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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>Development of an Innovative, Bio-Mediated, Self-Healing Concrete Technology</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2717327</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cracks in concrete structures significantly compromise their durability, and it is difficult and expensive to timely inspect transportation assets and treat concrete cracks. Self-healing concrete has a unique advantage in this regard. Concrete exhibits a self-healing capability as a result of hydrating unhydrated cement. However, such healing performance is limited to cracks less than 0.1mm wide. Several approaches to self-healing concrete have been tried in the past, but so far none has been shown to be adequate. For example, self-healing based on encapsulated chemicals offers only one-time healing. Microbial induced mineral precipitation heals only concrete cracks no more than 0.4 mm wide. 
For NCHRP 20-30/IDEA 261, the research team will develop a fungi-mediated, self-healing concrete technology for fast and efficient healing of cracks greater than 1mm wide autogenously. Another feature of this technology is that the treated concrete shows strong hydrophobicity that inhibits the ingress of water and deicing salt solution into the concrete. The autogenous self-healing concrete technology is based on bio-mineralization through fungi. Fungi strains that can survive and grow in concrete’s high alkaline environment will be identified, and microcapsules filled with these fungi will be introduced into the concrete. Cracks appearing in the concrete will be quickly covered by fungi fibers through the process of biomineralization. The fungi fibers, being hydrophobic, will also inhibit the ingress of water into the concrete and protect it from damage caused by freezing and thawing of pore water and corrosion of reinforcement steel by deicing salt solution entering through the cracks. 
Field evaluations will follow laboratory-scale evaluation and optimization. Field work will require scaling up the fungi microcapsules production process. One option will be to use multiple peristaltic pumps in parallel to enhance the rate of microcapsule production. Concrete mixture designs will be developed and optimized with respect to the quantity of fungi microcapsules. Ohio Department of Transportation will collaborate in field tests and has committed to providing active construction projects as possible field sites for testing the technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:29:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2717327</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cracks of Low-P Rapid Set Concrete in Deck Repairs: Analysis, Prevention, and Alternatives</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2714454</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The occurrence of full-depth transverse cracks in Low-P rapid-set concrete highlights the need to investigate the cracking mechanisms in repaired bridge decks, as well as to develop prevention strategies and alternative materials.

OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this project is to analyze the correlations between cracks in Low-P rapid set concrete and factors including concrete mix design, construction practices, curing conditions, and the service environment/weather conditions of bridge decks. This analysis aims to deepen the understanding of cracking mechanisms and to develop strategies for preventing crack formation in this special concrete. The outcomes will guide the treatment of deck repair materials for Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) projects, ultimately enhancing the durability and longevity of repaired bridge decks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:19:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2714454</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Evaluation and Structural Optimization of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete (FRAC) for Pothole Repair and Roadway Resilience</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696034</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project investigates the engineering properties and field performance of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete (FRAC) specifically optimized for high-durability pothole repair and structural patching.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:33:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696034</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>State of Practice for Specifying and Repairing Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671985</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) frequently uses Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls due to cost-effectiveness and ability to tolerate movements during their service life. WisDOT has observed excessive deformation or wall-facing damage due to deterioration or vehicular impacts. Research into durability of MSE wall reinforcements and best practices to ensure their longevity would be beneficial. This research will evaluate allowable limits for MSE wall settlements and out-of-plane movements and investigate repair/remediation methods when those limits are exceeded, with or without signs of distress. The research will investigate repair solution to address compromised wall facings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:23:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671985</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Vertical and Overhead Concrete Patches</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671984</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge elements undergo various types of damage throughout their service life requiring rehabilitation with vertical and overhead patch repairs. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) guidance is limited to horizontal concrete surface repairs. Vertical and overhead patches typically include using different strategies, patch materials and repair reinforcements such as mechanical anchors, wire reinforcement, or fiber-reinforced polymer wraps. The field engineers mostly rely on manufacturer's repair recommendations and engineer discretion for guidance. The development of complete guidance protocols including patch-repair materials installation specifications, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria is required to provide consistency and ensure the durability of concrete patches. The development of the protocols, specifications and an approved products list would be beneficial to ensure WisDOT delivers longer-lasting repairs. The researcher will investigate and provide material selection guidance, patch-repair materials installation specifications and repair strategies for concrete surface repairs in the vertical and overhead positions using different strategies, patch materials and repair reinforcements. This project will provide complete guidance protocols for minor to intermediate vertical and overhead concrete patch repairs in concrete bridge decks, slabs, prestressed concrete girders, piers and abutments located above and away from traffic. They will subject patch repairs to stress tests to evaluate patch durability. The researcher will develop patch-repair materials installation specifications, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria. The researcher will develop repair specification recommendations and an approved products list, providing consistency and ensuring the durability of concrete patches.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:21:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671984</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Smart Healing in Additively Manufactured Engineered Cementitious Composites Beams for Durable Transportation Infrastructure </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2665667</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project investigates the self-healing capabilities of 3D-printed Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) for transportation infrastructure applications, focusing on enhancing the durability and longevity of 3D-printed concrete structures. In particular, the research will examine how factors such as material composition, fiber reinforcement, and curing mechanisms influence the self-healing behavior of 3D-printed ECC beams. This self-healing capability has significant potential benefits as the layer-by-layer deposition process used in 3D printing can introduce "cold joints" or interlayer weaknesses, which may negatively impact long-term durability. The project will explore whether ECC’s intrinsic self-healing ability can mitigate these effects and enhance the durability of printed infrastructure, such as pavements, bridges, and retaining walls, which are subjected to harsh environmental conditions. The specific objectives of the project are to: evaluate the influence of supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and blast furnace slag on the self-healing properties of 3D-printed ECC; assess the effect of different fiber lengths (6 mm and 10 mm) on crack control and healing kinetics; investigate the impact of various curing regimes (e.g., water immersion, relative humidity conditions) on the healing process; and conduct mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, and data modeling to develop predictive models for self-healing behaviors. 

