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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>Evaluation of Traffic Speed Deflectometer Data (TSD) for Potential Use in Michigan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731922</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The collection of continuous pavement deflection data is a technology that is starting to mature and is getting a lot of
attention from many state agencies around the country. The cost to obtain these data collection services can be significant.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MI DOT) would like to explore whether there is a benefit in spending money on this type of data. Does it provide
sufficient structural information that can be useful in the scoping or design phases of upcoming projects? Does it provide
useful information in the evaluation of the performance of in-situ pavements? In what situations does it make sense to
gather this data? These are some of the questions that need to be answered so that a determination can be made on the
cost effectiveness of moving forward with this relatively new technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:59:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731922</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhanced Understanding of Concrete Pavement Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731921</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Michigan’s wet-freeze climate causes pavement durability issues such as freeze-thaw scaling, while salt exposures
significantly impact the long-term performance of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCP). These environmental stressors
initiate joint staining and can progress to joint spalling, eventually lead to structural failures like shear cracking under traffic
loads. Structural inputs like slab thickness and modulus of rupture govern mechanical performance, while durability factors
influence how a JPCP pavement degrades over time. These material properties affect roughness and service life. In addition,
the University of Michigan (UofM) Center can provide specialized technical expertise and examinations related to further development of its pavement
design program, specifically as it relates to Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:20:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731921</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Road Ripples on North Carolina Roadways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726548</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Road ripples are an emerging and poorly understood form of asphalt pavement distress that has begun to appear with notable frequency on North Carolina roadways. Characterized by repeating surface undulations or shallow cracks that can form in the wheel paths or extend across entire lanes, they differ from conventional distress patterns and are not addressed in existing pavement distress manuals. They have been described as producing a “washboard-like” surface that degrades ride quality and draws the attention of both drivers and maintenance personnel. The phenomenon is particularly challenging because it does not have a single, well-established cause; instead, evidence suggests a complicated interplay of residual moisture in asphalt mixtures, moisture-sensitive subgrades, poor drainage or base support, and possibly traffic or environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycling. This lack of clarity has meant that road ripples are frequently mischaracterized in pavement evaluations and, more importantly, that no standardized diagnostic or treatment methods exist to guide agency practice.

In light of this need, the proposed research plan will seek to achieve four objectives: (1) evaluate the extent and severity of road ripples and the causative factors in North Carolina, (2) evaluate the potential for residual moisture to exist in asphalt mixtures produced in North Carolina, (3) evaluate the potential long- and short-term implications of road ripples on pavement performance, and (4) develop a targeted research plan for a follow-up study to systematically evaluate and quantify the impacts of different causative factors on causing road ripples.

These objectives will be met with six tasks: (1) Perform a literature review to understand the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-knowledge with respect to road ripples. (2) Conduct an evaluation of pavements in North Carolina that are experiencing road ripples to understand the extent and severity of the distress in the state and also identify potential causative factors. (3) Conduct experiments to evaluate residual moisture contents in North Carolina mixtures. (4) Conduct an assessment to understand the potential long-term performance implications of road ripples. (5) Develop a detailed work plan for conducting a Phase II study to systematically evaluate the causative factors. (6) Prepare a final report summarizing the methodology, results, and recommendations. 

The primary outcome of this research will be the establishment of a foundational understanding of road ripple distress in North Carolina, including its likely mechanisms, diagnostic indicators, and performance implications. While road ripples have been observed across the state, there is currently no standardized method to investigate, quantify, or manage them. This study will combine field investigations, laboratory studies, and analytical assessments, to provide clarity on the potential causes of this distress. Ultimately, the outcome of this work will be a clear, evidence-based foundation for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to use to make informed decisions about repair, prevention, and long-term management of pavements affected by road ripples.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:48:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726548</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a Job Mix Formula and QC/QA Framework for NCDOT Chip Seals</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726547</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Chip seals are among the most efficient and cost-effective methods utilized by state highway agencies to preserve and rejuvenate existing pavements. Chip seal operations in North Carolina have been outsourced since their transfer from the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT's) internal Road Oil program about 12 years ago. Some large contracting firms have developed the sufficient skills and experience needed to construct chip seals, but quality-related problems, such as raveling and too much fine material and moisture in the aggregate, have been found in some jobs. Quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) is an important step toward ensuring that pavements perform satisfactorily, and a job mix formula (JMF) designed specifically for chip seals is the first step toward well performing chip seals, which is currently lacking in the NCDOT chip seal specifications.

