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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <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>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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      <title>Bracing for Impact: Developing Steel-Concrete Sandwich Panel Retrofits for Increased Bridge Pier Protection</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2499034</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project will address retrofits for piers in and around shipping channels. Bridge pier stability is integral for the continued operation of shipping channels after a vessel-pier collision occurs. Without sufficient pier protection systems, when vessel collisions occur, bridge damage can limit traffic over the bridge and through the waterway below, causing both travel and economic disruption. A novel steel-concrete composite system will be investigated for reducing the collapse potential of vulnerable bridge piers (essentially developing bridge life-preservers). The proposed strengthening method provides an alternative construction approach by installing the system directly onto bridge piers in lieu of constructing more robust barrier type systems. Additionally, the proposed barrier employs energy dissipative mechanisms along with a new structural system (steel- plate composite sandwich panels) that has been recently investigated for use in building applications. The project contains two integrated research components: 1) detailed finite element analysis of retrofit pier details and 2) impact testing of retrofit details. Outcomes of this project include a direct-to-pier retrofit strategy, ultimately improving waterway infrastructure reliability. Additionally, novel impact data for sandwich panels will be generated and engineering graduate students will receive advanced research training providing knowledge transfer to industry upon student graduation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:03:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2499034</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Combining Specific Heat of Concrete and Actuator Placement Optimization for Self-Powered Ice-Melting Precast Concrete Bridge Panels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491025</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement deicing represents a substantial cost to every municipality and a danger to motorists. These dangers are more significant on bridge decks due to the lack of ground insulation and the fact that concrete, commonly used on bridge decks, is a poor insulator which results in a readily freezing road surface. The relatively high specific heat of concrete also means that a substantial amount of energy is required to maintain a temperature above freezing. These factors are the main contributors to why heated concrete pavements are not feasible. The objectives of this exploratory project are to (1) interrogate the specific heat of concrete formulations incorporating alternative admixtures and aggregates, (2) model the thermal transfer properties of the various materials, and (3) compare the experimental and modeled thermal properties to determine the optimum combination of constituents.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:40:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2491025</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Stabilizing Leaking Sand Behind MSE Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2489964</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has a large number of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) panel walls with sand backfill. Some of these walls have experienced problems with sand flowing out between the panel joints because the geotextile filter fabric is not present over the joints. Untreated loss of backfill can result in conditions that become progressively worse. According to the Texas Department of Transportaiton (TxDOT), once loss of backfill begins, it gets worse as the surface area of internal voids increases. If the process is allowed to continue and voids get large enough, the wall may begin to experience panel movements and distress. For this reason, evaluation of the wall and repairs should be timely. Possible solutions to this problem include reducing water flow through the backfill, blocking the backfill from being able to flow between the panels, adding a cementitious agent to the backfill to stabilize it, or some combination of these. Sealing surface joints above the wall to reduce water flow will always be helpful but may not be sufficient. One blocking solution promoted by TxDOT is using backer rod and a sealant to fill the joints. Some TxDOT districts have used expandable foam as a blocking agent, although KDOT tried this and had a poor experience. A more preferred outcome would be one where the sand itself is stabilized, the surface of the wall remains uniform (irregular seams with backer rod are not present/visible), and there is at least some drainage permitted. These objectives could potentially be achieved using a thin polymer, cementitious, or biological grouting agent to cement the sand together in the volume of sand immediately around the joint. The grout would be injected into the sand using a wand inserted through the gap between panels. This cemented volume could still have some permeability to permit some seepage and would not be noticeably different from the rest of the wall joints in appearance. If injection with a wand proves feasible, this would likely be a more cost-effective alternative than backer rod and silicone sealant due to lower labor and material costs. Voids in the backfill would be addressed with a different material, such as urethane foam, a more viscous grout, lightweight cellular concrete, or other material.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:59:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2489964</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CCTV Pole Solar Panel Wrap</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2483293</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The major objectives of the project are as follows: (1) research if flexible solar panels can be bent to wrap around a CCTV pole; (2) investigate if the panels can withstand impacts from lowering the suspended camera on windy days; (3) determine how often the panels need to be cleaned to maintain effectiveness and to develop some sight characteristic guidance for deployment consideration (shade tolerance); and (4) explore feasibility studies on the cost to benefit ratio the additional maintenance will require versus existing operating costs, also to discover a break point of frequency of deployment, pole height, site spacing, economies of scale, etc. 