The research will produce implementable results in the form of optimized ECC formulations with enhanced self-healing properties for 3D-printed infrastructure. It will also generate valuable data, including mechanical performance metrics, microstructural insights, and predictive models that could shape future design practices and standards for 3D-printed construction. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:30:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2665667</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Asphalt 3D Printing for On-Demand Transportation Infrastructure Construction and Repair </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646934</link>
      <description><![CDATA[There is a growing need for more advanced construction methods for asphalt pavements in the U.S., driven by aging infrastructure, increasing traffic demand, and constrained maintenance budgets. Accelerated and cost-effective construction techniques have the potential to reduce project timelines, lower labor costs, and minimize downtime, making them essential for meeting the nation’s infrastructure goals. Additionally, asphalt composites are known to deteriorate over time due to factors such as repeated traffic loading, oxidation, loss of volatiles, and environmental exposure. This deterioration results in increased surface stiffness, the formation of cracks, stripping, aggregate loss, and development of potholes. This study responds to these needs by designing and evaluating a novel asphalt 3D printing methodology (PAVE3D) and demonstrating its practical feasibility for transportation applications. The proposed technology is mainly intended for pavement construction and repair applications including maintenance applications (e.g., crack sealing, and patching). With PAVE3D, customized pavement slabs for roads or bridges can be fabricated on-demand, or the geometry of existing potholes can be precisely scanned and filled with printing material. However, there exists a significant knowledge gap regarding the rheological requirements of asphalt-based binders suitable for 3D printing, as well as the key considerations involved in designing printable asphalt mixtures.  