A series of chip seal research projects conducted at North Carolina State University (NCSU) can provide an excellent foundation for the development of a JMF for NCDOT chip seals. Findings from these projects cover a wide range of critical elements in developing a chip seal JMF, including the aggregate gradation and maximum fine content, emulsion performance graded specifications, performance test methods, and performance-based mix design method.

​The primary goal of the proposed research project is to develop a JMF for chip seals constructed in North Carolina. The scope of the proposed research includes double seals with granite and lightweight aggregates; however, the findings from the proposed research can be applied to single and triple seals as well. The research plan includes the characterization of different aggregate types with varied gradations, the characterization of emulsions using the test procedures currently used in the NCDOT specifications and procedures recommended by the NCHRP 09-50 project, the evaluation of aggregate-emulsion compatibility, chip  seal performance testing, refinement of NCSU's chip seal mix design method, and development of a chip seal JMF and QC/QA framework for the NCDOT using performance test data obtained from laboratory tests. The research products from the proposed project will result in improved control over chip seal design and construction compared to the current practice, enhanced chip seal performance, prolonged chip seal service life, decreased life cycle costs, improved NCDOT chip seal specifications, and potentially reduced carbon footprint.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:42:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726547</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5041: SPR-4517 Implementation: Wireless Data Collection and Model Development</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2709427</link>
      <description><![CDATA[SPR-4517 deployed an edge-enabled, solar-powered wireless monitoring system at the I-69 instrumentation section to evaluate pavement drainage and related performance indicators. This implementation study will sustain field hardware, formalize an automated data pipeline with quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, develop and validate performance indicators and predictive models, and package the complete workflow for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Outcomes include continued wireless monitoring, versioned data products with monthly health reports, validated drainage performance models, and a transferable implementation package enabling INDOT to maintain long-term field data collection and adopt similar capabilities at additional sites.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:23:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2709427</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing Transportation Safety through Moisture Control Using Wicking Geotextiles in Pavement Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703923</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Excess subsurface moisture is a primary cause of pavement deterioration, contributing to frost heave, thaw weakening, pumping, stiffness loss, and surface roughness. These moisture-driven mechanisms compromise roadway safety by reducing vehicle stability, braking performance, and ride quality, while increasing maintenance frequency and costs. Wicking geotextiles are an emerging geosynthetic technology designed to actively remove both gravity and capillary water from pavement systems without external energy input. By transporting moisture laterally toward pavement shoulders and releasing it through evaporation, these materials help maintain drier and more stable subgrade conditions. Previous laboratory studies and field applications have demonstrated their technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness; however, current implementation remains largely empirical due to the lack of a mechanistic design framework.
This project aims to develop a fully coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical (THM) modeling framework to quantify the moisture-removal capacity of wicking geotextiles and evaluate their impact on pavement performance under unsaturated and freezing conditions. The research integrates laboratory characterization of soil–geotextile systems, controlled freezing tests to assess frost-heave mitigation, and advanced numerical modeling grounded in modern unsaturated soil mechanics. The validated model will be used to conduct parametric studies examining soil type, groundwater level, environmental loading, and installation configuration.
The expected outcomes include a validated THM model, quantitative evaluation tools for moisture control effectiveness, and practical, safety-oriented design guidance for transportation agencies. By transforming wicking geotextiles into a design-ready technology, this project will support safer, more resilient, and cost-effective pavement infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 09:19:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703923</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Feasibility Study of Zinc Diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDC) Modified Asphalt Mixture for Enhanced Safety through Improved Aging Resistance in Asphalt Pavement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703922</link>
      <description><![CDATA[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. Thermo-oxidative aging of asphalt binder is a key driver of asphalt pavement performance deterioration and distress development, which directly affect ride quality. As a result, mitigating asphalt aging is essential for maintaining pavement performance and ensuring roadway safety. Zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDC), an emerging antioxidant, has shown stronger anti-aging effectiveness than many conventional antioxidants. However, existing studies have primarily focused on binder-level and mixture-level, while its impact on pavement structural performance remains unclear. This leads to a gap in that the effectiveness of ZDC has not yet been validated in terms of its ultimate objective — improving pavement structural performance and safety. The objective of this proposed study is to address this gap by linking laboratory aging characterization of ZDC-modified materials with pavement performance prediction. Comprehensive laboratory testing will be conducted to characterize the aging resistance and mechanical properties of ZDC-modified materials and to provide the required inputs for pavement performance prediction. The pavement structural analysis tool, FlexPAVE, which integrates the recently developed pavement aging model (PAM) and distress prediction models, will be used to predict pavement performance while explicitly incorporating aging mechanisms. ZDC-modified pavement structures will be simulated under representative U.S. climate zones to evaluate the effectiveness of ZDC under diverse environmental conditions, considering that aging rates and dominant distress modes may change with climate patterns. The results will offer insight into the practical use of ZDC for improving pavement performance and safety.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 13:37:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703922</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Construction &amp; Early Performance of Rapid Strength Cement Concrete Mixture in MnROAD Test Cell 2437</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703791</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study evaluates the construction and early performance of a concrete mixture enriched with Alite (C₃S) and Belite (C₂S) placed in MnROAD Test Cell 2437. The innovative concrete mixture aims to combine rapid early strength gain (due to alite) with improved long-term strength and durability (due to belite). A 36 ft by 12 ft test section was constructed on November 22, 2024, when the ambient temperature was approximately 35°F. The test cell was instrumented with vibrating wire strain gauges, thermistors, and maturity sensors to monitor strength development and performance. Initial laboratory results demonstrated high early compressive strength exceeding control mixtures, followed by an unexpected decline, suggesting incomplete hydration potentially influenced by early freezing conditions. Flexural strength values remained lower than control mixtures, prompting petrographic analyses to further investigate internal structural integrity and hydration completeness.

