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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
    <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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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>Establish Bridge Blast and Fire Damage Mitigation and Design Consideration</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2658327</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will investigate fire and blast damage to bridges to develop design and mitigation strategies to enhance structural resilience. Fires and blasts from vehicular collisions, hazardous spills, and encampments beneath bridges pose significant threats to structural integrity and serviceability. To address these significant threats, the researchers will conduct full-scale experimental testing, by constructing a representative bridge, incorporating components aligned with Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT’s) practices. The researchers will explore mitigation strategies such as fire-resistant materials, protective coatings, and retrofitting methods to improve bridge performance. The research findings will be contributed to design guidelines addressing fire and blast hazards, reducing economic losses and service disruptions while ensuring bridges can better withstand extreme events.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:09:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2658327</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fast Running Application for Evaluating Fire Resilience of Tunnel Systems (UTI-UTC 17)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543412</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project develops a fast-running computational application to assess the fire resilience of tunnel systems, with a focus on precast tunnel linings used in highway and rail infrastructure. The tool integrates simplified thermal and structural modeling techniques, allowing for rapid evaluation of tunnel responses under various fire scenarios. It incorporates key variables such as ventilation effects, thermal conductivity, material degradation, and fire-induced spalling. The application is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable, supporting engineers and tunnel operators in emergency preparedness, design optimization, and post-incident evaluation. Calibrated using results from experimental fire testing and validated through finite element analysis, the tool offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to time-consuming detailed simulations. This research significantly contributes to enhancing the safety, resilience, and performance-based design of underground transportation systems.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:24:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543412</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>Fire Resistance of Tunnel Surfaces (UTI-UTC 19)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543414</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project explores the thermal and structural performance of tunnel surface materials when exposed to high-temperature fire conditions. With a focus on improving fire resilience, the study investigates various coating systems—such as intumescent paints, fiber-reinforced concrete, spray-applied fire-resistive materials (SFRM), and ceramic tiles—applied to tunnel liners. Through experimental testing, including full-scale fire simulations and material degradation analysis, the research assesses spalling behavior, temperature resistance, and residual mechanical strength of these materials. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are also developed and calibrated with empirical data to predict fire propagation and structural response. The goal is to provide guidance for selecting protective surface treatments in new and existing tunnels, ultimately enhancing safety, minimizing structural damage, and supporting recovery efforts following fire incidents.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:13:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543414</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interaction of Mechanical Systems with Structurally Significant Fire Events (UTI-UTC 25)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543419</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project explores the complex interplay between mechanical systems and the structural response of tunnel infrastructure during fire events. The research integrates fire dynamics modeling with structural and mechanical system simulations to assess how fire impacts tunnel linings, support systems, and embedded mechanical elements such as ventilation ducts, electrical conduits, and lighting. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA), the study evaluates temperature distribution, material degradation, and load redistribution during fire exposure. A key focus is placed on developing a fast-running, Matlab-based assessment tool that incorporates fire source characteristics, ventilation behavior, suppression methods, and tunnel geometry to predict structural vulnerabilities and support emergency response planning. The project aims to deliver actionable insights and modeling tools that improve tunnel design, resilience, and operational safety under fire-induced extreme conditions.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:52:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543419</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fire Resistance of Tunnel Surfaces (UTI-UTC 42)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543432</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project investigates the fire resistance performance of various protective coatings and materials applied to tunnel surfaces, with the objective of improving the structural integrity and safety of tunnels during fire events. Focusing on intumescent paints, sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM), and fire-resistant tiles, the study evaluates these treatments through a series of standardized fire tests on concrete panels. The research assesses key parameters such as thermal insulation, spalling behavior, and residual structural strength under high temperatures. Data collected from full-scale testing inform the development of predictive models for tunnel liner performance in fire scenarios. The findings contribute to enhanced design guidelines for fire protection in underground infrastructure, supporting safer tunnel operation and more resilient transportation networks.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 16:05:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543432</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Interaction of Mechanical Systems with Structurally Significant Fire Events (UTI-UTC 44)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543434</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project explores the coupled interaction between mechanical systems—such as ventilation ducts, electrical conduits, and fire suppression infrastructure—and tunnel structures during significant fire events. Recognizing that these systems can influence and be affected by thermal and structural responses, the study develops advanced computational tools to simulate fire dynamics and their impact on structural components. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the project models fire spread, heat transfer, and the degradation of mechanical systems, while also assessing how these systems alter the fire’s behavior and the tunnel’s performance. The goal is to inform the design and placement of resilient systems that maintain functionality and support tunnel integrity during emergencies. Outcomes include a beta version of a predictive fire assessment tool, validation through experimental and historical data, and recommendations for improving tunnel system safety and resilience under fire loading scenarios.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 15:44:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543434</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Comprehensive Guideline for GDOT Bridges Fire Hazard Assessment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508941</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary goal of this research is to develop a comprehensive guideline for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to assess fire hazards in bridge structures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:02:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508941</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing and Mitigating Electrical Fires on Transit Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487298</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transit vehicle fires have safety implications for passengers and employees as well as liability implications for manufacturers, suppliers, and operators. The majority of electrical/arcing fire events lead to a total burn out/loss of the vehicle or serious smoke incidents. Fuses and circuit breakers are not designed for this specific failure mode and traditional fire detection and suppression methods have not proven effective. The problem is further complicated by varying engine compartment configurations, equipment layout within compartments, routing of cables, and continuous changes to vehicles to improve environmental impact, weight, and cost. Although there are some technologies and practices that may prove beneficial or perhaps even significantly reduce the frequency and severity of arcing events, original equipment manufacturers and operators are reluctant to implement such technologies and practices due partially to past difficulties and costs. Some preliminary work has been undertaken to determine methods to produce repeatable failure modes for testing of technologies, and efforts related to fire detection in heavy-duty vehicles are currently under way. While the referenced efforts do not specifically test for arcing conditions, the testing standards could be modified to support arcing conditions. Research is needed to avoid unnecessary interruption of revenue service, passenger injury, and expenditure of operating and capital funds for buses and rail passenger vehicles. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop guidance for assessing and mitigating electrical fires on transit vehicles. Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 18:17:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487298</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What is the New Baseline: Helping FDNY understand emergency response needs to tackle traffic and service congestion under a transient population and built environment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2459064</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Strategic planning for emergency response relies on reliable data on spatial population distributions, built environment inventories, and their cumulative effects on traffic and service congestion. These data support decision-making for assigning and stationing emergency vehicles and prioritizing alternative vehicles in highly congested areas. However, post-COVID data are limited or in flux due to changing work patterns, new traffic policies, and increasing emergency services (EMS) demand. 

