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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>
    <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>Scheduling Interrelated Concurrent Projects in Transportation Networks </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2742143</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In transportation networks, project alternatives are often highly interrelated because changes in network components redistribute flows, affecting the benefits obtainable from improving other components, and synergies arise from concurrently building or closing nearby components. Existing methods cannot adequately optimize the combinatorially explosive number of sequencing and scheduling alternatives, and although basic methods exist for mutually exclusive or independent projects, methods for handling interrelated projects are sorely deficient.

Scheduling Interrelated Concurrent Projects in Transportation Networks improves an analysis framework previously developed by the research team for optimizing interrelated planning and scheduling decisions for transportation infrastructure. The main improvements are to consider when and how different construction and maintenance projects should be scheduled concurrently, with partial overlaps in their construction schedules, and to integrate the planning and scheduling of maintenance and operational alternatives with previously considered new-construction alternatives, while addressing uncertainties in future demand, costs, budgets, and technologies.

Conducted by the University of Maryland over an 18-month period, the project will produce a review of the relevant literature and state of practice, including a survey of agency needs; methods for selecting and scheduling concurrent infrastructure development activities, focused on construction alternatives for road networks such as new roads, widened roads, and expanded intersections; and methods for scheduling maintenance projects and operational improvements, focused on pavement maintenance and traffic signal control. These methods will be integrated and tested to explore network improvement schedules under various objectives, constraints, demand scenarios, and uncertainties, with statistical tests used to estimate nearness to global optimality. Deliverables include staged technical reports, a final report, at least two journal papers, conference presentations, additional software, and a user manual.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 10:24:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2742143</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Modernization and Web-Based Implementation of the Illinois Pavement Feedback System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677555</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will modernize the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT's) Illinois Pavement Feedback System, a pavement management system that contains detailed construction history, performance data and traffic data of the Illinois interstate system. Researchers will transition the database from a mainframe-based system into a secure, web-based pavement data management and analysis platform. Transitioning to a web-based platform will provide IDOT with an easy way to access the data, monitor interstate sections, and make informed maintenance and rehabilitation decisions. The system will also have a detailed dataset on Illinois’ interstate system available to researchers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:22:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677555</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Coastal pavement maintenance and rehabilitation decision making based on both surface and subsurface conditions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2662938</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Texas has approximately 3,359 miles of coastline spanning five geographically distinct districts. Pavements in these regions are exposed to highly variable subgrade soils, diverse traffic loading levels, and unique climatic challenges, including hurricanes, storm surges, and recurrent flooding. Effective decision-making for pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) is therefore critical to ensuring resilient infrastructure, optimizing project selection, and allocating limited resources efficiently. Current M&R selection practices primarily rely on surface-level indicators—such as distress manifestations (cracking, rutting, etc.) and ride quality. While these measures are useful, they fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pavement’s structural health. To address this limitation, this study will propose an integrated framework that combines both surface and subsurface information for M&R decision-making. In particular, subsurface conditions derived from non-destructive testing will be emphasized as a means to bridge the existing knowledge gap, enabling a more holistic and data-driven approach to pavement management.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:57:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2662938</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pavement-Maintenance-GPT: Optimizing Pavement Maintenance Decisions Using Generative AI </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652179</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement maintenance has significant impacts on transportation safety, mobility, and asset management. However, current decision-making for prioritizing pavement repairs often relies on subjective assessments, manual reviews, or disparate datasets, causing inefficiencies, increased vehicle emissions, and occupational health risks. This project proposes “Pavement-Maintenance-GPT,” a large language model designed to optimize repair prioritization decisions using high-fidelity Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) video log data. 
 
Pavement-Maintenance-GPT leverages advanced generative AI to simulate expert decision-making, synthesizing pavement condition data into actionable maintenance strategies. The LLM will be trained on historical data, expert judgments, and GPR metrics to replicate and enhance human diagnostic capabilities. By providing precise and efficient repair recommendations, the model significantly improves mobility efficiency by reducing unnecessary lane closures while decreasing vehicle idling and associated fuel consumption. 
 
Aligned with CHEM’s focus areas of “Occupational Health and Efficient Mobility,” this research addresses occupational hazards by minimizing workers’ exposure to construction-related risks through optimized maintenance schedules. Additionally, it promotes efficient mobility by lessening disruptions, thereby improving overall roadway mobility. 
 
