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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <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>
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    <item>
      <title>Develop Guidance on Drilled Shaft Response to Collision Force</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606400</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The 2024 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 10th Edition, specify a 600-kip equivalent static force (ESF) for vehicle collisions with unprotected bridge columns. Current provisions assume this force transfers directly from the column to the foundation, often a drilled shaft, leading to potentially inadequately sized foundations. Field investigations show that drilled shafts rarely sustain impact damage; instead, failures typically occur at the column-to-drilled-shaft connections or the column. Additionally, the response of soil, concrete, and steel under high strain rates differs from static conditions, increasing material strength and stiffness. Nevertheless, current design provisions provide limited guidance on these dynamic effects, leading to uncertainty in impact load distribution and resistance. This study aims to enhance collision load modeling accuracy, ensuring that drilled shaft-supported bridge substructures are designed more efficiently while maintaining structural resilience. The outcomes will support Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and 
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specification updates, optimizing foundation design and mitigating the risk of premature failures at critical connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:47:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606400</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4924:  Numerical Modeling for Assessment and Evaluation of New and Retrofitted Bridge Rails Under Impact Load</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434101</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop alternate methods such as high-performance numerical 3D finite element (FE) modeling and analysis of bridge railing systems. Guidelines will be developed for appropriate numerical modeling and dynamic (impact) analysis of bridge rails. The primary focus will be to evaluate F-shaped railings with existing anchor details, with further emphasis to determine whether that detail is for the deck mounted pedestrian railing (PF-1). This research will support the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)'s evaluation of retrofit bridge railings and could potentially be the basis for future evaluations of other railing types.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:23:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434101</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Experimental Evaluation of Strengthening Methods for Bridge Piers Against Vehicular Collision</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2369297</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to understand how to strengthen existing piers to resist collision forces common in multiple Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) districts. A better understanding of strengthening methods with conventional concrete collars, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) collars, fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) or other optimized methods would make those repairs more cost efficient. The goal is to strengthen the existing piers to resist the AASHTO LRFD 600-kip (2668.93-KN) ESF. Based on the finite element models and theoretical calculations of conventional concrete, UHPC, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) wrap developed in the phase 1 of research, the authors aim to construct reduced-scale models for impact testing and full-scale models for static testing that could help FDOT understand how to improve and retrofit existing piers to have adequate capacity to resist the AASHTO LRFD 600- kip equivalent static design force and improve without a pier protection barrier. Given the limited existing research on pier strengthening to improve resistance against lateral impact, this study aims to enhance the safety of existing bridges and provide more cost-efficient strengthening solutions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:37:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2369297</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Critical Impact Point and Impact Angle Guidance for the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381727</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) provides criteria for full-scale crash testing and evaluation of roadside safety hardware (RSH) devices. As part of an RSH assessment, MASH requires that an RSH device be evaluated at its critical impact point (CIP), critical impact angle (CIA), or both, depending on the device category. The CIP or CIA is defined as the point or angle that maximizes the potential for failure of the device based on structural loading, vehicle stability, vehicle snagging, or other considerations.

While MASH has specific guidance for determining CIPs for several types of barriers (such as post-and-beam longitudinal barriers), CIP or CIA guidance is more general or nonexistent for many classes of RSH devices. In these cases, MASH recommends that CIP and CIA be determined by computer simulation. However, not all test laboratories have computer simulation capabilities, and MASH recognizes that using computer simulation solely to determine CIPs is often not practical. Even if computer simulation is used for this purpose, MASH does not detail what factors to consider in the CIP analysis. The limited procedures for determining critical impact conditions for these safety devices and tests has led to differences in how devices are tested and evaluated at different laboratories. This may result in inconsistent test results.

Research is needed to support state departments of transportation (DOTs) in establishing crash-test procedures for assessing RSH devices in a uniform and consistent manner.