In Year 1, the research team's project with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model for a New York City (NYC) neighborhood, quantifying the effects of built environment features on emergency response times under congestion. For Year 2, the research team proposes to extend this analysis citywide, employing statistical and machine learning techniques combined with queueing-based optimization methodologies that relate American Community Survey (ACS) population attributes to high-severity calls and built-environment-affected response times, from which treatments for service bottlenecks can be prioritized. This project will also explore innovative EMS interventions, such as alternative vehicles, and provide deployment recommendations that could most benefit response times.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:59:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2459064</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Emergency Management Strategies for Electric Vehicles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2445135</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Electric vehicle (EV) sales have steadily increased in recent years, representing 16.3% of new vehicle sales. The vast majority of EVs use high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries are damaged in crashes, they are susceptible to thermal runaway where uncontrolled increases in temperature and pressure can lead to fires and reignition hours or days later. Conventional fire suppression techniques are often ineffective as cathode materials inside lithium-ion batteries release heat and oxygen when decomposing at high temperatures, creating instances where electric vehicles can burn even when submerged in water. This has led to electric vehicle fires which can burn at the roadside for several hours and reignite during and after transport from the scene, creating additional congestion and safety risks for responders. The unique characteristics of lithium-ion battery fires create new risks for emergency responders, and require new strategies and coordination among police, fire, tow companies, and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This project aims to assess the presence and risk of EV fires, review the state of the art and practice in EV fire suppression, coordinate with firefighters in Virginia and nationally, and identify methods for VDOT to support EV fire suppression.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:33:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2445135</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fire Safety and Safe Streets: Understanding Conflicts between Safe Streets Improvements and Emergency Response</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2401743</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project the research team proposes to address the following questions related to conflicts between fire departments and safe streets efforts: When and why do fire safety and street safety goals come into conflict? What institutional arrangements, design processes, and other practices are emerging to reconcile these conflicts to improve overall community safety? How might best practices for avoiding conflict and finding synergies be replicated from city to city?  The project includes four main components: (1) assembling a national Community Advisory Committee of 8-12 members from across a range of relevant areas of expertise; (2) a review of existing scholarly and gray literatures on conflicts between bike and pedestrian safety and emergency response; (3) construction of a national database of conflicts between street safety upgrades and emergency response demands from 2010 to 2024; (4) development of 3 to 5 in-depth case studies of street safety / emergency response conflicts drawing on stakeholder interviews, local media, project documentation, and public meeting records. Deliverables include: the conflict database, a research paper, and a public report.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:54:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2401743</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Life-cycle fire performance assessment and enhancement of reinforced concrete bridges in chloride-laden environments</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2232153</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge fires have increased in frequency with the growing use and transportation of highly flammable liquids and large-size batteries. The increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of wildfire as a result of changing climate may pose an even more serious fire threat to bridges. Furthermore, reinforced concrete (RC) bridges in coastal environments or cold climates are at the risk of chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel, which degrades their fire resistance significantly over time. In response to these needs, new materials have been introduced and utilized in bridge construction to improve the fire resistance of RC bridges. However, their time-dependent behavior under the combined effects of fire and corrosion has not been extensively studied. In addition, aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in material properties and performance assessment as well as deep uncertainties arising from climate change and the use of new materials have not been well characterized in the time-dependent performance assessment models of RC bridges.

The overarching goal of this proposed project is to assess and enhance the life-cycle fire performance of RC bridges in chloride-laden environments. Specifically, the research team will consider climate change impact on chloride-induced deterioration and subsequent effects on the fire performance of two types of reinforced concrete: ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) and fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete (GPC). First, the team will evaluate the fire performance of both reinforced OPCC and reinforced GPC through experiments and stochastically model their time-dependent fire performance in chloride-laden environments over their service lives. Then, the team will quantify the life-cycle fire performance of these two types of RC bridges (i.e., OPCC and GPC) under deep uncertainties. Finally, the team will develop a dynamic rolling-horizon model that can optimize the timings of implementing fire-performance-enhancing strategies. The results from this project will provide useful information on which type of RC bridge has a higher long-term fire resistance and is more robust against uncertain future and how life-cycle fire performance can be enhanced by dynamically optimized maintenance schedule.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:06:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2232153</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integrated FFFS-EVS Design Guidelines for Highway Tunnels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100884</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will develop criteria, guidelines, and recommendations for the integrated design of emergency ventilation system and fixed firefighting systems using synthesis, computer simulation, model scale testing, and full-scale testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:17:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100884</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fire damage detection and evaluation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096567</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will investigate nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods to map the damage caused by fire exposure and assess the effect of fire on condition and serviceability of concrete bridges, and provide guidance on using NDE techniques on bridges damaged by fire.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096567</guid>
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