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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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    <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>RES2023-27: Internal Project: Regional Rollout of the Super Air Meter (SAM) and Surface Resistivity (SR) for Performance Engineered Mixture Initiative</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487448</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Performance Engineered Mixture (PEM) initiatives have been the primary focus of concrete research for some time. To date, PEM has targeted projects that further the use of concrete pavements, which does not have a direct impact on the Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) concrete program. TDOT has partnered with multiple Tennessee universities over the years to build knowledge on the emerging PEM testing requirements. Two projects concluded over the years that support similar acceptance program changes nationwide - Enhancing Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Tennessee Concrete Mixes through Improved Air Void Testing (RES2020-09)/12) conducted by the University of Tennessee - Knoxville (UTK) and Determining Concrete Chloride Permeability Rapidly and Effectively (RES2013-47)(3) conducted by Tennessee Technological University (TTU) understanding of the use of the SAM unit on TDOT mixtures. One of the challenges that this project faced included a limited dataset versus the initial proposed target. Focus from this project skewed attention to eastern Regions of Tennessee. To remedy this shortcoming, TDOT needs to focus its own efforts into data collection statewide. RES2013-41 researched hardened concrete permeability. Rapid Chloride Permeability (RCP) Testing (ASTM C1202)(5) is an accepted method for determining permeability susceptibility. However, it is costly and highly variable upon repeat attempts. During this study, the Surface Resistivity (SR) Test (AASHTO T 358)6 was determined to have similar results to the RCP test for a fraction of the cost. This test allows TDOT to quickly test the resistance as a means of determining permeability. More data is necessary to see where TDOT concrete mixtures stand statewide and whether the observed values compare to the recommended SR values in RES2013-41. Attention to facilitating the growth of Tennessee-specific data set and analyzing the dataset is a critical component in rolling these units out for acceptance testing purposes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:39:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487448</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Next Generation Concrete Pavement Materials for Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2344523</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of the project is to translate/scale up the concept of next generation sustainable cementitious material and concrete into innovative products for pavements for the transportation sector. This project will drive to the construction of engineered concrete pavements with enhanced mechanical and durability properties and improved performance

