<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>Which Way Forward? Learning from Global Informal Transport Networks to Inform Microtransit Services in California</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2695811</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This proposed 12-month study seeks to draw upon lessons learned from informal transit systems, particularly from the developing world, to inform the development and implementation of demand-responsive transit (often referred to microtransit) strategies in California. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies (n= up to 5), and expert interviews (n=15-20), this study aims to identify lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities associated with informal transit operations. Leveraging this understanding, the research will assess how such lessons can be applied to the design, deployment, and evaluation of microtransit and other demand-responsive services in California communities, including transportation network companies (TNC) and taxi models. Key areas of focus include business and operational models, fare affordability and financial sustainability (including operational costs), and potential policy frameworks. By synthesizing insights from informal transit experiences internationally, this proposed study seeks to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable microtransit and demand-responsive strategies tailored to the diverse needs of all travelers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:05:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2695811</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Data-driven Approach in Improving Truck Parking Efficiency</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2684213</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Freight transportation systems are a critical component of the United States' economy, underscoring the importance of adequate truck parking to ensure safe and efficient operations. However, a significant disparity between truck parking demand and supply has resulted in numerous challenges, including increased road safety risks, regulatory non-compliance, and operational inefficiencies. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive review of current truck parking management approaches, with a focus on data-driven prediction models, and truck parking pattern analysis. In collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the study will analyze truck parking patterns along key freight corridors and develop data-driven solutions to enhance parking efficiency and address these pressing challenges.

This project aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and offering a nuanced exploration of potential truck parking solutions. Using NC as a case study, the project will provide data-driven recommendations to improve the efficiency and utilization of existing parking facilities along key freight corridors. By enhancing the safety and efficiency of truck parking, this study will directly benefit truck operators, supply chain stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and local communities. The findings will serve as a foundation for informed policymaking and infrastructure planning, ensuring that North Carolina’s freight transportation network remains resilient, sustainable, and operationally efficient in the face of growing demands.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:16:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2684213</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Efficiency of Rural Transit Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652175</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rural transit agencies face unique challenges in optimizing energy efficiency due to dispersed service areas, lower ridership, and diverse vehicle fleets. Unlike urban transit systems, these agencies often lack access to tools that assess energy consumption and evaluate operational strategies effectively. This study aims to bridge this gap by developing a user-friendly lifecycle energy consumption calculator tailored to rural transit operators and applying the Mobility Energy Productivity (MEP) metric to assess the efficiency of different transit strategies.  
 
The research will involve a comprehensive literature review, development of a lifecycle energy consumption framework, adaptation of the MEP model to rural transit conditions, and case studies with selected rural transit agencies. These case studies will test the tools, gather real-world data, and evaluate various fleet configurations and operational strategies. Findings will inform best practices and provide actionable recommendations for rural transit agencies to optimize energy use while maintaining or improving accessibility for residents.  
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:33:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652175</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transportation and Mental Health in Central Texas Using 211 Call Center Data – An Exploratory Analysis</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652177</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mental health is an important part of an individual’s well-being and has been included as a key topic by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lack of access to affordable and efficient transportation can isolate individuals, limiting their ability to maintain employment, attend healthcare appointments, or engage in social and recreational activities—all of which are vital for mental well-being.  Long commutes, traffic congestion, and unreliable transit can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue, especially in urban environments. Active transportation options like walking and cycling not only reduce stress but also promote physical activity, which can reduce symptoms of depression.  
The research project aims to understand the multifaceted relationships between transportation and mental health by conducting a literature review using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) in topic modeling to identify prevailing themes and research trends in transportation and mental health. Also, through collaboration with United Way for Greater Austin, this project will incorporate insights from 211 Call Center staff and volunteers to better understand transportation-related mental health concerns, from a frontline service perspective. The project will then analyze 211 Call Center data provided by the United Way for Greater Austin. This analysis will explore spatial and temporal variations in mental health-related issues and examine how transportation correlates with mental health concerns. Caller comments, when available, will complement the quantitative data by providing personal context and deepening the understanding of lived experiences. Ultimately, the findings will inform policy recommendations aimed at addressing transportation barriers as a means to improve mental health outcomes in communities.    
