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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>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <item>
      <title>SPR-5033: Optimizing field compaction of granular materials: Research and guideline development</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553994</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposal addresses INDOT’s need for material-specific, performance-based compaction guidelines by evaluating alternative lab and field-testing methods. The research will identify optimal compaction procedures and field control strategies tailored to each material, helping INDOT reduce variability, improve long-term pavement performance, and implement more cost-effective, durable, and consistent construction practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 16:03:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2553994</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Permeability of Granular Materials, and Blended Salvaged Granular Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2379666</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department does not currently have a clear understanding of how drainable a granular base material needs to be in a roadway section to optimize long-term pavement performance.  Furthermore, the Department does not fully understand how permeable the virgin granular materials used on projects are with our dense-graded material granular base sections.  There is also a lack of understanding of how permeability is affected by adding salvaged granular material once it has been blended into the virgin base course, gravel cushion, or salvaged granular material. Based on the previous research project SD97-03 completed by the Department, our current practice is to blend Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) into virgin granular material with a blend ratio of no more than 50% RAP. Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) can be used in lieu of virgin aggregates if it meets the specified gradation for the aggregate for which it replaces. The expectation with this practice is that both materials (virgin and blended) will have similar drainage characteristics.  With a better understanding of the drainage characteristics of RAP produced by various methods (process-in-place, cold-milling, micro-milling, and crushing) and RCA, the Department could better optimize the use of reclaimed materials in roadway sections and be assured that proper drainage has been achieved in the design in the most cost-effective manner possible.  Currently, that clear understanding is missing from our granular base material designs and this research opportunity could provide that clarity and assure that the best use of tax-payer funds is being utilized.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2024 14:44:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2379666</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Granular Density and Moisture Testing
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1852212</link>
      <description><![CDATA[SD2014-12 Compaction Testing of Granular Material was a research project to review current South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) compaction control methods and determine whether more appropriate methods were available. Two possible improvements were recommended as a result of this research. 

The first recommendation was to adopt moisture density curves made specifically for the materials SDDOT uses. A family of moisture/density curves was developed from historical SDDOT compaction tests of base and subbase materials to replace the currently used Ohio Curves, which do not apply to granular material and are being phased out by many state transportation agencies.

Another recommendation was to change the testing method from relative compaction to a strength-based procedure using the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). The DCP testing was based on specifications from Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). 

Finally, SD2014-12 recommended full-scale side-by-side tests on pilot projects prior to adopting either of these techniques. The study’s technical panel thought it advisable to verify the applicability of the South Dakota moisture-density curves over a full range of materials and geographical areas. The panel also recommended parallel testing of the DCP to: verify correlation of strength with density; evaluate the speed, convenience, and safety of the test procedure; identify operational limits on its use; and determine whether adjustments to MnDOT specifications are needed in South Dakota.

The purpose of this research will be to design and execute an effective evaluation plan for the South Dakota moisture/density curves and the DCP and to recommend how they can be best used in South Dakota.


The research objectives are to: (1)	Design a field test program that will provide side-by-side comparison of the SDDOT moisture/density curves and the DCP test to current compaction testing methods during the 2020 construction season. (2)	Based on results of the side-by-side comparison, evaluate the suitability of the SDDOT moisture/density curves and the DCP test as replacements for current granular material compaction acceptance. (3) Recommend specifications for using the SDDOT moisture/density curves and the DCP test in construction involving granular material compaction.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2021 08:53:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1852212</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Density and Moisture Testing for Granular Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729554</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Achieving field densities close to maximum dry density of the granular materials is of vital importance to pavement's performance and its longevity. South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), among several other DOTs, have been using the Ohio Highway Department's (OHD's) typical moisture/density curves for compaction quality control of granular materials and granular soils. However, the OHD curves were not developed for granular materials and use of them was observed to result in error and inconsistencies between the lab and field-measured densities. In response to a need for development of methods for compaction quality control of granular materials, a SDDOT-funded research project (SD2014-12) recommended that (1) OHD moisture/density curves to be replaced by those developed in SD2014-12 project; and (2) a strength-based method using the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) should be applied for compaction quality control. The present study is being proposed to design an evaluation program to verify the moisture/density curves developed in SD2014-12 research project and the suggested DCP method as the strength-based approach. Also, a specification is proposed to be developed for successful implementation of DCP method, if this study shows that the DCP can be used as a strength-based method for screening the field compaction.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:02:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729554</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Non-Nuclear Methods for Compaction Control of Unbound Soil and Granular Layers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1530339</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Proper density in the pavement, base, and subgrade layers is critical for ensuring a long-lasting road that meets performance expectations. Transportation agencies and contractors must have reliable devices and methods to determine in-situ density. KYTC inspectors and engineers use nuclear gauges to perform soil compaction tests to measure soil density and water content. But they are expensive to maintain, require special storage and safety considerations, repeated training, and certification for their use. In the past 20 years, extensive research and development into non-nuclear density gauges (NNDG) has been performed. NNDGs can offer all of the benefits of the NDG while eliminating the need for licenses, hassles, and costs of NNDG ownership. Examples of NNDGs used in transportation include dynamic cone penetrometers, light falling weight deflectometers, light weight deflectometers, and soil density gauges, among others. This research will investigate the current state of the practice for the use of non-nuclear test methods for the compaction control of unbound soil and granular layers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:53:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1530339</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Low cost Granulation of Lignocellulosic Biomass</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1368003</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No summary provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2015 09:20:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1368003</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <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>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1230089</guid>
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