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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>SPR-5031: Developing INDOT Road Crack Image Datasets for Advanced Analytics Research</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2691526</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) requires a comprehensive, annotated crack image dataset from falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing to enable advanced analytics for pavement management. This project delivers systematically labeled crack images to correlate with structural deflection data, and standardized annotation protocol. Dataset enables automated crack detection, enhanced structural assessment capabilities, and data-driven pavement management decisions while leveraging existing image archives cost-effectively through annotators.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 14:55:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2691526</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improve Modulus Determination Using Falling Weight Deflectometer</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553185</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objectives of this research are: (1) Characterize Seasonal Variations in Resilient Modulus: Utilize historical falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data to analyze and characterize the seasonal variations in the resilient modulus of pavement embankments. Investigate the influence of seasonal variations, particularly fluctuations in groundwater levels and moisture content, on resilient modulus by correlating FWD data with historical rainfall, geological data, and other relevant factors. (2) Enhance FWD Testing Protocols: Review and evaluate the current FWD-based procedure for calculating embankment Mr and investigate alternative methods to produce more accurate and comprehensive results. Review the frequency and timing of FWD testing to determine the most effective intervals for characterizing the embankment resilient modulus and capturing seasonal variations considering historical data, geological data, environmental conditions, and workload of data collection staff. Identify practical test lengths and other testing protocols that could improve the accuracy and efficiency of pavement assessments.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2025 10:13:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553185</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>LTPP Data Analysis: Feasibility of Using LTPP Data to Improve Use of FWD and Longitudinal Profile Measurements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458789</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement deflections obtained from falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements and roughness obtained from longitudinal profile measurements are used together with other measurements to assess pavement condition.  These measurements are influenced by the temporal and diurnal changes; the consideration of this influence is necessary for accurate assessment of pavement condition. The Long-Term Pavement Performance Program (LTPP) Seasonal Monitoring Program (SMP) was initiated to obtain data on the influence of temporal changes on pavement deflection and roughness. However, the temporal and diurnal data contained in the LTPP database have not been applied to improve the practices of measuring deflection and roughness, and their use has not been demonstrated. In addition, there is a concern about the adequacy of available LTPP data to accomplish this task. There was a need to assess the feasibility of using the LTPP SMP and diurnal measurements for developing guidelines for improved use of FWD and longitudinal profile measurements. The findings of this assessment will help make a decision regarding the need for further research. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of using data from the LTPP SMP and diurnal measurements for developing guidelines for improved use of FWD and longitudinal profile measurements data in evaluating pavement condition. The research shall address both asphalt and concrete pavements.

 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:44:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458789</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4916: Approaches to Enhance Pavement Condition Evaluation Based on Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) Data</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422614</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project involves upgrading FWD vans with cameras and sensors to capture comprehensive pavement data, including images. The project will develop an autonomous data analysis application using machine learning to assess pavement health, a custom Python-based back-calculation tool, and an interactive web-based dashboard for visualizing data and results. These deliverables aim to improve pavement evaluation accuracy, streamline analysis workflows, and facilitate timely maintenance, ultimately extending the lifespan of road infrastructures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:08:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422614</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Spring Load Restriction Removal Protocols</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342047</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Deciding when to remove spring load restrictions (SLRs) on roadways is complicated given the variable time window during and after thawing when excess moisture remains in the base and subgrade layers, causing the overall roadway structure to remain weak. The main objective of this project was to develop an economical and easy-to-use protocol for timing SLR removal.

To develop the model, the research team utilized falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data from three test cells at the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT’s) MnROAD research facility. FWD data from nine other sites were used to validate the model, with three sites in North Dakota, three in New Hampshire, two in New York, and one in Maine. Numerous statistical analyses were performed on the FWD data sets, and model/protocol development considered factors such as base layer and subgrade type, effects of moisture, and depth to the groundwater table.

