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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
    <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSJhbGwiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9ImxvY2F0aW9uIiB2YWx1ZT0iMTYiIC8+PC9wYXJhbXM+PGZpbHRlcnM+PGZpbHRlciBmaWVsZD0iaW5kZXh0ZXJtcyIgdmFsdWU9IiZxdW90O0ZseSBhc2gmcXVvdDsiIG9yaWdpbmFsX3ZhbHVlPSImcXVvdDtGbHkgYXNoJnF1b3Q7IiAvPjwvZmlsdGVycz48cmFuZ2VzIC8+PHNvcnRzPjxzb3J0IGZpZWxkPSJwdWJsaXNoZWQiIG9yZGVyPSJkZXNjIiAvPjwvc29ydHM+PHBlcnNpc3RzPjxwZXJzaXN0IG5hbWU9InJhbmdldHlwZSIgdmFsdWU9InB1Ymxpc2hlZGRhdGUiIC8+PC9wZXJzaXN0cz48L3NlYXJjaD4=" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <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>Effect of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) and waste products on Critical Chloride Threshold, CT, of Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694441</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcing steel is one of the most significant durability challenges facing concrete infrastructure, especially for bridges, pavements, and marine or deicing-salt exposed structures. A critical parameter controlling corrosion initiation is the critical chloride threshold (CT), yet existing test methods produce inconsistent values and do not fully reflect the behavior of modern concrete mixtures containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or waste-derived additives. As transportation agencies adopt newer binder systems such as Type IL cement and increase the use of SCMs, the need for reliable, practical, and reproducible CT measurement techniques has become increasingly important for service-life design.
This project addresses these needs by evaluating how Class C fly ash, Class F fly ash, and metakaolin, each applied at two replacement levels with Type IL cement, affect the CT of reinforced concrete. The study employs the newly developed OCcrit test method, which measures CT directly on mortar specimens under controlled electrochemical conditions. OCcrit offers improved reproducibility and more realistic assessment of steel–concrete interactions compared to traditional embedded-bar or potentiometric techniques, making it a promising method for future durability evaluations.
In parallel, the project will investigate a second approach to CT measurement using cyclic polarization. While this method has previously been applied only to steel samples immersed in simulated concrete pore solutions, results have not aligned with OCcrit values which is believed to be due to the absence of true concrete environments. Leveraging a high capacity potentiostat, this research will apply cyclic polarization directly to mortar samples for the first time, enabling a meaningful comparison with OCcrit and helping determine whether the method can be adapted into a practical tool for corrosion threshold assessment.
Finally, the project will examine the role of waste-derived materials by assessing the influence of acid- and base-pretreated ground tire rubber (GTR) on CT. Previous studies showed that untreated GTR can affect corrosion initiation, but the mechanisms remain unclear. By evaluating chemically surface modified GTR using the OCcrit method, the project will clarify how surface treatments alter particle–matrix interactions, pore solution characteristics, and overall corrosion behavior. The combined findings will provide transportation agencies with more accurate data and improved testing methods for designing durable, long-lasting concrete infrastructure exposed to chloride environments.
The proposed research directly aligns with CHDT’s core mission to enhance the durability and service life of transportation infrastructure through innovative materials and techniques. CHDT emphasizes the development of sustainable, performance-driven construction materials, particularly the reuse of recycled and waste materials such as rubber and industrial by-products, to improve structural longevity and reduce maintenance costs. By evaluating how SCMs and treated GTR influence corrosion resistance and by advancing CT testing methods, this project extends CHDT’s ongoing portfolio of work on freeze-thaw durability, corrosion mitigation, and the beneficial use of waste materials in concrete pavements.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:35:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2694441</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State of Practice of Pozzolanic Concrete in Infrastructure Projects



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2600544</link>
      <description><![CDATA[With the understanding of the advancements in the use of pozzolanic concrete to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has requested reports on the use of low-carbon materials, including pozzolanic concrete, in federally funded projects. The request noted that the report should include steps taken to assess the durability, strength, cost, and environmental impacts of pozzolanic concrete compared with existing concrete products. The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (US DOT OST-R), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will submit to the Committee a report on the use of pozzolanic concrete in federally funded infrastructure projects. The US DOT OST-R requested the TRB Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) to facilitate the conduct of this work and the preparation of the requested report. Research is needed to document the use of pozzolanic materials in concrete used in infrastructure projects and prepare the requested report.

