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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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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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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Rides Toward Work</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071573</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will receive funding to address and unmet need for transportation for  employment through the Rides to Work program.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:20:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2071573</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing Geofencing Functionality</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062435</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will receive funding to use GPS technology to enable free transit rides for passengers who use farecards and board at designated stops. Ridership and other data will inform future fare incentive programs, both in Rhode Island and nationally.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:17:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2062435</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing Presence and Impact of REOB (Recycled Engine Oil Bottoms) on Asphalt (1.19)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994174</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Asphalt material producers sometimes incorporate Recycled Engine Oil Bottoms (REOB) into paving asphalt in order to alter its performance grade (PG). State Departments of Transportation express concern that REOB decreases pavement lifetime, even though it does not violate the specifications that are intended to ensure good performance. This research project assesses REOB in asphalt through two complementary approaches: (1) experimental measurements to detect presence of REOB in asphalt binders used in Rhode Island, and (2) molecular simulations to quantify mechanisms about how REOB alters asphalt mechanics, meaning viscosity and complex modulus G*. Prior work at URI has indicated that Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) can identify REOB presence while simultaneously suggesting a metalbased fingerprint of asphalt chemistry. Other prior work at URI has developed nanoscale model systems that replicate asphalt properties within molecular dynamics simulations. In this project, the intent of approach (1) is to provide ICP-MS experimental data that complement simultaneous development at RIDOT of a REOB detection approach based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The intent of approach (2) is to identify rheological distinctions to anticipate between systems with and without REOB. Such perspectives can then be applied toward interpreting effects of REOB on measured asphalt DSR data and can guide rheology studies in future work.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:34:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994174</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Design and Development of High-Performance Composites for Improved Durability of Bridges in Rhode Island (2.17)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875792</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Accelerated degradation of concrete/ steel elements on bridges has been a major cause of concern in Rhode Island and other northeastern states due to harsh winters, a significant number of freeze-thaw cycles and the use of deicing salts. In this project, innovative durable 3D-printed composites materials will be designed and developed for repair/strengthening of degraded concrete/steel components on bridges toward enhanced durability and service life. Thus, this proposal will forward various innovative viable strategies for performance enhancing retrofitting and rehabilitation of existing degraded structures such as the use of adhesively-bonded sandwiched composite plates with 3D-printed auxetic cores, high performance fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrappings around columns enabled via 3D printed architectures and multifunctional FRP laminates for strengthening of decks. These modern design strategies will be developed and evaluated through a coordinated set of sophisticated experiments at multiple length scales and validated models and predictive tools. The evaluation of engineering performance descriptors and the development of validated prediction models and design optimization strategies that relate to the features of the hierarchical structure of the composite materials at multiple length scales are expected to be significant scientific steps that are vital in ensuring the practical adoption and constructability of these 3D printed composites. Overall, it is anticipated that the outcome of this comprehensive project has the potential to define a new paradigm in designing and evaluating 3D printed composites that belong to the next generation of truly high-performance construction
materials. The breadth of collaborations between URI-RIDOT-Goetz Composites and associated expertise will potentially generate significant new knowledge which will enable intelligent, informed decision-making regarding the selection of composites for bridges in the northeastern states for enhanced durability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:30:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875792</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhancing the Durability of Bridge Decks by Incorporating Microencapsulated 
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in Concrete (2.16)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875140</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In Rhode Island and other New England states, combined effects of freeze-thaw-induced damage and chloride ingress (from deicing salts) make it very challenging to maintain the quality of concrete on bridges and road surfaces. This project will develop, evaluate, and assess the feasibility of incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) into the concrete to reduce freeze-thaw/chloride ingress-induced degradation. Under freezing ambient conditions, when PCMs freeze, they release a large amount of heat that helps keep the deck/pavement warmer. As a result, PCMs can reduce the number of freeze-thaw cycles in bridge decks which can lead to a significant reduction in damage/ingress of salt and an increase in life expectancy. In this project, a series of comprehensive experiments will be performed to evaluate the influence of PCM-incorporated concrete overlays on the freeze-thaw damage response and durability of concrete against chloride ingress. Moreover, the experimental results will be synergistically integrated with a robust performance prediction tool to enable efficient design of PCM concrete overlays specifically targeted for winter weather conditions in Rhode Island and other northeastern states.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2021 18:39:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875140</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determining Layer Thickness and Understanding Moisture Related Damage of 
