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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <item>
      <title>Integrating Concrete 3D-Printing and UHPC Spray Techniques for Improved Structural Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2745082</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Concrete 3D printing has gained rapid momentum as an emerging construction
method offering reduced labor, faster construction, enhanced design flexibility,
and minimal formwork requirements. However, its broader adoption in structural
and bridge applications remains limited due to inherent weaknesses, including
insufficient interlayer bonding, lack of conventional reinforcement, and early-age
shrinkage cracking. These limitations reduce durability and restrict the load-carrying capacity of 3D-printed elements. Currently, Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC) at Florida International University (FIU) has pioneered the development and successful field deployment of pneumatic spray
technology for ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). This technique provides
high-quality, rapid, and cost-effective strengthening solutions for deteriorated or
deficient bridge components. Recent full-scale demonstrations have shown that
sprayed UHPC can deliver superior bonding, enhanced toughness, and substantial
improvements in structural performance. Despite the individual advancements of
concrete 3D printing and UHPC spray technology, their integration remains largely
unexplored. This project aims to evaluate the feasibility of using pneumatically
sprayed UHPC as an external reinforcement layer for 3D-printed concrete
components. The research will: (1) quantify the interfacial bond strength between
sprayed UHPC and 3D-printed substrates; (2) assess structural enhancements
through flexural strength, ductility, and post-cracking performance; and (3)
investigate improvements in durability, including resistance to chloride
penetration and freeze-thaw deterioration. The findings will provide foundational
knowledge for advancing a hybrid construction approach that merges concrete 3D
printing with sprayable UHPC. The expected outcomes will support the
development of practical guidelines, promote adoption in bridge infrastructure,
and enable future field-scale validation studies.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2745082</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guidelines for Post-Wildfire Inspections of Unstable Slopes, Slope Reinforcement, and Slope Protection Systems



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558420</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geotechnical asset management is crucial for the safety and resilience of transportation infrastructure. Historically, state departments of transportation (DOTs) have focused on mitigating unstable slopes and maintaining constructed slope protection and stabilization systems through protocols such as Washington DOT’s Geotechnical Asset Management Plan (GAMP). State DOTs have experienced an increase in wildfire frequency and intensity due to droughts, higher temperatures, and dense vegetation accumulation. Wildfires have placed additional strain on slope protection and stabilization systems and amplified risks such as heat-induced material degradation, erosion, rockfall, and debris flow hazards. 

While the direct short-term impacts of wildfires on geotechnical assets have been observed, the indirect long-term effects, including soil and rock slope degradation, degradation of installed slope reinforcement, and damage to protection systems, have not been thoroughly examined. Research is needed to develop protocols and methods to help state DOTs with post-wildfire evaluations of affected slopes and slope protection systems.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide and field decision support tool to evaluate post-wildfire impacts on affected slopes and slope protection and stabilization systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2025 22:22:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558420</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Testing of GRS Test Piers Constructed with Florida Aggregates - Axial Load Deformation Relationships</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2199641</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this project are to: 
(1) Perform a background review of the literature and reports (research journals, FHWA reports, NCHRP 24-41, DOT reports from other states, and AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications) on GRS structures and pier tests. This will include test results and conclusions, designs of previous tests (H/L, types and properties of geosynthetics, facing elements), design guidelines in practice (axial capacity, internal capacity, aggregates, etc.), typical aggregates used in Florida, and their geotechnical properties. 
(2) Design 5 full-scale axial load-deformation tests of GRS piers built with the selected and FDOT-approved geosynthetic reinforcements, facing elements and aggregate. 
(3) Construct and test each GRS pier where the axial load applied at the top of the pier is developed using hydraulic jacks and measured using load cells, in conjunction with the vertical and horizontal pier displacement measured using linear displacement transducers. A load reaction frame will be designed for minimal deflection under two times the predicted maximum axial load. 
(4) Include internal instrumentation to measure the profiles of tensile strain distributions in the reinforcements and the vertical and horizontal earth pressures in the aggregate and on the facing blocks. 
(5) Compare the performance (deflection, maximum axial load at specific vertical strain, ultimate axial load, tensile load in reinforcement, horizontal earth pressures, etc.) with current design methods (FHWA) and proposed methods in the research literature (i.e., Zornberg, et al. 2018). 
(6) For all the tests of pier performance with different aggregate, reinforcement, and Sv, identify the axial loads at limiting service vertical and horizontal strains (?v = 0.5% and ?H = 2%, respectively), as recommended by FHWA. 
(7) Based on the findings of the research, make recommendations to the FDOT for predicting axial load capacity and vertical and horizontal deformation based on existing or modified methods or equations that account for aggregate properties, reinforcement strength, and Sv. Also, make recommendations for any future research that may be necessary.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:47:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2199641</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strengthening of Pre-Tensioned Concrete Beams</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1702418</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of this project is to develop and test strengthening method(s) for existing pretensioned
concrete bridge beams.
Proposed Actions:
⦁ Literature search on strengthening method(s) for pre-tensioned concrete beams.
⦁ Develop a feasible and cost-effective method for NYSDOT to strengthen pre-stressed
concrete box beams
⦁ Conduct structural analysis using finite element modeling.
⦁ Conduct physical testing on pre-tensioned concrete beams removed from service
⦁ Produce a final report which includes specfications/details on how to
install the repair detail. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:43:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1702418</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Testing of GRS Test Piers Constructed with Florida Aggregates - Axial Load Deformation Relationships</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1690002</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project objectives are to perform a background review of the literature and reports on GRS structures and pier tests. Design full-scale axial load-deformation tests of GRS piers. Construct and test each GRS pier. Compare the performance with current design methods and proposed methods. Make recommendations to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for predicting axial load capacity and vertical and horizontal deformation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2020 13:12:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1690002</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thermoplastic Composites by 3D Printing and Automated Manufacturing 
to Extend the Life of Transportation Facilities (2.4)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1590583</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Recent advances in large-scale 3D printing and thermoplastic composite materials with bio-based fillers and reinforcements have great potential for expanding the possibilities of making forms for precast concrete structures. The 3D printing technology for making molds, forms, and tooling for precast concrete is expected to reduce labor cost. 3D printed molds allow design optimization of precast concrete parts since the additive manufacturing cost is only a function of thermoplastic material weight and is independent of part complexity. Additionally, 3D printed molds become an asset, since thermoplastic composite materials can be reprocessed. However, the performance and durability of such molds needs to be evaluated to ensure optimal performance with repeated casting and demolding operations. The work of this research project will evaluate the mechanical performance of 3D printed molds after repeated use during casting of concrete and removal of the cured concrete part. Additionally, the work conducted by the research team will evaluate the durability and dimensional tolerance of bio-based 3D printed forms.

The objectives of the project are to:
a. Identify potential applications for large-scale 3D printing of forms and tooling for precast concrete parts in transportation using bio-based fillers and reinforcements and cost-effective thermoplastic materials.
b. Determine the feasibility of making 3D printed forms for optimized precast concrete parts and elements to extend durability and reduce cost.
c. Document the demonstration of large-scale 3D printing of precast concrete forms and assess the quality of the parts. Establish material and manufacturing specifications to assist the DOTs implementation of this technology in transportation applications.
d. Investigate the potential for recycling the 3D printed forms and tooling and reusing/reprinting the wood-filled thermoplastic material to make it a capital asset for precasters.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:58:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1590583</guid>
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