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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>Smart Geosynthetics for Performance Monitoring and Life Cycle Assessment of Transportation Infrastructure </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646950</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sensor-Enabled Geosynthetics (SEG) products are polymer composites that include networks of conducting fillers such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene in their polymer formulation, enabling them to exhibit tensoresistive properties (i.e. strain sensing as a result of tension in the material). SEG technology provides a rapid and economical means to measure mechanical strain in geosynthetic products without the need for much costlier conventional instruments such as strain gauges and extensometers, and data acquisition systems. Therefore, it offers convenient and cost-effective performance monitoring technology for various transportation applications including roads and highways, reinforced soil walls, embankments, and bridge abutments. 

Previous work by the research team examined the in-isolation performance of GCG when subjected to different loading regimes. Therefore, the primary objective of the proposed project is to investigate the in-soil performance of SEG when subjected to different confining pressures, before they can be incorporated in field projects. This objective will be accomplished through a series of large-scale cyclic plate loading tests and additional ancillary tests that will be added to the similar tests that are currently carried out by the PI’s research team in two ongoing Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects as an expanded and unified research study. Example benefits of SEG technology include: improving the safety and performance of transportation infrastructure (i.e. roadways, retaining walls, bridge abutments, and reinforced slopes and embankments) by incorporating a monitoring and warning system, which will result in faster construction and any adjustments necessary in the construction process using real-time response data, leading to significant safety improvements, time and cost savings in the project, and the prevention of costly problems, failures and repairs during service or extreme events.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:05:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646950</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Polymer Concrete As A Bonding Agent in Segmental Bridge Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2633311</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Segmental bridge construction is a widely used technique that enables efficient assembly and cost-effective infrastructure development. However, its long-term performance depends on the bonding material used to connect individual segments. Traditional grout, while commonly used, lacks the flexibility and durability required to withstand cyclic loading and environmental stressors. This research investigates polymer concrete (PC) as an alternative bonding agent, aiming to enhance structural resilience, load distribution, and long-term durability in segmental bridge construction. The study will evaluate the performance of five scaled bridge specimens: one bonded with grout and four with different polymer concrete formulations. These include Epoxy Polymer Concrete, Polyester Polymer Concrete, Polymethyl Methacrylate Polymer Concrete, and Poly Vinyl Ester Polymer Concrete, all of which are currently used in bridge deck overlays. Through laboratory testing and large-scale cyclic load testing, the study will assess their bonding strength, stress distribution, flexibility, and resistance to permanent deformation compared to traditional grout.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:04:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2633311</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>UHPC Connection For SDCL Steel Bridge System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549026</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research investigates the development of optimized ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) connections for simple for dead load and
continuous for live load (SDCL) steel bridge systems. SDCL bridge
systems eliminate field splices, reduce inspection costs, and improve
service life by protecting steel girder ends with a cast-in-place concrete
diaphragm. While previous designs utilize normal-strength concrete
(NSC), this study explores the advantages of UHPC, including superior
compressive and tensile strength, durability, and minimal steel
reinforcement and detailing requirements. The research consists of
experimental validation through cyclic and ultimate load testing, finite
element modeling, and comparative analysis with NSC-based designs.