The innovative part of this project is the use of flexible solar panels. This feature will help to minimize structural wind load on existing poles. Rigid solar panels have been in use but require ground mounting, additional real estate, enhanced crash protections, and if pole is mounted, it requires a structurally upgraded pole to withstand the wind resistance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:07:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2483293</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Evaluation of Lightweight Soundwall Panel Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2314003</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will focus on the lightweight soundwall panels, and the structural components associated with them that are often mounted on bridges but can also be found adjacent to a roadway.  While it is common for these panels to be metallic, other materials have also been used by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).  Therefore, it is expected that some of the lightweight soundwall panels may be more durable than others.   

Since VDOT is the owner of these soundwall panels, VDOT must also maintain them when they degrade and need to be repaired.  Therefore, the relative durability of the different soundwall panels is important to VDOT because more durable soundwall panels will decrease maintenance costs for the Department. To better understand the relative durability of lightweight soundwalls in Virginia, a research effort to study this question was proposed.     

The research study discussed herein proposes to perform field evaluations to assess the general condition of lightweight soundwall panel systems.  This study will capture condition data for various types of soundwall systems located throughout Virginia to determine if there are any features that contribute to greater durability.  Data  will be gathered on the materials used, the condition of the soundwall panels, and any visual damage to the structural components.  This information will be shared, and recommendation will be made in the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) final report.    
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Dec 2023 11:11:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2314003</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Testing and evaluation of energy absorbing panels for overheight collision impact protection</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096581</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will develop guidance for design and installation of an over-height collision protection system.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:49:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2096581</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thermo-Mechanical Responses of FRP Composite Jacketing for Tank Cars under Impact and Fire</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067996</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The project aims to develop and easily install prototype composite panels in place of the steel jacketing, and to demonstrate their ability to meet 49 CFR 179 requirements required for DOT-117R non-pressure tank cars.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:26:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2067996</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix – Application to Deck Panel Joints (University of Nevada, Reno)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1596190</link>
      <description><![CDATA[One of the most common accelerated bridge construction (ABC) applications nowadays is the use of precast deck panels and fill the joints in the field using advanced materials such as ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). A lot of research has been done on optimizing the field joint reinforcement details such as shortest lap length and shear key shape and dimensions. However, most of the applications used proprietary UHPC mixes, which can sometimes constrain the DOTs bidding process due to lack of several UHPC vendors. In this collaborative effort among all five institutions in the ABC-UTC consortium, comprehensive research on non-proprietary UHPC mix design and extension to common ABC applications is sought.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2019 14:57:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1596190</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Requirements Definition Study and a Gap Analysis for Future Guidance and Control Displays as Part of NextGen/SESAR</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1361059</link>
      <description><![CDATA[No summary provided.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2015 01:00:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1361059</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Long-term Behavior of GFRP Reinforced Panels after Eight Years of Field Exposure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1314836</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Since 1998, Missouri Science &amp; Technology (S&amp;T)/University of Missouri-Rolla investigators have been involved in more than 25 bridge repairs and/or new bridge construction involving composite materials. To date, many of these projects have shown reliable field performance. However, there have been little follow-up investigations to study their residual capacity and behavior after long-term exposure to conditioning. This study will examine the crack pattern development over time in glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) reinforced panels fabricated in 2005 and exposed to field conditions. The study will also test and autopsy the GFRP reinforcing bars to examine property degradation. The GFRP reinforced panels will be studied in flexure to examine any degradation in flexural behavior.