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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>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Evaluation and Structural Optimization of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete (FRAC) for Pothole Repair and Roadway Resilience</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696034</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project investigates the engineering properties and field performance of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete (FRAC) specifically optimized for high-durability pothole repair and structural patching.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:33:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696034</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>SEAHIVE® solutions to mitigate bridge scour – Phase III (UM)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663128</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This is a collaborative research project conducted in partnership with Texas State University. Phases I and II of the project were conducted during AY24 and AY25. This one-year proposal is for Phase III of the three-phase project.  The objective of this research project is to show a proof-of-concept of using innovative hydraulic load dissipating elements, known as SEAHIVE®. This is a modular engineered protection system composed of concrete perforated hexagonal prisms. Perforations on the side faces of the elements provide passage for water flow dissipating the energy within the system while also adding structural complexity which improves its potential for habitat creation. 
SEAHIVE® has been under research and development at the University of Miami (UM) for wave energy dissipation and habitat enhancement with three pilot installations completed. This UTC study investigates the performance of the SEAHIVE® system intended for mitigating bridge scour. This project has the potential to create a consortium-wide effort for implementing the SEAHIVE® system into practice and changing how we design or retrofit bridge foundations for mitigating scour. Phase I focused on externally-prestressed elements given the mass production and scaling-up advantage. Externally prestressed (by Glass FRP rovings) units were produced by the dry-cast method with the same equipment used for the production of concrete pipes. Phase II focused on the production of internally-prestressed units using a revolutionary mold system. Using this technique, it will be possible to increase production efficiency and, as importantly, manufacture units of lengths up to 24 ft. that could be necessary for installation in riverine environments. The units produced with this technology were characterized.
Phase III deals with the production and characterization of elements made by wet-casting using a combination of randomly distributed short fibers for the control of cracking with and without the presence of transverse and longitudinal reinforcement made of GFRP bars. This investigation is made possible because of the special formwork that has recently been constructed as shown in Figure 1.
Figure1: Custom SEAHIVE® formwork 
The behavior of these units will be compared to others produced with the technologies investigated in the previous Phases I and II.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663128</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Evaluating the use of recycled and sustainable materials in self-consolidating concrete for underground applications (UTI-UTC 13)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543408</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research investigates the mechanical and durability properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) enhanced with recycled and sustainable materials for underground transportation infrastructure applications. The study focuses on incorporating recycled fibers—such as steel fibers recovered from waste tires—and supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and slag to improve sustainability without compromising performance. Experimental efforts include laboratory-scale testing of fiber-reinforced SCC, assessments of fresh and hardened properties, and evaluations of crack propagation and shrinkage resistance. The project also explores the use of geopolymer-based and mortar-based materials in additive manufacturing processes using a large-scale 3D printer, with the aim of developing precast components for tunnel liners and support systems. Outcomes of the research contribute to the advancement of sustainable construction practices and the development of high-performance concrete solutions for underground environments.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:48:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543408</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fire Resistance of Tunnel Liners with Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UTI-UTC 18)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543413</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research investigates the thermal and structural performance of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) tunnel liners when subjected to fire events. The study focuses on evaluating how various types and dosages of fibers affect critical parameters such as spalling behavior, temperature distribution, and residual mechanical strength of concrete panels under extreme heat exposure. Experimental testing includes full-scale fire simulations to replicate tunnel fire scenarios, alongside thermal and mechanical post-fire assessments. Complementary numerical modeling is used to analyze heat transfer and stress development within the liners. The project aims to develop performance-based criteria and design recommendations for incorporating fiber-reinforced concrete in tunnel lining systems, ultimately enhancing the fire resilience and post-event safety of underground transportation infrastructure.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:18:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543413</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Based Specifications of Fiber Reinforced Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491105</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research aims to develop a prescriptive and performance-based specification that states could adopt to ensure the required performance in both crack resistance and contractibility of fiber reinforced concrete. This specification would use the Split Beam Test, ASTM C 1609, creep, and the Float Test to set performance limits for the different fibers. This performance could then be specified based on the required performance or safe dosages of fibers could be prescribed based on the member.  For example, a sidewalk, overlay, and bridge deck may have different performance criteria.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:24:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491105</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Phase-II: Addressing Durability Concerns in Binders with Interlayer Reinforcement for 3D Printed Elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480350</link>
      <description><![CDATA[3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is one of the fastest emerging technologies and involves layer by layer building of a binder material with additives without the use of formworks while enabling the design freedom to produce complex structural geometries. To enable this technology to reach end use applications in construction such as printing large scale fail-safe concrete structural elements, the low tensile strength of concrete is to be overcome. These structures are constantly subjected to environmental deterioration mechanisms affecting their durability and life. Moreover, lack of knowledge and data about durability of 3D printed reinforced concrete structures hinders the growth of this digital fabrication method to truly offer its advantages towards transportation. 
