responses to emerging risks and enhancing the safety, efficiency, and resilience of underground construction. The framework supports adaptive planning and aligns with best practices in risk-informed project management.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:08:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543415</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hydro-mechanical analysis of tunneling in saturated ground using an efficient sequential coupling technique (UTI-UTC 22)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543417</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to enhance the understanding and simulation of the complex interactions between hydraulic and mechanical processes during tunnel excavation in saturated soils. The research focuses on developing an efficient sequential coupling technique to model pore water pressure dissipation and ground deformation, which are critical in ensuring tunnel stability and safety. By leveraging high-order finite difference methods and validated numerical simulations, the project enables detailed analysis of soil behavior under varying stress and seepage conditions. The methodology is designed to accurately capture the temporal and spatial evolution of ground responses during tunneling without incurring the computational cost of fully coupled models. Results from this study provide practical insights for the design and risk assessment of tunneling operations in soft, water-bearing ground conditions, contributing to safer and more efficient underground construction practices.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:01:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543417</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mapping Urban Excavation Induced Deformation in 3D via Multiplatform InSAR Time-Series (UTI-UTC 27)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543420</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project explores the use of advanced Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques to map three-dimensional ground deformations caused by urban excavation activities, particularly tunneling. By integrating time-series data from multiple SAR platforms—including UAVSAR, Sentinel-1, and COSMO-SkyMed—the study constructs a comprehensive deformation field that captures vertical and horizontal displacements over time. These remote sensing datasets are validated and fused with ground-based measurements, such as total station and leveling surveys, to improve accuracy and spatial resolution. The resulting 3D deformation models enable precise monitoring of subsidence and uplift phenomena associated with underground construction, offering valuable insights into the effects of excavation on surrounding infrastructure. The research supports the development of more resilient and data-informed urban planning, tunneling design, and risk management strategies.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:45:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543420</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New excavation technologies for underground construction (UTI-UTC 29)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543422</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project explores the development and evaluation of innovative excavation technologies aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and adaptability of underground construction. With a focus on non-traditional methods such as plasma blasting, water-jet cutting, and advanced mechanical excavation systems, the research investigates the performance, feasibility, and environmental impact of these techniques compared to conventional methods like tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and drill-and-blast. Experimental trials and numerical simulations assess rock fragmentation, energy consumption, dust and vibration levels, and compatibility with various geological conditions. The project also evaluates automation and remote-control capabilities to enhance worker safety in hazardous environments. Outcomes are expected to provide a pathway for more sustainable and adaptable excavation approaches, reducing costs and timelines while expanding the range of feasible tunneling applications.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:29:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543422</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Probabilistic rock mass quality prediction model and its application to tunneling design (UTI-UTC 31)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543424</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project develops a probabilistic framework for predicting rock mass quality and integrating uncertainty into tunneling design. By applying statistical methods to geotechnical investigation data—such as rock quality designation (RQD), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and joint spacing—the model estimates spatial variability and classifies ground conditions using the Q-system. Monte Carlo simulations are employed to generate rock mass quality distributions along tunnel alignments, which in turn inform support system selection and tunnel stability assessments. The research also includes sensitivity analyses to determine the influence of each geotechnical parameter on tunnel design decisions. The probabilistic approach enhances current deterministic design practices by quantifying risks, improving adaptability in challenging geological settings, and supporting more robust engineering decisions for underground infrastructure projects.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543424</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Refinement of Shear Strength Properties for Geotechnical Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2021854</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The shear strength of natural occurring materials must be accounted for in the analysis and design of embankments, excavation slopes, and structural foundations.  The properties of these materials are often difficult to define due to environment, sampling technique, and testing limitations. 
The long-term performance of embankments, slopes, and structural foundations primarily depends on the shear strength of the fill material and in-situ soils. When the induced shear stresses are greater than the shear strength of the soils, failures tend to occur. The SDDOT currently back-calculates soil parameters from observations made in the field or uses results from direct shear tests to determine shear strength properties. While direct shear tests provide essential information, there are limitations with respect to strain boundary conditions, failure plane orientations, and principal stress orientations in the test setup.  Direct shear tests force soils to fail in the horizontal plane which may not be the weakest.  These limitations can result in variances in the peak and residual strength parameters, which influences the factor of safety in stability analysis. 
