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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>Develop a Balanced Asphalt Mixture Design Procedure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582880</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) uses the Superpave method to design asphalt mixes which have shown poor cracking performance, although rutting performance is favorable. In a balanced mix design (BMD) approach, an asphalt mix will be designed to balance these two distresses; it will allow more rutting within a reasonable amount and reduce the long-term cracking.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research is to develop a balanced mix design procedure, not only  considering traffic and weather conditions of a region, but also  performance driven rutting and cracking criteria.
The development of a step-by-step BMD procedure (mix volumetrics) will include multiple mix type (e.g., hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt), different performance grade (PG) binder content, aggregate gradation and type, and aging conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:34:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2582880</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4909:  Evaluation of Superpave 5 Asphalt Mixtures with Volume of Effective Binder Specification Changes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464525</link>
      <description><![CDATA[After a thorough laboratory investigation and several trial field projects, 
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) adopted the necessary specification changes to make the Superpave 5 asphalt mixture design method the standard asphalt mixture design method in Indiana. Today, the first Superpave 5-designed asphalt mixtures have reached 5 years of service life and therefore the data exists to further evaluate the hypothesis that increased as-constructed asphalt pavement density increases asphalt pavement performance. This project will collect and analyze the data to compare Superpave 5 and the previously standard Superpave 4-designed asphalt mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:06:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464525</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Superpave, Superpave 5, and Stone Matrix Asphalt</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2140132</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will determine the most effective mix design protocol(s) to use for asphalt mixtures in Florida for corridors above and below 10 million equivalent single axle loads (ESALs). Cracking and rutting performance will be considered. This project will include mixtures with two aggregate sources, granite and south Florida limestone. Each aggregate source will be studied for both levels of traffic. The project will include two binders, polymer modified PG 76-22 for the lower traffic level and high polymer binder for the higher traffic level. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) will be included in the lower traffic level mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:30:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2140132</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a Refined Superpave Binder Purchase Specification</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085721</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research will conduct a critical review of emerging binder purchase specification approaches.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:15:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085721</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4514: Material Characterization and Determination of MEPDG Input Parameters for Indiana Superpave 5 Asphalt Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1724641</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of the study is to determine the necessary PavementME input parameters for Superpave 5-designed asphalt mixtures. The anticipated performance of Superpave 5 asphalt mixtures compared to conventional Superpave mixtures will be evaluated using the software to characterize the possible long-term performance enhancements of using Superpave 5 asphalt mixtures. The findings will provide guidance for modifying the PavementME aging prediction model for Superpave 5- designed mixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:30:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1724641</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NCHRP Implementation Support Program. Facilitating Balanced Mix Design Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1695723</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project was to assist state highway administrators (SHAs) and contractors in the early stages of balanced mix design (BMD) implementation by providing up-to-date information on using simple but robust mixture performance tests as part of mix design and quality assurance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:03:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1695723</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4211: Implementing the Superpave 5 Asphalt Mixture Design Method and Refining the INDOT Ndesign Table, Lift Thickness and Mixture Compactability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1494140</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this project are twofold. The first is to document construction, and analyze the resulting data from 12 Superpave 5 projects to determine if any final adjustments need to be made to the Superpave 5 design method. Secondly, the team will make a search of the literature concerning asphalt mixture lift thickness and its effect on asphalt pavement mat density and make recommendations on lift thicknesses currently used by the INDOT. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:17:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1494140</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Research for AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways. Task 412. Adjustments to the Superpave Volumetric Mixture Design Procedure for Selecting Optimum Asphalt Content</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1491277</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this research were to (1) summarize and evaluate successful approaches currently being used by SHAs to adjust the Superpave volumetric mixture design to obtain higher asphalt binder contents; (2) verify the increase in optimum asphalt content through a limited laboratory experiment that compares successful approaches with the current AASHTO standards; and (3) document these results as proposed appendixes or amendments to AASHTO R 35, AASHTO M 323, or both.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Dec 2017 20:09:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1491277</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Producing Bio-Modified Rubber (BMT) Asphalt; A Sustainable and Bio-Based Alternative for Petroleum-Based Asphalt</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1442173</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The contract for this project has just been signed. This follow-on project will explore and establish technical and scale-up feasibility and market viability of bio-modified rubber (BMR) asphalt (developed in an earlier IDEA Project NCHRP-171) as a sustainable bio-based alternative to petroleum-based asphalt and test it in the field. Work in Stage 1 will focus on designing and building a prototype to perform thermochemical liquefaction of swine manure, followed by filtration and vacuum distillation to produce an amide-enriched bio-modifier. This modifier will be blended with crumb rubber to activate the rubber surfaces. During blending (at 175ºC with 20 minutes residence time), molecules of bio-modifier will cleave polysulfidic crosslinks of swollen vulcanized crumb rubber in the absence of oxygen to promote interaction between the rubber surface and the amide groups in bio-modifier molecules. Amide-type organic compounds have a polar end and a non-polar hydrocarbon tail. When BMR is added to the asphalt binder, the polar end attaches to the rubber (polar surfaces) and the tail attaches to asphalt (non-polar) promoting interaction between BMR and the asphalt matrix. This reduces the propensity of rubber segregation within the asphalt blend and enhances asphalt rheological properties. In addition, the prototype unit will be able to produce sufficient BMR for laboratory and field evaluation. Work in Stage 2 will focus on experimental evaluation of BMR asphalt, alone and within the paving mixture. Superpave PG grading will be conducted for three selected BMRs. In addition, a comprehensive analysis at both binder and mixture levels will be performed. At the binder level, chemical and rheological