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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>Develop Guidance on Drilled Shaft Response to Collision Force</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606400</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The 2024 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 10th Edition, specify a 600-kip equivalent static force (ESF) for vehicle collisions with unprotected bridge columns. Current provisions assume this force transfers directly from the column to the foundation, often a drilled shaft, leading to potentially inadequately sized foundations. Field investigations show that drilled shafts rarely sustain impact damage; instead, failures typically occur at the column-to-drilled-shaft connections or the column. Additionally, the response of soil, concrete, and steel under high strain rates differs from static conditions, increasing material strength and stiffness. Nevertheless, current design provisions provide limited guidance on these dynamic effects, leading to uncertainty in impact load distribution and resistance. This study aims to enhance collision load modeling accuracy, ensuring that drilled shaft-supported bridge substructures are designed more efficiently while maintaining structural resilience. The outcomes will support Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and 
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specification updates, optimizing foundation design and mitigating the risk of premature failures at critical connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:47:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2606400</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis on System Performance of Accelerated Bridge Construction Connections in Moderate-to-High Seismic Regions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570612</link>
      <description><![CDATA[NCHRP Report 698 identifies promising details to be used for connections of bridge members in accelerated bridge construction in medium to high seismic regions and gives recommendations for further research. Existing connection details were gathered from sources from state Departments of Transportation, industry, and academia and were systematically categorized, characterized, and evaluated for their performance in terms of readiness for use, construction risk, durability, and seismic performance. The material in this report will be of immediate interest to bridge engineers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:02:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2570612</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>UHPC Connection For SDCL Steel Bridge System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549026</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research investigates the development of optimized ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) connections for simple for dead load and
continuous for live load (SDCL) steel bridge systems. SDCL bridge
systems eliminate field splices, reduce inspection costs, and improve
service life by protecting steel girder ends with a cast-in-place concrete
diaphragm. While previous designs utilize normal-strength concrete
(NSC), this study explores the advantages of UHPC, including superior
compressive and tensile strength, durability, and minimal steel
reinforcement and detailing requirements. The research consists of
experimental validation through cyclic and ultimate load testing, finite
element modeling, and comparative analysis with NSC-based designs.
The proposed UHPC connection simplifies girder-end detailing, reduces
diaphragm size significantly, and minimizes on-site construction time and
disruptions, which aligns with the principles of accelerated bridge
construction (ABC). The outcomes of this study will contribute to devise
refined design guidelines, promoting practical implementation of UHPC
in SDCL steel bridge applications for improved structural efficiency and
long-term performance with minimal maintenance and inspection.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 15:20:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2549026</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seismic Detailing of Steel H-Pile Connections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512622</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of the research is to evaluate the existing connection via full-scale tests under reversed cyclic and axial loads; assess the accuracy of existing analysis methods for prediction of connection capacity (from the literature as well as current 
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF) practice), and propose alternative strut and tie models, as needed; revise connection designs, based on initial tests and modelling; conduct additional full-scale tests on revised designs; and propose retrofits for existing cap-beams if needed. While there is some confidence in the performance of the existing AKDOT&PF H-pile to cap-beam connection design, there is also some uncertainty, based on embedment length of the pile. This research will either affirm existing practice (while also providing a unified process for analysis and design), or identify deficiencies that will require revision, and possible retrofit.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:54:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2512622</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluate the Effectiveness of Dowels for Lateral Restraint of Prestressed Concrete Beams</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437677</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has utilized dowels in bents to provide lateral restraint of prestressed concrete beams.  These dowels are often misplaced, which creates various construction issues, while their presence complicates bearing pad replacement. The research team will provide research findings to the TxDOT to make informed decisions on stopping the use of such dowels, the researchers will perform a thorough literature review to: (i) summarize the state-of-art, state-of–the-practice and key findings, and (ii) address questions relating to unintended consequences from removal of these dowels during erection of the girders, construction of the deck, and long-term performance and stability. The researchers will perform an investigation on the state-of-the-practice of all state Department of Transportations (DOTs) throughout the country, focusing on practices from DOTs with similar hazard exposure. The researchers will perform a parametric finite element (FE) study on multiple the TxDOT bridge (and girder) designs to investigate the performance under all major load combinations and limit states (from service to ultimate conditions) over the lifetime of the bridge accounting for Texas-related exposure conditions. The researchers will perform six (6) large-scale tests on girder-to-bent/abutment connections to quantify the contribution of dowels in the performance of the connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:35:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437677</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Prefabricated Bridge Columns with Self-Centering Capability Using Shape