The direct shear test is a relatively simple method with inherent limitations.  Triaxial testing may be a more effective method to characterize and define the strength properties of natural materials commonly encountered in SDDOT infrastructure projects. 
Objectives are as follows: 
(1)	Complete triaxial shear testing of soils widely used in SDDOT infrastructure projects and compare test results with those obtained through direct shear testing.
(2)	Develop a comprehensive guidance document that will assist in choosing the appropriate direct shear testing parameters and enable SDDOT to validate and refine shear strength properties for geotechnical design and analysis. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:18:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2021854</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RES2023-14: Improved Management Strategies of Processing Acid Producing Materials on Transportation Projects </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2006283</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Roadway excavation cuts in Tennessee frequently encounter rock, 
shale, or soil materials that could be considered acid producing 
material (APM). The geotechnical material properties of APM are 
adequate for roadway fill, but the APM produces acidic leachate that 
creates a condition of environmental pollution. 
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has prepared a 
guidance manual in 2007 for dealing with these types of projects. TDOT 
routinely uses these design and construction protocols for proper 
handling of APM with APM processing strategies consist of blending 
with lime, relocating to landfills, or placement in engineered 
encapsulation cells on-site or off-site. These strategies, however, result 
in considerable increases in project costs and reductions in 
construction productivity, thus driving the need to assess current APM 
construction procedures to enhance the management of APM 
encountered in TDOT roadway projects with improved cost effectiveness and construction productivity.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:16:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2006283</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Characterization of delamination processes with respect to waterjet shotcrete removal during tunnel liner repair and maintenance (UTI-UTC 04)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1498481</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The repair of concrete and shotcrete liners that have been structurally compromised or damaged is a common activity associated with the maintenance and rehabilitation of tunnels and other types of underground workings.  Age, in-situ stresses, geology, chemical and physical decomposition, accidental impacts, and water flow/seepage are but just a few of the many factors that necessitate the repair of these structural systems over time.  In many cases, it is prudent to limit the repair to the isolated removal of the structural liner around the damaged area rather than the complete excavation of large sections of the support system.  In these applications, traditional methods of liner removal include the use of hydraulic or pneumatic hammers that break and excavate the liner material through repetitive percussive impacts.  In operating environments where working heights are less than 20 m, these hammers are usually mounted to articulated booms attached to mobile rubber-tired or track equipment, such as a mechanical scaler.  In applications that extend beyond the reach of conventional scalers, the height of the operating envelope usually necessitates the use of man-lifts, where workers manually remove the damaged areas from these elevated platforms using hand-held equipment.  In both applications, there are significant drawbacks to the use of these traditional methods.  It is a long-held belief that the percussive impacts generated by hydraulic/pneumatic hammers while removing the compromised area of the liner also causes unintentional damage to the surrounding intact shotcrete and/or concrete because of the propagation of fractures and the delamination of the liner from the rock substrate, as well as any contained rebar or wire mesh/screen backing.  In addition, there is a host of potential safety hazards commonly associated with the use of these traditional technologies.  This is particularly true for work performed off of elevated platforms, including the workers close proximity to unstable roof/back, the potential of falling from these platforms, the man-lift tipping or overturning, and the limited ability for rapid egress.

To circumvent these technical and operating challenges, this research seeks to develop a unique system that utilizes waterjet technology as the primary excavation tool.  Building upon the success of previous CSM research activities in underground rock scaling and scarification, empiric evidence indicates that waterjets are capable of selectively removing damaged areas of support liners without structurally compromising or harming intact material around the area being repaired.  The primary research objective is to compare and contrast the unintended damage caused to the surrounding structural liner and rock substrate by both mechanical impact hammers and waterjet excavation methods during empiric testing.  This analysis will involve physical testing on instrumented shotcrete panels designed to quantify fracture propagation, substrate delamination, and stress distribution.  The intent of this research is to facilitate a better understanding of the dynamic excavation processes associated with liner repair in hopes of developing a future prototype system applicable for field testing. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:46:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1498481</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Experimental and Analytical Modeling of Tunnels in Squeezing Ground Conditions (UTI-UTC 14)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1500818</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ground squeezing resulting in large plastic zone and large convergence is one of the most challenging problems in tunneling. 
