Research in Progress (RIP) https://rip.trb.org/ en-us Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod) tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod) Research in Progress (RIP) https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg https://rip.trb.org/ Development and Optimization of Biochar-Infused Self-Heating Concrete for Bridge Deck Deicing, Strength, and Service Life https://rip.trb.org/View/2696157 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:56:12 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2696157 Quantitative Assessment of Anti-Icing Efficacy on Highway Surfaces Using Light Reflectance https://rip.trb.org/View/2620722 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:43:31 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2620722 NCHRP Implementation Support Program. Implementing a Guide for Snow and Ice Control Operations https://rip.trb.org/View/2593149 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:07:36 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2593149 Evaluating Ballast Performance with Freeze/Thaw Cycles https://rip.trb.org/View/2573189 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:12:51 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2573189 Development of a Salt Spreader Controller Program Using Machine-Sensed Roadway Weather Parameters and Climate Data (Phase 2) https://rip.trb.org/View/2543223 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:15:33 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2543223 Precast concrete with self-powering defrosting capability https://rip.trb.org/View/2491005 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy or icy pavement annually. Snow and ice increase road maintenance costs. Winter road maintenance accounts for ~20% of State DOT maintenance budgets. State and local agencies spend more than $2.3 billion on snow and ice control operations annually. Each year, these road agencies also spend millions of dollars to repair infrastructure damage caused by snow and ice. This exploratory project is aimed at developing precast concrete with self-powering defrosting capability. Defrosting capability has long been shown to be effective in cement-based materials by resistance (Joule) heating, provided that conductive admixtures are used to reduce the resistivity. Short carbon fiber is the most cost-effective conductive admixture to greatly lower the resistivity, so that resistance heating becomes effective. Short steel microfiber is even more effective than short carbon fiber, but it is much higher in price. ]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:56:11 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2491005 Combining Specific Heat of Concrete and Actuator Placement Optimization for Self-Powered Ice-Melting Precast Concrete Bridge Panels https://rip.trb.org/View/2491025 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:40:19 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2491025 Development of an Advanced Snow-Melting Geopolymer Concrete Utilizing Graphene Nanoplatelets and Landfilled Fly Ash https://rip.trb.org/View/2410494 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:27:31 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2410494 South Dakota Blowing Snow Mitigation Strategies, Prioritization, and Implementation https://rip.trb.org/View/2377865 Mon, 06 May 2024 16:23:06 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2377865 Winter Maintenance - A Deicing Products User Guide https://rip.trb.org/View/2317367 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:20:51 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2317367 Fast Detection and Prediction of Slippery Roadway Conditions for Enhanced Safety https://rip.trb.org/View/2291287 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:40:55 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2291287 A Sustainable Snow-Free Pavement to Mitigate the Negative Effect of Road Salts on Soil and Water Environment https://rip.trb.org/View/2264131 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:04:46 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2264131 Retrofit, Self-Contained, and Smart Solar Ice Control System for Resilient Infrastructure https://rip.trb.org/View/2262934 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:21:16 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2262934 Evaluation of On-Board Liquid Distribution System for Winter Maintenance https://rip.trb.org/View/2256359 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:28:06 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2256359 Analysis of Data and Development of Journal Paper - Trafficking Machine and Friction Data https://rip.trb.org/View/2221867 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:25:53 GMT https://rip.trb.org/View/2221867