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:19:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652177</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improve Wet-Weather Visibility of Retroreflective Pavement Markings</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652208</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Almost 50% of fatal crashes happen at night, and 70% of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavements. At night, pavement markings on wet pavements have substantially reduced retroreflectivity which increases the risk of injury related crashes and fatal crashes. Therefore, it is important to understand why pavement markings have reduced visibility at night on wet conditions and identify how to improve their visibility.
OBJECTIVES: Search literature and find the extent of pavement marking degradation during wet nighttime conditions. Compare the visibility values during nighttime on wet conditions reported in the literature with visibility values at the same conditions on Kansas road systems. Conduct market research and a cost analysis to find existing solutions. Propose cost-effective alternative solutions to improve the visibility and run pilot testing, including discussion on how the Kansas Department of Transportation (KsDOT) could develop a long-term pavement marking testbed to evaluate new pavement marking products.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:50:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652208</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Detection of Passages Beneath Highways </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640689</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Missouri has over 8,000 known caves and at least 350 mines. Internal investigations reveal that about a tenth of each (800 caves and 35 mines) are within 500 feet of Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) rights of way. However, it is challenging to determine which of these have passages beneath MoDOT roads and rights of way, as well as the depth of these passages. Addressing these questions is critical to ensuring infrastructure stability. In the case of threatened and endangered species and sensitive cave environments, understanding these locations can help better assess project impacts. This research should produce a comprehensive literature review detailing technologies and documented case study results. This will provide MoDOT with critical insights into advanced detection and mapping technologies for caves and mines beneath highways. By identifying more accurate, efficient, and minimally invasive methods for subsurface assessment, MoDOT can enhance infrastructure stability, minimizing the risk of unexpected subsurface collapses or disruptions. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:16:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640689</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SAFE Schools For Safer Future
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2628212</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) is a Kansas state initiative program launched in 2008 by DCCCA Inc. (Developing Caring Communities Committed to Action) to increase teen restraint compliance through education, positive reinforcement, and enforcement. This teen-led, peer-to-peer program aims to reduce the number of teen motor vehicle injuries and fatalities. The SAFE program has been a component of the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) for over a decade. The program was expanded to Oklahoma and Missouri in 2014 and 2016 respectively, and Iowa adopted the program in 2021. 
The goal of the current research project is to understand the efficacy of the SAFE program through a multifaceted approach. This project will be conducted in two parts; the first part includes surveying high school students on the topics of seatbelt, traffic laws and other safe driving behaviors covered by the SAFE program that can help in understanding their attitudes, perceptions, knowledge and experience regarding road safety and how it differs between students participating SAFE and non-SAFE schools. In addition, this part will also include socioeconomic analysis to determine the influence of equity factors on the driving behaviors and perception of Kansas teen drivers. The second part of the study will include conducting literature review, examining Kansas fatal and serious injury crashes involving teens over a 13-year period, from 2010 to 2023, and their potential contributing factors, identifying various safety programs, best practices and initiatives across the nation focused on improving teen safety and emphasizing the importance of educating and training young drivers during their early driving phases. It is critical to instill safe driving behavior for young people from an early age to foster a safety culture and better mobility in the future.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:27:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2628212</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5000: Retention of the Early-Career Highway Technician Workforce: Exploring and Addressing Their Career Trajectories and Challenges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2603849</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project addresses retention among early-career highway technician employees by examining their career trajectories, challenges, and development opportunities. It includes a literature review, analysis of the Indiana Department of Transporttion (INDOT)’s existing workforce practices, benchmarking with other state departments of transportation (DOTs) and similar industries, case studies, and survey-based insights. The final outcomes will include actionable strategies and a comprehensive report to support INDOT’s workforce development and retention improvements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:26:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2603849</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Comparing Resistivity and Conductivity in Metal