The objective of this project is to document the use of pozzolanic materials in concrete used in infrastructure projects and prepare reports on the state of practice of pozzolanic concrete in infrastructure projects and in federally funded infrastructure projects. The latter report shall be prepared in a format appropriate for submission to the U.S. Congress. The research shall consider the use of fly ash, silica fume, and other pozzolans, both singularly and in combination. The documentation shall include the criteria and methods used to assess suitability of these materials for use in concrete structures, e.g., concrete properties such as durability and strength, estimated service life, economic considerations, and environmental impacts. For this project, pozzolanic concrete is defined as concrete containing pozzolanic materials. The research shall consider FHWA funded projects, projects located on federal lands, and projects using the formula and discretionary grants funds.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:08:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2600544</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determining NM Harvested Fly Ash Quality for Deployment in Durable Concrete Mix</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582990</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This Agreement details services provided under the Research & Climate Bureau project CN R925030. The main objective is to assess the viability of using disposed fly ash from six federally operated coal ash storage sites in New Mexico as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in concrete. This includes: Characterization via ASTM C618 and C1897; Evaluation of fresh and hardened concrete properties; Micro-modeling of cement hydration with harvested fly ash; Development of mechanistic models; and Validation testing via ASTM C191, C109, C469, and C456.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582990</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aggregate Alkali-Silica-Reactivity and Mitigative Measures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582928</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Alkali-Silica-Reactivity (ASR) is a well-documented issue with aggregate used in concrete throughout New Mexico. Historically, inexpensive coal fly ash (FA), a waste byproduct of power generation with pozzolanic properties, has been relied on as an effective means of mitigating ASR. As more and more coal-fired power plants are retired and replaced by natural gas power plants and renewable energy sources, FA is no longer a reliable and readily available source of material for mitigating ASR. Natural pozzolans currently used for ASR mitigation, such as pumicite and metakaolin, are available but are costly. New Mexico has many undeveloped sources of alternative natural pozzolans which could be utilized with proper characterization and become a significant economic contribute to the state’s economy. Establishing a statewide alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) database based on detailed ASR testing is required to provide high quality concrete with excellent long-term performance necessary for the construction of highly safe and durable concrete transportation structures. It is expected future changes to concrete specifications will reduce supply burdens and costs for quality concrete, while at the establishing local sources for alternative pozzolans, benefiting local economies, as well as concrete suppliers and customers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:32:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582928</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of an Advanced Snow-Melting Geopolymer Concrete Utilizing Graphene Nanoplatelets and Landfilled Fly Ash</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410494</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The construction industry faces the critical challenge of developing durable and high-performance concrete materials capable of withstanding harsh cold climates while reducing reliance on energy- and resource-intensive materials. Traditional concrete pavements in cold regions suffer from delayed snow melting, which leads to increased accidents, higher road maintenance costs, and a greater need for deicing chemicals. These chemicals not only further degrade infrastructure but also harm the environment. Moreover, the diminishing availability and quality of traditional fly ash, a widely used supplementary cementitious material, presents a considerable obstacle to the sustainability of concrete. Given these challenges, there is an urgent need to explore innovative materials and advanced methods for producing high-performance concrete. This project will investigate a novel concrete system that leverages nanomaterial advancements with initiatives to harvest landfilled fly ash. The primary objective of this research is to develop and test a new type of geopolymer concrete composite that incorporates graphene nanoplatelets, fiber reinforcement, and beneficiated landfilled fly ash to achieve enhanced electrical conductivity for efficient snow melting, improved resiliency, and increased mechanical properties.