Phase-I of this project titled “Durability Assessment of Binders with Interlayer Reinforcement for 3D Printed Elements” is under investigation to understand the effect of deterioration mechanisms such as chloride ingress and freeze and thaw on the mechanical performance, and flexural strength capacities of (a) cementitious binders with successive layers representing 3D printed elements, and (b) cementitious binders with different types of reinforcement incorporated at the interface between successive layers. 
Phase-II proposes solutions to address the durability concerns assessed from preliminary investigations in Phase-I which are: (1) steel deterioration is higher when compared to deterioration in fiber reinforcement due to aggressive environments; (2) the reinforcement at the interface needs a protective barrier to prevent ingress; (3) a small portion of reinforcement extends out of the interface and is therefore exposed which needs additional protection. The objectives of Phase-II are to investigate two solutions that can potentially address the durability concerns of cementitious binders with different types of reinforcements incorporated at the interface between successive layers: (i) Investigate the suitability of polymer surface finishings for 3DCP with interlayer reinforcement, and (ii) Investigate the effect of a printed protective barrier using the same 3DCP mix around the reinforced 3DCP with sufficient design modification to create a strategic interface mismatch. 
Eight tasks have been curated to realize these objectives. Task 1: Coordinate with ACI 548 vice-chair Dr. Moneeb Genedy (Stakeholder) to identify which polymer resin and constituents may be ideal for a protective system against 3DCP to investigate objective (i). Task 2: Design outer layer external to 3DCP element using SolidWorks that enables interface mismatch and bonds with the fiber reinforcement to investigate objective (ii). Task 3: Acquire materials from Transpo and Euclid Chemicals who have actively donated materials for the PI’s ongoing work to investigate objective (i). Task 4: Develop a mix design for polymer surface protection for either spray-on or application technique to investigate objective (i). Task 5: Print 3DCP specimens with three types of interlayer reinforcement – steel, Glass Fiber (GF) and Carbon Fiber (CF). Task 6: Subject beam specimens (along with protective measures) to two types of deterioration mechanisms- freeze-thaw and chemical ingress exposure. Task 7: Perform flexure test on beam specimens. Task 8: Conduct post testing analysis and understand reinforcement behavior.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:01:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480350</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SEAHIVE® solutions to mitigate bridge scour – Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422950</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This one-year proposal is for Phase II of the three-phase project conducted in partnership with Texas State University. Specifically, this study will investigate the performance of the SEAHIVE® system in mitigating bridge scour. SEAHIVE® is a modular engineered protection system composed of concrete perforated hexagonal prisms. Perforations on the side faces of the elements provide passage for water flow dissipating the energy within the system while also adding structural complexity which improves its potential for habitat creation.
This Phase II will focus on the production of internally prestressed units using conventional precast beds currently available for producing 30-inch square piles. Using this technique, it will be possible to increase production efficiency and, as importantly, manufacture units of lengths up to 24 ft. that could be necessary for scouring applications in marine and riverine environments. The units produced with this technology will be fully characterized and their behavior compared to others produced by wet-cast (no prestressing) and externally- prestressed. This latter objective will be accomplished through laboratory testing in compression and bending of units designed aiming to the same structural performance.
In order to guarantee the durability of the precast elements subjected to harsh wet-and-dry conditions, the prestressing tendons will be made of #3 (3/8 in.-diameter) glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars shipped to the precast plant in coils. In fact, no steel reinforcement will be used to avoid corrosion. The anchors for tensioning will be conventionally split-wedges and sleeves used for 0.375 in. seven-wire steel strands. It is expected that these units will perform in flexure as partially prestressed longitudinal members. In addition to being cost-effective, this method of construction also enables greater distress to be observed for load conditions above the Service Limit State through the prevalence of transverse cracking without any concerns for corrosion due to the inert prestressing tendons.
