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    <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" />
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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>In-Situ Monitoring of Concrete Early Age Strength Development Through Acoustic Resonance Technologies</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689759</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project, a novel acoustic resonance technology for in-situ monitoring of the early age strength development of concrete and cementitious mixes will be investigated. This technology leverages the fundamental principle that the mechanical properties of a material, including stiffness and strength, are intrinsically linked to its acoustic response. By continuously measuring changes in acoustic resonance frequencies as concrete cures and gains strength, this approach offers a direct, real-time, and non-destructive method to assess in-situ strength development without the need for destructive coring or reliance on proxy specimens. Unlike traditional strength evaluation methods, which require extensive laboratory processing, this technique enables on-site deployment, allowing engineers and contractors to make immediate, data-driven decisions regarding construction sequencing, formwork removal, and traffic opening times. The project will focus on optimizing the acoustic resonance technique for field applications by integrating laboratory investigations, field tests, and data analytics. Experimental studies will be conducted to establish correlations between resonance frequency shifts and conventional strength metrics for various cementitious mixes, including rapid-setting and high-performance concrete used in critical infrastructure projects. By offering a practical and real-time alternative to conventional methods, this technology has the potential to improve project scheduling, reduce costs, and ensure safer, more durable concrete structures with minimal disruption to transportation networks. Ultimately, the success of this project will provide a transformative solution that enhances the speed, reliability, and efficiency of strength monitoring and promotes the implementation of in-situ concrete strength monitoring technology by validating the accuracy of the testing data, understanding the influence of external conditions on the performance, and developing implementation details with practical recommendations for future applications in transportation infrastructure projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:37:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689759</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Statistical Evaluation of Illinois Modified AASHTO T161 Freeze–Thaw Testing Following Laboratory Relocation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2686616</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A critical way to build high-performing pavements and bridges is to evaluate a mixture’s freeze-thaw performance in the lab to ensure it meets performance parameters. The aim of this project is to calibrate and validate new equipment for freeze-thaw testing at the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT's) Central Bureau of Materials. Researchers will test aggregate samples using IDOT’s new and existing freeze-thaw equipment, ensuring the new equipment produces consistent and replicable results. They will also create calibration guidelines that will help to establish a repeatable framework when replacing future freeze-thaw testing equipment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:41:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2686616</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop and Demonstrate an Evaluation Process for Acceptance of Additives for Use in Forensic Analysis in Hot Mix Asphalt</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2666836</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Although additives, modifiers, and extenders are commonly used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) designs, a robust and structured laboratory evaluation process is needed to assess their impact on performance and minimize the risk of incorporating these materials in routine use. The research team will develop a framework to evaluate new products in the context of asphalt materials, leveraging insights from existing methodologies such as NCHRP 1-130. The study will assess asphalt binders and mixtures, considering material selection, laboratory performance, and field validation using test sections. The final deliverables will include a laboratory assessment framework, performance-based criteria, and a template for long-term monitoring of additives in HMA.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:43:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2666836</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating the Impact of Volumetric Properties and Reheating on the Balanced Mix Design Test Results - Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2639368</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In 2017, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) initiated the first steps towards the implementation of the balanced mix design (BMD) concept for its dense-graded surface asphalt mixtures with A and D designations. Several field trials using BMD mixtures have been constructed since 2019 across the state, and data analysis revealed significant differences in BMD test results between batches of the same mix, or between different entities (i.e., producer, district, and Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC)). These differences highlight the importance of quantifying factors such as volumetrics and reheating, which have a significant impact on BMD test results. The goal of this research project is to identify the significant volumetric and reheating factors that affect BMD test results and quantify their impact. This objective will be achieved by analyzing historical performance data from producers, districts, and VTRC, and by conducting additional laboratory testing to isolate the reheating effect in BMD test results. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:16:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2639368</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Heavy Duty Intersection Designs with High Performance Graded (HPG) Binder or Suitable Asphalt Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2614514</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Current asphalt pavements with traditional asphalt mixes perform well under free flow traffic at regular speed. However, due to the nature of slow-moving or standing traffic, the same pavement structure with the same materials appears to severely rut at intersections. Ruts deeper than 2-inches were observed at multiple highway intersections, including those designed with premium mixes such as Stone-Matrix Asphalt, which result in serious safety concerns during wet weather conditions and costs millions of dollars annually to fix. Pavement designs specifically for slow-moving or standing traffic areas such as intersections, are rarely investigated. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions and increase in truck traffic, there is an urgent need to develop long-lasting asphaltic pavement designs for intersections. The research team will coordinate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop heavy duty intersection designs for different traffic levels following the same format of the heavy-duty pavement guidelines (i.e. catalogue design approach), using the Texas Mechanistic-Empirical Asphalt Concrete Pavement Design and Analysis System (TxME) with suitable asphalt mixes and other layer materials designed with the reliable laboratory testing protocols. Furthermore, the research team will identify and construct up to three field test sections for Validation of the new heavy duty intersection design method.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:52:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2614514</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gravel Road Performance Enhancements – Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2507250</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The quality of gravel road materials (e.g., abrasion resistance, freeze/thaw durability) is very important, since common surface deteriorations such as material loss, gradation change, loss of crown, surface erosion, rutting, washboarding and potholes can be directly related to the quality of the materials used in these roadways. In particular, the aforementioned deteriorations following the use of low-quality aggregates and improper gravel surface gradation can cause severe rutting and washboarding problems for gravel roadways. The importance of the index properties of gravel road surface materials such as maximum aggregate size, gradation, plasticity, and quality has long been recognized. However, most state department of transportation (DOT) specifications for gradation and plasticity of gravel road-surface materials are neither performance-based nor strictly executed. Consequently, considerable variation exists in the performance and durability of gravel roads, and substantial amounts of the freshly placed material for maintenance and repair rapidly degrades to smaller particles and dust. To address these challenges, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) initiated the first phase of the proposed project “Gravel Road Performance Enhancements-Phase I”. The first phase of the project has conducted a comprehensive laboratory study to evaluate the efficiency of mixing gravel road surface materials with different size aggregates and subgrade soils on improving the performance of granular roads. Approximately, 13 gravel road surface materials and 4 subgrade soils were collected from four different counties (Douglas, Cherry, Scotts Bluff, and Harlan) in Nebraska that experienced significant road distresses.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:11:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2507250</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Incorporating Lab Skid Measurements into the Balanced Mix Design Process</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2447007</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) research developed the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) concept around 2005 where the conflicting mix properties of rutting and cracking are measured using laboratory tests and a binder type and content selected which provides satisfactory results for both requirements. The next and final stage of the BMD development is to incorporate a defensible and practical laboratory assessment of skid resistance into the process. TxDOT has been conducting research on predicting skid resistance for over 5 decades. This research has focused on measuring the polishing resistance of the coarse aggregate portion of mixes. This has led to the development of a surface aggregate classification where the SAC A materials are rated as having good skid resistance properties. However recently it is reported that some mixes with predominantly SAC A materials have low skid resistance. In addition some of the fine surface mix with little coarse aggregate have been shown to have excellent skid resistance. One conclusion is that the long-term skid resistance of any surface mix is a function of many factors including mix, type, gradation, the quality of the fines used, and others not simply coarse aggregate properties. It is proposed that a laboratory test procedure needs to be developed and implemented to measure skid resistance of the proposed mix. This test will eventually be incorporated into TxDOT's BMD.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:02:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2447007</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Establishing Polishing Values of Aggregates for Use in Surface Asphalt Mixtures – Laboratory Evaluation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387402</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ensuring the safety and functionality of Virginia's road and bridge infrastructure is a paramount responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). VDOT's specifications place significant emphasis on utilizing non-polishing aggregates in surface asphalt layers to ensure acceptable levels of friction (skid resistance) for the safety of the traveling public. Section 200.04 of VDOT’s Road and Bridge Specifications defines non-polishing aggregate as material capable of delivering acceptable skid resistance when exposed in roadway or bridge deck wearing surfaces. However, it is important to note that the department retains the authority to evaluate and decide whether proposed aggregates meet the standards for polishing characteristics. This indicates a potential gap in the existing guidelines or specifications regarding non-polishing requirements, as the specifications do not provide clear criteria in this regard.