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:27:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410494</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Nanotechnology-enabled sustainable and cement-free pervious concrete pavement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263532</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: This proposed project aims to further advance the “greening” of pervious concrete pavement through the utilization of nanotechnology. Different from Phase I of this project, the Phase II will further incorporate three green technologies into the pervious concrete: (1) use seawater (in place of potable water) and sea sand (in place of river sand); (2) use slag and class F harvested fly ash (HFA, in place of class C high-quality fly ash); and (3) use carbon-negative biochar to partially replace the fly ash-based geopolymer binder.  Note that in the Phase I project, we leverage two WSU-patented technologies (US Patent 10647612 on geopolymer binder and a non-provisional patent on nano-engineered penetrating sealer) to develop a sustainable pervious concrete technology. Different from conventional pervious concrete, this technology will feature: 1) 100% replacement of cement by a cement-free geopolymer binder made possible by modifying waterglass-activated fly ash with less than 0.05 wt.% graphene oxide (a novel nanomaterial); 2) greatly improved durability of the pervious concrete pavement by customized design of initial water infiltration rate and treatment of hardened concrete by a nano-engineered waterproofing sealer.

US DOT Priorities: The project advances the “Climate and Sustainability” strategic goal of US DOT, as it produces research that leads to more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

Outputs: By using seawater, sea sand, HFA, and biochar to produce "greener" pervious concrete, this project will likely produce patentable technology. The project will also produce publications, presentations, and technical reports that produce improved understanding of how to enable the use of such unconventional constituents in pervious concrete. This project will produce at least one paper for presentation at the TRB annual meeting (or equivalent) and at least one publication in peer-reviewed journal. The PI will deliver a presentation at the ERTC3 annual meeting and deliver one webinar on behalf of ERTC3 to the broader audience.

Outcomes/Impacts: This project will produce knowledge and know-how to enable the production of a notably more sustainable pervious concrete mixture. This work is expected to produce substantial benefits for state departments of transportation (DOTs), county, city and/or tribal stakeholders where seawater, sea sand and harvested fly ash are readily available. Pervious concrete enables the use of space that is already part of the roadway system for stormwater runoff control, thus reducing the need for additional land. Reducing the amount of impervious surfaces may reduce or prevent the need for other stormwater management infrastructure (e.g., ponds, wetlands, and vegetated swales and filter strips), by decreasing the volume, flow rate and contaminant loading in stormwater runoff. Other potential benefits include: reducing heat-island effect and pavement noise; reducing hydroplaning, glaring or other safety hazards due to water on pavements; and minimizing impact to the local ecosystem. The expanded use of fly ash and other recycled materials in concrete will also be enabled. Application of results could contribute to globally significant environmental parameters including: improved water quality, reduced waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced natural resource extraction.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:54:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263532</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Addressing Fly Ash Shortage with Limestone Calcined Clay Cement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2196874</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The wide availability of high-quality and economical supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has been significantly strained over the last decade due to the steep decline of fly ash production. Woefully, this problem will be exacerbated in the future as coal-based energy production diminishes. Consequently, there is a dire need for alternatives to fly ash. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is a novel ternary cementitious system that is promising for the future of durable and sustainable concrete materials. LC3 is commonly produced by intergrounding and blending clinker, limestone, calcined clay (CC), and gypsum at the cement plant. Nonetheless, LC3-like systems can also be simply produced at the ready-mix plant by blending Portland limestone cement (PLC) and CC. These PLC/CC systems are referred to as LC2. Importantly, LC2 and LC3 systems are economical and widely accessible as the raw materials required to produce them are among the most abundant on earth’s crust. Furthermore, LC2 and LC3 have the potential to deliver similar mechanical properties and environmental benefits to cementitious systems incorporating fly ash or slag cement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of novel LC2 and LC3 systems for concrete materials in Virginia as an alternative to cementitious systems incorporating conventionally used SCMs such as fly ash and slag cement.