The researchers created a decision tree to help agencies implement the SLR removal guidelines developed in this study. To use the decision tree effectively, it is necessary to know information about the roadway structure, base layer(s), and subgrade soils and the approximate depth to the groundwater table. Using this methodology may help transportation agencies lift their SLRs more quickly than they have in the past.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:16:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342047</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rapid Assessment of Network-Level Pavement Conditions Using Novel Tools</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291289</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this collaborative project, two leading Oklahoma universities – the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) – will work with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) to assess network-level pavement conditions rapidly and cost-effectively, using novel tools. Roadway pavements constitute a critical element of surface transportation infrastructure. With a large portion of pavements in poor condition and reaching the end of their service lives, pavement maintenance and rehabilitation are becoming increasingly challenging tasks for many state DOTs, including DOTs in Region 6. 
Recent developments have spotlighted the Traffic Speed Deflection (TSD) Device as a valuable technology for measuring surface deflections at short intervals and capturing data on roughness, texture, and rutting at traffic speed. The evaluation of pavement conditions and their rating typically depend on such parameters as deflections, slope deflection indices, structural considerations, and remaining service life. In this context, the potential advantages of deriving network-level pavement condition ratings from TSD data could be enhanced through the implementation of other novel technologies developed by the consortium members collaborating on this project. Lack of access to a TSD device and high cost associated with data collection necessitate the pursuit of innovative in-house technologies, which will not only increase efficiency but reduce costs significantly.
As part of a pooled fund study (TPF-5 (385)) participated by ODOT, pavement conditions data from I-35 and I-40 in Oklahoma were collected recently using a TSD. The proposed study focuses on developing tools for analyzing these TSD data for network-level assessment or rating of the associated pavements. A complementary objective is to collect data from the same pavements using in-house technologies, namely Pave3D 8K available at OSU and an air-coupled Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer (FFWD) available at TTI. 
For this purpose, with assistance of the Strategic Asset and Performance Management (SAPM) personnel at ODOT, the research team seeks to gain access to the TSD data from I-35 and I-40 and review these data closely. Leveraging different pavement condition indicators, the I-35 and I-40 pavement sections will be divided into five different categories, namely very poor, poor, fair, good, and excellent. This categorization will facilitate the subsequent selection of experimental sites for an in-depth evaluation, each spanning 3 to 5 miles. The OSU team will employ Pave3D 8K for the acquisition of 2D/3D surface images and detailed pavement roughness and texture data from the evaluation sites. The OSU team will then analyze the Pave3D 8K data and compare them with the TSD data. The results of these comparisons will assist in the establishment of definitive rating thresholds.
FFWD tests will be conducted by TTI at the selected I-35 and I-40 sections. Measured deﬂections will be used to determine structural conditions and remaining life and to compare with the corresponding TSD results. A subsurface GPR survey will be conducted on the above mentioned I-35 and I-40 sections with the help of TTI. The GPR data will be used to determine layer thicknesses and used to identify areas with subsurface defects. 
Based on the pavement conditions, cores will be extracted selectively from distressed locations as well as from some good locations. A visual observation of the extracted cores and limited laboratory test results will be used to validate the pavement rating from the TSD data and Pave3D 8K and FFWD data. The research teams from all three institutions will work together to establish pavement condition thresholds. These thresholds can be used readily by ODOT and other DOTs in Region 6. These thresholds can be adjusted in the future as more network-level data becomes available.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:46:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2291289</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integration and Deployment of Novel Tools for Rapid Assessment of Pavement Conditions and Remaining Life</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265856</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Extreme heat events are expected to expose pavements to more intense and prolonged stress. These events, coupled with soil movement from heavy rainfall and drought are also expected to threaten pavement functional and structural life. State and local agencies have benefited from innovative technologies and tools developed to rapidly assess pavement condition, but data has not yet been widely implemented into pavement management systems that provide cohesive and holistic assessments of state roadways. A hybrid approach combining traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) and air-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR) data is proposed that will allow for large-scale data collection and analysis for use in state-level pavement management systems.