A specific concern arises from the classification of carbonate aggregates, such as limestone and dolomite, as "polishing" based on their mineralogical composition. This categorization imposes restrictions on the use of these aggregates in most asphalt pavement surfaces, particularly in the western region of Virginia where carbonate rocks are the predominant source materials. Consequently, the transportation of non-polishing aggregates over considerable distances becomes necessary, leading to a substantial increase in construction costs and subsequent maintenance and rehabilitation expenditures, and associated environmental burdens.

The objective of this research study is to develop a criterion for evaluating the polishing characteristics of aggregates used in surface asphalt mixtures within a laboratory setting. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:48:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387402</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques – Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2298709</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Extending the life span of concrete pavements and bridge decks can save costs and significantly reduce interruptions to traffic. This research focused on enhancing the filler material as well as exploring effective injection methods to save time and reduce traffic disruption. The repair formulations were evaluated based on two main criteria: workability and injection into the crack using appropriate delivery method. Three formulations were selected. Formulation A mixes have Portland cement, Micro fly ash, very fine sand (No.100), and superplasticizer. Formulation B mixes use CTS Cement All and Quikrete Fastset Cement component available in the NJDOT QPL list with added polymer and superplasticizer. Formulation C mixes are GeoPolymer based mixes and include metakaolin, micro fly ash, zirconium sand, iron oxide and superplasticizer. These formulations were tailored for different crack widths and geometries. This research investigated ultrasonic testing (UT) based non-destructive methods for crack characterization and repair evaluation. Laboratory tests were conducted on brick specimens to establish the initial properties of ultrasonic signals. Further tests were conducted on concrete beams after fatigue loading and reinforced concrete slabs with varying crack profiles. An UT methodology was developed that relied on general pristine behavior of concrete rather than point specific pristine profiles. Crack depth evaluation was conducted by comparing time of arrival. The signals from the cracked state were used as the reference and the shifts in time of arrival towards the pristine trend, along with amplitude gain relative to the cracked state, were used to assess repair quality. In addition, the feasibility of automated inspection and repair of potholes are investigated. By integrating high-resolution laser scanning with SLA-based 3D printing, customized patch geometries were successfully generated from artificial pothole models. A low-cost 3D image scanning system was developed for pavement pothole inspection. Laboratory experiments were conducted on artificially created potholes with different depths, areas, and surface roughness levels. Validation through benchmarking against a high-precision laser scanner demonstrated that the system achieves comparable geometric accuracy.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:39:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2298709</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Automated IDEAL Cracking and Rutting Tests</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256327</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to complete the design and construction of the automated test system and to deliver an automated IDEAL cracking and rutting test system working unit to Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT’s) MTD lab.  The automated test system, includes (1) specimen rapid cooling unit, (2) auto-air void measurement unit, (3) specimen conditioning unit for both room and high temperature, (4) automation arm unit, and (5) automated IDEAL cracking test (IDEAL-CT), IDEAL rutting test (IDEAL-RT), and indirect tensile (IDT) strength test unit, and (6) waste disposal unit. This automated test system will shorten test time and improve lab safety, test efficiency and accuracy.
The research team will work closely with TxDOT to build one automated lab test system. The research team will conduct comprehensive parallel comparison with the standard (manual) test system to ensure that the automated test results align with the current standard tests. The research team will develop a user manual for the automated test system. Additionally, the research team will provide training and demonstrations to TxDOT lab technicians after delivering the automated test system.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:47:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256327</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Validation of Laboratory Cracking Tests of Asphalt Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2112775</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cracking is one of the primary distress modes driving the need for rehabilitation of asphalt pavements. Numerous factors including traffic loading, environmental effects, and material selection influence the development of the most common modes of asphalt pavement cracking (low-temperature, reflection, fatigue, and top-down). State departments of transportation (DOTs) have recognized the need to establish and implement practical and reliable performance-related tests that can be used to evaluate cracking performance and use the test results to select asphalt mixtures more appropriately.