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:58:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2196874</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Showcasing and Rodeo of Emerging Concrete Technologies at TFHRC</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077946</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study presents a critical evaluation of promising concrete technologies; two related to rapid assessment of fresh concrete air void systms and one related to fly ash adsorption capacity.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077946</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Nano-Materials in Concrete for Improved Durability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2055965</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The application of nanotechnology in the construction industry has led to significant advancements in enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete through changing concrete’s structure at the nanolevel. However, advancements in understanding how to leverage nanomaterials to combat durability issues has lagged behind the progress made on the mechanical property side. Concrete is susceptible to various physical and chemical degradation mechanisms that can reduce its service life. Historically, Class F fly ash has been used to address many of these degradation issues. However, with changes in fly ash quality and availability, identifying other materials that Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) can use to protect concrete against durability issues are needed. Over the last 20 years, much progress has been made in using nanomaterials in concrete mixtures, for example, nanoparticles have even been used in high-volume fly ash cementitious systems to offset the negative effects of fly ash on rate of hydration and early-age strength gain. This project will investigate the use of nanomaterials on the properties of concrete mixtures, with special emphasis placed on durability properties and self-healing capabilities. Various nanomaterials will be used, alone and in combination with supplementary cementing materials (SCMs). The most promising mixtures will be selected for field trails to validate laboratory findings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:43:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2055965</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alkali-Silica Reaction Mitigation using Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948643</link>
      <description><![CDATA[New Mexico contains several aggregate sources that are extremely susceptible to alkalisilica
reaction (ASR). To mediate ASR, the New Mexico Department of Transportation
(NMDOT) requires a minimum of 20% class F fly ash (by mass of cement) in nearly all
concrete produced for their projects. Since class F fly ash has become difficult to procure
and future availability is uncertain, NMDOT is considering alternative supplementary
cementitious materials (SCMs) that could be used in place of class F fly ash.
This project will assess two SCMs being considered for widespread acceptance by
NMDOT and builds on work performed during a Year 3 Tran-SET project to investigate a
natural pozzolan mined near Espanola, NM for use with extremely reactive fine
aggregates. This new project will focus on utilizing the natural pozzolan (pumicite) as well
as a metakaolin product with a broad range of reactive aggregates. NMDOT has limited
data for mixture proportions and durability properties (such as ASR mitigation) of concrete
produced with these SCMs. Therefore, they are unable to confidently accept the materials
for use in concrete produced for NMDOT projects, even if class F fly ash is not available.
The specific focus of this project is to assess ASR mitigation capabilities of the alternative
SCMs when used in combinations with several crushed coarse aggregate sources so that
general guidelines that can be developed to minimize the use of the SCMs (based on
aggregate reactivity) to prolong availability of SCM sources and improve sustainability.
This project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to identify the most
important properties and characteristics of SCMs, especially metakaolin and natural
pozzolans, in terms of their influence on ASR and concrete durability. For the
experimental work, a suite of mortar mixtures will be proportioned with cementitious
materials combinations that include the pumicite and metakaolin as well as control
mixtures that contain either fly ash or no SCMs. ASR mortar bar tests will be conducted
using eight aggregate sources and SCM contents that range from 0 to 30%. Effectiveness
of the SCMs will be assessed by comparing their performances with results from the
control mixtures. Cementitious materials combinations that produce acceptable ASR
results will be used to produce 10 concrete mixtures that will be tested for slump, air
content, compressive strength, and flexural strength to ensure that the mixtures provide
adequate workability and strength, and then subjected to durability tests to assess their
chloride permeability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and shrinkage characteristics.
The primary purpose of the concrete testing is to evaluate whether the mixtures have
workability, strength, and durability properties that are comparable to mixtures containing
only class F fly ash. The implementation phase of the project includes documenting and
disseminating the results of the research in a final report for the project, publication of
journal and conference papers, and presentations at conferences.