Memory Alloy (SMA) And Ultra-High Performance Concrete
(UHPC) In Plastic Regions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404251</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research proposal introduces a new column-bent cap connection, with innovative materials such as Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) to promote the self-centering behavior and post earthquake functionality of bridges subjected to earthquake ground motions. Circular columns will be considered in this study. The significance of this research is to propose a simple yet practical and effective use of innovative materials such as UHPC, SMA and ECC as substructure connection for bridges in medium and high seismic regions. Several factors are simplified in the construction of the column due to novel properties of UHPC and SMA to minimize the splice length between column longitudinal reinforcement. This phase of study will focus on comprehending on fundamental behavior of the proposed system and identify, possible future steps that are needed for implementation of the idea in the field. Research builds on previous work conducted at FIU (Azizinamini, et al) in the form of moving the plastic hinge outside of capacity protected areas in seismic design process, through use of UHPC. The research will involve experimental studies, in the form of 2/3 scaled column specimens subjected to constant axial load and cyclic lateral loads, small scale component tests to comprehend the behavior of SMA and durability aspects of the proposed system. The research is expected to develop a roadmap to implement the proposed idea in the field as well as tentative seismic design methodology that can be applied to bridge column-cap beam connections, column-footing connections, and plastic hinge zones.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:44:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404251</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In Service Performance of Pipe to Structure Connections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384793</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project shall examine installed resilient connectors and structures with typical brick and mortar connections. Field inspections and documentation will consist of locations within District 7 to investigate performance of the resilient connectors. Additional investigations will then be conducted in other locations for structures with brick-and-mortar connections. The research team shall compare the connection methods based on the field observations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:31:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384793</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improved Resiliency of Transportation Networks through Connect Mobility</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329687</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A significant number of bridges (older bridges in particular) in the Southeastern and Central region of United States have been designed and constructed according to older seismic provisions. Based on an article by Wong et al. (2005), the economic loss from the Charleston region could reach over $14 billion if the 1886 Charleston earthquake were to happen again. Due to outdated seismic design strategies used for older bridges, recent research has investigated potential damage in Charleston. However, most of these investigations do not account for the simultaneous aspects of bridge importance (such as centrality, historical significance, and traffic capacity).  Furthermore, these prior investigations do not consider the actual detailing of critical structural connections, such as the critical pile to bent cap connection. This connection region is depended upon for energy dissipation while simultaneously providing structural integrity during an event. Full-scale experimental studies performed at the University of South Carolina were used to assess projected performance of these connections in a seismic event. This project develops a new tool that is informed with actual structural behavior gained through full-scale experimental investigations and combines centrality, historical significance, and traffic capacity to assess expected damage. The results are useful for informing placement of monitoring systems, identification of potential retrofit strategies, and optimizing network performance.  One goal of the work is technological transfer. The research findings can be used to assist the Department of Transportation in identification of the most critical bridges in the network for purposes of instrumentation, meaning which bridges should be monitored and, for those bridges, which specific regions should be monitored to rapidly assess damage after a seismic event. This information can then be utilized for routing of traffic and for the assessment of potential retrofitting strategies, thereby improving reliability of the transportation system. The tool runs on Matlab and includes transportation network and seismic demand visualization. Results are presented in sets of graphics and tables through a multi-window graphical user interface.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:10:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2329687</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Concrete Pile to Footing or Cap Connections - Final Report</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2286434</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the restart of BDV29 TWO 977-51. This is for submitting the Draft Final, Closeout and Final Report. The objective of the project was to better understand the pile to cap or footing connection such that the Florida Department of Transportation could provide better design guidance along with more informed design reviews.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:37:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2286434</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Performance of Baseplate Connections in COSS and Traffic Signal Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256300</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) cantilever overhead sign structures (COSS) and traffic signal pole structures have a socketed fillet welded connection between the column and the baseplate. While economical, this connection has a low fatigue-resistance threshold. Some current and past TxDOT designs and contractor submitted alternates involving multi-sided bent plate columns were not designed using fatigue provisions. Fatigue provisions did not exist in the design specification of the time.
TxDOT is currently updating various ancillary structure standards for Load and Resistance Factor Design - Luminaires and Traffic Signals (LRFD-LTS) specifications, which does include fatigue provisions. Research is needed to ascertain the best connection type and design, while balancing economy and performance for new structures. The research team will identify the fatigue life of existing structures, including critical cases and means of repair and retrofit, in this research.