NCHRP Project 09-57 was established to provide a sound basis for recommending the tests most suitable to determine cracking resistance and its corresponding predicted performance using an incremental approach.
Initially, NCHRP Project 09-57, “Experimental Design for Field Validation of Laboratory Tests to Assess Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures,” developed experimental designs for the ruggedness testing of candidate laboratory tests to assess the resistance of asphalt mixes to four cracking types. The findings of this research can be found in NCHRP Research Results Digest 399: Field Validation of Laboratory Tests to Assess Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures: An Experimental Design.
Subsequently, Phases I and II of NCHRP Project 09-57A, “Ruggedness of Laboratory Tests to Assess Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures,” produced NCHRP Research Report 987: Ruggedness of Laboratory Tests for Asphalt Mixture Cracking Resistance, and recommended three levels of laboratory cracking tests for field validation based on the availability of resources.
Later, based on the cracking tests identified in NCHRP Research Report 987, Phase III of NCHRP Project 09-57A assessed the availability of materials and pavement performance data of the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program and the 2008 MnROAD pavement sections to potentially use them for field validation of the tests.
With this information now available, research is needed to conduct the field validation of the laboratory cracking tests and for establishing corresponding performance-related criteria.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is the field validation of laboratory cracking tests and establishing corresponding performance criteria utilizing laboratory-mixed and laboratory-compacted specimens.
The field validation and performance criteria shall be primarily based on the previous findings of the NCHRP Project 09-57 phases: NCHRP Research Results Digest 399, NCHRP Research Report 987, and the NCHRP Project 09-57A contractor’s final report.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:03:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2112775</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Correlation between soil erosion resistance and lab/in-situ testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067983</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will develop the correlation between soil erosion resistance and lab/in-situ testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067983</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Laboratory Characterization of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement Material Properties and Surface Treatment Behavior in Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2058577</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The corrosion of carbon steel rebar increases the life cycle costs by requiring more
frequent repairs, which require extra material and labor that would not be required if
the rebar material was insusceptible to corrosion. Virginia’s status as a coastal state and
as a user of deicing salts on roadways makes corrosion-resistant reinforcing materials
more suitable and practical for use. Balancing the performance and cost of alternative
materials based on requirements of different designs and structures is a necessity. High
performance materials tend to have higher construction costs, but tend to reduce the
overall cost over the life of the structure. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing is
one example that is more expensive than traditional steel reinforcing. However, this
difference in initial cost can be offset by reducing the future cost associated with
repairing steel-reinforced concrete in aggressive environments. In addition, there are
those who suggest that FRP materials can be treated very similarly to steel when
designing a structure. However, some of the properties associated with some FRP
products could be considered inferior to steel reinforcement. To address some of these concerns, this study seeks to provide laboratory material test information regarding the comparative performance of various reinforcement products, including glass FRP (GFRP), basalt FRP (BFRP), and carbon FRP (CFRP). In order to make these determinations, other material properties of the bars must be evaluated to discover if there are specific properties that could adversely affect the behavior and durability of a structure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:05:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2058577</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4623:  Improved Light Weight Deflectometer Test (LWD) and Analysis</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1898768</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to establish a specialized testing program for the determination of maximum LWD deflection criteria in lieu of field test sections. The deliverables are: (1) Laboratory LWD equipment, which will be integrated into the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Division of Research & Development (R&D) specialized testing program; (2) a manual of standard procedures for operating and calibrating the laboratory LWD equipment; and (3) an addendum to the manual of laboratory LWD standard operation and calibration procedures that specifies standard procedures for the interpretation and analysis of laboratory LWD test data.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:14:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1898768</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4616: GIS based Geotechnical Database for Collaborative GIS</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1888334</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project aims to develop the architecture for a geotechnical database for INDOT engineers to use in design. It will focus on identifying target applications, field and laboratory tests, and methods of interpretation and design to be covered and how to optimally structure the database.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2021 10:08:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1888334</guid>
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