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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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      <title>Evaluating Polymer Concrete As A Bonding Agent in Segmental Bridge Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2633311</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Segmental bridge construction is a widely used technique that enables efficient assembly and cost-effective infrastructure development. However, its long-term performance depends on the bonding material used to connect individual segments. Traditional grout, while commonly used, lacks the flexibility and durability required to withstand cyclic loading and environmental stressors. This research investigates polymer concrete (PC) as an alternative bonding agent, aiming to enhance structural resilience, load distribution, and long-term durability in segmental bridge construction. The study will evaluate the performance of five scaled bridge specimens: one bonded with grout and four with different polymer concrete formulations. These include Epoxy Polymer Concrete, Polyester Polymer Concrete, Polymethyl Methacrylate Polymer Concrete, and Poly Vinyl Ester Polymer Concrete, all of which are currently used in bridge deck overlays. Through laboratory testing and large-scale cyclic load testing, the study will assess their bonding strength, stress distribution, flexibility, and resistance to permanent deformation compared to traditional grout.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:04:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2633311</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Role Of Grout And GFRP Slip Liner On The Circumferential Behaviour Of Retrofitted Corroded Metal Culverts </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404267</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For any aging infrastructure, its probability of failure increases with time. There are a multitude of ways to repair and rehabilitate deteriorating pipes, and as the infrastructure system continues to age, it is important to understand and promote the use of effective and durable materials for retrofit. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have shown to offer an attractive alternative to replace the deteriorating steel in structural corrugated metal pipes (CMPs). FRP composites have significantly improved durability characteristics compared to steel, which will reduce maintenance costs and improve lifecycle costs. Other materials such as HDPE slip liners for retrofit are in existence but their durability and improvement to load carrying capacities is under question. Past experimental work has shown GFRP to be a suitable material for developing composite action with corroded steel using a polymer grout. Longitudinal testing of corroded CMP with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) slip liners has garnered interest of the New Mexico DOT. However, field conditions are more circumferential dominant behaviors, and no data exist on this performance measure for CMPs with GFRP slip liners. The proposed work will help evaluate the parameters obtained from circumferential bending necessary to develop design for field implementation using GFRP slip liners with different grouts for corroded culvert retrofit. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:59:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404267</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Validation and Update of the Sinkhole Index - Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2301360</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main project objectives are to (1) validate and update the sinkhole index and chart via large-scale sinkhole simulation test, and (2) evaluate raveling evolution and the effect of grout-take via the sinkhole index.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:31:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2301360</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alternative PT Tendon Strand/Filler Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096564</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project, alternative strand and grouted materials are tested for corrosion performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096564</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bond Performance of Post-tensioning Tendons with Corrosion Inhibitor</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1982731</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to determine whether injection of a corrosion inhibiting liquid into grouted internal post-tensioned tendons has a detrimental effect on bond performance and flexural capacity of girders. To achieve this objective, laboratory-scale tests will be conducted on post-tensioned concrete girders, both with and without an injected corrosion inhibitor, and over a range of tendons sizes, tendon profiles, grout types, and duct types at critical sections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:45:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1982731</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Validation and Update of the Sinkhole Index
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1723348</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main project objectives are: (1) to validate and update the sinkhole index and chart via both large-scale sinkhole simulation test and the updated dataset containing other geological formations and geotechnical conditions; (2) to develop a set of criteria and guidance for the sinkhole index and vulnerability assessment; and (3) to evaluate raveling evolution and the effect of grout-take via the sinkhole index.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:27:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1723348</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bridge Pile Repair Using Underwater Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Sleeve and Steel Reinforced Grout</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1765424</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of using stay in-place fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) jackets and underwater steel reinforced grout for timely bridge piling repairs in Minnesota without dewatering. One of the goals of the project was to determine the current state of practice to this corrosion repair and inspection by researching other projects using similar repairs and to develop a survey to other Departments of Transportation to gather their experience with this type of repair. Another goal was to document the entire repair process on bridge 9462. Two different products, Five Star PileForm F Jacket and Grout System and Denso SeaShield FX-70 and Grout System were installed, and contractor feedback was collected during the installation. This type of repair had a very limited impact to the surrounding area compared to a cofferdam type repair. In fact, the repair was practically invisible to the drivers on the bridge and boaters were able to pass under the bridge while repairs were taking place. The contractor preferred the Denso product due to the jacket being stiffer, which made the jacket want to shut, since visibility in the water was zero. The jacket’s seam was easier to line up. Both products had identical installation steps, and both seem to be a viable alternative to bridge pile repairs based on the performances from other projects found during the research.