The project has the potential to create a consortium-wide effort for implementing the SEAHIVE® system into practice providing a novel efficient and ecofriendly solution for scour mitigation in bridge foundations.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 17:14:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422950</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cracking-resistant Concrete for Durable Coastal Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422881</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project aims to develop a crack-resistant and durable fiber reinforced concrete for coastal structures. The primary objective is to investigate the synergetic utilization of internal curing (IC) materials and recycled steel fibers (RSF) obtained from scrap tires. There have been continuous efforts to utilize IC agents to mitigate shrinkage and associated cracking in concrete for bridge decks. However, studies on using IC materials to control cracks and improve structural performance in concrete pavements are limited. Although lightweight aggregates (LWA) and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) have been used as IC agents, incorporating them can lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of concrete. The reduced mechanical properties of internally cured concrete can be alleviated by incorporating RSF, which are abundant in the United States. Integrating IC materials with RSF can potentially provide resistance to crack opening and propagation, thereby enhancing the durability of concrete. Furthermore, adding RSF to internally cured concrete could potentially replace (partially or completely) the conventional steel reinforcement in pavement structures. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:12:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422881</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Optimizing Fiberglass Reinforced Concrete Mix for use on Local Roadways in Ohio
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422909</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Since 2006, Defiance County has been experimenting with an in-house developed flexible concrete mix that mimics the behavior of asphalt at a reduced cost. This mix has been used primarily to widen roadways, patch for trenches and utilities, and for small surface paving. Various adaptations of the mix have been placed by Defiance County in an effort to refine the mix and improve its performance. Having positive experiences, the surrounding Counties of Paulding, Putman, and Henry started utilizing the Defiance mix at various locations for similar purposes. Over time, additional efforts to improve the mix have been made. Some of these efforts were done in-house by one of the Counties while other more laboratory focused efforts were conducted through the Ohio Research Initiative for Locals (ORIL) program. In September 2023, ORIL conducted a Research-On-Call task that evaluated various recycled materials as potential improvements for incorporation into the Defiance mix. This task focused on incorporating suitable locally available waste materials (e.g., tire shreds, scrap fiberglass insulation, and shredded recycled plastics). The results indicated that adding recycled fiberglass fibers could provide improved performance at a lower cost. While the findings from this research are promising, several questions remain that need to be addressed to optimize the mix, assess performance, and determine its potential use beyond northwestern Ohio. The northwestern counties utilizing this mix have experienced some cost savings, however, this may not replicate to other counties across Ohio due to material availability or lack of access to contractors. For example, Defiance County has easy and inexpensive access to recycled fiberglass fibers because the County Engineering's Office also manages the County landfill. In addition, there are two contractors located in Defiance County with the ability to fabricate the mix. 

The goal of this research is to optimize the flexible concrete mix designed and used by northwestern counties in Ohio and determine its potential for statewide application. Identifying the effective range of recycled fiberglass material to incorporate into the mix has the potential to increase that savings even further. Determining the potential for other Local Public Agencies to utilize this mix will provide more opportunities for its use which could eventually lower costs associated with its production and placement resulting in more savings. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:09:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422909</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Concrete Girder Splice Details with Application of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHP-FRC)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420087</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project aims to leverage Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHP-FRC) to enhance the flexural and shear strengths, cracking resistance, durability, and bond between concrete and reinforcing bars in girder splices for Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT's) precast girder bridges. This project will develop efficient UHP-FRC splice details to connect simply supported precast girders at pier locations, using the Simple for Dead and Continuous for Live Load (SDCL) approach for the splice design. The UHP-FRC girder splice can eliminate bridge expansion joints, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing durability. Objectives include conducting a literature review, developing UHP-FRC mix designs and construction methods, determining splice and girder end reinforcing details, and evaluating connection performance under live load conditions. The project will provide comprehensive UHP-FRC splice construction guidelines for TxDOT's girder and composite deck bridges, aiming to improve structural integrity, durability, and maintenance efficiency.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:44:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420087</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Role Of Grout And GFRP Slip Liner On The Circumferential Behaviour Of Retrofitted Corroded Metal Culverts </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404267</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For any aging infrastructure, its probability of failure increases with time. There are a multitude of ways to repair and rehabilitate deteriorating pipes, and as the infrastructure system continues to age, it is important to understand and promote the use of effective and durable materials for retrofit. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have shown to offer an attractive alternative to replace the deteriorating steel in structural corrugated metal pipes (CMPs). FRP composites have significantly improved durability characteristics compared to steel, which will reduce maintenance costs and improve lifecycle costs. Other materials such as HDPE slip liners for retrofit are in existence but their durability and improvement to load carrying capacities is under question. Past experimental work has shown GFRP to be a suitable material for developing composite action with corroded steel using a polymer grout. Longitudinal testing of corroded CMP with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) slip liners has garnered interest of the New Mexico DOT. However, field conditions are more circumferential dominant behaviors, and no data exist on this performance measure for CMPs with GFRP slip liners. The proposed work will help evaluate the parameters obtained from circumferential bending necessary to develop design for field implementation using GFRP slip liners with different grouts for corroded culvert retrofit. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:59:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404267</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Efficiency of Fiber Reinforcement in Ultra-high Performance Concrete (2.20)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1996251</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research aims at investigating the efficiency of fiber reinforcement in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) mixtures. This research builds up on and expands the current research efforts titled "Project 2.5: Development and Testing of High/Ultra-High Early Strength Concrete for durable Bridge Components and Connections", and "Project 2.14: Implementation of UHPC Technology into the New England Construction Industry.”