The anticipated outcomes include improved resource allocation, reduced vehicle emissions, enhanced safety for workers and road users, lower lifecycle costs, and greater transportation system performance. Pavement Maintenance GPT represents a transformative advancement, providing transportation agencies with a robust, scalable, and sustainable solution for optimized infrastructure maintenance, directly contributing to safer, healthier, and more efficient mobility. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:10:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2652179</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 57-18. Practices Related to the Use of Geosynthetics and Pavement Foundations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630496</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In recent years, the geosynthetic industry has introduced new products and techniques, intended to improve pavement performance and longevity. However, it is unclear how geosynthetic solutions (emerging and established) are being implemented in practice by state departments of transportation (state DOTs). A synthesis documenting current practices in the use of geosynthetics for pavement foundations can help state DOTs achieve durable pavement foundations and improve asset performance.

The objective of this synthesis is to document current state DOT practices for the use of geosynthetics (e.g., geotextiles, geogrids, geocells, and geocomposites) for pavement foundations. This synthesis will encompass practices throughout the planning, design, construction, and maintenance/rehabilitation stages.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:37:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630496</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5035: Evaluation and Classification of Temporary Traffic Paints and Adhesives Based on Their Ease-of-Removal Characteristics, and Development of New Temporary Traffic Paint Formulations to Meet INDOT Needs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630516</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Temporary traffic markings guide vehicles during construction but must be effectively removed afterward to avoid confusion and safety risks from ghost markings. Removal methods often trade off between complete removal and pavement damage, with no clear guidelines. This project will evaluate Indiana’s current markings and removal methods,
classify them by effectiveness and pavement damage, propose modifications to Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) specifications on the preferred removal method as a function of temporary marking type and pavement type, and develop design guidelines for the selection of temporary marking, as a function of the pavement type and potential removal methods available.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:25:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630516</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Correlating Pavement Conditions and Traffic Accidents through AI-based Data Mining
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627710</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement surface conditions have a strong positive effect on accident risks. Pavement surface distresses directly affect ride comfort and indirectly cause distraction to the driver resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, which may lead to injuries or deaths. The reason for the lack of research on contribution of bad pavement condition to traffic crashes maybe lies in the fact that previously the data of pavement condition are not readily available to researchers in traffic safety, or sometimes it is comparatively hard for researchers to get the systematic data of pavement condition to conduct analyses. The proposed research will take opportunity of current well-known databases such as the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) database and pavement management system (PMS) at state agencies, to conduct deep and systematic data mining on the existing pavement performance and traffic safety data using data-driven intelligence technologies, and develop predictive models in terms of pavement performance, material properties, traffic effects, and pavement maintenance plans. The research outcome will help guide highway agencies to better design, maintain, and manage pavement infrastructures with enhanced roadway safety. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:09:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627710</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigate the Effects of Using of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as Aggregate in Seal Coats</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604526</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will develop recommendations and construction guidelines for using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as aggregate in seal coats for pavement maintenance in Texas. Incorporating RAP in seal coats offers potential benefits, including cost savings, improved moisture resistance, and prolonged oxidation resistance. The research team will establish test methods, procedures and guidelines for evaluating RAP stockpiles, materials selection, material processing, application rate design, quality control and quality assurance during construction, laying the groundwork for statewide adoption. Given the lack of national guidance, a state-specific approach is essential to maximize performance and feasibility. The findings will provide the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the technical basis to integrate RAP into seal coats effectively, leading to substantial cost savings and enhanced pavement sustainability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:22:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604526</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Performance Models for Different Preventive Maintenance Treatments</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604521</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Pavement Management Information System (PMIS), recently implemented as Pavement Analyst (PA), stores and analyses network information and pavement performance data to select projects for maintenance and rehabilitation. After the network is analysed, an optimization algorithm produces one of the following recommendations: do nothing, preventive maintenance (PM), light, medium or heavy rehabilitation. PM includes several treatment options associated with very different cost and performance, e.g., seal coat, thin overlay, microsurfacing, etc. Since the performance and cost of these options are different, research is needed to quantify the difference and to incorporate this information into PMIS. Previous TxDOT-sponsored projects have developed performance models and decision trees that were last updated in 2021 as part of Project 0-6988, "Quantification of the Performance of Preventive Maintenance and Rehabilitation Strategies." This update was based on data available at that time, which was a combination of visual distress surveys and automated data. Now, more accurate automated data are available. Therefore, the research team will develop pavement performance models for different PM treatments, update the current decision trees and performance models, validate the models with new data, and develop an implementation plan to incorporate the findings into PMIS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:08:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604521</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluating Effectiveness and Developing a Use Plan for the RetroTek Retroreflectometer</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593937</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) acquired a new mobile retroreflectometer whose measurement accuracy needs to be fully tested. The Cabinet also needs to verify the unit will be accessible to and operable within all Districts and compare its serviceability to retroreflectometers that have been used in the past. Once the unit’s performance has been evaluated, KYTC needs to develop a blueprint for incorporating it into its pavement markings maintenance plan. This entails documenting requirements for retroreflectivity measurements, authoring a user’s manual, and developing use schedules.