The proposed UHPC connection simplifies girder-end detailing, reduces
diaphragm size significantly, and minimizes on-site construction time and
disruptions, which aligns with the principles of accelerated bridge
construction (ABC). The outcomes of this study will contribute to devise
refined design guidelines, promoting practical implementation of UHPC
in SDCL steel bridge applications for improved structural efficiency and
long-term performance with minimal maintenance and inspection.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 15:20:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549026</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Camera Based Computer Vision Measurements for Bridge Field Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512627</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this proposal is to develop a framework and necessary tools to field test bridges using computer vision including either low-cost ground cameras or off-the-shelf drones. Instead of using conventional displacement/strain sensors and data acquisition system, a few cameras or a fleet of drones each equipped with a camera will be deployed for the measurements. To achieve this goal, the following will be carried out (1) literature review, (2) evaluation of current products that utilize computer vision for measurements, (3) development of low-cost tools for bridge field testing using stationary cameras and/or drones, (4) development of field-testing frameworks, and (5) load testing a few bridges to validate/refine the tools. The project main benefit is to reduce the bridge field testing time, effort, and costs through computer vision without the need for conventional sensors.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 22:14:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512627</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seismic Detailing of Steel H-Pile Connections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512622</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of the research is to evaluate the existing connection via full-scale tests under reversed cyclic and axial loads; assess the accuracy of existing analysis methods for prediction of connection capacity (from the literature as well as current 
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF) practice), and propose alternative strut and tie models, as needed; revise connection designs, based on initial tests and modelling; conduct additional full-scale tests on revised designs; and propose retrofits for existing cap-beams if needed. While there is some confidence in the performance of the existing AKDOT&PF H-pile to cap-beam connection design, there is also some uncertainty, based on embedment length of the pile. This research will either affirm existing practice (while also providing a unified process for analysis and design), or identify deficiencies that will require revision, and possible retrofit.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:54:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512622</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>3D Printed Smart Permanent Concrete Formwork for Precast Structural Component</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491000</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The U.S. transportation infrastructure faces challenges with aging and deterioration, underscoring the need for advanced solutions to ensure longevity. Conventional structural health monitoring falls short in cost-effectiveness and adaptability. In contrast, self-sensing cementitious composites (SSCCs) present a notable alternative, offering both efficient monitoring and repair capabilities. Thanks to rapid advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) that provide design freedom for construction, this proposal will leverage AM techniques coupled with novel self-sensing materials to develop smart precast concrete permanent formwork with enhanced durability, safety, and sustainability. SSCCs will strategically be integrated within 3D-printed concrete formworks for real-time strain monitoring. This project will perform extensive load testing to evaluate sensing performance, further validated using digital image correlation. A sophisticated multiphysics model will further streamline design decisions. The outcome of this project will illuminate the transformative potential of modern construction techniques in elevating precast components, paving the way for a new generation intelligent infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:05:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491000</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Pavement Applications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420093</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will perform a comprehensive evaluation of adhesive anchors used in concrete pavement applications, particularly full-depth repairs. The research team will investigate the effects of sustained and cyclic loading on long term stiffness of the bond between the concrete, the adhesive grout, and the steel anchor. The potential benefits will lie in the suitability of adhesive anchors to perform in concrete pavement applications in addition to the development of recommendations for the use of adhesive anchors to minimize premature failures and to extend pavement service life by maintaining the stiffness of a repair made using drilled adhesive anchors.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:40:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420093</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bridge Load Posting Based on Load Testing (Phase 2)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417063</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In Kentucky, several bridges on US and KY routes lack design plans and are load rated/posted based on engineering judgement. Phase 1 of this SPR study demonstrated the applicability of load testing bridges that do not have design plans to develop load ratings. Fourteen bridges were load rated and existing load postings removed or increased based on load test results. The database of bridges on US and KY routes that do not have design plans and are load posted lists several other bridges that need load testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:26:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417063</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Lateral Load Effect on Railway Tapered Roller Bearing Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2405272</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Lateral forces are a critical factor in railroad tapered roller bearing performance. To improve the reliability and safety of railway systems, vibration and thermal signatures can be powerful diagnostic and prognostic tools for monitoring railway bearing health. While temperature variations can signal spall deterioration, they often become evident only after extensive damage. Therefore, understanding the effects of lateral loading on railroad tapered-roller bearings, including vibration and temperature behavior, under varying train speeds and loads is crucial. Unfortunately, there is limited publicly available research in this area.
Motivated by this area of opportunity, researchers at the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) developed a dynamic bearing test rig to investigate the effects of lateral loading on bearing performance. The proposed study focuses on Association of American Railroads (AAR) class F and K bearings, widely used in freight rail service. A hydraulic cylinder setup will apply lateral loads up to 44.5 kN (10 kips), mimicking forces experienced during hunting, track irregularities, and curves. Healthy, reconditioned, and spalled bearings will be used for the experiments.