The New Mexico State University (NMSU) research team is led by the PI, Professor Craig
Newtson, who has more than 20 years of concrete related research experience, has had
projects totaling more than $2,400,000 in funding, and has published more than 85
research papers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 12:19:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948643</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Calcined Clays as Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Material and Precursor for Geopolymer Binders in Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948612</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The use of fly ash in concrete has become a common practice in the US. On the other hand, fly
ash has been also used as a key ingredient for geopolymers recently introduced as an ecofriendly
and sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete. However,
the decline in coal-fired power generation and stricter environmental regulations have led to a
scarcity of high-quality fly ash in the US and consequently an increase in its price. Calcined
clays (CCs) are a promising alternative to fly ash due to their wide local availability. They are
rich sources of alumino-silicate species needed for both pozzolanic reaction that takes during
the curing of OPC and the geopolymerization reaction. Preliminary results from a previously
funded Tran-SET project (20CLSU07) show that several readily available CCs in Region 6 are
potentially useful as SCMs in concrete. While preliminary results are promising, further
characterization of the CCs and their comprehensive evaluation in concrete is required to
develop the necessary engineering knowledge for their use in the field. As a response to the
expected shortage of fly ash, the main objective of this project is to evaluate calcined clays
(CCs) as a much-needed alternative source for the future of concrete materials for the
transportation infrastructure in Region 6. Going beyond the use of CCs as alternative SCMs, the
present projects also aims to evaluate the feasibility of using CCs as a precursor for the
synthesis of geopolymer binders, which could be used for the production of cost-effective and
environmentally friendly geopolymer concrete for the transportation infrastructure in Region 6.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:36:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948612</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Beneficiation of High Sulfur Fly Ashes and Quarry Fines for Sustainable Ternary Concrete Mixtures

</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1925911</link>
      <description><![CDATA[With an estimated 50% of all concrete produced containing some continuous flight auger (CFA) [6,7] and when CFA demand for use in concrete is increasing [1] while its supply is decreasing [9,10], it is evident that viable alternatives are necessary now and in the future for sustaining the production of durable and sustainable (low CO₂) concrete. This research will develop a ternary cement (e.g., ASTM C595 Type IT cement) that 3 combines the widely available high SO₃ CFA and quarry fines to reduce the Portland cement content of concrete by 50% or more. This new cement will be compliant with ASTM C595 and as such, will be immediately usable by concrete producers. Additionally, the availability of high SO₃ CFA and quarry fines would supplement the existing supply of conventional SCMs and allow the industry to proceed with its construction operations uninterrupted while meeting ambitious sustainability targets with respect to CO₂ emissions. In addition, there could be materials cost savings, even after beneficiation of these SCMs, given that they are currently discarded as waste materials. This research will explore the design and performance evaluation of a new ASTM C595 Type IT blended cement that includes high SO₃ CFA and quarry fines. 
The specific objectives are:
(1) Characterization of high SO₃ CFA and quarry fines in terms of their composition, mineralogy, physical properties, and pozzolanic reactivity.
(2) Designing and developing a new Type IT cement containing high SO₃ CFA and quarry fines to reach at least 95% of the compressive strength of a control Type IT cement at 28 days.
(3) Evaluating the impact of this new cement on fresh properties of concrete, including workability, setting time, and admixture performance.
(4) Studying the durability performance of concrete made with the new cement blend.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:19:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1925911</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Ultra-High Performance Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904906</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an advanced fiber reinforced composite
material with compressive strengths greater than 17,000 psi (120 MPa), flexural strengths
greater than 1450 psi (10 MPa), and exceptional durability properties. UHPC is produced
with a high cementitious materials content, and silica fume and high-range water reducing
admixtures are used to produce a dense microstructure that can result in compressive
strengths greater than 29,000 psi (200 MPa). The superior durability and corrosion
resistance provided by UHPC provides the potential to increase service life and lower
repair costs in concrete structures.
