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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>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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      <title>Assessing The Capacity of Four Steel Hinges Extracted from Existing Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607888</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Girder hinge connection details are susceptible to corrosion and stress concentrations that can lead to reduced capacities in steel bridges. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has recently replaced and salvaged four girder hinges with the goal of testing to investigate their actual capacities and the accuracy of the results of the numerical models.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:44:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607888</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prefabricated Bridge Columns with Self-Centering Capability Using Shape
Memory Alloy (SMA) And Ultra-High Performance Concrete
(UHPC) In Plastic Regions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404251</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research proposal introduces a new column-bent cap connection, with innovative materials such as Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) to promote the self-centering behavior and post earthquake functionality of bridges subjected to earthquake ground motions. Circular columns will be considered in this study. The significance of this research is to propose a simple yet practical and effective use of innovative materials such as UHPC, SMA and ECC as substructure connection for bridges in medium and high seismic regions. Several factors are simplified in the construction of the column due to novel properties of UHPC and SMA to minimize the splice length between column longitudinal reinforcement. This phase of study will focus on comprehending on fundamental behavior of the proposed system and identify, possible future steps that are needed for implementation of the idea in the field. Research builds on previous work conducted at FIU (Azizinamini, et al) in the form of moving the plastic hinge outside of capacity protected areas in seismic design process, through use of UHPC. The research will involve experimental studies, in the form of 2/3 scaled column specimens subjected to constant axial load and cyclic lateral loads, small scale component tests to comprehend the behavior of SMA and durability aspects of the proposed system. The research is expected to develop a roadmap to implement the proposed idea in the field as well as tentative seismic design methodology that can be applied to bridge column-cap beam connections, column-footing connections, and plastic hinge zones.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:44:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404251</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rapid Repair of Column to Footing Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1531903</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of Phase 2 of this research would be to explore additional configurations and further develop the plastic hinge relocation repair method investigated in Phase 1. The final product would be to append and update the existing design guide to include recommendations for the parameters considered.  Rapid post-earthquake repair by plastic hinge relocation has been shown to be effective based on work conducted at NC State. A simple technique has been developed, however, additional variations are possible which may be suitable under varying conditions of damage. The Phase 2 column to footing tests proposed here will leverage the remaining columns that are already damaged and ready for repair. The columns would otherwise be disposed. The techniques proposed as part of this work would add to the rapid repair techniques already developed and also build confidence in the capability of the repair itself. This could provide valuable information to decision makers when considering the options and potential consequences when planning for such an event.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:30:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1531903</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design and Performance of Micropile Supported Integral Abutment Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1498118</link>
      <description><![CDATA[There is little to no guidance on the design of micropiles (or end-bearing variation thereof) supporting fully integral abutment bridges (IABs), and no known performance data. A design methodology for the structural and geotechnical design of micropile-supported IABs is needed. Specific guidance is sought on (1) the acceptability of plastic hinges, which current H-pile supported IAB design practices permit, and (2) geotechnical resistance for an end-bearing variation of the micropile. The objective is to demonstrate micropiles satisfy strength and stability requirements for IAB applications when shallow bedrock is present, and adhere to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications. This work will include: Literature search and review of structural and geotechnical design requirements for micropiles in Sections 5, 6 and 10 of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications; analytical/numerical analyses of micropiles in conjunction with loadings and demands of IABs; confirmation and/or refinement of numerical analyses through field instrumentation to verify adequacy of micropiles in IAB applications.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:51:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1498118</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ductile Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Arch Ribs – Plastic Hinging under High Compressive Axial Loads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441855</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Arch bridges offer unique functionality in bridging over canyons, rivers, and large industrial facilities in addition to their esthetic value. Arch bridges, when subjected to earthquakes, most likely will form plastic hinges in the spandrel columns and arch ribs. These ribs should be detailed to provide the ductility needed by earthquakes, similar to columns in ordinary standard bridges. In general, arch bridges are considered Ordinary Non-Standard (ONS) bridges per the definition of California Department of Transportations' (Caltrans’) Seismic Design Criteria (SDC). Typical Ordinary Standard (OS) bridge columns carry an axial load ratio of 5 to 15 percent of the ultimate axial capacity (f’c x Ag). Where f’c is the concrete strength and Ag is the gross cross section area of the column. Arch ribs typically carry 25 to 40 percent of f’c Ag. Most Caltrans’ column tests were conducted with low axial loads. Ductility of the arch rib under high axial load needs a special study, including proof tests to demonstrate adequate ductility capacity. Rectangular confinement of arch ribs with cross ties, typical of old design, may not be adequate under high axial loads. Circular cores may be needed in the arch rib to provide a factor of safety comparable to the OS columns.Use of simplified analysis and design tools assuming first mode (longitudinal and transverse) response of arch bridges has been the typical practice of the past.  Large factors of safety had to be used to cover the uncertainty in the design.         One solution to this problem has been the use of non-linear time history analysis to remove the excessive conservatism associated with the simplified approach. Complicated response of the arch bridge in higher modes is expected to produce member demands beyond those identified in the first mode analysis. Plastic hinging in the spandrel columns and in the arch rib is expected, however, the extent of the damage depends on member proportioning. Proof testing of arch rib capacity will assist the designer in proper proportioning of the bridge elements.   ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:54:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441855</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Seismic Performance of Bridge Columns with Couplers and Development of Design Guideline</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1398655</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) relies heavily on prefabricated reinforced concrete members. One method to connect prefabricated columns to footings or cap beams is through the use of mechanical couplers. It is convenient to locate these couplers in the plastic hinge zone of the columns, even though current seismic codes do not allow couplers in plastic hinge zones in moderate and high seismic areas. Recent research has revealed the feasibility and sufficient seismic performance of columns utilizing couplers in the plastic hinge.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:48:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1398655</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development and Seismic Evaluation of Pier Systems with Pocket Connections and Hollow PT/UHPC Column</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1398654</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Research over the past half a decade has focused on various earthquake-resistant accelerated bridge construction (ABC) connections. The focus of this study is on pocket connections because they have shown promising results while not violating the current seismic codes. Seismic performance of precast columns that are prestressed with unbonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons and connected to the footings and the cap beams using pocket connections is experimentally investigated. Two single columns and one two-column bent will be designed and tested on one of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) shake tables. Advanced materials, engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), will be incorporated in plastic hinge of columns to improve seismic performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:45:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1398654</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancement of National LRFD Codes for California Bridge Design: Hinge Curl Research</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234214</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This task is intended to provide resources needed to research multi-frame prestressed box girder structures that require hinges to allow expansion and contraction due to thermal effects. The construction of these hinges is complicated by the fact that prestressing causes time dependent deformation. In particular, the short cantilever side of the hinge tends to "curl" upward due to the effect of prestressing. This curl continues until load transfer is completed from the suspended side of the hinge (usually after false work is removed). This makes it difficult to set screed line elevations since it depends on the amount of curl as well as the time until load transfer. This issue has been addressed in Memo to Designers (MTD) 11-34. However, the equations and methodology used in this memo are unproven and easily misinterpreted. A proposed revision to this memo is recommended (and will be attached to the proposal).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:08:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234214</guid>
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