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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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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>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Understanding Moving/Damage Mechanism of Vehicles under Tornadoes for Enhancing Vehicle/Driver Safety
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627651</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Tornadoes have caused catastrophic damage to buildings and vehicles. Although considerable research has been conducted on the performance of buildings under tornadoes, the performance of motor vehicles (e.g., cars, pickups, vans, and box trucks) under tornadoes was rarely studied. Unfortunately, about 15% of tornado fatalities during 1975–1995 were attributed to the moving or damage of motor vehicles and about 9% during 1985-2015. To protect motor vehicles from being damaged by tornadoes and accordingly to reduce tornado fatalities, the objective of this project is to understand the moving/damage mechanism of motor vehicles (e.g., sliding, flipping and lofting) under tornadoes using systematic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, which will be verified and validated by the PI’s large-scale laboratory tornado simulator. To achieve the stated research objective, three research tasks have been planned. The proposed research will answer the following five research questions. 1) What tornado intensity can cause a vehicle to slide, flip and loft, respectively? 2) What role does atmospheric pressure drop at tornado center play in initiating each vehicle motion? 3) What role does turbulence in tornadic wind field play in initiating each vehicle motion? 4) Does internal pressure inside a motor vehicle play any role in vehicle moving? and 5) What potential modifications can be made to motor vehicles in order to defer the initiating of each vehicle motion? The research findings can not only help regular vehicles in the parking lot or on the road experience less damage, but also can be integrated into autonomous vehicles for them to make informed decisions and then take proper actions to reduce the tornado-induced damage. In addition, research findings can be used to improve tornado safety recommendations for drivers on the road.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:07:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627651</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Improving Culvert Performance with Diffusers and Energy Dissipators</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558375</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Culvert and stormwater outfall performance presents challenges for hydraulic practitioners. Two challenges often encountered with culvert performance are inadequate capacity under outlet control and excessive energy at the downstream end of stormwater outfalls under inlet control. 

Previous research and applications have demonstrated that diffuser systems are a practicable option for increasing culvert and stormwater outfall capacity (see Special Note B). However, diffuser systems are an emerging technology, and additional methods and application guidelines are needed to support effective design and implementation. 

Current energy dissipator designs often result in large structures that are costly to construct and may require additional right-of-way. There is a need for design approaches that support more compact energy dissipator systems suitable for constrained right-of-way environments. It is important that such systems be adaptable for retrofitting existing culverts to mitigate scour issues. Advancements in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling allow for efficient comparisons between initial prototype designs, saving time and money on physical modeling.

Research is needed to provide hydraulic practitioners with a design and application guide for implementing (1) diffuser systems to increase capacity, and (2) compact energy dissipator systems for retrofitting culverts. 

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide for the design and application of culvert diffuser and compact energy dissipator systems. The guide will give hydraulic practitioners the methods needed to deploy these systems in new and retrofit projects. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 12:56:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558375</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>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>High Performance Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling Services for Highway Hydraulics</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2498991</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this Transportation Pooled Fund study is to provide research and analysis for a variety of highway hydraulics projects managed or coordinated by state departments of transportation (DOTs); to provide and maintain a high-performance computational fluid dynamics computing environment for application to highway hydraulics infrastructure and related projects; and to support and seek to broaden the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) among state DOT employees.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jan 2025 18:08:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2498991</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Address Knowledge Gaps in Scour Analyses for Cohesive and Other Challenging Channel Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420078</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will address two gaps in scour knowledge: pressure scour for cohesive soils and cohesive soils/rocks characterization for scour analyses. Pressure scour occurs when the water reaches the bridge's low chord; this increases the scour depth. Guidelines exist for cohesionless soils but not for cohesive soils. The research team will perform a series of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and/or flume tests to generate the input necessary and expand the SRICOS method to the pressure flow situation in cohesive soils. The research team will perform advanced testing on cohesive soils/rocks characterization for scour analyses. Advanced testing examples include the Erosion Function Apparatus (EFA) (research team) and Scour Testing devices (Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)). The research team will determine if the Slake Durability Test (SDT) can be a reasonable surrogate for input in scour depth calculations by collecting samples at a maximum of up to 20 bridges around Texas, and by conducting parallel testing on cohesive soils/rocks such as shale, caliche, and sandstone.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:01:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420078</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Subsurface Contamination Modeling and Remediation Techniques </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263741</link>
      <description><![CDATA[More than half of the US population consumes groundwater for drinking. Thus, introducing any type of contaminants into the groundwater table can risk the lives of more than half of the population. Contaminants from multiple sources can impact the drinking water wells and other receptors. When contaminants are transferred to the groundwater, they will make their way to water wells and drinking water supplies. Soluble contaminants, such as road salts, can easily migrate into the ground, reach the groundwater, and negatively affect the shallow groundwater and freshwater systems. An increase in road salts will have a negative effect on groundwater. Recently, several private wells in the town of Orleans in New York State reported the presence of road salts that were transferred through the groundwater flow. However, non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) that are not highly soluble may have considerably longer residence times in the soil zone. NAPLs are hydrocarbons and are classified into two categories: (i) light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), which have less density than water, and (ii) dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), which are denser than water. In either case, a physical interface between the water and NAPLs prevents the mixing of groundwater and contaminants.