Culverts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582927</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Currently, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) uses the “2018 NMDOT Culvert Resistance Spreadsheet” (CRS) when estimating the service life of culverts. The values of resistivity in the CRS for different types of culverts of varying material (steel, concrete, aluminum, plastic, etc.) and of varying wall thickness with different corrosive inhibitor coatings were collected from manufacturers’ specification literature. With all these manufacturers’ values being reported in resistance (ohm-cm), it was assumed that the electrical conductance (milliSiemens per meter, mS/m) values reported by the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) for soils throughout New Mexico were indirectly proportional to each other, based on Ohm’s law. Furthermore, the resistivity of the soil is determined in-situ adjacent to the culvert and the values reported by NRCS are from electrical conductivity (EC) tests conducted in a lab from field-collected soil samples. These two methods, in-situ and laboratory are significantly different in procedure and produce values of different units, ohm-cm (resistivity) and mS/m (conductivity), respectively. It is assumed that the laboratory test is more accurate than the field tests, which will be evaluated in this proposed project. Providing a better understanding of and evidence that these two methods, although different, produce results that are indirectly proportional to each other will enhance NMDOT’s continued usage of their CRS when calculating service life of culverts.

OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this proposal are as follows:

Conduct a literature review of similar work on culvert service life estimation coupled with field and laboratory analysis. Research various (inexpensive and expensive) in-situ and laboratory soil testing equipment to be used for this study and then provide recommendations for NMDOT;
Test various (inexpensive and expensive) in-situ and laboratory soil testing equipment on approximately 20 sites throughout New Mexico;
Compare service life estimates to existing removed culverts with soil samples tested in-situ and in the laboratory and measure corrosive effects on these removed culverts;
Validate the assumptions made in NMDOT CRS for culvert service life estimates; 
Adjust the CRS if needed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:13:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582927</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Alternative Materials for Timber Bridge Deck Plank Replacement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582877</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will focus on the evaluation of alternative materials for timber bridge deck planks to address the increasing costs, extended lead times, and maintenance challenges associated with the timber traditionally used by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The study will include a literature and product review, experimental material and structural testing and a cost and feasibility analysis of alternative materials such as alternative timber species to what VDOT currently specifies, fiber-reinforced polymer composites, plastics, and isophthalic polyesters. Material testing will include mechanical, asphalt bonding, surface friction, and durability testing, while structural testing will include beam tests and connection tests on the alternative materials. The cost and feasibility analysis will consider aspects such as the material cost, expected lead times, ease of fabrication and installation, durability, and general ease of implementation. The projected outcome of this study will be recommended alternative materials for use in timber plank replacements. Implementation strategies will also be provided for incorporating these alternative materials into VDOT’s bridge maintenance practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:04:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582877</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Novel Durability Screening Method for Stabilized Geomaterials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577122</link>
      <description><![CDATA[It is a common practice to chemically stabilize marginalized bases, subbases, and subgrade geomaterials to improve their geomechanical properties and durability performances. This research will provide guidance for the selection of appropriate chemical additives and optimized content for their use in pavement construction and design. Phases of the work include literature review, formulation of durability cycle, selection of four soil types and one stabilizer type; engineering, microstructural, and chemical studies; and analysis and recommendation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:51:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577122</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pavement Conditions Assessment and Prediction (PCAP): A geospatial machine learning approach to inform decision-making</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570737</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) continues to observe an increased rate of pavement deterioration on its 8,800 mile roadway network, which is the largest and most heavily used component of the transportation system under the MaineDOT’s jurisdiction. Pavement deterioration is governed by a variety of factors, including traffic load, quality and design of the pavement structure, increased frequency of climatic events like freeze-thaw cycles, topographic influences and drainage, and geologic considerations like the native subgrade soils. While these factors have been identified individually as potential attributes to pavement degradation and distress, it is likely the confluence of several attributes that impute the greatest rate of degradation on pavement systems. However, the combination(s) of attributes linked to varying degrees of the pavement degradation rate remain poorly understood and must be identified to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. 
