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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <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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      <title>Augmented Reality-Assisted Quality Control for Structural Component Placement in Bridge Construction </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646964</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Construction quality control is an important part of building reliable infrastructure. This process starts with proper fabrication and depends heavily on how well the components are installed in the field. Construction requirements include surveying, documentation, inspection, and other means to control the quality of component placement during bridge construction. Making sure everything is placed and assembled correctly is key for the performance of the intended structural design over time. For instance, in bridge construction, even when components are fabricated within tolerance, improper placement during assembly can lead to alignment errors that compound over time, potentially affecting structural integrity, safety, and durability. This challenge has been observed in ongoing collaborations with New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Castillo Precast, where the transition from fabrication to field placement may introduce uncertainties that current quality control workflows lack to quantify. There are two main challenges: (1) planning properly given the tight schedules and different teams between the fabrication and installation on time and space, making it difficult to coordinate with all parties (precaster, inspector at the precast plant, truck driver, crane operator, field contractor, consultant at the site, owner); (2) recording, accessing and sharing the construction sequence over the life of the bridge when needed, for example 10-20 years later. 

To address these challenges, this project proposes a digital inspection and verification system that combines 3D scanning and Augmented Reality visualization to support quality control for structural component placement in bridge construction. The goal is to compare the as-built configuration of structural components with the design intent in real time, helping engineers detect deviations early and minimize the risk of cumulative construction errors. By engaging directly with active construction sites in New Mexico, the research takes into account practical challenges such as limited working space, variable lighting, irregular ground surfaces, weather exposure, and the fast-paced nature of construction schedules, all of which can affect the usability and reliability of digital tools in the field. Through this system, field personnel can visualize discrepancies between what was designed and what was built, directly overlaid on the structure without relying only on traditional tape measures, 2D plans, or surveying. The project also develops a QR code installed on each element that provides long-term access to critical data from fabrication and construction to be always at the bridge and accessible by scanning, supporting future inspections and maintenance activities by allowing users to retrieve component information directly on-site using Augmented Reality. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:16:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646964</guid>
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      <title>Prediction and Prevention of Bridge Performance Degradation due to Corrosion, Material Loss, and Microstructural Changes (C21.2022)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994587</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed research merges a materials science and engineering approach to corrosion science with structural engineering approaches to bridge inspection and assessment to generate and implement a corrosion prediction model for bridge inspection and asset management systems. We build on prior work identifying the progression of corrosion as a function of local chloride ion concentration ([Cl-]). The proposed work includes lab-based objectives that establish thresholds of local [Cl-] for corrosion formation and impacts of galvanic coupling, sandblast cleaning, and Znbased
coating systems on corrosion rates. Through accelerated corrosion testing, polarization
testing, and characterization of samples, a corrosion prediction model will be built for field-use. Field-based objectives include comparison of lab-based data to field collected samples and the validation of the prediction model with data gathered through bridge inspections. By working closely with two CTDOT technical contacts, we will refine and implement the prediction model on a selection of pilot bridges in the field. Regular meetings with DOT contacts as well as the creation of an education and implementation program for the use of the refined model are key aspects of the technology transfer of the proposed research. This approach is modeled after a successful project with CTDOT in which a novel 3D scanning inspection methodology was researched, piloted, and ultimately adopted by CTDOT. The proposed work is highly relevant to New England bridges where chlorine exposure from water and de-icing salts are common.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:34:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1994587</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Geotechnical Design Manual</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1427336</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research project is to create a Geotechnical Design Manual that documents the current processes utilized by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) Section 67, Geotechnical Design Group with explanation, hyperlinks and references to the supporting policy, design methodology, test procedures, and project development, coordination, and management.  The manual will include at least the following topics:  Table of Contents; Project Coordination Process; Consultant Services and Review; Subsurface Investigation Guidelines; Field and Laboratory Testing Procedures; Material Description-Classification-Logging; Geo Mechanics; Geotechnical load factor and resistance design (LFRD) Design; Geotechnical Resistance Factors; Geotechnical Performance Limits; LA Geology Seismicity; Shallow Foundations; Deep Foundations; Embankments; Earth Retaining Structures; Ground Improvement; Geosynthetic Design; Geotechnical Reports; Plan Preparation; Specifications and Special Provisions; Construction quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); Construction Monitoring and Instrumentation; Geotechnical Software; Geotechnical Design Section Forms; mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) Walls; Reinforced Soil Slopes; Geotechnical Template Plans; and Project Specifications.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:37:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1427336</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geophysical Characterization of Tunnel Construction Site, Louisville, Kentucky</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231033</link>
      <description><![CDATA[University of Missouri, Rolla (UMR) proposes to acquire electrical resistivity and refraction tomography at the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KDOT) tunnel site, Louisville, Kentucky. These geophysical data will be processed, analyzed and interpreted with the objective of mapping and characterizing soil and bedrock at this construction site. The main project deliverables will be a suite of maps and geologic cross-sections depicting variations in soil thicknesses and lithology and rock quality. Maps showing the locations and orientations of solution-widened joints and other potential engineering hazards will also be presented.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:10:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1231033</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Training in European Asset Health Management (TEAM)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229783</link>
      <description><![CDATA[TEAM: Training in European Asset Health Management is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network that aims to train the next generation of high quality engineers specializing in infrastructure management. The TEAM project has identified 14 PhD level research topics and these are linked through three technical work packages addressing Pavement Service Life Optimization, Enhancing Structural Capacity and Traffic Loading Impacts. The common thread between the work packages is the ambition is to add 'intelligence' to bridges and pavements. This will be achieved by adding sensors and developing algorithms that monitor performance and deterioration over time. The result of this work will be the development of new tools that can be used to get the most out of the existing infrastructure. One of the main focuses of the TEAM project will be to provide a structured PhD training program that will give the researchers the high technical abilities needed for this work. This will be supported by also providing complementary training in associated themes such as transport policy, entrepreneurship, IP exploitation etc. Special attention will be paid to the key Marie Curie theme of mobility. The researchers will all be required to travel and cannot be of the same nationality of their host institution. In addition, all of the identified research projects are collaborative and will involve the researchers spending 20% of their time with one of their TEAM partners. The researchers will also meet regularly for Training Weeks and research seminars. These strategies will help to deepen the level of collaboration between the partners. This will play a major role in ensuring that the project meets the ambitions of addressing important research areas through training high quality researchers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:48:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229783</guid>
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