In this proposed study, a finite element model (FEM) will be developed to analyze contaminant transport within the vadose zone and saturated zone. The developed multiphase fluid flow models will be used to study the movement of soluble contaminants, such as road salts, as they precipitate downward to the groundwater table. Additionally, the FEM model will be further modified to capture the flow of NAPL contaminants through the soil medium. The proposed research project consists of three phases: (1) Developing and validating an FEM that can simulate the movement of precipitation and rainfall from the ground surface and unsaturated zone into the groundwater. (2) Modifying the developed FEM model to analyze the contaminants flow in the soil medium by considering the advection and the interplay of diffusion limitation, adsorption, and partitioning between contaminants and soil. (3) Reviewing and proposing several remediation techniques for various contaminants, depending on the specific job site, to be employed in practical sites selected by local and state level departments of transportation (DOTs).
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:00:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263741</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Vibration Techniques for KDOT High Mast Illumination Poles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2015222</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kanas DOT has recently discovered many premature failure cases of newly-installed 100-ft tall galvanized steel high mast illumination pole (HMIP) structures. These failed HMIPs all exhibited cracking emanating from the handhole detail near the base of the pole. Video recordings of several HMIPs showed significant vibrations under wind loading that led to large cyclic displacements at the top of the structures. An on-going project is investigating the susceptibility of these HMIPs to frequency lock-in under wind due to vortex-induced vibration through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, which will provide more insights on the cause of the large wind-induced vibrations. 
A proactive way to address the issue of large-amplitude vibration of HMIP structures is to apply vibration mitigation techniques. While related knowledge is available from the literature on various vibration mitigation techniques, actionable guidelines for the HMIPs in Kansas does not exist. Solutions are urgently needed to reduce vibration-induced stresses at fatigue-critical details in HMIPs to eliminate safety concerns and lengthen the safe service live of these expensive and low-redundancy structures.
The research plan is aimed at developing vibration mitigation solutions for KDOT HMIP structures. A primarily experimental approach is proposed, wherein vibration mitigation devices are tested on a full-scale HMIP structure.  Computational simulations (finite element models) will be used to augment the scope of the experimental investigation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:01:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2015222</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of High Mast Illumination Poles: Influence of Light Fixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2015220</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kansas DOT has recently discovered numerous failures of galvanized high mast illumination pole (HMIP) structures along major highways, particularly in western areas of the state. The majority of the failures have been characterized by cracks at the handhole detail, near the pole base. Many of the failed poles were installed in the past 8-12 months, and thus the failures are deemed extremely premature. The severity and speed of the failures is alarming, especially considering that collapse of an in-service HMIP near major highways such as I-70 poses great risk to the traveling public.
Known failed structures have been removed from service, and KDOT is contracting with an outside party to perform holistic inspections of fatigue-sensitive details on poles across the state inventory to determine whether cracking exists in other HMIP structures. Additionally, a project is currently underway at the University of Kansas to characterize the failures and to determine fatigue implications of the current HMIP design and possible design modifications.
The failures appear to be at least in part caused by wind-induced fatigue loading, and a number of KDOT’s HMIPs have exhibited “locked in” resonant frequency responses, such that they experience very large cyclic deformations under wind loading (on the order of 5’ of deflection at the tip of a 100’-tall pole). KDOT engineers recorded videos of multiple HMIPs exhibiting locked-in resonant behavior in March 2019 during a windstorm. Finite element models performed as part of the KU research showed that this type of repeated large-deformation response has the potential to produce severe fatigue damage over a very short amount of time. Therefore, there is a clear need to develop an understanding of what conditions produce this behavior so that actions can be taken to keep it from occurring.
To develop a complete understanding of what conditions produce locked-in resonant responses, sophisticated aeroelastic analysis utilizing fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models are ultimately needed. FSI modeling can be used to explicitly capture the interaction between wind loading and dynamic structural behavior. However, FSI models are extremely resource-intensive, and they require careful development and tuning of variables beforehand. Before a FSI investigation can be responsibly performed, aerodynamic analysis based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling should be first completed, to ensure that the fluids component of the later FSI modeling is well-developed and valid. Additionally, the project team needs to be confident in our selection of variables to investigate in FSI models, and preliminary work is needed to determine whether variables such as HMIP luminaire type have a significant influence on the fluid dynamic response.