OBJECTIVE: The project objective is to develop and validate procedures to determine CIPs and CIAs to assess the crashworthiness of RSH devices. The project will focus on RSH devices that currently have a range or limited criteria to determine CIPs and CIAs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2024 16:42:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381727</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of GFRP Spirals in Corrosion Resistant Concrete Piles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250474</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will: (1) develop impactor and test setup for pile driving simulation to extend the capabilities of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Structures Research Center Pendulum; (2) experimentally evaluate the response of CFRP, GFRP and steel ties under impact loading and bending; (3) experimentally evaluate the confinement behavior at a pile cut-off location; (4) develop analytical and numerical models to explain the observed behavior, to provide guidelines for piles that are not experimentally tested; and (5) design GFRP or GFRP/CFRP hybrid ties that meet the loading requirements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:48:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250474</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Traffic Railings for Impact Loading, Phase II - Slip Forming</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2175540</link>
      <description><![CDATA[	The objective of this research is to evaluate the slip forming methodology with the developed mix design using a ready-mix company for the whole mixing operation. The research team will coordinate with a contractor who can provide use of a slip forming machine and cast some mockup traffic railings using the developed mix design. Constructability and fiber dispersion would be evaluated based on the outcome of the mockup(s).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 May 2023 13:26:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2175540</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fracture Resistance of Cold Bent Steel</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100877</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will determine the degradation of impact properties from steel that has been cold bent.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:17:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100877</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Protecting Critical Civil Infrastructure Against Impact from Commercial Vehicles – Phase 3, A Systems Based Approach Including Fire</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1943999</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposal will expand on work completed for M05 by: (1) Analytically investigate the performance of uncoated and FRP/polyurea-coated single and multiple bridge pier columns, and the entire bridge system subjected to combined blast, impact, and fire loads, with, pressure, temperature and material response time-histories being investigated. (2) Completing advanced computational studies that include representative bridge system response to vehicle impact and air blast before and after fire exposure to ascertain system effects on robustness. (3) Improving and expanding upon Phase 1 and 2 recommendations and design aids based on results from items 1 and 2. Project deliverables include enhanced aids/guidelines along with modified code language.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:28:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1943999</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Countermeasure Strategies for Protecting Bridge Girders Against Overheight Vehicles Impact</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1867130</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently developed an energy-dissipative system prototype using a combination of a steel box beam with aluminum honeycombs for the protection of bridge girders from over-height impacts. This innovative protection device will be effective in preventing damages to concrete and steel beams, while sustaining moderate to severe damage to itself, depending on the intensity of the impact. This project focuses on the full scale testing, field installation and evaluation of the effectiveness of this prototype against over-height truck impacts.
The innovative steel beam/honeycomb protective system is anticipated to dissipate a large portion of the energy from the colliding truck by crushing/deforming the honeycombs. The effectiveness of this device has been investigated recently by large-scale testing in collaboration with the researchers at Hunan University, where over-height impact was simulated through a drop hammer system. With the success of the large-scale testing program, the actual field installation of full scale model is deemed necessary to validate its effectiveness to protect existing bridge structures. In particular, this project aims at the following: (1) Design of the full-scale testing program and selection of bridge site for the field installation; (2) Custom construction and installation of the full-scale model of the prototype attaching to the existing facial girder of the selected structure; and (3) Full scale testing and evaluation of the system with actual over-height truck impact on site.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2021 21:15:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1867130</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Protecting Critical Civil Infrastructure Against Impact from Commercial Vehicles – Phase II, A Systems Based Approach</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1777950</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposal will expand on work completed for M05 by:
(1) Experimentally examine behavior of uncoated and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)/polyurea-coated concrete under blast loads, with pressure, temperature and material response time-history data being collected using instruments on the specimens and non-contact video tracking and laser scanning coupled with computer vision.
(2) Advance computational studies, findings and design aids to include entire bridge system response under vehicle impact and air blast. Developed models will include:
(a) Material behavioral information from aforementioned tests.
(b) Foundations and surrounding soil systems using discrete element and particle based methods.
(c) Different types of sub- and superstructure designs, and
(d) The effects of temperature on behavior, functionality and resiliency.
