<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
    <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <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>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Stabilizing Leaking Sand Behind MSE Walls</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2489964</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has a large number of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) panel walls with sand backfill. Some of these walls have experienced problems with sand flowing out between the panel joints because the geotextile filter fabric is not present over the joints. Untreated loss of backfill can result in conditions that become progressively worse. According to the Texas Department of Transportaiton (TxDOT), once loss of backfill begins, it gets worse as the surface area of internal voids increases. If the process is allowed to continue and voids get large enough, the wall may begin to experience panel movements and distress. For this reason, evaluation of the wall and repairs should be timely. Possible solutions to this problem include reducing water flow through the backfill, blocking the backfill from being able to flow between the panels, adding a cementitious agent to the backfill to stabilize it, or some combination of these. Sealing surface joints above the wall to reduce water flow will always be helpful but may not be sufficient. One blocking solution promoted by TxDOT is using backer rod and a sealant to fill the joints. Some TxDOT districts have used expandable foam as a blocking agent, although KDOT tried this and had a poor experience. A more preferred outcome would be one where the sand itself is stabilized, the surface of the wall remains uniform (irregular seams with backer rod are not present/visible), and there is at least some drainage permitted. These objectives could potentially be achieved using a thin polymer, cementitious, or biological grouting agent to cement the sand together in the volume of sand immediately around the joint. The grout would be injected into the sand using a wand inserted through the gap between panels. This cemented volume could still have some permeability to permit some seepage and would not be noticeably different from the rest of the wall joints in appearance. If injection with a wand proves feasible, this would likely be a more cost-effective alternative than backer rod and silicone sealant due to lower labor and material costs. Voids in the backfill would be addressed with a different material, such as urethane foam, a more viscous grout, lightweight cellular concrete, or other material.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:59:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2489964</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Phase III Iowa Pore Index: Morphometric Properties of Aggregates</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2346339</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study aims to develop a new specification for fine aggregate quality. This specification will be based on more characterizing the quality of fine aggregates by applying chemical and pore system tests to them, similar to what is done with coarse aggregate, as well as measuring the sizes and shapes of their particles more quantitatively with new technology, the Camsizer P4. All fine aggregate sources currently approved by the Iowa DOT will be analyzed in this new method. In addition, this study will assess the extent to which manufactured sand has equivalent quality to natural sand as well as analyze coarse aggregates using the Camsizer P4.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:33:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2346339</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quantifying Soil Moisture Reduction by Wicking Geotextile to Minimize Pavement Distresses</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2341500</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Excessive moisture in pavement foundations including base courses and subgrade is one of the major causes for pavement distresses, which often pose safety risks to vehicles and drivers and increase the cost for maintenance and reconstruction. Moisture can weaken pavement foundations and become a source for freeze-thaw problems in cold regions, which accelerate the deterioration of pavements with time. Therefore, pavement drainage is critical to pavement performance. Typical drainage systems are effective for saturated soils but become less effective or ineffective for unsaturated soils. Wicking geotextile that contains deep-grooved fibers can generate suction when in contact with water and reduce moisture in unsaturated soils. However, the effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in reducing moisture depends on several factors including the percent of fines in soils. So far, no simple test method is available to evaluate the effectiveness of the geotextile in reducing moisture in soils including those with fines and no fine content limit has been established for the wicking geotextile to be effective.  The proposed research is to develop a simple soil box test to quantify the effectiveness of the wicking geotextile in reducing moisture in sands at different fine contents and distances from the geotextile as compared with the conventional geotextiles. The soil box tests will first determine field capacities of silty sands at different fine contents and then evaluate moisture reduction by geotextiles by measuring moisture contents at different distances from the geotextile location at different times. These tests will determine the amount of moisture reduction and the distance of influence, and the fine content limit for the geotextile to be effective. The objective of this research is to develop a simple test method to quantify soil moisture reduction by geotextile and provide guidance for its use in sands with fines.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:20:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2341500</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Processes Glass Aggregate for Utilization in Transportation Projects as a Sand Borrow (2.12)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875943</link>