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:32:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593937</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IL-Pave: Development of an Integrated Tool to Optimize Pavement Energy and Cost</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2589089</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Illinois ranks third in total lane miles as well as freight activity, according to the Federal Highway Administration, making it critical to build and maintain its roadways effectively and sustainably. One solution is to account for energy use and expenses throughout the entire life cycle of pavement, from selecting materials to end of life, using life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis, respectively. Researchers will develop a tool for Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that will allow users to see energy and economic impacts for pavement projects in Illinois and to compare different pavement options side by side. Successful implementation of the tool will allow IDOT to choose pavement designs and maintenance options that balance performance with costs and energy impact.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:48:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2589089</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Update and Improve Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) Treatment Decisions and Effectiveness</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593187</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) modern Pavement Management Information System (PMIS), Pavement Analyst has been successfully implemented since 2017. Districts rely on Pavement Analyst for condition evaluation, project selection and decision-making such as in the 4-Year Pavement Management Plan (4Y PMP). To better reflect the geographical variation in engineering practice, operation, climate conditions, material resources, and project cost among different regions or Districts, the research team will: (1) update the existing statewide decision trees and develop decision trees for various regions or Districts in a hierarchical manner, (2) update different levels of treatment definitions and descriptions, (3) develop a standard procedure for treatment unit cost update and update the treatment unit costs, and (4) update the treatment quality effectiveness. The goal of this project is to develop the necessary tools to make the project selection decision-making more accurate, efficient, and realistic in accounting for statewide and local conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:35:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2593187</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Patch Mixtures for Bridge Structures and Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2587115</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to evaluate and enhance patching materials for pavements and bridge structures, focusing on high early strength and long-term performance. A comprehensive methodology, including literature review and laboratory testing, will be employed to identify optimal mixtures. The study will incorporate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), fibers, and rapid-setting cements to improve durability and structural capacity. The findings will support the development of guidelines for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to enhance the longevity and reliability of patching materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2025 09:09:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2587115</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chip Seal for Uniform Usages</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582918</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Chip seals are one of the most popular pavement preservation treatments for asphalt pavements due to their ability to seal the existing road surface from moisture damage and oxidation, improve skid resistance, seal minor cracks, and delay deterioration. They consist of a uniform spray application of an asphalt binder followed by a uniform application of aggregate coat cover which is then rolled with pneumatic tire rollers to achieve the desired embedment. This simple process can be conducted using local maintenance personnel with minimal equipment requirements, making it a cost-effective option.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has not adopted a specific chip seal design procedure, and rather each district has independent methods to determine the material application rates, generally based on experience. The materials used vary throughout the state based on local availability. Recently, the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as chip seal aggregate has been adopted as an alternative to virgin aggregate due to the sustainability benefits associated with it.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research are to:

Evaluate current NMDOT chip seal practices across the state of New Mexico, specifically materials and application rates. Assess the impact of these practices and/or factors on the performance based on the available pavement management system (PMS) database;
Develop a chip seal design procedure, addressing both local materials and geographic conditions across the state of New Mexico;
Develop statewide chip seal construction specifications;
Develop project selection criteria for NMDOT to obtain optimum performance and treatment life from chip seal applications, such as skid resistance and minimum chip loss.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:00:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582918</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Identification, Monitoring and Treatment of Pavements Damaged by Alkali-Silica Reaction: Guidelines for Engineers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582446</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this research effort to review of state-of-the-art practice and guidance, including existing state and federal department of transportation (DOT) manuals, surrounding the identification, monitoring, treatment and re-use of alkali-silica reaciton (ASR) damage in pavements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:36:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582446</guid>
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