Project deliverables include enhanced aids/guidelines along with modified code language.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2021 11:11:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1777950</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>MnDOT Haul/Detour Routes – Impacts on local roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1764601</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The traffic load on local roadways have changed significantly due to the traffic added from detour and haul routes. Minnesota state law limits the weight of vehicles by individual axles and gross weight. While these laws standardize traditional vehicles by size and weight, when a new pavement is being built, large volumes of heavy vehicles are sometimes diverted through local roads. However, the local road network is often inadequate as these roads are not designed to handle such volume and weight of vehicles. The costs of the resulting premature pavement failure, maintenance, and rehabilitation are the responsibility of local roads authorities who are not generally able to absorb these additional costs. Currently, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) determines compensation in these circumstances based on gas tax income generated by the truck highway traffic detoured onto a local roadway. However, there are apprehensions regarding the adequacy of this compensation method to address the damages to the roads. Therefore there is a need to objectively investigate alternative approaches to quantify the reduction in pavement life due to additional traffic in haul/detour routes, and costs associated with this traffic. The primary goal of this study is to analyze alternative “equivalent compensation” methods and develop an agreed-upon approach with stakeholders. This will be achieved through four major tasks: (1) identify, quantify, and evaluate the impacts of changed traffic on the current local roadway systems, (2) forensic investigation on statewide sites, (3) conduct compensation analyses via use of different equivalent compensation methods, (4) develop a web-based tool on the agreed-upon compensation method. The outcomes of this research are anticipated to substantially extend the service life of the local Minnesota road system.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:22:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1764601</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessment and Repair of Prestressed Bridge Girders Subjected to Over-Height Truck Impacts (OHTI)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1738102</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Having adequate reliable infrastructures, including bridges, has been crucial to the process of economic and social development of any country. Bridges are exposed to man-made and natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and impact loads. Vehicles and vessels may impact bridge columns, piers, and girders causing severe damage and yielding losses of human lives and economy. Based on bridge failure incidents occurred between 1967 and 2006, vessel and vehicles impacts are the second highest cause of bridge failure in the U.S. Failure occurred due to damage to bridge girders and columns. This project focuses on the behavior and repair of bridge girders subjected to over-height truck impacts.

OBJECTIVES: Vehicle impact is one of the major causes for bridge collapse in the U.S. The overarching goal of this project is to assess the damage to and repair of bridge girders due to the over-height truck impact using comprehensive experimental testing and analytical models. In particular, this project aims to determine: • The remaining carrying capacity of bridge girders damaged due to over-height truck impact which will allow stakeholders (e.g., state department of transportation engineers) to prioritize girders needing repairs. • Determine the carrying capacity of the damaged girders after being repaired using different repair measures. The repaired beams will be investigated under static and fatigue loads to determine their capacities.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:54:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1738102</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Protecting Critical Civil Infrastructure Against Impact from Commercial Vehicles – Phase I, Year 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1583347</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge pier columns are critical load carrying elements and are often positioned in a fashion where it is neither possible nor economically feasible to place protective devices around them. Recent research indicates that standard AASHTO design impact loads are non-conservative for heavy vehicles and high speeds. Pier columns could be under-designed for commercial vehicle impacts and additional events that could occur, such as blast. This project will work to develop criterion that improve bridge pier column resiliency in the event of an impact that is combined an additional event.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2019 16:33:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1583347</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Protecting Critical Civil Infrastructure Against Impact from Commercial Vehicles - Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1524134</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge pier columns are critical load carrying elements and are often positioned in a fashion where it is neither possible nor economically feasible to place protective devices around them. Recent research indicates that standard American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design impact loads are non-conservative for heavy vehicles and high speeds. Pier columns could be under-designed for commercial vehicle impacts and additional events that could occur, such as blast. This project will work to develop criterion that improve bridge pier column resiliency in the event of an impact that is combined an additional event.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:38:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1524134</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dynamic Evaluation and Design of Prefabricated Concrete Bridge Rails</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1482180</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The scope of work outlined below, builds upon the results of the Accelerated Bridge Construction-University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC) research project completed in Phase I. Tasks include: Task 1: Review of ABC-UTC Project (Phase I) and move forward with details for Two Precast Barrier Concepts for Dynamic Evaluation and Development of Design Methodology; Task 2: Conduct Numerical Modeling and LS-DYNA Simulation using Phase-I data; Task 3: Perform Impact Load Investigation on Two Prototype Designs; Task 4: Refine of Designs based on outcomes of from Task 3; 
Task 5: Perform Full-Scale Crash Tests on a Concrete Barrier-Deck Subassembly for Loads Corresponding to TL-4 and TL-5; Task 6: Calibrate Numerical Models; Task 7: Complete Parametric Study and Design Optimization; Task 8: Development Design, Construction and Implementation Guidelines; and Task 9: Conduct Life-Cycle Performance and Cost Analysis.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:03:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1482180</guid>
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