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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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      <title>State of Practice for Specifying and Repairing Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671985</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) frequently uses Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls due to cost-effectiveness and ability to tolerate movements during their service life. WisDOT has observed excessive deformation or wall-facing damage due to deterioration or vehicular impacts. Research into durability of MSE wall reinforcements and best practices to ensure their longevity would be beneficial. This research will evaluate allowable limits for MSE wall settlements and out-of-plane movements and investigate repair/remediation methods when those limits are exceeded, with or without signs of distress. The research will investigate repair solution to address compromised wall facings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:23:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671985</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Mapping Urban Excavation Induced Deformation in 3D via Multiplatform InSAR Time-Series (UTI-UTC 27)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543420</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project explores the use of advanced Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques to map three-dimensional ground deformations caused by urban excavation activities, particularly tunneling. By integrating time-series data from multiple SAR platforms—including UAVSAR, Sentinel-1, and COSMO-SkyMed—the study constructs a comprehensive deformation field that captures vertical and horizontal displacements over time. These remote sensing datasets are validated and fused with ground-based measurements, such as total station and leveling surveys, to improve accuracy and spatial resolution. The resulting 3D deformation models enable precise monitoring of subsidence and uplift phenomena associated with underground construction, offering valuable insights into the effects of excavation on surrounding infrastructure. The research supports the development of more resilient and data-informed urban planning, tunneling design, and risk management strategies.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:45:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543420</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Study of Tunnel-Induced Ground Settlement Using Integrated Machine Learning and Remote Sensing Techniques (UTI-UTC 35)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543428</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research aims to develop an integrated framework combining machine learning (ML) and remote sensing techniques to study and predict ground settlement resulting from tunnel excavation activities. By leveraging Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR) data and time-series analysis, the project monitors surface deformations with high spatial and temporal resolution in urban environments. ML models—including deep learning and physics-informed networks—are trained using geotechnical parameters and tunneling records to estimate settlement behavior both during and after tunnel construction. The framework enhances understanding of settlement mechanisms, enables early warning of potential hazards, and supports safer design and construction of underground infrastructure. The project also contributes to the development of robust predictive tools for urban planners and engineers, ultimately improving the resilience and sustainability of tunnel systems.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:01:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543428</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Using InSAR time series analysis to characterize tunnel-induced ground surface deformation (UTI-UTC 40)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543430</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project utilizes Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) time-series analysis to monitor and characterize ground surface deformation resulting from underground tunneling activities. The primary goal is to enhance the detection and quantification of tunneling-induced settlements and deformations in urban environments. By leveraging satellite radar data from platforms such as Sentinel-1 and COSMO-SkyMed, the study applies Persistent Scatterer (PS) and Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) techniques to detect subtle surface changes over time. These geospatial insights are correlated with construction timelines and geotechnical information to validate the extent and distribution of deformation caused by tunnel boring machines (TBMs). The project demonstrates the viability of integrating InSAR analytics with ground-based measurements to support risk assessment, construction planning, and early warning systems for infrastructure protection in densely built-up areas.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 16:45:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543430</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guidelines for the Application of Ground Modification Methods for Highway Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957098</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Over the last half century, public transportation agencies have greatly increased the use of ground modification methods due to a need to use marginal sites with poor soil conditions for new construction purposes and to mitigate the risk of failure or the poor performance of constructed facilities. More recently, ground modification has been used to meet challenges associated with accelerating construction in difficult geotechnical circumstances.

Design and construction methods, equipment needs, technical feasibility, and acceptance criteria have been widely implemented through products developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Technical assistance provided through the FHWA has helped state departments of transportation (DOTs) in developing and implementing design and construction documents to govern the use of ground modification methods regionally. Most recently, the development and deployment of GeoTechTools as a solution-based web tool continue to support increased safe, reliable, and cost-effective use.