The proposed study will offer a unique contribution by exploring how lateral loads affect bearing vibration (in addition to temperature), providing insights into factors influencing bearing performance in the rail industry. The aim is to improve the long-term reliability and safety of rail systems by understanding how to mitigate performance-compromising issues. It is expected that, based on the findings of this study, the team will optimize onboard vibration, temperature, and load measurement sensors for more accurate and reliable monitoring of bearing condition.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:17:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2405272</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Statewide Calibration of CPT Direct Design Methods Using Static Load Test Data</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2359344</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objectives of this research project are as follows: (1) Look into the possibility of grouping the PLTs and CPT/CPTu database into state regions for regional evaluation of pile-CPT/CPTu methods and calibration the corresponding resistance factors (ϕ). (2) Group the collected PLTs and CPT/CPTU database into pile type for possible extending and evaluating the direct pile-CPT/CPTu methods for each pile type and calibrating the corresponding resistance factors (ϕ). (3) Explore the potential application of Bayesian algorithm to enhance the statistically limited or scattered data and update the statistical data (mean, , and COV) for better evaluating and calibrating the resistance factors (ϕ).
(4) Re-evaluate and re-rank the different pile-CPT/CPTu design methods for estimating the ultimate capacity of different pile types and/or different regions using different evaluation criteria. (5) Look into the possibility of developing new and/or modifying pile design methods using machine learning (ML) algorithms for better evaluating the ultimate capacity of piles utilizing CPT/CPTu data. (6) Evaluate available SCPT methods for generating the load-settlement curve of pile-load tests and hence evaluating the ultimate capacity of piles based on Davisson’s interpretation criteria. (7) Recalibrate the resistance factors for the different direct pile-CPT/CPTu methods for use in LRFD design of pile foundations. (8) Update the LPD-CPT software to include the top-performed pile-CPT/CPTu/SCPT design methods for different state regions and different pile types. (9) Develop a methodology to perform periodic/continuous recalibration of direct design methods as well as resistance factors.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:57:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2359344</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seamless Vehicle and Bridge Monitoring for Transportation and Infrastructure Safety
through a Wireless Internet-of-Things System – Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2341570</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of this multi-phase project is to unite two traditionally separate vehicle and
bridge monitoring communities for a comprehensive evaluation of transportation and infrastructure safety. To achieve this goal, this project aims to (1) develop and validate a standalone, wireless Internet-of-Things (IoT) vehicle and bridge monitoring system for both collision and overstress detection, (2) deploy and calibrate the IoT system at a
highway bridge site with one type of representative trucks, (3) collect and store real-time traffic, meteorological, structural, and vehicle data, (4) cleanse and analyze heterogeneous data (numeric, image, audio, and video) through influence line analysis and machine learning for the extraction of features related to vehicle safety and infrastructure condition, and (5) develop and validate a visual mechanism to alert truck drivers as they drive underneath or across the highway bridge. The outcomes of this project are to mitigate collision-induced bridge damage, vehicle-related highway fatalities and injury rates through such an integrated vehicle and bridge monitoring in real time.