Petrographic analysis revealed some microcracking, typical of accelerated strength gain but no sign of frost damage in spite of the low temperatures proceeding the paving. The material also passed the durability ASTM C666 test. Petrographic analysis revealed Alite-induced micro-cracking dispersed within the matrix and filled with ettringite. This suggested that due to low temperatures, belites were not secondarily deployed. Material was found to be constructible in spite of the anomalous thixotropic tendency it exhibited in transforming from a very mobile and workable mix quickly to a stiff mix within the period of placement and finishing. That feature was associated with early strength gain.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 16:40:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703791</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effects of Target Air Voids on Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Performance Tests</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698280</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To test the performance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) uses volumetrics testing, which tests the air void content and voids in mineral aggregate in compacted samples, followed by balanced mix design — which uses performance tests to evaluate pavement distresses. This project aims to identify if compacted HMA specimens that are currently discarded after volumetric testing can be used in performance tests. Researchers will test volumetric specimens at 4% and 7% air void content in cracking and rutting performance tests and identify if an alternate rutting test can be used in production. Successfully using compacted volumetric specimens for performance testing may reduce the time needed to identify if an HMA mixture meets IDOT performance test criteria at the start of production.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 09:19:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698280</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Performance Study of Plastics-Amended Asphalt for Roadway Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696020</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the previous study, the research team collaborated with the City of Battle Ground in Washington and constructed a test road incorporating plastics amendments in 2024, using the dry method. The objectives of this study are to:
(1)	Evaluate the field performance of plastic-amended asphalt and compare it to conventional asphalt sections.
(2)	Assess the impact of plastics in asphalt on skid resistance of vehicles.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:48:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696020</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>National Road Research Alliance (Phase-3)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2678150</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This solicitation is for the continuation of the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) for another 5 years and to continue to support Veda development to increase efficiency and effectiveness of both efforts. The NRRA exists to strategically implement cooperative pavement research. State agencies, industry, academia, consultants and associations work together to identify problems, complete research projects and implement results. The goal is to help agencies nationwide achieve consistent benefits from real world road research. It also seeks to provide members a forum to discuss issues and an outdoor, real-world laboratory (MnROAD) for evaluating cutting-edge pavement technologies.  The NRRA consists of five project teams: Flexible, Rigid, Geotechnical, Intelligent Construction Technologies, and Preventive Maintenance and is governed by an Executive Committee made up of two representatives from each government agency participating in the study.   Each team activities include prioritization of short and long-term research, development of long-term research test sections at MnROAD and providing input for technology transfer.  