This proposed research is a necessary step for the successful completion of the development of non-proprietary UHPC mixtures. Since fiber reinforcement is the most expensive part of the UHPC, investigating their efficiency is critical for the cost-performance of the material. Research emphasis will be placed on collaborating with various fiber material supplies, testing and studying the concretes’ mechanical and durability behavior, as well as developing a guidance for an efficient use of fiber reinforcement.

Knowledge transfer, educating personnel and quality control will be expanded regarding efficiency of fiber reinforcement. Upon success, this project will provide a unique opportunity to support the effort of the construction industry to enhance the sustainability and longevity of bridge infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 17:08:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1996251</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Bridge Construction and Rehabilitation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2344525</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project aims to evaluate the performance of low-shrinkage fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) used in the construction and rehabilitation of transportation structures. This research is an extension of projects entitled “Enhance performance of fiber-reinforced concrete with adapted rheology” and “Performance of fiber-reinforced self-consolidating concrete (FR-SCC) for repair of bridge sub-structures and fiber-reinforced super-workable concrete (FR-SWC) for infrastructure construction” that were supported by the RE-CAST UTC. To develop FRC with alternative binder materials to replace Portland cement supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) will be used. Further work is needed to evaluate the effect of key parameters, such as alternative SCMs, binders, and fiber type on fresh and hardened performance of the FRC mixture. In addition, laboratory investigations will be conducted to validate the performance of these novel materials under various field conditions, including marine and frost conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:24:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2344525</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Parametric Analysis of the Durability and Chloride Penetrability of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265651</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this research project is to reduce the uncertainty related to the fiber dosage rate and fiber dosage-to-paste volume ratio in fiber reinforced concrete mixes used in UDOT construction. By parametrically studying the effects of different fiber dosage rates on specific performance criteria, an ideal fiber dosage amount can be determined. The main performance criteria for optimization include strength, workability (ease of placement), long term durability (as a function of freeze/thaw and chloride penetration resistivity), and toughness (ability to flex with minimal cracking).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:03:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265651</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Exploring the Combined Use of Distributed Fiber and Deformed Bar Reinforcement to Resist Shear Forces</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221101</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Macro-synthetic fibers are often added to concrete mixtures as secondary reinforcement, designed to control shrinkage and temperature cracks and improve the durability of bridge superstructures. The addition of fibers to concrete improves the tensile behavior of the material, which leads to more durable concrete elements with increased ductility and better crack control. In addition to these desirable effects, the tensile strength of the fibers also contributes to the strength of the member, however this benefit is not included in current bridge design specifications. The lack of provisions regarding the use of macro-synthetic fibers as supplemental reinforcement is of detriment to the bridge construction industry because the use of fibers in PBEs and cast-in-place connections would result in a reduction of bar reinforcement and congestion, lighter members, smaller crack sizes, better distribution of localized stresses, and improved confinement and performance of member ends. 

Experimental data on the simultaneous use of deformed bars and distributed macro-synthetic fiber reinforcement to provide shear strength is limited, but the existing evidence suggests that the addition of fibers to beams containing deformed bar shear reinforcement improves the strength of the beams and can shift failure from brittle to ductile modes. While this limited test data suggests potential benefits of using fibers as supplemental reinforcement, the interactions and synergies between distributed fiber and deformed bar reinforcement in resisting shear is not well understood. To realize the full benefits of macro-synthetic polyolefin fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC), additional experimental data and rational design guidelines are needed to predict the shear strength of members containing both macro-synthetic fibers and deformed bar reinforcement. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:09:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221101</guid>
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