To address the first and second objectives, the scope of Phase I project includes, but is not limited to, (a) literature survey on bridge-weigh-in-motion (BWIM) and load tests, (b) development of a laboratory testbed of vehicle monitoring and BWIM system, and (c) scale-up of the laboratory testbed for field installation and validation.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:28:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2341570</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Integral Abutment Bridges: Single and Group Pile Behavior</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2317329</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Integral abutment bridges have been gaining wide popularity in the United States and neighboring countries for decades due to the rapid increase in maintenance costs associated with conventional bridges. The research objectives are to bridge the gap and obtain more insight into abutment piles in a jointless bridge system. A comprehensive research program, encompassing laboratory testing and numerical simulation, is needed to evaluate the performance of typical piles commonly used in the integral abutment bridges industry. The research will aim to evaluate and quantify the behavior of integral abutment-pile systems and examine any limitations of their use. Piles will be tested as single and group piles to achieve this objective. The experimental study will test two distinct configurations of steel H-piles and concrete-filled tubes (metal shells). The first configuration will comprise eleven single piles (eight H-sections and three MS) encased into a concrete cap. The second configuration will involve two sets of three piles (H-section and MS), each encased in a one-unit concrete abutment pile. The individual pile configuration will aim to study different parameters, such as the pile connection and pile ductility, under various orientations and loading magnitudes. The testing protocol will consist of low-cycle, lateral displacement amplitude combined with axial compressive load mimicking the prescribed loading that a pile in an integral abutment bridge would experience in the field.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jan 2024 09:55:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2317329</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation and Incorporation of Site and Laboratory Variability into LRFD Design of Pile Foundations – Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2292744</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objectives of this research are to evaluate the different sources of geotechnical site variability and to quantify the effect of spatial site variability; number of lab/in-situ tests; type and quality of test methods; number and type of load tests, and location/distribution of test methods for inclusion in the analysis and design of deep foundations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:17:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2292744</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improved Geotechnical Correlations for Lateral Pile Analysis</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2270164</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project scope includes the following: collect a database of lateral pile load tests and in-situ test results from available literature and in-house files; develop improved correlations between lateral soil resistance parameters and in-situ penetration resistance in cohesionless soils that quantify uncertainty; and develop improved correlations between lateral soil resistance parameters and undrained shear strength and CPT qc in cohesive soils.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:12:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2270164</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Adaptive Prestressing System for Concrete Crossties: Prototype Development</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2007977</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Prestressed concrete crossties represent one of the current strategies to upgrade the rail infrastructure to accommodate heavier loads and higher speeds. However, despite their strength, numerous members have exhibited durability issues that have led to their replacement before reaching their anticipated lifespan. Some of these issues are related to the development of cracks in critical regions. The source of the cracks is often associated with changes in the support conditions of the crossties, characteristics of the pre- or post-tensioning procedure, and the dynamic effects of the wheel-rail interaction. Unfortunately, overcoming these crack formations is challenging since the tensile stresses that generate them concentrate in specific parts of the members, such as the center or rail seat regions, while the common production practices (“long line” and “carousel”) prestress the entire length of the crossties, including zones where compressive forces are unnecessary or even counterproductive. To address this problem, this research project proposes an innovative prestressing approach designed to focus prestressing forces where they are most needed. In particular, the approach integrates traditional post-tensioning with localized forces exerted by shape memory alloys (SMAs) after activating their shape memory effect (SME). First, the concept was validated analytically through finite element models. Then, as an initial step in studying the technique in a practical context, four full-scale crosstie prototypes were cast, each featuring a specific arrangement of SMA reinforcement. These arrangements comprised plain NiTiNb and FeMnSi elements as well as two different FeMnSi-based adaptive prestressing system (APS) assemblies. The experimental program consisted of two phases. The first phase involved the activation of the SME through induction heating. The embedded SMA components of the specimens were heated above their activation temperature to trigger the development of their recovery stresses. After cooling down, the data collected by strain gauges and digital image correlation showed that the SMAs induced levels of local prestress in the crosstie specimens that ranged from approximately 5.2 MPa to 11.1 MPa. The second phase of the experimental program focused on evaluating the flexural performance of the specimens at their rail seat and center regions, following the testing protocol recommended by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). The results indicated satisfactory performance for specimens at the center region, exceeding the design limit by at least 19.90%. At the rail seats, the specimens displayed an acceptable performance under negative curvature bending but need further evaluation under positive curvature bending, as they currently meet the required flexural capacity but at reduced track speeds. Overall, the proposed approach shows promise as it demonstrates that a significant amount of end-to-end post-tensioning can be replaced with localized SMA prestressing and still meet important design criteria. Achieving a balance between both prestressing approaches could lead to mitigating the undesirable cracking patterns and reducing the reliance on traditional prestressing wires in regions where they are not beneficial.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2022 16:37:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2007977</guid>
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