Research was needed to develop consistent guidance to aid states in the implementation and use of ground modification methods for application on bridges, retaining structures, and other geotechnical features on transportation projects.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project was to provide performance-based guidelines for the selection, design, construction, and acceptance of appropriate ground modification methods for transportation applications. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2022 19:25:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1957098</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Shaking Table Testing to Evaluate Effectiveness of Vertical Drains for Liquefaction Mitigation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1366542</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Although blast liquefaction studies have shown that vertical drains greatly increase the rate of drainage under field conditions, they have not prevented liquefaction. In addition, it is difficult to compare pore pressure development during blasting and an earthquake. At present, no direct field or laboratory data is available to confirm whether or not the drains have the ability to limit pore pressures and resulting settlement to acceptable levels. However, shaking table tests can be conducted with a large shear box (20 ft high, 9 ft wide, 16 ft long) containing drains at State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo and compared with identical testing currently underway for another funded study. Tests will be performed at progressively higher acceleration levels and durations to allow comparison of performance (pore pressure &amp; settlement) for earthquake conditions. Perform shaking table tests on sandy soils with vertical drains installed to confirm whether or not the drains have the ability to limit pore pressures and resulting settlement to acceptable levels during the earthquake event.  Three objectives are outlined for this study: (1) Evaluate the ability of vertical drains to prevent liquefaction during an earthquake event as a function of acceleration and duration. (2) Compare settlement of treated sand relative to untreated soil when subjected to shaking and drained with vertical drains. (3) Evaluate the accuracy of simple models and computer models to predict measured behavior.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2015 01:01:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1366542</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Development and Validation of a Predictive Settlement Model for Pile Driving in Silts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1232048</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mitigating the settlement of adjacent ground and structures during pile driving is of vital importance during bridge construction because of potential project cost increases, work stoppages and issues related to public safety. However, as urban development increases so does the quantity of construction activities near existing and aging bridges. This increase in nearby construction can have a profound effect of the serviceability of existing bridges by causing large settlements of the supporting soil. Therefore, settlement predictions must be included in not only bridge foundation design and construction but also in any bridge monitoring and/or preservation program. The objective of this research is to conduct a bench-scale study to be used in the development and validation of models for predicting settlement of adjacent ground and structures due to pile driving in silts. Ultimately, the results of this work will be used by engineers and contractors working on bridge foundations, excavation support, and construction monitoring programs in these soils.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:30:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1232048</guid>
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      <title>Evaluation of A Precast, Post-Tensioned Bridge Paving Notch</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228852</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Approach pavement settlement at the end of the bridge has been observed on a number of Iowa bridges. The failure of the bridge paving notch has been documented through previous investigation by the Iowa DOT as a contributing factor in this settlement. The conventional repair procedure for this problem consists of removing the deteriorated paving notch concrete while preserving as much of the existing reinforcing as possible. Wood forms are constructed, and a cast-in-place concrete paving notch is placed. Following sufficient curing of the new concrete, a replacement approach slab pavement is constructed. The conventional replacement method requires that the bridge be taken out of service for an extended period of time, which disrupts the traveling public. The large number of bridges that exhibit the failing paving notch problem and, more importantly, their location on highly traveled roadways necessitate the development of a much more quickly-installed replacement method. A rapid paving notch replacement is proposed that can be installed with a single overnight bridge closure. The proposed paving notch replacement consists of a precast concrete element that is connected to the rear of the abutment using high-strength post-tensioning rods and epoxy adhesive similar to that used in segmental bridge construction. The proposed precast paving notch replacement requires a material that provides both high compressive and tensile strength. In addition, the location of the paving notch beneath an open expansion joint may subject the precast element to considerable chloride exposure during its life and therefore requires a material that is also highly resistant to chloride intrusion. The research team will contact a manufacturer of ultra high performance concrete materials, which has both significant tensile and compressive strength with essentially zero permeability, such as Lafarge, regarding their willingness to contribute materials and fabrication of three specimens suitable for both laboratory and field testing. In order to ensure that a thorough laboratory testing program can be performed given the limited budget available, the research team will secure this contribution prior to proceeding with additional work.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:29:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228852</guid>
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