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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>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Field Friction Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672003</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary goal of this project is to perform comprehensive field friction testing on various Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) surfaces with polymer-modified asphalt binders (i.e, “H” and “V” binders) across the entire state. Conducting these tests in real-world conditions is crucial for identifying potential safety concerns related to skid resistance. Previous year friction testing conducted on certain SMA surfaces within the SE region using the “V” binder indicated that these surfaces exhibited notably lower skid resistance values compared to other SMA surfaces after few years of construction. Building on these findings, this project intends to carry out an additional round of field friction measurements targeting those same SMA surfaces in the SE region, while also expanding the scope of testing to include more SMA sections throughout the state. The data collected from this expanded field testing will be instrumental in determining whether the relatively low friction numbers are attributable to the specific type of binder used, the aggregate materials involved, or a combination of both factors. Furthermore, to gain a broader understanding of the current skid resistance condition of the state’s pavement infrastructure, several additional pavement sites will be evaluated as part of this study. This holistic approach aims to provide actionable insights that can guide improvements in pavement design and material selection to enhance overall road safety and durability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:27:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2672003</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tools to Improve the Durability of Asphalt Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607896</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In recent years, a number of new construction technologies, new asphalt materials, and new methods to control pavement temperatures have emerged as potential tools to improve the durability of asphalt materials. For example, warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures require lower mixing and compaction temperatures, which lower the emissions generated at the mixing plant, and at the same time, reduce the short-term aging of asphalt materials, and therefore increase their resistance to thermal cracking. Also, it has been shown that the addition of various amounts of polymer modifiers can increase the cracking resistance. A number of new materials, some based on bio-binders, have shown a reduction in the heat absorption of the pavement surface, which can reduce long term aging and increase the durability of pavements, while at the same time reducing the heat island effects that have a negative effect on people living in urban areas. In addition, studies have shown, including current studies at University of Minnesota, that tree shade can have a significant effect on pavement temperature, and therefore the durability of pavement.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:34:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607896</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>High-Polymer Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Mixture for Enhanced Durability and Cost-Effectiveness in Urban Transportation Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2475695</link>
      <description><![CDATA[While traditional materials have performed satisfactorily across a wide range of roads in the past, road failures are now occurring at an accelerated rate. Increased traffic loading—encompassing axle loads, tire pressures, and the number of load passes—has exposed limitations in the performance of asphalt binders and mixtures. To address this growing challenge, the asphalt industry has shifted over the past 50 years toward using polymers as modifiers for asphalt binders, especially in pavements exposed to severe climatic conditions and heavy truck traffic.  
More recently, researchers have developed polymer-modified asphalt with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) content of 7–8% by weight of the binder, offering enhanced elasticity and potentially improved pavement performance compared to traditional polymer-modified asphalt. An experimental study by the Florida Department of Transportation compared three asphalt binder types: a neat asphalt binder, a conventional polymer-modified asphalt binder (3% SBS), and a high-polymer asphalt binder (6% SBS). Results demonstrated that mixtures prepared with the high-polymer asphalt binder exhibited greater fracture energy, indicating superior fracture resistance compared to mixtures using conventional polymer-modified asphalt or neat asphalt binders. Furthermore, accelerated pavement testing showed that polymer-modified asphalt mixtures significantly outperformed mixtures prepared with neat asphalt binders in terms of rutting resistance. 
The ultimate goal of this study is to conduct a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of high-polymer modified asphalt binder and to assess the cost-effectiveness of this emerging class of asphalt binder as compared to conventional polymer-modified asphalt and neat asphalt binders. To this end, research activities will evaluate and compare the binder rheological, chemical, and aging characteristics of high-polymer asphalt, conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and neat asphalt binders. Based on the results of the binder study, researchers will evaluate the cracking, rutting, and moisture-damage resistances of asphalt mixtures prepared with high-polymer asphalt, conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and neat asphalt binders. In addition, cohesive and adhesive failure mechanisms will be evaluated for high-polymer asphalt, conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and neat asphalt binders. The tasks involve in this project are as follows: Task 1: Materials selection and development of test factorial; Task 2: Prepare and characterize asphalt binder blends; Task 3: Prepare and characterize the mechanistic properties and failure mechanisms of asphalt mixes; Task 4: Analyze performance and cost effectiveness of high-polymer asphalt and conventional polymer-modified asphalt, and Task 5: Prepare final report.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:46:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2475695</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Utilization of Waster Plastic as a Polymer Modifier for Asphalt Binders</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387099</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) has shown great promise in improving the performance of flexible asphalt pavements at low, intermediate, and high temperatures by increasing pavement resistance to permanent deformation, thermal cracking, and fatigue cracking. Recently, waste plastics (WPs) have been explored for making PMAs and incorporating them in asphalt binder through wet processes due to WP abundance and their ability to act as bonding enhancers. Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is interested in exploring the use of WP as an alternative sustainable material for binder modification. This research effort can contribute to reducing, reusing, and recycling waste plastic materials while providing enhanced binders and asphalt mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:46:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2387099</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluate Effects of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) on Performance-Graded (PG) Binder Polymer Concentration</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2372843</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Polymer additives are used to design high performance-graded (PG) virgin binders that meet the PG requirements to protect the mix against rutting and cracking under the climate and traffic conditions of a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) project. When recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is added to the mixture, the effective binder may not meet the desired grade. This project will quantify the extent to which polymer dilution is a problem that should be addressed in the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT's) HMA specifications and if so, develop specification language to address it. This project involves evaluating binder blends and mixtures with RAP. Both lab blended and commercial PG binders will be evaluated for continuous grade, elasticity, polymer content, and other rheological parameters. Then these binders will be mixed with recovered RAP binders at several percentages and retested to determine the same properties. Standard mixtures(s) will also be used with several of these binders and various RAP percentages to measure mixture performance-related properties (cracking and rutting). The research team will use the results from binder and mixture results on the impact of "virgin binder – RAP binder dilution" and work with the TxDOT to develop specification language for inclusion in TxDOT's HMA specifications, as needed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:16:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2372843</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing a Balanced Mix Design (BMD) Framework for SBS Modified Dense-Graded Asphalt Surface Mixtures – Phase I</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2361932</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has established a balanced mix design (BMD) framework for its 9.5 mm and 12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) dense-graded asphalt surface mixtures with unmodified binders (commonly referred with A and D designations) and is in the process of full-scale implementation. VDOT desires to further explore the implementation of BMD for other mixtures, such as dense-graded surface mixtures with E designation (denoted “E mixtures”), gap-graded mixtures, base mixtures, and intermediate mixtures. 

The next phase of BMD implementation will focus on VDOT’s E mixtures, containing polymer modified binders (PMBs) typically modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymer. However, findings from the work assessing high polymer modified asphalt mixtures suggest that the tests within VDOT’s BMD framework for “A” and “D” mixtures, particularly the cracking resistance test, may not adequately capture the performance improvement resulting from the use of polymer modified binders (PMBs). Given the central role of performance tests in the BMD methodology, it is of paramount importance to identify test methods and associated indices capable of accurately capturing the performance of SBS-polymer-modified mixtures. This crucial first step holds significant implications for the decision-making process regarding the establishment and implementation of a BMD framework for such mixtures within VDOT.

The primary objective of this study is to develop a BMD framework(s) specifically designed for VDOT’s SBS-polymer-modified dense-graded asphalt surface mixtures (i.e., E mixtures). Accordingly, the research will thoroughly evaluate test methods that can accurately reflect the performance enhancements of mixtures achieved by polymer modification. Subsequently, the research will offer a roadmap for BMD methodology adoption for these mixtures. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:41:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2361932</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Field Evaluation of the Perpetual Pavement Concept
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729513</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will construct a perpetual pavement using Highly Modified Asphalt (HiMA)  and validate the perpetual pavement concept in real world conditions by instrumenting and collecting data on a roadway in Ohio. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is interested in the best way to utilize HiMA (i.e., asphalt base only, surface and intermediate only, or full depth asphalt buildups). 

The goal of this research is to design, construct and monitor Ohio's first perpetual pavement built with HiMA.  The results obtained are expected to provide the Office of Pavement Engineering with a model for future design, as well as the confidence needed to roll out additional designs for perpetual pavements as conditions warrant.

The results of this research will: (1) Incorporate the HiMA material into the design and construction to evaluate its cost effectiveness and constructability. (2) Investigate the perpetual pavement design software/concepts as it applies to the perpetual pavement design using the HiMA material. (3) This research has the potential for significant savings for ODOT and the taxpayer.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2020 16:24:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1729513</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Polymer Modification on Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1357220</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Polymer modified binders are now extensively used in the asphalt industry. However, it is still not well understood how the polymers and the base binders interlock and whether the degree of interlocking impacts performance of polymer modified binders. The research has shown that low non-recoverable compliance values in the Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery test at 64 C appear to show significantly low rutting performance in the laboratory based on the flow time test. However, most of these tests were done on modified binders that were provided by the refinery whose precise formulations are unknown. There is a need to measure the properties of binders with known modification to determine the influence of polymers on the mechanical properties of the binders. Investigation of the morphology is necessary because the properties change when polymer networks are formed. When a sufficient amount of polymer networks have been formed the polymers are considered to be full interlocking with the binder. Because the dispersion of polymer in an asphalt binder depends on factors such as blending time, temperature, and base compatibility, fluorescence microscopy can be used to monitor the dispersion to ensure that polymer networking is occurring. With the recent acquiring of the fluorescent microscope at Rowan University, it has provided the project with the capability to directly determine if there has been adequate interlocking between the base binder and the polymer and subsequently determine how a given polymer or combination of polymers impact binder and mix performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2015 01:01:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1357220</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Nano-Engineered Polyurethane Resin - Modified Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1318018</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Latex modified concrete (LMC), also known as polymer portland cement concrete refers to hydraulic cement mixed with organic polymers that are either dispersed or redispersed in water. The dispersion of polymers in water is sometimes referred to as emulsions. When polymer emulsions are mixed with portland cement concrete, the polymer particles come together to form a polymer film coating on aggregate particles and cement grains, and seals any voids or microcracks. The resulting mixture of polymer emulsion and portland cement concrete will have higher strength, high resistance to chloride penetration and is more inert to chemical attack than plain cement. One of the weak links in a cement-aggregate composite material is the bond between the matrix and the aggregates. To improve the performance of the alternative cement binder (ACB), the research team will develop a Nano-Engineered Polyurethane Resin (NEPU) resin to act as an intermediary between the aggregates and the ACB matrix. The NEPU will be used to precoat the aggregates prior to their placement within the ACB matrix. Embedded within the NEPU will be grains of the ACB. Then, when combined with the ACB and water, the unhydrated ACB particles embedded within the NEPU-coated aggregates will react with the surrounding matrix during hydration, providing an enhanced interfacial zone and corresponding improvement in the material properties of the hardened material. In the proposed work, the used of bio-based NEPU emulsion for LMC application will also be investigated. The characterization of NEPU including cure kinetics, rheology, UV resistance, and flame resistance will be conducted. The proposed NEPU-modified concrete will be subjected to physical and mechanical testing. The optimal composition of NEPU system will be investigated for determining the percentage by weight of nano-clay and soy-content.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2014 01:15:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1318018</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Laboratory Evaluation of Thin and Modified Asphalt Overlay Mix Design Procedures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234324</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will provide the Department with a comparison of performance-related mechanistic laboratory tests and the currently used stabilometer test methods for polymer-modified and rubber-asphalt mixes.  The expected outcome is a set of recommendations for improving the Department's laboratory asphalt mix design procedures based on mix type, climate, and economic risk. The project will also include some comparisons of test results with those from the SHRP gyratory-compacted specimens.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:10:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234324</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PPRC 11 SPE: Laboratory and Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) of Gap-Graded Rubberized Mixes (Hot Mix Asphalt and Warm Mix Asphalt) for the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234192</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is a suite of technologies that allows a reduction in temperatures for traditional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) production and paving. There are currently four different WMA categories (organic additives, inorganic additives, chemical foaming processes, and mechanical foaming processes), with more than 20 known technologies currently available in the United States. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), local government road authorities, and the construction industry are interested in evaluating WMA technologies used in conventional rubberized, and polymer modified asphalt mixes for: (1) Worker health and safety benefits (lower temperatures, less fumes); (2) Environmental benefits (reduced stack and construction emissions due to lower temperatures), (3) Opportunities to extend the paving season, undertake more night time paving, and to allow longer hauls of HMA, (4) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced energy inputs (lower temperatures), (5) Potential increased pavement service life from improved compaction, and (6) Higher productivity at asphalt plants. Caltrans, through the University of California Pavement Research Center (UCPRC), has been evaluating WMA technologies in a phased research program under a variety of applications. The UCPRC research program includes laboratory testing, accelerated pavement testing, and field tests throughout the state. This program is a comprehensive, controlled study that will provide an indication of longer-term performance in a relatively short time period, thereby reducing the risk for road authorities in implementing the use of WMA technology on higher traffic roads. This Scope of Work (SOW) will assist Caltrans in completing its phased research of WMA technologies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:08:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234192</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re-Road: End of Life Strategies of Asphalt Pavements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229785</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Re-road project aims to develop knowledge and innovative technologies for enhanced end of life strategies for asphalt road infrastructures. Such a strategy has an important impact on the energy efficiency and the environmental footprint of the European transport system and fits within the life-cycle thinking which is being introduced in waste policy at European level. It leads to reduction of the need for new raw materials, prevents the creation of waste and the occupation of landfills and consequently minimizes the need to transport these materials to and from the work site and hence reducing energy, pollution including CO2 -emissions. The project will cover the following topics that are important for the determination of an end of life strategy: (1) Dismantling strategies: Impact and potentially adverse effect of different dismantling procedures on the quality of RA will be investigated. (2) Characterization strategies: Improving characterization of RA and technical evaluation of RA as a raw material considering the heterogeneity of the material and considering the specific industrial process for producing the asphalt mix. (3) Handling strategies: optimization of the recycling at highest possible level and for the original layer, depending on the RA characterization and environmental sound reuse or disposal of the marginal materials that can not be recycled. (4) Environmental criteria: Assessment of risks and benefits to the environment with the use of RA will be developed. Special attention will be paid to potential harmful substances (like tar-containing asphalt) and life cycle analysis (LCA) will be used as a tool for this assessment. (5) Cost-effective recycling: Short and long term performance, life time prediction by modeling of asphalt mixes produced with different levels RA and with different production techniques. and (6) Industrial processes: Study of the potentially adverse effect on the final asphalt mix quality derived from the specific method for introducing the RA in the mixing plant. How to avoid problems in the re-cycling of polymer modified RA and how to take full advantage of their special qualities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:48:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229785</guid>
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