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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>Performance of Cement-Treated Aggregate (CTA) and Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) Bases for Semi-Rigid Pavement Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2772642</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cement-treated aggregate (CTA) and cement-stabilized full-depth reclamation (CS-FDR) are both used to increase pavement foundation stiffness, distribute wheel loads, reduce stresses transmitted to underlying layers, and support asphalt-surfaced pavement systems. Although both are cementitiously stabilized base materials, they are produced and constructed in fundamentally different ways. CTA is generally plant-produced from virgin materials while CS-FDR is produced in place by pulverizing existing bound and unbound pavement materials and stabilizing the reclaimed blend with cement. Consequently, CS-FDR may contain variable quantities of existing materials depending on original construction uniformity. CTA is expected to be more uniform, but Virginia experience has also shown that transport, placement, moisture loss, grading, and compaction can produce substantial field variability.

This is important as Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) begins the use of semi-rigid pavement analysis in AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design. Cement stabilized layers require material properties that represent their strength and stiffness rather than treating them as conventional unbound aggregate. 

Laboratory characterization and stiffness testing of field placed materials is necessary to describe properties of these materials for design, but laboratory testing alone is not sufficient. Repeated loading can produce progressive stiffness loss and damage even when a stabilized layer does not reach a clearly defined binary failure state. Accelerated pavement testing provides the necessary link between material properties and full-scale performance. Laboratory results can be interpreted with FWD-backcalculated stiffness, rutting and surface-distress progression, measured structural response, and post-loading forensic observations. 

This study therefore focused on the direct comparison of field-produced CTA and CS-FDR and on the development of Pavement ME inputs supported by laboratory, FWD, APT, and forensic evidence.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:15:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2772642</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Designing and Constructing Permanent Stable Foundation Layers in Areas of Sulfate Rich Soils</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727387</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The presence of a suitable foundation layer plays a significant role in the constructability and long-term performance of pavements. During construction, these layers must provide sufficient support for placement and compaction of subsequent pavement layers, and during service life, these foundation layers play a critical role in the pavement structure by supporting the upper pavement layers and spreading loads to provide long-term pavement performance. When designed correctly, lime stabilized layers have a long history of providing permanent support in areas of plastic soils. However, lime has been removed from recent projects because of concerns over soluble sulfates. The use of select fill and geogrids has not provided projects with the support needed to successfully complete construction, and in some cases even handle construction traffic. These failures cost millions of dollars to fix and result in significant project delays. Adequate and permanent foundation layers are critical to performance of both flexible and rigid pavement structures. The research team will document the effectiveness of current practices for identifying sulfates on construction projects and determine if new or improved technologies exist to more effectively and reliably detect sulfates. The research team will deploy these tools on actual construction projects and document their effectiveness. Using advanced lab testing, the research team will determine treatment alternatives for soils containing sulfates. Based on the findings, the research team will recommend soil treatment or pavement structural design alternatives to provide permanent and stable foundation layers. The findings from this project shall be used to recommend updates to project selection, treatment guidelines, test procedures, specifications, and the Pavement Manual.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:37:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727387</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5027: Evaluation of Recycled Concrete Pavement (RCP) for Base and Subbase Layers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698666</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will evaluate the feasibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness of incorporating recycled concrete pavement (RCP) into pavement base and subbase layers and subgrade replacement. The study will focus on mechanical, hydraulic, and durability characteristics of RCP gradations, fines control strategies, and field validation, aiming to provide practical implementation guidelines for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) pavement design framework. Further, the study will explore the viability of blending RCP with local fine-grained soils (such as American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A-7-6 as a strategy to mitigate calcium leaching and reduce the risk of tufa formation, while maintain adequate drainage performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 15:26:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698666</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ladle Furnace Slag Properties When Blended with Dolomitic Underutilized Quarry Materials</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677554</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Dolomite, a mineral commonly found in Illinois quarries, may be used to improve the durability and stability of road foundations when stabilized with other materials. This project explores the use of ladle furnace slag, a material formed when making steel, as a way to reduce cement content in dolomitic materials while maintaining performance. Researchers aim to optimize the ratio of cement content, ladle furnace slag and fine-grained dolomite to create more durable road foundations. Effectively determining the ratio will help to reduce the cost of cement within dolomitic materials as well as open a market for underutilized quarry materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:16:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677554</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hydraulic Conductivity of Base Course Material, Pavement Drainage, and Relation to Pavement Buckling</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671989</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project aims to study the effects of excessive moisture in base courses, focusing on the potential contributions of base course drain ability and water retention to pavement buckling and investigate adjustments to base course gradations and drainage details and strategies to improve drain ability, control sensitivity to moisture changes, and reduce buckling potential while maintaining adequate pavement support. The proposed project will include sampling and testing of base courses around the state to characterize the index properties, hydraulic conductivity, water retention curves, drainage properties, and resilient modulus. Base course samples from pavement buckling occurrences will also be collected to assess if commonalities exist in the base courses where pavement buckling occurs. Current pavement drainage strategies employed in Wisconsin will also be reviewed. Base course gradations, water retention properties, and pavement drainage strategies of surrounding states will also be reviewed. The culmination of reviewing current 
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) base course gradations and drainage details and those of surrounding states will be the development of updated base course gradations and drainage strategies to improve moisture management while maintaining adequate pavement support.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:35:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671989</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seasonal Weight Restriction Decision Making Based on Understanding and Monitoring of Frost Susceptibility of Pavement Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671988</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study aims to critically assess the variation of stiffness, temperature and moisture throughout the base and subbase structure to better determine the capacity of roads as the seasons transition from winter to spring. The objectives of this project are to critically assess the variation of temperature, moisture, stiffness and strength throughout the base and subbase structures during different driving seasons to better determine the capacity of roads from winter to spring to summer driving seasons. And propose an interpretation and analysis protocol of continuously collected data to create a decision-making process for the frozen road declaration, midseason thaw, ending the frozen road declaration, and imposing and ending spring weight restriction in the State of Wisconsin.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:28:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671988</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Next-Generation Weather-Resistant Pavement Foundations -- High Strength and Durable Stabilized Base Courses </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2665668</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Durability of the pavement foundation is critical to ensuring a sustainable and resilient roadway infrastructure and minimizing life-cycle costs. This research project explores innovative techniques and materials to improve the durability of base layers, a crucial component of a typical asphalt pavement foundation. The objectives of this project are to explore cement-stabilized FDR mixes with high stiffness for base courses with enhanced resistance against shrinkage cracking. The scope of work consists of preparing and testing FDR mixes with cement (both Type I/II and Type IL) as the main stabilizer, and various concentrations of crack mitigation asphalt emulsions with high maltene content (CM-Emulsion), analyzing the results, and preparing conclusions and recommendations. The cement stabilized materials will be tested for shrinkage crack potential, compressive and indirect tensile strength, and will be evaluated for mineralogical information using XRD for each combination of test variables. The conclusions and recommendations from this study are expected to be beneficial for constructing long-lasting pavements. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:33:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2665668</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Demonstration Projects for Engineering the Foundation Layers for Long-Life Pavement Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663575</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Main study objectives include: (1) Provide technical support to SHAs for building long-life pavement systems pilot projects using optimized pavement and foundation design solutions that achieve the design assumptions for the foundation materials, including developing a Quality Assurance Program (QA) that addressed field performance verification measurements during construction. 