characteristics of bio-asphalt before and after short-term and long-term aging (RTFO and PAV) will be investigated At the mixture level, Superpave mixtures will be prepared using three different BMRs for both intermediate and low temperature performance. Tests to be performed will include a low temperature cracking test [disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) test following ASTM D7313]. Stiffness will be investigated by measuring the dynamic modulus and flow number (AASHTO TP79). Moisture resistance will be investigated using a Hamburg wheel-track tester (AASHTO T324). Finally, the compounds that leach out from each of the mixtures will be analyzed and compared with ground water standards. The best performing BMR asphalt mixture will be selected for a trial field section. The trial section will use two rubber modified asphalts -- one with BMR (surface treated rubber) and the other with un-treated rubber. Field work will be done in collaboration with the industry partner and the North Carolina DOT. The mixing temperature and level of agitation for both asphalts as well as the number of roller compaction passes will be monitored to compare the ease of application of the two mixtures. In addition, field samples will be collected before and after compaction to conduct performance testing following North Carolina DOT specifications.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Jan 2017 10:26:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1442173</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PPRC14 SPE 3.32: Support for Superpave Implementation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441810</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to establish annual state-wide round robin (to be taken over by Materials Engineering & Testing Services Independent Assurance (IA) program) for Hamburg Wheel Track Test (HWTT) study to determine precision and bias, and incorporate results in revised specifications.  Assess differences between laboratory and plant produced mix, and continued development and implementation of performance related tests.  Review appropriateness and applicability of Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) testing on Superpave projects and make recommendations for revised specifications if justified.  Monitor performance of Superpave projects constructed to date.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:53:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441810</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4152: Pavement Density Demonstration Project</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1435496</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The INDOT is participating in a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) density demonstration project to document the improved density achievable using the Superpave 5 techniques investigated in a prior research project, SPR‐3624.  This Pavement Density Demonstration Project will document the density project and prepare the final kl report for FHWA.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2016 15:56:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1435496</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance of Unbound Layers of a Flexible Pavement System During Aircraft Loading</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1360993</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective is to study the compaction characteristics of various aggregate materials used for construction of a flexible pavement system using a combination of laboratory tests and field data available from the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF). The laboratory test will be conducted using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC), which can simulate trafficking conditions. The efficacy of using the SGC as a better tool to predict the performance of these aggregate materials during trafficking will also be confirmed. In addition, the performance degradation of the material due to crushing will also be studied and correlated with performance measures that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) uses for quality control of aggregate to study at what level of trafficking the aggregate does not meet quality control standards including shape, angularity, and grain size distribution. In addition, a micro-mechanical framework for characterizing the material behavior of the aggregate will be investigated. The study will contribute to a significant improvement in the design methodology used for design of airport pavements and provide a better understanding of the performance of pavement systems especially due to heavy aircraft loads with complex gear configuration.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2015 01:01:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1360993</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Modified Performance Grade Binders in Thin Lift Maintenance Mixes, Surface Mix, and a Reflective Crack Relief Layer Mix</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1358414</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this research project is to design and evaluate maintenance and rehabilitation hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixes as well as develop a reflective crack relief layer (RCRL) mix utilizing modified binders. Specifically, thin lift mixes with a NMAS of 4.75 mm and 9.5 mm and a surface mix with a NMAS of 12.5 mm will be developed as maintenance and rehabilitation mixes using Superpave design methodology.  These mixes will then be evaluated for their resistance to low temperature cracking and rutting.  The secondary objective is to compare the performance of these modified mixes. Finally, a RCRL mix will be developed and tested for its potential to prevent or mitigate reflective cracking.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2015 01:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1358414</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementation of the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) for Superpave Validation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1358413</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This pooled fund study is open to any highway agency interested in using simple performance tests (SPT) to aid in material characterization for design and analysis of flexible pavements.   The objectives of this pooled fund study are to: (i) nationally procure the SPT for highway agencies interested in obtaining and using the SPT to characterize asphalt mixtures designed using Superpave technology; (ii) provide support in training technicians to use the SPT to perform the proposed standard practices for measuring dynamic modulus, flow number and flow time of asphalt mixtures compacted using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC); and (iii) evaluate the nation-wide implementation and use of the SPT for assessing performance of asphalt mixtures over a wide range of climatic conditions, materials, and structures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2015 01:00:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1358413</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Superpave Regional Center, Southeastern Region</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1358405</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Several short-term and long-term objectives of the Southeastern Superpave Center are listed below. Several objectives deal with evaluating recently developed performance test equipment and conducting research to address materials and tests issues. Objectives of the Center are: (1) Conduct training in regard to Superpave binders, mix design, and performance testing, and provide training on special topics as requested by participating agencies; (2) Perform research, both cooperatively and agency-specific, sponsored by members of the pooled-fund; (3) Perform precision and bias testing for asphalt-related performance test equipment; (4) Conduct noise studies in an effort to develop quieter pavements; (5) Perform forensic evaluations on materials or projects that have experienced premature distress; (6) Prepare and give presentations and reports of research activities at local, state, and national meetings when invited; (7) Prepare research articles of regional and national interest; (8) Support agency personnel who attend regional and national meetings for the purpose of technology transfer or participation in special committees or task force groups; and (9) Work in close association with the Southeastern Asphalt User/Producer Group to promote technology transfer from research to implementation.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2015 01:00:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1358405</guid>
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