State-Owned Roads Using GPR and Capturing Such in a GIS-Based Inventory (1.17)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875100</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has a significant inventory of state owned roads of which layer thickness and moisture related damage is uncertain. Discrete methods of assessment like coring and visual inspection provide limited data and are both time-consuming and costly in terms of traffic control and personnel. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficient use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) at traffic speeds to determine layer thickness and moisture content of rural state-owned roads in the State. This will be accomplished through field studies of roads with both known and unknown compositions in close collaboration between URI and RIDOT researchers. The results will be incorporated into RIDOT’s GIS-based inventory of roads. The ultimate goal of this effort is to establish a system for collecting and viewing pavement layer thickness and moisture related damage on a network level; information that RIDOT can use to better plan, prioritize and properly allocate funding for pavement related projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2021 18:16:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875100</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop and Support Transportation Performance Management Capacity Development Needs for State DOTs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1395894</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The focus of this pooled fund project will be to research and assess training and educational needs of contributing members, develop and deliver training, and to facilitate the sharing and retention of performance management best practices.  Funding will be used to:  (1) Identify Gaps in Transportation Performance Management (TPM) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities--Conduct a needs analysis for learning and capacity development of contributing members resulting in a short and long-term capacity building roadmap; (2) Develop and Deliver Learning and Capacity Development Resources--Develop training and educational material to meet the gaps identified in the knowledge, skills and abilities; (3) Establish a TPM Information Clearinghouse--The TPM Information Clearinghouse will be used to showcase PM best practices, foster collaboration, and serve as a repository for PM resources; and (4) Support Knowledge Transfer Among Pooled Fund States. Specifically this pooled fund will: guide the prioritization of needs for determining training and other educational support for contributing members: (1) provide and promote communication and information sharing among member States related to learning and capacity development needs in the areas of performance management and provide input on research topics; (2) develop framework and roadmap for addressing learning and capacity development needs; (3) identify learning and capacity development resources needed to support the development of PM skills; (4) develop online and/or blended training courses and materials that are suitable for a wide variety of audiences such as State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Public Transit Providers, and local governments; and (5) support a TPM Information Clearinghouse which will serve as a repository for TPM best practices and other resource information to assist states, MPO's and local government with learning about TPM and their implementation of TPM.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:32:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1395894</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Open Access to High Resolution Elevation Data for Transportation Planning in Rhode Island</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1259218</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transportation planners and consultants in Rhode Island need ready access to accurate geospatial data to assist in the design and development of plans and bids for transportation-based construction projects. These same data are of prime importance in evaluating the potential impacts of climate change, including the vulnerability of existing transportation infrastructure to environmental hazards, storm surge, and sea level rise. Complete, accurate, and consistent high resolution elevation data are a key geospatial data theme used in these applications, yet these data remain largely inaccessible by transportation planners and design consultants due to unique file structures and large file sizes. The focus of the work will be to: (1) assemble, tile, and distribute products obtained from The Northeast Multiphase LiDAR Project; (2) organize and package the Northeast LiDAR data in a manner that streamlines Rhode Island Department of Transportation's (RIDOT) ability to update and export elevation products; and (3) conduct a pilot study testing the validity of refining these data to achieve the resolution needed for transportation planning activities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Aug 2013 01:00:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1259218</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guidelines for Site-Specific Seismic Studies on Rhode Island Bridge Projects</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1248100</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to develop a guidelines document that Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) personnel can utilize in future seismic evaluation studies on Rhode Island bridge projects. It is well known that there is no one standard approach to performing a site response analysis particularly in the determination of the input ground motions. Since the methods employed tend to be a matter of the consultant's preference, it is difficult for RIDOT personnel to evaluate their consultant's work without a baseline reference. The project will include a literature review to identify and document the various methods used to perform site-specific seismic studies. Site response analyses will also be performed at two existing bridge sites to compare the results obtained using synthetic ground motions versus recorded ground motions. The literature review and analyses will be compiled to develop a comprehensive and practical guidelines manual.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:00:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1248100</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Economic and Social Role of Bike Paths in Rhode Island</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1235172</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study proposes to examine the use and impact of bike paths in the state with consideration of the economic and social outcomes of nearby businesses and communities through surveys and interviews. In addition this study will seek to identify potential barriers and best practices in regards to the use of bike paths as a stimulus for economic and community development by examining out of state communities with strong bike paths. Finally this study proposes to annually conduct a user count of Rhode Island bike paths and install automated counters.