Task 1: TxDOT District TSD Data Collection and Analysis
Researchers will coordinate with TxDOT district offices to collect TSD and GPR data from roadways that are representative of different structural and functional conditions and pose a specific interest to those districts. TSD data have been collected in the Atlanta district and other TxDOT districts interested in TSD testing. The research team will work with the TxDOT districts that collect TSD data to identify project sections of interest for closer evaluation. These sections may need maintenance or structural repair, have been recently constructed, or be in good condition. Collected data may be used to assist the district in pavement management activities and/or assess district priorities.
Task 2: Assist Oklahoma Researchers in Oklahoma Testing Program
Oklahoma currently has around 250 miles of TSD data collected on interstate roads. The TTI team will conduct GPR and fast falling weight deflectometer (FFWD) testing at locations of interest identified by the Oklahoma team, based on the analysis of the collected TSD data. Researchers may then assist in data analysis and relay the collected data to Oklahoma. 
Task 3: Integration of TSD and GPR Data
A primary motivation of this research is to utilize TSD testing and data collection to provide meaningful, network-level data to TxDOT districts for use within the pavement management system. To accomplish this, the research team will develop a program for TxDOT to integrate the collected TSD and GPR data within a widely used existing program to analyze GPR data. This will allow the participating districts to gain a more holistic understanding of pavement structural data and better understand the impact of structural anomalies/deficiencies on functional pavement metrics. Increased understanding from this project will lead to more informed decisions within pavement management decision trees.
Task 4: Pavement Structural Analysis and Remaining Life Prediction
Researchers will utilize collected data, along with new and existing mechanics-based modeling tools to develop a process to make determinations of pavement structural condition and predict remaining life that will aid in pavement management decisions. Researchers may utilize AI/ML based tools to optimize the proposed process. The results may be shared with local state and government agencies for verification and develop maintenance/repair strategies, should they be necessary. 


]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2023 07:22:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265856</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FWD Testing and Backcalculation of Rubblized and Fractured Slab PCC Pavement Moduli</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262770</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will investigate the material properties of rubblized concrete under HMA layers for design purposes.  The project recently done on I55 in Pike County, as well as the project yet to be done on I-59 in Forrest and Jones Counties, will be used for the research on rubblization.  A break-and-seat project is to be done on I-55 in Tate County, which will be investigated as part of this study. Dynatest will do field FWD testing and recommend any further test protocols for the rubblized/break-and-seat concrete.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:57:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262770</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop ELMOD Backcalculation User Manual for MDOT</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262763</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The manual will provide knowledge capture and accelerate training and onboarding for the routine backcalculation process, as well as illustrate some examples of atypical results/situations and how to handle these.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:46:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2262763</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4820:  Enhanced Methods to Evaluate Flexible Pavement Moisture Damage and Interface Bonding Conditions Using the 3D Ground Penetrating Radar and Falling Weight Deflectometer</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2251472</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective is to develop methodology to evaluate the potential of flexible pavement distresses related to moisture damage and layer interface debonding based on the 3D GPR and FWD deflections. A field investigation will be conducted to establish a framework to identify moisture damage and layer interface debonding using the 3D GPR data. Relationships between FWD deflections and degree of layer interface bonding will be identified using numerical analyses and field investigation. Consequently, a new practical protocol will be developed to evaluate the moisture damage and layer interface bonding conditions of in-service flexible pavements based on 3D GPR and FWD data.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:35:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2251472</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4717:  Assessment of Temperature Correction Factors for Falling Weight Deflectometer Deflections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083670</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will develop an enhanced method of temperature correction on the FWD deflections to minimize temperature effects during FWD data analysis. The field investigation and numerical analysis will be conducted to identify the relationship between FWD deflections and testing temperatures. Based on the identified relationship, the FWD temperature correction guidelines will be established. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:37:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083670</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>LTPP Data Analysis: Guidelines to Improve Use of FWD and Longitudinal Profile Measurements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1841151</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement deflections obtained from falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements and roughness obtained from longitudinal profile measurements are used together with other measurements to assess pavement condition and performance. These measurements are influenced by the temporal and/or diurnal variations; their consideration is necessary for accurate assessment of pavement condition.