To address these knowledge gaps, a comprehensive 1-year study involving systematic experimentation and data analysis is planned. The research methodology for this study will involve preparing four asphalt mixtures in the laboratory, two using 3D printing techniques, and two using conventional preparation methods. Various laboratory factors will be systematically varied during preparation to assess their effects on the asphalt mixtures. The prepared mixtures will then be tested to evaluate their performance with respect to major failure mechanisms. The planned effort leverages the existing high-temperature extrusion and material characterization capabilities at Louisiana State University (LSU) and provides valuable scientific and practical insights into the printing material requirements and the interplay of printing parameters during the PAVE3D asphalt printing process.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:19:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646934</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Heat Straightening Repair in Connecticut</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2566904</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research aims to establish the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)’s own heat straightening repair guidelines and protocols. Additionally, the establishment of a dedicated heat straightening training program to equip CTDOT's engineers and contractors with the necessary skills and knowledge is to be proposed. For this research, an evaluation of the current conditions of heat straightening repair in New England, with a primary focus on Connecticut is to be performed. Through visits, surveys of the Department of Transportations (DOTs), and analysis of repair sites and previous damage-repair databases, the research seeks to enhance understanding of the most frequently damaged steel bridge types and the extent of damage in the region.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:59:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2566904</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Replacement of Outside Beams on Adjacent Box-Beam Structures </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2562257</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The design and construction of precast, prestressed concrete side-by-side box-beam bridges became popular in Michigan in the
mid 50’s mainly due to their ease and speed of construction. In recent years, the preference for specifying this bridge type has
declined significantly due to various performance issues. Durability, inspection, and sustainability of this bridge type have
become a concern. Surface water leaking through the cracked longitudinal joints into the shear keys leads to concealed corrosion
of reinforcement as well as prestressing strands along the beam sides. The corrosion activity remains concealed until cracking,
delamination, or spalling occur. Often fascia and second beams have significant deterioration due to a combined action of
material response to exposure conditions and moisture. With this background, there are numerous adjacent box-beam structures
with significantly deteriorated fascia, and in some cases second-line, beams that may benefit from replacement of beams.
Additionally, removing and re-installing transverse post tensioning, both tensioned non-grouted steel rods and grouted post
tensioned steel cables, can be a concern. The primary area of focus for this project will be on assessing and determining best
practices for addressing the deterioration (repair/replacement) of these outside beams.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:24:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2562257</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Innovative Two-Layered System for Upgrade of Steel Culverts (UHPC Shotcrete + Sprayable Self-Healing Concrete)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549030</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research proposes using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) shotcrete combined with sprayable self-healing concrete to upgrade steel culverts, addressing challenges related to aging, deterioration, and increased traffic. An accompanying project will also be carried out at Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC) that will be complementing this project. Overall, the research results will accomplish the project vision and objectives. Many U.S. steel culverts are approaching the end of their service life due to corrosion, wear, and soil erosion, which can result in structural failure and significant environmental and economic impacts. This study aims to optimize effectiveness of sprayable UHPC by applying self-healing concrete mixtures, evaluate their mechanical and durability properties, and assess their combined performance when applied to steel culverts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 15:36:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549030</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Repair and Upgrade of Steel Culverts Using Sprayable Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549029</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research proposes using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) shotcrete to repair and upgrade steel culverts, addressing significant infrastructure challenges posed by aging, deterioration, and increased traffic demands. Many U.S. steel culverts are nearing the end of their service life, suffering from corrosion, wear, and soil erosion, which can lead to structural failure and severe environmental and economic consequences. This study aims to optimize UHPC shotcrete mixtures, evaluate their mechanical and durability properties, and assess their effectiveness in repairing and upgrading steel culverts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 15:23:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549029</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Durability and Cost-Benefit Assessment of Innovative Materials for Bridge Deck Maintenance and Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543852</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) manages one of the largest state transportation networks in the US, including over 9400 bridges. For existing and newly built bridges, concrete decks are the primary area of concern for durability due to aging, increased load demands, and direct exposure to corrosive environments, especially throughout the coastline and the Lowcountry. As a result, excessive cracking (e.g., due to aging, shrinkage, overloads, exposure to chloride salts) and corrosion-related damage (e.g., concrete spalling, loss of reinforcing material) are all-too-common conditions that hinder safety, reduce capacity, and negatively affect user satisfaction.

The condition of the State’s bridge decks is reflected in the National Bridge Inventory. In 2018, for the first time, the number of bridges rated as ‘Fair’ (4855, over 50% of the total) surpassed those rated as ‘Good’. This trend shows what bridge inspectors are well aware of—that the rate of deterioration exceeds the rate of rehabilitation and replacement. The outlook is that a ‘State of Good Repair’ is increasingly challenging, despite the SCDOT’s growing maintenance efforts.

In fact, the cost and impact on mobility of bridge maintenance and new construction put a premium on accelerating the transition to innovative deck materials that offer unprecedented durability and cost benefits. Compelling examples are ultra-high performance concrete, specialty admixtures (e.g., shrinkage-control, nano-amendment), cementitious-matrix overlays, externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems, galvanized steel bars, and noncorrosive glass FRP (GFRP) bars whose cost is now on par with black steel.