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2014 01:01:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1314836</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Dynamic Properties of Sandwich Structures based on Metal-Ceramic Foams</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1299744</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The transportation sector is constantly looking for high-performance materials in order to reduce structural weight as well as to enhance crashworthiness issues. One of the answers to these needs is the incorporation of a foam technology. Currently, applications of non-ferrous foams in the automotive field include floor panels, bumpers and door side bars. In the case of aircrafts and railroads, their applications concentrate on collision posts and crash cages, crush buffer zones and side impact barriers on rail passenger cars. Indeed, their use is also emerging in the military systems as lightweight armor for army trucks and personnel carriers, mine blast containment and water-tight doors on ships. Although their use is continuously growing in the transportation sector, there are still a number of properties that need to be largely improved mainly under impact (dynamic) conditions. Besides, federal agencies such as the Air Force are interested in high-performance materials under extreme conditions. Hence, this proposal perfectly fits into the current need of the transportation sector by investigating the mechanical performance of novel ceramic-metal materials under low and high velocity impact tests as well as under high-strain rates using a Hopkinson Pressure Bar (a specialized equipment for measuring stress-strain behavior under extreme conditions).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:01:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1299744</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Polyurethane Foam Infill for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridge Deck Panels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1286100</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Although still in their infancy, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridges have shown great promise in eliminating corrosion concerns and meeting (or exceeding) the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) goal of 100-year life spans for bridges. While FRP bridges are cost-effective in terms of life cycle analyses, the combination of higher first costs and limited state DOT budgets has restricted their use. One area that has shown some headway is the use of FRP for bridge decks, focusing on the location where the majority of corrosion-related damage normally occurs. However, first costs still hamper widespread use of this approach. FRP bridge deck panels offer superior corrosion resistance, at one-fifth the weight of reinforced concrete. However, current FRP bridge deck panels typically rely on an intricate geometric honeycomb system between the top and bottom layers of the sandwich panel. This labor-intensive honeycomb construction doubles the cost of FRP panels compared to reinforced concrete. Although cost-effective in terms of longevity of the bridge and overall reductions in weight, the lower first cost of reinforced concrete precludes the use of FRP bridge decks in the majority of situations. Closed-cell, high-density polyurethane foams lower first cost, offering a cost-effective alternative to the complex honeycomb construction. Structural sandwich panels with a polyurethane foam infill are well established in other commercial applications, such as automobiles, aircraft, and prefabricated buildings. Several recent advances in polyurethane foam formulations have resulted in a material that can resist the localized compressive stresses and fatigue loading beneath a truck wheel, making this type of sandwich panel construction a viable alternative for bridge decks. Once these panels can compete against reinforced concrete on a first-cost basis, their significantly longer life expectancies will save considerable money for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the residents of Missouri. The first step in establishing FRP sandwich panels as a viable option will be to examine the potential of using them to replace the precast, stay-in-place forms currently used to construct reinforced concrete bridge decks. The sandwich panel will serve as formwork for the concrete placement and act compositely with the hardened concrete under subsequent dead and live loading. As part of the sandwich panel development, Missouri University of Science and Technology will evaluate polyurethane foam formulations, panel configurations (overall shape, jointing, end bearing), panel fiber architecture, panel durability, and methods of developing composite action with the concrete.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2014 01:00:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1286100</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Structural Polyurethane Foam Infill for Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Deck Panels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234376</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed study will involve investigating alternative polyurethane foam formulations as potential candidates to replace the honeycomb construction currently used in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge deck panels. The purpose of this proposed research will be as a proof-of-concept and to obtain preliminary data for proposals to both federal and state funding agencies including National Science Foundation (NSF), National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Missouri Department of transportation (MoDOT). Results from this research will establish this technique as a viable approach.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:11:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234376</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>ABC Deck Connections, Laboratory Testing and Evaluation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229314</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project is examining new connections between pre-cast bridge deck plates. In accelerated bridge construction off site pre-cast deck panels are often used. Once placed on the bridge girders, these deck panels must be tied together. This research is examining improved connections to ensure proper performance of these panel connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:39:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229314</guid>
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