The Long-Term Pavement Performance Program (LTPP) Seasonal Monitoring Program (SMP) was initiated to obtain data on the influence of temporal variations on pavement deflection and roughness. However, the temporal and diurnal data contained in the LTPP database (see Special Note A) have not been applied to improve the practices of measuring deflection and roughness, and their use has not been demonstrated. Also, recent work completed under NCHRP Project 20-50(22), “LTPP Data Analysis: Feasibility of Using LTPP data to improve Use of FWD and Longitudinal Profile Measurements” identified some of the issues related to the use of FWD and longitudinal profile measurements and proposed a preliminary research plan for addressing these issues (see Special Note B). However, additional research was needed to further define and address the issues associated with the effects of temporal and diurnal variations on FWD and longitudinal profile measurements, and to develop guidelines to improve these measurements and their use in evaluating pavement condition.
 
The objective of this research was to develop guidelines for improved use of FWD and longitudinal profile measurements data in evaluating pavement condition by considering the effects of temporal and/or diurnal variations. The research was to address both asphalt and concrete pavements and focus on using the data available in LTPP database (including those for SMP test sections).
 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2021 21:16:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1841151</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Expanding the Concept of Comprehensive Area Ratio Parameter to the South-Central States: Towards Simplifying the Structural Evaluation of Flexible Pavements at the Network Level</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751170</link>
      <description><![CDATA[South-Central State DOTs, as well as many other state DOTs and local highway agencies across the nation, collect nondestructive deflection test (NDT) data at the highway network level in order to identify weak pavement sections that would require further analysis at the project level. Among the various NDT utilized, Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) test is one of the most common tests in judging the properties of a flexible pavement, although, there is a lack of appropriate procedure for identifying structurally weak pavement sections utilizing FWD data at the network level. A simple method which can be implemented directly and automatically in the databases is always a need of various DOTs. One of the direct methods developed in judging the structural conditions of the pavement sections is the procedure developed under Project No. 17PUTA02. Numerous parameters were developed under that project which were very useful in numerically ranking pavement sections at the network level from very strong to very weak. The above-mentioned project utilized pavement sections in the State of Texas to determining their structural conditions. The findings of the project can, potentially, be expanded to the rest of the South-Central State DOTs. This idea of analysis will provide a more reliable assessment of the actual structural condition of the highway network. This will help South-Central state DOTs and local highway agencies asset management officials to adhere to more distinct view of the structural condition of the highway network; therefore, they can provide more accurate estimation of the required funds to maintain the highway network at certain levels. Consequently, better management and allocation of the resources can be made. In addition, with a reliable assessment of the structural condition of the highway network, the pavement preservation strategies will always be allocated to structurally sound pavements while rehabilitation and reconstruction will be directed to structurally poor pavements. The proposed project will lead to the development of a powerful methodology, which when utilized can be beneficial in the States of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma for the structural capacity evaluation of the flexible pavements at the network level. The inadequacy of the parameters in the prevailing methods for computing the structural capacity at the network level have led to the development of the proposed method. Similarly, the successful completion of this project will result in achieving the Tran-SET goals of promoting sustainability and resiliency of the transportation infrastructure in renewing, upgrading and implementing the most cost-effective solutions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2020 09:13:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1751170</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4521: Comprehensive Pavement Patching Tools and Web-based Software for Pavement Condition Assessment and Visualization</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1736382</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project will develop guidelines for concrete patching slab removal and creation of patching interface in full depth hot mix asphalt (HMA) patching. In addition, the project will implement in MATLAB and Python an algorithm that incorporates data from falling weight deflectometers (FWD), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and 3D to produce patching tables with the required patching depth as an output. Finally, the project will deliver web server software needed for visualization of the patching table including the data sources (FWD, 3D image, and GPR) used in its creation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 11:09:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1736382</guid>
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