The results of this research will lead to improved ancillary structure details with mitigated fatigue risk, as well as a method of identifying existing inventory with fatigue risks. The objectives of this research are to (1) outline fabrication practices and economic considerations that may affect proposed connection type and design, (2) develop an inventory database of COSS and traffic signal pole structures that are representative, (3) utilize structural modeling to identify from within the inventory critical cases that should be advanced to a testing program, (4) develop and execute a targeted testing program that isolates critical design parameters for the fatigue performance of both the critical cases found in the inventory and recommended connection types and designs, (5) provide recommendations for connection types and designs based on fatigue provisions, and (6) provide recommendations for identifying fatigue-critical of existing inventory.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:54:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256300</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Shake Table Testing of Precast UHPC Bridge Column with ABC Seismic Connection</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221096</link>
      <description><![CDATA[It is a well-known fact that ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is one of the most commonly used or desired solutions for accelerated bridge construction (ABC) connections nowadays. With more vendors entering the US market and large initiatives for developing non-proprietary UHPC mixes (e.g. Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC) or PCI initiatives), the applications and use of UHPC for ABC will only continue to grow and increase. Some of the emerging applications include full structural members such as bridge girders and full columns. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is working on mega-girders that would incorporate UHPC and large prestressing strands to reach spans up to 300 ft. Meanwhile, at University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), several projects have focused on full UHPC columns but mostly under axial loading and only few explored seismic columns. Seismic UHPC columns could provide practical solutions for important bridges in high seismic zones where low-damage designs are desired. ABC seismic connections have been also emerged but yet to be coupled with full UHPC columns. Thus, this project will fill a knowledge gap and investigate the dynamic behavior of full UHPC columns with ABC seismic connections. One or two large-scale columns will be tested at one of the shake tables at UNR under earthquake excitations. The test specimen(s) will consider a full precast UHPC column connected to a conventional reinforced concrete footing using a seismic ABC connections. Two types of connections will be explored to select the most promising one and use for the UHPC column specimens. These are the socket connection and UHPC-filled grouted ducts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 20:58:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221096</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Vertical Ground Motions on ABC Girder-to-Cap Connections in the Near-Field</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221095</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State-of-the-art research on the impact of vertical motion effects on ordinary highway bridges and evidence from past earthquakes have revealed the potential for a significant increase of the demands at the girder-to-cap face. While this is not of major concern for ordinary bridges whose moment capacity at the face of the bent cap is typically adequate to resist the increased demands due to vertical effects, the impact of vertical ground motions on accelerated bridge construction (ABC) connections is yet to be thoroughly investigated. Very few studies have been carried out to characterize the shear and moment capacity of girder-to-cap connections. Experimental works have primarily looked at the seismic response of precast concrete girder-to-cap connections subject to horizontal excitation, while numerical studies have utilized only conventional simplified approaches for vertical ground motions estimates and modeling. This project will perform a comprehensive series of numerical simulations to assess the seismic performance of bridge systems that incorporate typical ABC girder-to-cap connections. This will be accomplished by utilizing validated 3-D arrays of near-field motions generated from physics-based wave propagation models.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:05:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221095</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accelerated Construction of the Highway Steel Overhead Sign Truss (SOST) 
through the Implementation of U-Bolt Connections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221094</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The load capacities of U-bolt connections used in Iowa DOT steel overhead sign trusses are not known because they are used in ways that do not match available manufacturer data. The previous phase of this research work determined the load capacity of these U-bolt connections based on the results from the limited laboratory tests and the parametric studies performed on the finite element (FE) models. It was pointed out that additional laboratory tests should be performed on high-strength U-bolts subject to static loading in multiple directions. In order to resolve the concerns left from the previous phase of this research, this proposal is drafted with a goal to investigate the structural behavior of the U-bolt connections and evaluate the capacity of the U-bolt connections subject to various loading directions and validate the analytical results developed in the previous research. To achieve the proposed objectives, a five-task 12-month research plan consisting of multiple stages of laboratory tests was developed. The research results will assist contractors in effectively and efficiently designing overhead sign support sign structures without concern for the capacity and safety of the U-bolt connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:02:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221094</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Impact of Construction Eccentricity on Direct Pier-to-Pile Connections for Permanently Cased Shaft (CFST) Piles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1846298</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For seismic design of transportation structures, there are competing demands including: economy, strength, stiffness, inelastic deformation capacity, and seismic resilience. Prior research at the University of Washington (UW) demonstrates that concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) can meet these competing demands. This proposed research builds on the prior CFST research to develop direct pier-to-pile connections specific for use in wide range of transportation systems including bridges, high speed rail (HSR), and port structures. Initially finite element analyses (FEA) were conducted to develop the connection and experimental test matrix. Specific study parameters include embedment depth and the addition of a ring to enhance mechanical bond. This initial study resulted in an initial test matrix that is currently being conducted, to study these aspects of the connections. However, there is an important, yet unstudied parameter, which is the placement of the reinforcing steel cage. In construction, it is likely that the pier will not be placed at the exact center of the pile, but instead will be placed with some eccentricity relative to the center of the pile. This eccentricity is likely to be very important but is not possible to study analytically. Here, it is proposed to investigate the impact of eccentricity on the transfer mechanism and damage using large-scale experimental specimens. It is expected that two tests will be conducted which will be complementary with and extend current research that is being sponsored by Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) center (referred to as PEER herein). The results will be used to determine design methods and nonlinear analytical models for these new connections.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:37:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1846298</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mitigating Cracking in Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Bridge Connections</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1841391</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In the proposed project, we are joining expertise in concrete mechanics (Tatar) and concrete durability (Rajabipour) to (1) develop and investigate 3D-printed formwork liners for repeatable surface-texturing of NC substrate in the connection region to enhance mechanical bond strength between UHPC and NC; and (2) investigate methods of reducing shrinkage in UHPC to mitigate interfacial and cohesive cracking. The findings from this work will improve the reliability of bridges constructed utilizing ABC techniques. The project, therefore, contributes to improved durability and extended life of transportation infrastructure, one of the primary objectives of CIAMTIS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:07:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1841391</guid>
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