The squeezing problem in tunnels is often associated with high overburden, low compressive strength of geomaterial, tunnel excavation sequence, competency ratio, tangential strains or the mineralogy of the rock or soil. One or more factor(s) have been used in the literature to define problem of squeezing. Various empirical, semi-empirical and analytical correlations have been developed over the years, but many correlations are problem specific and contradicts with each other. In this work, an experiment will be designed that will study the squeezing problem in tunnel under soft ground conditions. The experimental will be performed on a cubical specimen of a soft rock/soil/synthetic material with a size of 30x30x30 cm³. The specimen will be subjected to compressive poly-axial stress state in all three directions, i.e. σ1>σ2>σ3. A small model earth pressure balance (EPB) tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be designed that can simulate excavation similar to real on site tunneling. Monitoring will be done using acoustic emission (AE), borehole extensometer, strain gages and accelerometers will be installed in TBM and on the cubical specimen. The critical conclusions and correlation developed from the experimental results will contribute significantly and will be give better insight into the problem of tunnel squeezing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:26:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1500818</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Adaptive, predictive 3D geologic modeling for hard rock tunneling (UTI-UTC 01)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1500822</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to make use of borehole and monitoring data collected along the excavated portion of the tunnel to reduce uncertainty in our geologic model and predict ground conditions along the unexcavated portion.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:19:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1500822</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Requirements, Model and Prototype for a Multi-Utility Locational and Security Information Hub</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1354415</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Even if they are hosted in sophisticated Geographic information Systems (GIS) systems, the asset management systems maintained by various utilities are often plagued by information incompleteness and inaccuracy.  The locational information is often based on approximate design data that differ from actual "as-built" drawings that may not be even be held by such utilities owning and maintaining underground lifeline infrastructure systems (water, wastewater, electric/power, gas, stormwater, and communications networks). This project lays the foundation for building and exchange hub for locational and security data and risk assessment of potential excavation work.  It acts primarily at 2 stages: upstream of the mark-out process, as a decision to support tool to help streamline, improve and guide the mark-out to gain and preserve information gained from such field verified data, and added intelligence to each utility asset management system related to the potential proximity of other utilities, and possible criticality of proposed construction activity in a given site that puts at risk key assets.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2015 01:01:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1354415</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Exploratory Analysis of Augmented Reality Visualization of Right-of-Way Excavation Safety</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1335204</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will develop and demonstrate a prototype system for georeferenced augmented reality visualization of buried utility geospatial data and real-time monitoring of an excavator's proximity to buried utilities in its vicinity. Work in Stage 1 will begin with designing a graphics algorithm to place virtual entities in an augmented scene given a user's geographical position and head orientation. The algorithm's accuracy will be validated in a static scenario of a simulated excavation operation and inspection of vicinal underground utilities. The convention of marking underground utilities will be studied and an augmented reality visualization system compatible with Michigan's Miss Dig System and other agencies will be designed. This will lead to the development of a "third-person" augmented reality system for visualizing underground utilities. Visualization methods that obstruct the ground view while rendering utilities underneath will be implemented. Finally, a "first-person" operator-view augmented reality visualization system will be designed and evaluated using known subsurface utility geospatial data records. Work in Stage 2 will begin with investigating current technologies in place to prevent collisions between underground infrastructure and excavator end-effectors, and limitations in current accident prevention practices for buried utility excavation operations will be analyzed. Next, georeferenced three dimensional (3D) models of buried utilities capable of capturing location uncertainty associated with data will be developed through an intuitive visual representation. A framework to represent a real world operation in a 3D virtual world through sensor updated dynamic entities and georeferenced static entities will be developed, while maintaining adequate level of abstraction for effective representation. An interface between real world sensors and 3D equipment articulations will be designed to allow position and orientation update of equipment components through sensor streaming data. A generic user interface to allocate sensor streams to a wide array of 3D articulated equipment will be created to enable real-time visualization of an arbitrary excavation operation. Proximity monitoring methods in computer graphics literature will be reviewed to identify the most suitable approach to provide computational support for a 3D visualization framework. Finally, a real-time geometric proximity monitoring framework will be created for analyzing interactions between buried utilities and excavators, and providing distance and collision information.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2014 01:01:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1335204</guid>
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