This project seeks to identify and link the combination(s) of attributes described in the preceding section (e.g. pavement design/structure/quality, traffic loading, environmental stressors) to temporal and spatial differences in the rate of pavement degradation on MaineDOT’s highway network; i.e. to understand the relative influence of attributes imputing pavement distress. By working with the MaineDOT, UMaine will use existing and/or collect new pavement quality data (geo-located cracking index values) using the Automatic Road Analyzer (ARAN) to quantify the degree of pavement distress. ARAN data surveyed across the state will allow an assessment of variations in pavement quality across pavement types (e.g. new construction, rehabilitation, spot improvements, LCP, preservation paving), regions/space (i.e. for consideration of climate, geology, drainage, wetness, soil, and traffic loading) and epochs (time since last paving or improvement). 
The project is expected to consist of three components:
Phase 1a (3-6 months): A literature review of existing studies and methods that incorporate data-driven analyses of spatial and/or temporal differences in the rate of pavement degradation. 
Phase 1b (18-21 months): Data-collection and integration, mapping & visualization, and predictor selection and attribution of factors influencing pavement degradation rates via machine learning. 
Phase 2: (18 months): Extension and refinement of Phase 1b to develop a tractable forecasting model to predict the degradation rate of pavement systems.



]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:39:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570737</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utilizing Digital Twining Technologies for Addressing FDOT Priorities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2550951</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project has the following objectives: • The primary objective of this project is to establish a comprehensive understanding of digital twin (DT) technology in the context of transportation. This involves providing an overview, conducting a thorough literature review, and exploring practical use cases that create a foundation for further applications. • Proposing a prototype DT framework tailored to the specific needs of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This involves addressing technical considerations such as data integration, interoperability, and scalability to lay the groundwork for practical implementation. • Developing comprehensive and practical DT frameworks for selective sub-domain in transportation and transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) applications, such as utilizing the SunTrax testing facility as a real-world testing ground. This involves simulating scenarios, integrating diverse data sources, and showcasing the potential of DT technology in enhancing decision-making, infrastructure planning, and testing various intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 12:29:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2550951</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Identification of Alternative Coarse and Fine Aggregates and Specifications for Evaluation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2550944</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objectives of this research are as follows: 1) Provide an extensive critical review of the literature pertaining to alternative aggregates that have been used in concrete and the resultant quality of the concrete. Any additional aggregate types that could possibly be used should be identified for future evaluation. 2) Interview senior management from aggregate suppliers and integrate their suggestions into the testing program. 3) Determine if there are any coarse aggregates from approved sources that do not meet the grading requirements given in ASTM C33 (including limestone screenings). These become usable when combining aggregate gradations since the total aggregate gradation is what is important. Also, any distributions of non-reactive fillers could be used if they improve the packing density and enable the reduction of paste content. 4) Obtain supplies of all the available alternative aggregates and determine the mineralogy, strength, durability, and reactivity, particularly the alkali silica reaction potential. 5) Identify and/or develop performance-related testing and specifications without affecting currently approved sources.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 11:15:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2550944</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>"Cradle to Cradle" Approach to Shoreline Stabilization and Erosion Control combining Native Dredge Materials with Advanced Manufacturing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508955</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this research effort include: (1) review of the literature surrounding the production of mortar and concrete elements for shoreline stabilization and erosion control, as well as use of local materials (2) development of mortar and/or concrete mixes and element shapes which rely on beneficial use of dredged material and other locally available materials, (3) review of manufacturing processes appropriate for the limited space available at dredged material containment areas (DMCA), (4) refinement of design based upon materials circularity principles, and (5) making recommendations for cost-effective strategies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:43:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508955</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>