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:54:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1765424</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determination of Micropile Connection Flexural Resistance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1736406</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Micropiles are small-diameter (typically less than 12 in) drilled and grouted non-displacement piles commonly used for foundation repair, slope stabilization, earth retention, ground strengthening, and settlement reduction (FHWA 2005). In applications where vertical clearance is limited, micropiles are an especially attractive option due to their installation in short, discrete, sections. Connections between individual micropile lengths are made through the use of integral threaded couplings. This presents a concern, however, as the flexural capacity of the threaded connection under lateral load is unknown. To assess the impact of the threaded connection on micropile flexural capacity, grouted micropile sections will be tested in four-point bending at the location of the threaded connection. For comparison, flexural tests will also be conducted on grouted, bare casings. Four-point bending allows for clearance around the threaded connection for load application and also provides a constant moment region within the specimen. Comparison between bare casing and threaded connection flexural capacities will result in a ratio to be used as a quantitative adjustment for threaded connection regions when calculating flexural resistance of micropiles.
As micropiles are fabricated in multiple sizes with various arrangements of threading and connection length, there are a multitude of specimen configurations that could be examined. It is anticipated that the influence of threaded connections may vary with casing diameter. This is anticipated due to the changing ratio of thread size and connection length (constant) to casing diameter (varies). The proposed research will bound the possible results by examining both small- and large-diameter casings (tentatively 5 in. and 12 in. diameter casings).
Tests will be conducted for threaded connections from two different suppliers. Input from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will be necessary to identify appropriate sizes and suppliers (identified in this document as A and B). Two (2) grouted bare casing tests and three (3) threaded connection tests will be conducted for each micropile diameter and each supplier, resulting in a total of twenty (20) flexural tests.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2020 13:57:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1736406</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reproducibility of High Strength Grouting and Cementitious Material Properties Used in Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1516278</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project directly follows from and expands the project titled Influence of Test Machines on Material Properties. This study will establish uncertainty and precision of ASTM International standard test method for high strength grouting and cementious materials in determining the strength and elastic modulus, tensile strength, and compression strength.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:58:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1516278</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Sulfate Ion and Soft Grout on Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1512674</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project is to investigate corrosion performance of post tensioning tendons caused by grout segregation especially in the form of soft grout and role of elevated concentrations of free sulfate ions in the corrosion process in the presence of various concentrations of chloride ions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2018 09:20:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1512674</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Self-Consolidating Concrete for Connecting Precast Concrete Deck Panels and I-Girders</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1319699</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Existing precast concrete deck systems are either partial depth or full-depth with open channels/pockets that require cast-in-place concrete and deck overlay. There operations negatively affect the quality and speed of construction, which are the main goals of using precast deck systems.  The Kearney East Bypass in Kearney, NE is the first bridge project that uses the latest developments in full-depth precast concrete deck systems for precast/prestressed concrete girder bridges. These developments include using full-depth full-width deck panels with covered individual pockets at 4 ft spacing eliminating the need for deck overlay or exposed cast-in-place concrete. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is vital to the success of the new deck system to fill the deck pockets and the large gap between the deck soffit and precast concrete girders without the need for expensive commercial grouts. A research project titled "Implementation of Precast Deck Panel NUDECK" is currently being conducted at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) and sponsored by Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) to address design and detailing of the new deck system to be implemented in the Kearney Easy Bypass by the end of 2013. However, the constructability of the developed deck system needs to be investigated to improve its competitiveness against cast-in-place concrete decks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2014 01:00:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1319699</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SEISMIC: Seismic Performance of Precast Bridge Columns with Grouted Couplers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234194</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Caltrans is actively promoting accelerated bridge construction to minimize construction related impacts to the traveling public and to enhance work zone safety. Providing reliable connections to ensure ductile performance is essential to developing designs capable of performing to the exacting specifications required in seismic-prone areas. Grouted splice sleeve couplers have been used successfully in the eastern and southern US for accelerated bridge construction (ABC), but testing is needed to verify their seismic performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:08:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234194</guid>
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