In CFD models, the geometry of a structure is modeled which remains fixed while a fluid (i.e., air) flows around the rigid structural components at specific velocities. As geometric parameters of the HMIP are varied across different CFD models (e.g., luminaire type), it will be apparent if these variables have an influence on airflow around the pole. This is a critical first step to establishing a set of meaningful variables to be investigated in later fluid-structure interaction models.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:04:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2015220</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Platooning for Improved Safety and Efficiency of Semi-trucks [PISES - IV]</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1981115</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In order to be improve the mobility of goods, energy-efficiency is critical for economics and platooning is a critical enabler to improves the productivity of freight movement.  The project builds on earlier projects, PISES I-III, to build advanced simulation capabilities for understanding platooning in real-world environments.  In particular, in this project, the research team will focus on estimating the overall power draw of the platoon using a platooning aware drag coefficient.   In order to develop a model for platoon-aware drag coefficient over a wide range of operating conditions, the team will perform a series of computation fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of platoons of trucks in single vehicle and platoon configurations.  This will guide energy-estimation in real-world conditions which will be compared against real-world data obtained through deployment partner, Locomation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:23:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1981115</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Dynamic Hurricane Risk Modeling Framework to Improve Bridge Safety under Changing Climate</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1945928</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal regions have been experiencing more frequent and more intensive tropical cyclones (TC) due to climate change in recent years. In 2020, the tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean made a number record in a season, with 30 named storms in total, 13 of which progressed into hurricanes. Global warming will continue and climate change will follow (USGCRP, 2018), leading to more severe winds and storms and threating the safety of bridges in coastal regions. In order for local governments to take pro-active adaptations and measures, it is essential to understand the local impact of global climate change. To address this, this project will develop a new, efficient hurricane wind model and then develop a new, dynamic hurricane risk modeling framework that can reflect climate change. This will inform decision-makers when they develop near-term measures and long-term plans for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. To achieve this research goal, the following two research tasks have been planned. First, by balancing the advantages and disadvantages of existing parametric TC models for engineering applications, this project will develop a high-fidelity, computationally efficient three-dimensional nonlinear TC model that can consider the varying land cover and terrains without too much simplification of the kinetic equations. Second, the developed hurricane wind model will be used to generate a great number of synthetic hurricanes to develop a hurricane risk model that can reflect the changing climate. The obtained results can be used to improve the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications periodically to accommodate the future climate change, enhancing the resilience of bridges.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2022 11:46:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1945928</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Understanding of Bridge Vulnerability to Climate Change Enables Pro-active Adaptation Measures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1762378</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the past few decades, climate change has been leading to more severe extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes and heat waves), quicker sea-level rise, and more frequent flooding in coastal regions. Bridges in coastal regions are vulnerable to hurricanes, sea-level rise, and flooding. To mitigate these threats, to increase the resilience of bridges, and to take pro-active adaptation measures, the overarching goal of this research project is to understand the vulnerability of highway bridges to climate change. This will inform decision-makers when they develop near-term measures and long-term plans for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. To achieve this research goal, the following three research tasks have been planned: (1) Investigate all actions of a hurricane on a highway bridge by including waves, winds and water in the computational domain through multi-phase multi-physics computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) simulations, with the consideration of wind-wave interaction; (2) Determining the failure modes of the bridge system by considering loading induced by all factors, including wind pressure from winds, wave surge from waves, and varying hydrostatic force from flooding; and (3) Model structural vulnerability of bridges with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution by considering future climate change. The obtained results can be used to improve the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) code periodically to accommodate the future climate change, enhancing the resilience of bridges.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2021 13:44:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1762378</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Wind Effects on Bridges Induced by Tornadoes for Tornado-Resistant Design – Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1685042</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Tornadoes have destroyed or severely damaged a number of bridges in the USA. Considering that tornadic wind loads have not been considered as a design load in the latest version (the 8th Edition, published in 2017) of the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications, in Phase I of this project starting in January, 2019, the PI has been characterizing the wind effects induced by tornadoes on bridges that do not normally experience large deformation and vibration during strong winds. That is, the bridge can assumed to be rigid in the computational domain and the wind pressure on the bridge can be determined without the consideration of the wind-bridge interaction, which is suitable for short-span or middle-span bridges. This project (Phase II) is to characterize the wind effects induced by tornadoes on those bridges whose deformation and vibration are significant under strong winds. In this case, the wind-bridge interaction will be considered and two-way coupled simulations will be conducted. This is suitable for long-span bridges, such as cable-stayed bridges and suspension bridges. The obtained research findings will be used to modify the equations for calculating the design wind pressure on bridges, preventing bridges from being severely damaged or destroyed during future tornado incidents. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:25:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1685042</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Wind Effects on Bridges Induced by Tornadoes for Tornado-Resistance Design – Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1582154</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The impact of tornadoes on civil structures is often devastating and results in loss of property, injury of human beings and/or loss of lives. In particular, thus far, 13 bridges have been destroyed or severely damaged by tornadoes in the USA. Even in the latest version (8th Edition, 2017) of the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications, tornadic wind loads have not been considered as a design load. To prevent bridges from being severely damaged or destroyed during future tornado incidents, it is imperative to characterize the wind effects induced by tornadoes on bridges and determine the design tornadic wind loads for bridges. This project will characterize the wind effects of tornadoes on bridges using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and modify the equations for calculating the design wind pressure on bridges. The obtained research findings will facilitate the tornado-resistance design of new bridges and the reinforcement of existing bridges to be tornado-resistant. This will eventually prevent bridges from failure during tornado incidents to enhance the safety of highway or railroad bridges.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2019 18:00:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1582154</guid>
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