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:19:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2344523</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Internal Curing of 3D Printed Engineering Cementitious Composites: Paving the Way for Sustainable and Durable Infrastructure in the Southwest Climates </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291297</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is considered the next industrial revolution, allowing for the flexible production of industrial products. This emerging technology can aid engineers and architects in creating complex representational models economically and quickly during the design phase of an infrastructure project. When it comes to selecting materials for 3D printing of infrastructures, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) have several potential benefits. ECC is a novel class of high-performance fiber-reinforced material with demonstrated exceptional properties. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using internal curing of ECC materials for 3D printing, on a small scale. The goal is to construct durable infrastructures by adapting novel 3D printing technology for the future of transportation construction. A complementary goal is to examine the internal curing potential of the ECC materials used for 3D printing. The specific objectives of this research are: (1) Advance the application of innovative manufacturing techniques, 3D printing in this case, in transportation infrastructure projects in low-humidity regions like New Mexico; (2) Modify ECC mixes developed by the PI to enhance their mechanical and durability performance by incorporating internal curing agents, specifically lightweight aggregates. A 50% weight substitution of cement with suitable alternatives (fly ash and slag) will be pursued; (3) Investigate the effect of different types (local New Mexico pumice and expanded glass) and contents of internal curing agents (across three distinct substitution levels for normal weight aggregates, comprising 25%, 50%, and 100% replacement) on the performance of ECC for transportation infrastructure; (4) Ensure printable ECC mixes performance by thoroughly examining fresh properties including water content, extrudability, and buildability for 3D printing by 3D printing a zigzag pattern and wall; (5) Assess the feasibility of designing an ECC mix suitable for 3D printing infrastructure in arid conditions. This will be achieved by evaluating mechanical properties, including compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, across three distinct curing regimes. The goal is to establish an ECC composition demonstrating robust mechanical performance and durability within dry environments, enhancing its suitability for 3D-printed infrastructure applications; (6) Explore the economic viability of the 3D-printing process and the ECC used for transportation infrastructure projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:47:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291297</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>Advance and Validate Performance Engineered Mixtures (PEM) tests and procedures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085725</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will develop thresholds for concrete durability tests to indicate pavement quality.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:15:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085725</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mobile Asphalt Testing Trailer to Deploy Performance Engineered Mix Design for Asphalt, Deploy New Tests and Technologies, and Provide National Leadership for Asphalt Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062420</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project advances new technologies through demonstration on active State construction projects and provides technical guidance on specification improvements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:17:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062420</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Deployment and Implementation of Performance Engineered Mixtures for Asphalt*</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062418</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study involves advance performance specifications rather than prescriptive specification to allow for durable pavements while allowing innovations. The products include demonstration projects, various technical documents, training, workshops, and information briefs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:17:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062418</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>Evaluation of Alternative Sources of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) for Engineered Cementitious Composites in Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948614</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Due to their superior ductility and mechanical strength, Engineered Cementitious Composites
(ECCs) have been proposed as a promising material alternative to extend the durability and
infrastructure service life. Compared with normal concrete, ECC uses more cement due to the
absence of coarse aggregate in the mixture design. High cement content usually introduces
higher hydration heat, autogenous shrinkage, and increased cost. Moreover, the associated
increase in primary energy and emission of carbon dioxide may cause negative environmental
impacts. A plausible solution would be to replace a large portion of cement in ECC with SCMs
(e.g., fly ash), without sacrificing its mechanical properties, in general, and tensile ductility, in
particular. As such, fly ash has become a key ingredient in the production of ECC materials. In
the U.S., fly ash is the most utilized SCM in the cement and concrete industry and has become
an integral part of concrete mixtures. However, the decline in coal-fired power generation is
affecting its wide availability. Consequently, there is an urgent need to find alternative sources
of SCMs that are high-quality, cost-effective, and readily available, which can provide a portfolio
of alternatives to conventional fly ash. As a response to the expected shortage of fly ash, the
objective of this project is to evaluate the much-needed alternative sources of SCMs, including
unconventional sources of fly ash, to provide high-quality and cost-effective SCM alternatives
for the future of ECC production in Region 6. The unconventional fly ash sources to be
investigated in this study are ground bottom ash, reclaimed fly ash, ground glass, and cement
kiln dust (CKD).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:32:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948614</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mechanistic-Based Evaluation of Performance Thresholds for Engineered Surface Asphalt Mixtures  </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1905289</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In general, three approaches can be considered to develop performance-based threshold criteria for asphalt mixtures designed using the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) methodology. Approach (I) is an approach in which a pool of asphalt mixtures representing typically designed and produced mixtures in a given region/climate are subjected to a suite of empirical tests considering different modes of distress. Approach (II) is an approach in which the empirical test results that are correlated to the results from fundamental tests are used to establish performance criteria. On the basis of these correlations, the empirical test results can be adopted and used as surrogate indices, in lieu of the results from fundamental tests, and then subsequently incorporated into mechanistic empirical (ME) design alongside the volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures.  Approach (III) is an approach in which the empirical test results are directly correlated to in-service performance of asphalt mixtures to establish performance thresholds.  Although the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been extensively building upon its BMD initiative based on Approach (I), the empirical tests (for durability, rutting, and cracking) and associated thresholds have never been verified through the use of Approach (II). This study provides an opportunity to establish links between the results from empirical and fundamental tests, and provide incorporation of the empirical test responses alongside volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures into mechanistic-empirical (ME) structural pavement design. This is a vital step to a practical integration of mixture design and structural design. Moreover, this study provides an opportunity to verify (or refine) the BMD performance thresholds on the basis of ME approach, rather than through the empirical approach alone. Finally, this effort will help establish traffic-based performance thresholds for the empirical tests.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:21:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1905289</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Fresh and Hardened Properties of 3D-Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) Designed for Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904962</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing many manufacturing fields worldwide. AM enables the fabrication of 3D-objects by extruding filaments following a designed pattern. There are some challenges in applying AM to 3D-printing of concrete structural elements. These limitations are mainly associated with the fresh properties of concrete mixtures, the possibility of cold joint formation between different layers, and the incorporation of reinforcing components (i.e., steel bars). Because of these limitations, conventional concrete mixtures cannot be used for the 3D-printing application. One of the crucial challenges against the broader adoption of concrete 3D-printing is reinforcing 3D-printed components to reach acceptable structural performance under different loading configurations. Therefore, we should design a concrete mixture that can be utilized as a rebar-free material but address both strength and ductility requirements. Recently, the development of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) has neared the possibility to obtain both criteria (i.e., strength and ductility) in the concrete structures without embedding steel reinforcement. Hence, ECC can be used as an intrinsically reinforced cementitious material for the 3D-printing of concrete components. This project proposes ECC mixtures' design by mostly using the available local materials and admixtures in Region 6 and then studies the fresh and hardened properties of these 3D-printed mixtures as a function of mixture proportions. The ECC mixtures' properties, which will be evaluated in this proposal, include the extrudability and buildability as the fresh properties and compressive, flexural, and tensile strength of 3D-printed ECC elements as hardened properties.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:51:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904962</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>Developing Alternative Aircraft Arresting Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729493</link>
      <description><![CDATA[An aircraft arresting system, such as engineered material arresting system (EMAS) is one mitigation option used at airports where a full runway safety area (RSA) cannot be achieved. An EMAS is positioned within the RSA after the runway extremity and is made of an energy absorbing material that brings an aircraft rapidly and safely to a stop.
 
ACRP Report 29: Developing Improved Civil Aircraft Arresting Systems (2009) evaluated alternative EMAS materials and potential active arrestor designs for civil aircraft applications. Since the report’s publication, significant development in materials and technologies have occurred, indicating a need to update the research. Additionally, exploring options for systems to arrest aircraft at general aviation (GA) airports would be beneficial.
 
The objectives of this research are to: (1) Identify and develop potential viable systems, configurations, and technologies for arresting aircraft at all types and sizes of airports that are not covered by existing patents. Solutions could consider but should not be limited to technical alternatives presented under ACRP Report 29 that could be further developed. In addition, the research should include an assessment of economically feasible solutions applicable to GA airports. (2) Develop a model to evaluate and assess the characteristics of the proposed materials or systems to demonstrate its viability as an acceptable equivalent runway safety area. It should include physical material and or system testing.  
 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:22:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729493</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGC) for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1642178</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this study is to develop novel Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) implementing locally available ingredients to produce a new generation of materials that are practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly for repair and new construction of transportation infrastructure in the South-Central region. In order to achieve this objective, EGC mixtures will be designed with different types and proportions of locally available precursor materials (mainly locally available fly ash and metakaolin). EGCs fresh and hardened properties will be evaluated to identify key parameters ensuring EGC strain hardening response as well as optimum design of the composition balancing fresh and hardened properties. Furthermore, bonding properties of EGC with regular concrete will be assessed. Finally, a cost analysis for EGC implementation will be performed by comparing the cost of EGC materials to current materials utilized in the field.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:30:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1642178</guid>
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