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:25:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1235172</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of New Seed Mixes and Establishment Guidelines for Roadside Grasslands in Rhode Island</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1233999</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project addresses the challenges of getting vegetation to persist on mowed roadsides using two inter-related approaches. The first approach is to develop seed mixes, which contain grasses that persist for more than 3- 5 years, with particular emphasis on low-growing native grasses. The second approach is to use biosolids to amend soil in the extremely infertile zone along the pavement, in order to increase the soil fertility to the point where native perennial grasses can survive. Previous research has shown that soil amendment with biosolids is effective, but additional work is needed to determine the rate of biosolids that best promote native grasses.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:05:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1233999</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>GIS Database for the Archeological Sensitivity of Rhode Island Department of Transportation's Highway Bridge Sites and Associated Roadway Approaches</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1233998</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will assess the archeological sensitivity of Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) bridge and associated roadway approaches for projects currently identified in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the RIDOT Project Management Portal (PMP) and, in doing so, will assist the Environmental and Cultural Resources Units of RIDOT in expediting the identification and evaluation phase if the Section 106 review process. The study will target all bridges in the TIP and PMP, including those that are scheduled by RIDOT for rehabilitation or replacement. The study will combine archeological, historical, and cartographic research with field survey. The deliverable will include a geospatial database with coverage for bridge footprints (buffered to 200 meters), known archeological sites in the vicinity of the bridges, known historic sites in the vicinity of the bridges, and, for priority bridges scheduled for replacement, cultural material identified during reconnaissance level survey of historic bridges and their surrounding areas. This later coverage would be tied or "hotlinked" to a library of geo-tagged photographs of the cultural material. The major benefit of this study is to complete the identification and evaluation phase of the Section 106 review process for all current bridge projects rather than undertaking this phase for each individual project on a project-by-project basis, as is current practice.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:05:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1233998</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategic Management System with Performance Measures for Rhode Island Department of Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231909</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Performance measures have been incorporated almost universally by government and the private sector to monitor the effectiveness of operational strategies and to evaluate the success of achieving agency targets. A system of performance measures which flow from a sound strategy with strategic initiatives and goals have a variety of benefits. They provide accountability as well as feedback on the effectiveness of long-term strategies, and can drive improvement in processes for the delivery of transportation services. Performance measures in planning are used in reporting trends, conditions, and outcomes resulting from improvements to the transportation system. The ability to measure performance of key functional areas is essential to evaluating the organizational benefits of these functions. In the context of government, those functions that can demonstrate greater societal benefits garner political support and the corresponding budgetary support. However, those governmental functions that can't demonstrate and demonstrate their benefits to society have problems justifying their existence and budgetary support. Therefore, it is important that metrics be developed to measure the performance of governmental functions with links to financial benefits to society. In doing so, a function can easily justify its existence and can quantify increased budgetary support.  The aim of the project is to develop a Mission, Vision, Shared values, Agency level Strategy with selected strategic initiatives and key performance indicators that are consistent with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Strategic Plan and that of the State of Rhode Island.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:28:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231909</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Studying the Bottleneck Issue at Work Zones and Assessing the Effectiveness of a Portable Dynamic Lane Merging System in Promoting Zip Merging Behavior</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231908</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed study examines the vehicle bottleneck issue at work zones, test and evaluate the ability of a portable dynamic lane merging system to facilitate "zip merge" behavior at lane-reduced work zones. Increased travel time, queue length, number of aggressive behaviors, and roadway accidents are commonly at work zones. Effective management on bottlenecks at work zones could help enhance the safety in driving and ease the traffic merging effects. One strategy called "zip merging" was employed by several states to encourage drivers to take turns when merging into reduced lanes at work zones. It is considered an effective tactic for merging traffic from several to fewer lanes with the least road rage. However, operational difficulties are often experienced by transportation authorities since most motorists in open lanes would not give up their right-of-way at the merge point. As a result, heavy congestion or "bottlenecks" are formed in closed lanes and thus increases the accident potential and road rage among drivers. Collaborating with a Czech Republic research team that developed a portable Dynamic Lane Merging System, this project will assess the effectiveness and usefulness of this system in managing traffic flow in work zones with lane reductions on Rhode Island Highways]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:28:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231908</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Impact of Short Sea Shipping on Logistics in Rhode Island</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231662</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will examine the potential benefits of using ocean shipping between ports located on the east coast of the United States (i.e. short-sea shipping) and ports located in Rhode Island as a mechanism to reduce the highway congestion, energy usage, and the environmental impact associated with the delivery and shipment of goods to and from Rhode Island&amp;rsquo;s inland customers. This study will examine the environmental benefits of short-sea shipping, the savings from reduced highway congestion and reduced usage of deteriorating facilities such as highways and bridges, and effects on the delivery times of goods entering and leaving Rhode Island.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:23:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231662</guid>
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