Technical support elements include: a) Determine, on statewide basis (representative materials), if the design values are being achieved using spot plate load tests. The test results will be used to populate a database for each SHA with results of what is being achieved for various foundation materials with current specifications compared to design assumptions. This data is strategic in understanding where there is opportunity to significantly improve pavement performance and optimize designs. b) Determine, at project level, if the construction quality verification is delivering design modulus and verify with 100% mapping. c) Establish a process for QA in compliance with 23 CFR Part 637, Subpart B (Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction) and provide technical assistance to SHA. d) Develop draft specifications that incentivize quality the foundation layers. 

(2) Develop the methodology for a modern pavement foundation design.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:14:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663575</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[BACKGROUND - 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.

OBJECTIVE - 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.

Information to be gathered includes (but is not limited to): (1) Criteria, procedures, guidelines and manuals for selecting and using geosynthetics in different contexts; (2) 
Design tools (e.g., software or analytical models) and inputs (e.g., geosynthetic properties or soil-geosynthetic interaction properties) used to model pavement foundations with geosynthetics; (3) Uses of geosynthetics during construction, including when they are needed. Differences between evaluating geosynthetics for use in construction and in design. (4) Experience gained and lessons learned from incorporating geosynthetics in pavement foundations; (5) Define material characteristics of geosynthetics; (6) Workflow on development and maintenance of specifications related to geosynthetics; (7) Pilot projects for using geosynthetics; (8) Quality assurance (QA) processes of pavement foundations built with geosynthetics; (9) Methods and gaps in quantifying the benefits of geosynthetics; (10) Practices to track condition and performance of pavement foundations using geosynthetics; and (11) Maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities on pavement with geosynthetics, including recycling and reclamation of pavement foundations using geosynthetics.