]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:10:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2678150</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pavement Surface Properties Consortium Phase IV - Improving Safety and Saving Lives through Pavement Surface Optimization</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672598</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Functional pavement considerations are fundamental to the performance and management of pavements. In addition to structural and durability requirements, an optimum pavement wearing surface should provide a combination of a good riding quality, adequate safety, and a low noise level. All these responses are highly influenced by the various components of the pavement surface texture. Previous phases of the program demonstrated that a collaborative research program can provide an accessible and efficient way for highway agencies and other organizations to conduct research on pavement surface properties. The collaboration helped the participating agencies explore new technologies, verify the operation and accuracy of the equipment currently used for evaluating pavement surface properties, and enhance the methodologies for developing and implementing proactive friction management programs.
OBJECTIVE: The mission of the Surface Properties Consortium has been to conduct applied research focused on enhancing the level of service provided by the roadway transportation system by optimizing pavement surface characteristics.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:59:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672598</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Reflective Cracking in Wisconsin</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671979</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research aims to determine mixture performance and mix design requirements that increase the resistance of asphalt overlays to reflective cracking in Wisconsin. Recommendations must not sacrifice other critical performance or constructability attributes, such as rutting resistance and smoothness. Research efforts should focus on mill and overlay and overlay over existing Portland Cement Concrete design scenarios. Summarize existing mix design and performance requirements for asphalt overlays used by local and State Agencies in regions with similar climatic and aggregate resources as Wisconsin. Identify and recommend process-driven methods and technologies that show promise in reducing reflective cracking in Wisconsin. Using existing Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) mixtures as a benchmark, modify or supplement the existing WisDOT balanced mix design (BMD) special provision focusing on BMD “Approach C” for mixtures designated for asphalt overlays. Researchers will summarize relevant local and State practices concerning asphalt overlays and reflective cracking resistance, focusing on regions with similar climate, traffic, and aggregate resources as Wisconsin. Identify potential process-driven methods and technologies to improve reflective cracking resistance for recommendation as future WisDOT research. Using the existing WisDOT BMD special provision as guidance, researchers will preferentially modify or supplement the provision using BMD “Approach C” to reduce the reflective cracking of asphalt overlays. Develop recommendations and requirements to validate the BMD framework developed in prior tasks. Recommendations should consider a minimum number of projects, mix design designations (such as traffic level), project scope and size, and requirements for mixture sampling and data acquisition, among other variables.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:13:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671979</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design Requirements for High Traffic Asphalt Mixes to Ensure Pavement Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671978</link>
      <description><![CDATA[High Traffic Asphalt Mixes in Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are routinely using Stone Matrix Asphalt compacted to 100 design gyrations. Concerns have arisen that the mixtures contain low asphalt contents and are difficult to compact in the field. A more equitable balance between mixture stiffness and cracking resistance is desirable to optimize and/or improve the constructability and performance of High Traffic Asphalt Mixtures. The project objective is to modify WisDOT Hot Mix Asphalt design requirements for High Traffic mixtures to improve constructability and performance for high-volume freight corridors over a 20-year design life. The project will involve summarizing existing mix design requirements in regions with similar climates ("Wet- Freeze") and aggregate resources, benchmark existing WisDOT mixture designs using volumetric and performance testing and use a combination of laboratory-reproduced mix designs and construction/in-service performance data to propose modifications to existing mixture designs and procedures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:11:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671978</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Incorporating Pavement Structural Capacity into TxDOT Pavement Management Information System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2666837</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will provide the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) a means to use Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD) data to assess the structural condition of their roadways at the network-level by (a) leveraging TSD measurements and pavement data from existing databases in the US to complement the information collected in Texas for proposing and validating indices derived from velocity-based TSD measurements. To do this, the research team will develop a novel, velocity-based methodology for analyzing TSD data, as existing approaches rely on deflection-based methods not suited for the TSD, consider appropriate velocity indices and thresholds for classifying pavement structural condition, assess load transfer efficiency of jointed pavements, and ensure seamless integration of these data into PMIS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:45:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2666837</guid>
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