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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Field Evaluation of Alternative and Cost-Efficient Bridge Approach Slabs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1301311</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Recently Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in collaboration with Missouri Transportation Institute (MTI) and the National University Transportation Center (NUTC) funded a study to develop cost efficient alternative bridge approach slab (BAS) designs (Thiagarajan et al. 2010). After surveying the cost and performance of different bridge approach slabs being used by Departments of Transportation (DOT) around the country, performing numerical modeling and simulations, and analyzing cost data, the study has recommended three new BAS designs for possible adoption and implementation by MoDOT. These include: a) 20 feet cast in place (CIP) slab with sleeper slab - for new construction on major roads; b) 25 feet precast prestressed slab with sleeper slab - for replacement and new construction applications on major and minor roads; and c) 25 feet modified BAS without a sleeper slab for new CIP construction on minor roads. Additionally, the use of Controlled Low Strength Materials (CLSM), aka flowable fill, as a backfill material behind bridge abutments under the BAS was suggested as a possibility to solve problematic bridge approach slab issues, such as excessive settlement, loss of support due to erosion, and others. A preliminary short study was performed to evaluate feasibility of producing low cost CLSM mixtures suitable for this application. In this project, researchers propose to collaborate with MoDOT engineers to evaluate the field performance of the BAS designs, recommended by the earlier study, through their implementation on a series of pilot projects. Field performance of the new designs and their impact on construction duration and cost will be evaluated using a variety of methods including visual evaluation, profilograph studies, surveying, field instrumentation, collection of actual cost and duration data from the field engineers, and project close out interviews with the field engineers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2014 01:01:49 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Time-Dependent Performance of Buried Pipes in a Consolidating Soil Medium</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230090</link>
      <description><![CDATA[When pipes are buried in a partially or fully water-saturated soil, pore water pressure develops around the pipe and in the soil medium due to external loading such as embankments built over them.  Currently, there is no information on the time-dependent performance of pipes buried in consolidating soil.  The objective for this project is to determine the effect of backfill material under different conditions on HDPE and PVC pipes.  The findings will be compared to the current specifications to see if changes need to be made.  The tasks for this project will include investigating the performance of single and double walled HDPE and PVC pipes with consolidating backfill using a numerical model developed by the Principal Investigator.  The influence of different drainage conditions will be evaluated as well.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:53:52 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Performance of Buried Pipes with Flowable Fill and Granular Stone as Backfill Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230089</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Flowable mixtures and granular stone materials are frequently used as backfill materials for buried pipes. The objectives of this research are to perform an investigation on the performance of double-walled buried flexible pipes using flowable materials and granular stone as backfills. HDPE, PVC, concrete, and metal pipes ranging in diameter from 12 to 108 inches will be considered. Additionally, the influence of trench width on the performance of single-wall and double-walled buried pipes under different burial conditions will be investigated. A numerical model based on the Finite Element Method will be the primary basis for the investigation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:53:51 GMT</pubDate>
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