      <description><![CDATA[“Sand borrow” is a sand-like material most commonly used as a subbase under pavements. To provide good drainage and protect the pavement from frost heaves, the sand borrow material is required to have a low content of small particles. Sources of sand borrow material however are diminishing. Processed glass aggregate (PGA), produced from recycled glass, has a high potential to be used as a substitute for sand borrow. The current specifications in our region however prevent widespread use of PGA because of lack of reliable methods to determine deleterious materials (e.g. plastic, paper) in PGA and how it impacts PGA’s engineering performance. The overarching goal of this project is therefore to catalyze the use of PGA as a substitute for increasingly scarce sand borrow material in transportation projects in Vermont, in New England, and beyond. The project not only alleviates the scarcity of these high quality construction materials faced by transportation projects, but also promotes sustainability by reducing the consumption of natural resources, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing waste going to landfills, a win-win for transportation sector and solid waste facilities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:49:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1875943</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Using the PENCEL PMT to Evaluate Shallow Foundations at Florida's Fine Sand Sites</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1942302</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research objective is to improve the confidence that geotechnical engineers would have in using the PENCEL PMT data to safety design shallow footings placed on Florida fine sands.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2022 12:00:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1942302</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Soil-Biochar Mixtures as a Sustainable and Multi-Functional Roadway Fill Material</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1891229</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of this research is to develop soil-biochar mixtures as a sustainable, economical, and
multi-functional lightweight fill material for roadway embankment applications. Many lightweight
fill materials have limited applications due to their high costs and energy-intensive manufacturing
processes. Biochar is an environmentally friendly and economical carbon-rich product formed by
combusting waste biomass (e.g., forestry and agricultural residues) in an oxygen-limited
environment through a process known as pyrolysis. Since biochar has a much lower density than
typical soils, biochar is suitable for roadway applications as a lightweight fill material. Furthermore,
biochar has a high surface area and porosity and excellent ability to adsorb a variety of
contaminants, which has been amended in the soil to increase soil water retention, reduce
potentials of soil cracking and erosion, adsorb contaminants, and enhance soil aggregation. Due
to these favorable properties of biochar, soil-biochar mixtures have high potential to serve as a
multi-functional lightweight fill material for roadway embankment applications to decrease the
applied load to foundation soil, enhance the factor of safety against slope stability failure, reduce
the soil erosion and cracking potential, and remediate the stormwater runoff.
This research investigates the mechanical and hydraulic properties of sand-biochar mixtures as
a sustainable and multi-functional fill material for roadway embankment applications. 1D
consolidation tests instrumented with bender elements will be performed to investigate the
modulus and compressibility of sand, biochar, sand-biochar mixtures, and sand-biochar mixtures
treated by cement. Different mixing ratios between sand, biochar, and cement will be investigated.
Next, the hydraulic conductivities of sand, biochar, sand-biochar mixtures, and sand-biochar
mixtures treated by cement will be conducted using an automated permeameter. Based on these
test results, an optimal mixing ratio (i.e., high mechanical strength and excellent drainage property)
between sand, biochar, and cement will be selected for the lightweight fill applications.
Maintaining the statewide highway embankment systems is a significant challenge with
considerable impacts on the limited budgets of state DOTs. Also, numerous embankments on
soft soils in Region 6 rely on pile installation and ground improvement, which requires complex
and pricey construction. Due to increasingly stringent stormwater regulations, many DOTs are
required to remediate stormwater for water runoff, metals, bacteria, and other pollutants.
Therefore, the development of lightweight fill material composed of sand-biochar mixtures, which
have potential in reducing erosion and cracking potential, retaining containments, and reducing
stormwater runoff, is relevant to DOTs mission on sustainable design of roadway embankment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2021 08:23:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1891229</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Consequences-Based Analysis of Undrained Shear Behavior of Soils and Liquefaction Hazards, Phase 1: Filling the Data Gaps</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1879802</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The overall objective of this multi-year, multi-phase effort is to create a true performance-based model to evaluate the consequences of undrained response in all soils, including consequences resulting from earthquake-induced liquefaction and cyclic softening. Through this overall project, a more robust method for estimating field performance of soils during undrained events (including earthquakes) will be developed and tested. Due to the ability of the CPT to collect nearly continuous profiles of data in most soil types, for these studies we will focus initially on using CPT data for analyzing undrained shear behavior and liquefaction hazards. The framework is intended to be adaptable to other methods such as Standard Penetration Test (SPT), laboratory testing and analysis, and shear wave velocity (Vs) data.  The objective of this Phase 1 study is to fill critical data gaps to document the undrained shear behavior of sands, silts, and clays for both static and dynamic loadings, and to provide a preliminary set of predictive models for the undrained shear response of soils. We anticipate that several state DOTs would be interested in participating in this initial pooled fund study.  Later, in separate pooled fund studies, Phase 2 would focus on additional development of the models for consequences-based analysis of the undrained shear behavior of soils, and Phase 3 would focus on testing and validation of the models.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:51:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1879802</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guidance for the Construction of Sand Seals and Ultra-thin Bonded Wearing Courses</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1854197</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement preservation provides a means for maintaining and improving the functional condition of an existing highway system. Although pavement preservation is not expected to substantially increase structural capacity, it generally leads to improved pavement performance and longer service life. Sand seals are used to fill existing pavement cracking and even out surface smoothness defects. Ultra-thin bonded wearing courses (UTBWCs) are used to correct surface distresses, and improve surface smoothness and friction, and reduce hydroplaning. Although a great deal of information on the design, materials, and construction practices of these treatments is available, there is no nationally accepted guidance on their construction. There is a need to develop guidance to help state departments of transportation (DOTs) apply these treatments more effectively and achieve the most benefit of their applications.
 
