<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
    <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <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>Seismic Behavior of High Strength Reinforcing Steel at Low Temperatures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1892230</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research is to study the impact of low temperatures on the seismic behavior of columns reinforced with A706 Grade 80 and 100 steel. This will be accomplished through the use of the Buckled Bar Tension test and large scale column tests, both conducted at low temperatures at the NC State Constructed Facilities Laboratory, as well as computational modelling of columns (and bridge systems) using stress-strain models and section hysteretic behavior observed during the conduct of the experiments. This project includes lab testing, a literature review, cost optimization,
data analysis, performance analysis, recommendations for DOT, and a final report.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:30:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1892230</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Direct Design Method of Hybrid High Strength Steel Web Tapered Members</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890628</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of the present project are to investigate the ductility and ultimate strength of HSS hybrid web-tapered members subjected to bending and combined bending and axial compression to propose a direct design method based on slenderness. An experimentally verified numerical model will be developed and nonlinear buckling analysis will be conducted. Four (4) different high 
strength steel grades ranging from 690 to 1100 MPA will be employed to study the buckling behavior and rotation capacity of members with various local and overall slenderness ratios. A comprehensive parametric study consists of 450 models will be generated based on the most influential design variables and correlation between the parameters will be presented.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:05:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890628</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1628607</link>
      <description><![CDATA[National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Research Report 1161: Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements presents state-of-the-art guidelines to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements. The guidelines were developed based on extensive analytical and testing programs and review and study of the state of practice. In addition to the guidelines and design examples, modifications to the current Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) bridge design and construction specifications were identified. The findings will serve as a valuable resource for bridge owners, consultants, fabricators, and contractors.

The majority of bridges built in the United States utilize concrete bridge elements with prestressed uncoated steel strands that are susceptible to corrosion leading to structure deterioration. Delaying strand corrosion will reduce maintenance needs, extend the bridge service life, and enhance safety. Therefore, DOTs have been investigating alternative strand materials such as stainless steel to address steel strand corrosions. However, there are no national standards or specifications to support bridge owners in using stainless steel strands. Research was needed to develop requirements and guidelines for the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements. 

Under NCHRP Project 12-120, “Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements,” the University of Houston was asked to develop guidelines for the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements and recommend modifications to the current LRFD bridge design and construction specifications for consideration by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. To demonstrate the application of the new guidelines and the proposed modifications, the research team developed supporting design examples.



]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2019 10:02:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1628607</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integrated Health Monitoring and Reinforcement of
Transportation Structures with Optimized Low-Cost
Multifunctional Braided Cables</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1467520</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Shape memory alloy (SMAs) can produce large recoverable deformations triggered by stress in a response known as superelasticity. This response has been shown to limit the damage sustained by the structure from an adverse event such as earthquakes, and have been considered in a range of civil engineering applications. Through a combined approach of structural optimization and materials design, this research aims at simultaneously achieving advantageous mechanical properties and self-monitoring capabilities in a single material for transportation structures. Therefore, the objective of this collaborative research is to design, fabricate, and characterize multifunctional high strength and self-sensing braided cables structures using novel iron-based SMAs.  The system will exploit unique properties of recently developed low-cost superelastic FeMnAlNi SMAs, which enables excellent superelastic properties, high strength, and self-sensing in structural health monitoring.  At the conclusion of the technical portion of the project, the researchers are expected to demonstrate a braided iron-based SMA cable capable of sustaining higher stress and greater elongation before yielding than conventional high strength steel cables of an identical geometry. For the implementation phase of the project, the authors will show that the strain in the braided Fe-SMA cable directly correlates with changes in its magnetic response, and can be converted into structural deflections using simple instruments.  Additionally, the project will define a viable path for technology transfer by establishing substantive partnerships with commercial alloy manufacturers, and cultivate the awareness and expertise in the technology through workforce development and outreach activities.  
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 May 2017 10:07:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1467520</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>High Strength Steel Reinforcement in Critical Regions of Earthquake Resistant Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441857</link>
      <description><![CDATA[California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is considering implementing American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A706 Grade 80 steel reinforcement for seismic applications. A planned research project aims to characterize the stress strain response of Grade 80 steel such that it may be used for design. Grade 80 and ASTM A1035 reinforcement are now allowed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials  (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LFRD) Specifications to reinforce regions of members that are capacity designed, that is, where plastic hinging will not develop. A reason for not allowing these higher strength reinforcements in regions of bridges where plastic hinges will develop during an earthquake is the knowledge-gap that exists about the cyclic response, of its low-cycle fatigue and tensile development characteristics. The purpose of this research would be to close this knowledge-gap and develop guidelines for capacity protected members constructed using ASTM A 706 Grade 80 steel.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:54:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441857</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>