Information will be gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs for the development of case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps will be identified.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:37:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630496</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>Holistic Design and Selection Criteria for Unbound Geomaterials Used in Pavement Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487314</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The characteristics of unbound geomaterials used in roadway base layers significantly impact the long-term performance of pavements. This research will address the lack of a holistic and comprehensive approach towards mechanical and hydraulic properties of base materials predominately used in Minnesota. These materials play a crucial role in the overall structural capacity of pavement systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:33:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2487314</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5032: Moisture Damage Control and Mitigation in Pavement Foundations Using Innovative Geosynthetics</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577102</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project is primarily about controlling water in pavement foundation layers for increased pavement performance. This study proposes to remove water out of the pavement systems via use of geotextile fabric (moisture management geotextile) as a separation layer in pavement foundation systems to mitigate the damage that occurs due to high moisture contents. The workplan consists of constructing sites with these innovative geosynthetics and conducting field tests and analyses. The field tests will include lightweight deflectometer, falling weight deflectometer, moisture and temperature monitoring through depth.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:57:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2577102</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS) Design Guide for Idaho Transportation Department</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2560882</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is working to develop a Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS)
Design Guide to provide best practices, and standardized procedures for the design and construction of CRABS in Idaho.
Developing such a guide is a critical step toward improving the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Idaho’s road
infrastructure. CRABS is a proven pavement rehabilitation technique that can enhance pavement performance while
supporting cost-effective and environmentally responsible construction practices. However, ITD’s design process for
CRABS continues to evolve, and a thorough evaluation is needed to confirm that treatments consistently achieve the
intended service life and to refine design approaches for rehabilitating existing CRABS sections. Field assessments of
older CRABS sections reveal inconsistencies in construction quality—some segments remain durable for decades, while
others deteriorate prematurely. This variability compromises the accuracy of pavement performance predictions and
reduces ITD’s ability to prioritize investments based on evidence. This project will address these challenges by
developing a formal CRABS Design Guide. A comprehensive, unified guide will help standardize CRABS techniques and
material selection while extending pavement service life and supporting longer-lasting pavement rehabilitation
outcomes across Idaho’s highway system.. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:15:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2560882</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Base Stabilization of Iowa Granular Roads Using Recycled Plastics</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509058</link>
      <description><![CDATA[
Plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges in not only Iowa but also other states. Recent bans on imported plastic waste into developing countries is forcing many United States cities and states to take issues related to plastic waste more seriously. In addition, fiberglass-based (also known as glass-reinforced plastic or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic) wind turbine blades from wind powered generators in Iowa are being heaped up in piles in landfills instead of recycled. The objectives of this research are to determine the structural benefits and environmental suitability of using recycled plastics as a base stabilization agent and then to develop a practitioner’s guide to document best practices to implement such a solution in Iowa’s gravel road network. This will be achieved through the execution of the following primary tasks: (1) characterization of recycled plastic materials, including recycled wind turbine blade materials, (2) identification of innovative solutions of using recycled plastics to stabilize granular roads through comprehensive laboratory assessment, (3) construction and assessment of pilot test sections employing identified solutions through a set of field tests and surveys, (4) determination of the structural benefits and environmental suitability,(5) cost-effectiveness evaluation, and (6) development of best practice guidance documents and implementation recommendations. The successful outcomes of this research will not only help reduce landfill waste but also provide an innovative and less expensive alternative to strengthen the bases of Iowa’s granular roads.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:41:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509058</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Base Stabilization Additives – Effect on Granular Equivalency (GE), Phase II Study: Long-Term Performance Evaluation of Field Demonstration Site</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2441389</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Base stabilization is crucial for enhancing the structural integrity of roads by improving the strength and stiffness of the base layer, which is vital for mitigating issues with vulnerable soils and increasing the longevity and performance of road foundations. Despite progress in pavement base stabilization using proprietary additives, there is a critical need for further research to fill knowledge gaps and enhance the use of these additives for more sustainable and cost-effective road infrastructure. The existing body of research mainly focuses on non-proprietary stabilizers, with limited exploration of the performance and economic viability of proprietary options. A study sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) entitled, “Base Stabilization Additives – Effect on Granular Equivalency (GE)” evaluated the advantages of proprietary additives in treating full-depth reclaimed (FDR) materials by the estimated GE factors, but it also identified areas needing more investigation. The study's life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), based on assumed maintenance scenarios and GE factors, and derived from two years of data, call for further validation and long-term performance assessment. To address these issues and build on the current findings, a proposed Phase 2 study aims to evaluate the long-term performance and durability of stabilized pavement sections with proprietary additives, validate GE factors through extended field monitoring, and assess the economic feasibility of these additives. This subsequent research seeks to advance the understanding of base stabilization practices and develop guidelines for selecting and optimizing proprietary additives, ensuring structural and cost-saving benefits for pavement design.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:02:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2441389</guid>
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