In addition to bridge deck research, the proposed research will also focus on developing standard repair procedures for various bridge components. An emphasis will be placed on developing procedures that are relatively easy to perform by maintenance forces with commonly available equipment.

The proposed research aims to bridge the gap between state-of-the-art and field implementation. Doing so requires addressing a lack of familiarity by practitioners, a difficulty with assessing cost benefits, and a limited availability of SCDOT provisions and tools for design, and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for asset management.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:09:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543852</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Beam End Repair for Prestressed Concrete Beams – Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509056</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The ultimate goal of the proposed research project is to provide cost-effective/high-performance cementitious materials to repair the deteriorated ends of precast prestressed concrete beams (PPCB). Based on the outcome of the small- and large-scale investigations performed as part of the Phase I of this project, ultra-high performance and high-early strength concrete mixtures were developed and tested to repair the beam ends in the laboratory setting. In the proposed Phase II of this project, the developed patching materials will be applied to a bridge structure identified by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Bridges and Structures Bureau. This candidate bridge, which is located in Fort Dodge, has a large number of beams in many differing states of deterioration. Thus, it would be an appropriate bridge to apply and evaluate the performance of the identified patching materials in a real field setting. The scope of work for the proposed project involves both short- and long-term investigations. The short-term investigations will primarily cover the practical aspects and considerations that must be figured out to successfully apply the patches in the field. On the other hand, the long-term investigations will closely monitor the integrity and overall condition state of the repaired beam ends over time. For this purpose, a dense array of instrumentation will be utilized, while regular inspections will be conducted in parallel. The outcome is expected to identify the patching materials, procedures, and practices that have the highest promise of success to address the long-standing issue of deterioration of beam ends.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:12:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509056</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ultra High-Performance Concrete Repair of Steel Bridge Girder Ends</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509053</link>
      <description><![CDATA[
Several state and county engineers are facing the daunting task of maintaining an inventory of corroding steel structures. Capitalizing on the superior strength and durability properties of ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC), an innovative solution will be developed, tested, and demonstrated through this research project. This will lead to substantial advances in the repair and retrofit of steel bridges subjected to corrosive environments. The use of UHPC is believed to introduce a broad spectrum of benefits in both the short and long term. Specifically, UHPC offers a workable repair that can be applied in the field with minimum equipment requirements. This significantly expedites the repair process, resulting in minimized road closures and traffic disruptions. When repaired using UHPC, steel girders will not only regain their lost structural capacity but will also be protected against corrosive environments by a strong yet passive layer. This is an important feature, which will greatly extend the expected service life of steel bridge girders without having to repeat maintenance actions every few years. To achieve the ultimate goal of this research project, a holistic set of research tasks and activities have been planned, including conceptual designs, numerical simulations, laboratory investigations, and a field demonstration. With the development of supporting technology transfer materials, the outcome of this project is expected to pave the way to utilizing the advantages of this repair solution for future use and implementation in various state- and county-owned steel bridges.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:53:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2509053</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Delamination of Partial-Depth Panels in Concrete Bridge Decks: Inspection and Repair</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2445324</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Delamination of bridge decks at the interface between precast concrete deck panels and the cast-in-place concrete portion has been observed which causes non-composite behavior and results in deck damage which affects the serviceability and durability of bridge decks. The main objective of this research project is to develop implementation methods in the laboratory for repairing delaminated partial-depth precast bridge deck panels using epoxy injection from below the bridge deck and provide recommendations for field implementation. The topic of this project is important since recent failures of partial depth bridge decks have shown that closure of the bridge may be required for removal and replacement. The current repair method involves removing complete sections of the deck and replacing them with rapid hardening hydraulic cement concrete. If the research is successful, the bridge deck repair can be performed from below the bridge deck without interruption to traffic and the installation could be verified. This benefits UDOT in that there would not be delays or closures of such bridge decks. This research builds on a recently completed Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) study by further experimenting with repairing delaminated partial-depth precast bridge decks by using epoxy injection from below the deck. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Oct 2024 15:07:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2445324</guid>
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