New Mexico State University (NMSU) research has shown that non-proprietary UHPC
produced with local materials can cost less than proprietary mixtures, primarily by using
class F fly ash to replace much of the more expensive silica fume that is used as a
supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Non-proprietary UHPC produces slightly
lower strengths than proprietary mixtures, but durability properties of non-proprietary
mixtures have been comparable to those of proprietary mixtures. UHPC mixtures
developed at NMSU have been specified by New Mexico Department of Transportation
(NMDOT) for pre-cast, pre-stressed bridge girders and bridge deck overlays.
Unfortunately, class F fly ash production has decreased sharply as the energy industry
has reduced coal consumption and moved to renewable energy technologies to produce
electricity. NMDOT expects that by as early as 2022 the supply of class F fly ash will be
insufficient to meet their needs for concrete construction, so alternative SCMs are needed
for all concrete mixtures including the non-proprietary UHPC mixtures. This research
project will assess the potential for using alternative SCMs such as a natural pozzolan,
metakaolin, and ground-granulated blast furnace slag in non-proprietary UHPC mixtures.
The research project includes a comprehensive literature review to identify the most
important characteristics of SCMs for use in UHPC and to expose critical concerns for
UHPC mixtures produced with these materials. A suite of mixture proportions utilizing the
SCMs considered in the project will then be developed. Each of the new UHPC mixtures
will be evaluated for fresh and hardened properties including workability, compressive
strength, and flexural strength. The most promising UHPC mixtures will then be tested for
durability related properties including rapid chloride permeability, surface resistivity,
shrinkage, and frost resistance. Results from the testing program will be compared to
results from existing mixtures containing silica fume and class F fly ash in the final
research report. The implementation phase of the project includes documenting and
disseminating the results of the research in the final report for the project, publication of
journal papers, publication of conference papers, and presentations at conferences.
The NMSU research team is led by the PI, Professor Craig Newtson, who has over 25
years of concrete related research experience on projects totaling more than $2,300,000
in funding and has received national recognition for his research.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:59:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904906</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Low-Cost Sustainable Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) for Repair and New Construction of Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904905</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) are ductile strain-hardening geopolymer (GP)
based materials that have been recently introduced as an eco-friendly and sustainable
alternative to Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs). While EGCs exhibit mechanical
properties exceedingly superior to those of conventional Portland cement concrete (PCC), mass
adoption of these emerging composites is expected to be hindered by their cost, which is mainly
driven by the use PVA reinforcing fibers, silica fume, and manufactured microsilica sand. To
address this key shortcoming, the multidisciplinary team form Louisiana State University and
Texas A&M university will develop and characterize novel low-cost EGC materials for repair and
new construction of transportation infrastructure in Region 6 by evaluating the use of: (1)
calcined clays and fly ash as replacements of commonly used silica fume for GP binders; (2)
low-cost PP fiber, PVA fiber, and hybrid systems of PP and PVA fiber; and (3) natural sand
instead of commonly used manufactured microsilica sand. To achieve this objective, several GP
matrices, and fiber-reinforced GP composites will be developed and comprehensively studied to
identify fundamental relationships between materials composition, properties, and
microstructure. In turn, this will allow for rational material design and optimization.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:56:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1904905</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sources and Substitutes for Fly Ash in ADOT Concrete Mixes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1899649</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department has been using fly ash, a pozzolanic material, in concrete mixes for more than 50 years. While not cementitious themselves, pozzolans act as a cementitious catalyst when moisture is added at ordinary temperatures. 
Because future supplies and cost of fly ash are uncertain, the Department would like to be prepared with acceptable and cost-efficient alternative pozzolans for use in concrete mix designs for highway construction. This proposed research would not anticipate eliminating the use of fly ash, but would simply identify alternatives.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2021 19:24:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1899649</guid>
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