The objective of this research was to develop recommended guidance for the construction of sand seals and UTBWCs as used in preservation treatments. 
 
Research is complete. The final deliverable included 3 documents: (1) guidance on the construction of sand seals and ultra-thin bonded wearing courses, guidance on the quality assurance of sand seals and ultra-bonded wearing courses, an (3) a final report that summarizes the work performed in the project. The guidance documents for construction and quality assurance have been provided to AASHTO Committee on Materials and Pavements for consideration and adoption. The contractor's final report is available at: 
https://www.nationalacademies.org/webdocs/14-48parti-finalreport/14-48PartI-FinalReport.pdf?channelToken=b9515dcea9b44b1caeec286a25accf32&download=false&tStamp=1713982764848
 
 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2021 11:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1854197</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Early Warning Sensor Network for Brown Out Conditions: Phase III - Pilot Implementation on I-10</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1464478</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The impact of windblown dust and sand on traffic safety has been on the rise in the tri-state area (Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico), owing in part to prolonged droughts that have dried soils and denuded vegetation and biological crusts. In recent years, large, multi-car pile-ups have occurred in all three states within the SOLARIS domain as well as in other states such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado. 

It is established science that the movement of sand near the ground is responsible for the suspension of visibility impairing dust aloft. As part of an earlier Phase I SOLARIS study, significant improvements were made to a sand sensor prototype that was originally developed by the Investigators as a geomorphic research tool. In Phase II, 
focus shifted to pilot deployments at several key locations and iterative design improvements. Information from those deployments in relevant environments were used to identify areas for improvement. 

In this final phase (III) of this work, a complete pilot implementation of the early warning system will be emplaced in an environment relevant to brownout safety concerns. This Phase III component will be a collaborative effort between the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the New Mexico State University. Data from this field deployment will be used to determine the utility of an early warning system and provide materials for outreach and technology transfer to the tri-state transportation agencies. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 2017 16:20:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1464478</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Transport of Fraccing Sand - Impact of Increasing Freight Loads on Rail Infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1250967</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The impact of increasing freight loads on the life cycle of a railway track is unknown without proper investigation, characterization, and modeling of rail substructure, primarily railway ballast. Because demand for railway freight transportation is increasing - especially for rail infrastructure associated with the mining, processing, and transport of fraccing sand - the challenge to all research and maintenance entities is to test and develop new cost-effective methods for railway maintenance and upgrade. With these needs in mind, the GeoEngineering program at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison has invested dedicated researchers to railway industry research, developed laboratory testing equipment specifically designed for railway ballast, developed a rail maintenance model titled WiscRail™ for rail substructure design and maintenance, and established a foundation for contributing to the contemporary and future railway industry knowledge base. This proposal specifically seeks to apply these developed technologies to the rail engineering and maintenance profession through assessment of the capacity of existing rail infrastructure in Wisconsin to handle fraccing sands and other heavy loads by use of the WiscRail™ maintenance model.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 01:00:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1250967</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Methods to Protect Salt Stockpiles</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229691</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has recently shifted emphasis in winter maintenance operations from using salt/sand mixtures as a routine procedure to using straight salt, except under conditions where temperatures limit salt's effectiveness where salt/sand mixtures will still be employed for improved traction. This will provide direct benefits both economically and environmentally as the elimination of the sand will allow a significantly longer travel distance for each truck before reloading is necessary and the use of salt alone will reduce issues with PM10 (dust finer than 10 microns), sand residue along bridge rails and siltation from runoff. Currently, the Department has limited enclosed storage for salt with the majority of facilities being outdoor sheds open at one or both ends. These facilities provide sufficient storage capacity but do not provide adequate protection of the salt from moisture and the environment. This may result in severe handling problems due to caking on the exposed salt surfaces. Modifying our existing facilities to provide complete protection would be prohibitively expensive and may not be necessary if technologies can be found to encapsulate the salt without impacting winter operations with regard to handling and deicing practices. Research is needed to look at SDDOT's current salt storage capacity in terms of salt storage vulnerability and potential problems as well as economical methods to protect salt piles within sheds while minimizing handling and environmental concerns. The objectives of this research project are to: (1) assess the capacity and adequacy of SDDOT's existing salt storage facilities and compile a list of facility types and weaknesses; (2) determine the vulnerability of existing storage facilities to the environment prior too and during use as well as all issues involved in their use; (3) establish the best approaches to minimizing any salt storage vulnerabilities during storage across both facility types and weather conditions; and (4)develop guidelines and recommendations for salt storage which will minimize storage, handling and environmental concerns in an economical manner. Research tasks for the project are as follows: (1) Review current literature with respect to salt storage facilities, protection of salt piles exposed to the environment and innovative methods to prevent moisture ingress, caking and salt leaching. (2) Meet with the technical panel to review project scope and work plan. (3) Compile data provided by the Department on salt storage capacity, facility types, distribution, usage patterns (mild, moderate and severe winter conditions), material properties at time of application including handling problems, economic concerns and regional and climatic variations. (4) Conduct interviews with appropriate SDDOT personnel and observe typical salt storage facilities, material handling, environmental exposure, including stormwater runoff, and winter maintenance activities. (5) Develop, distribute and collate a survey of appropriate governmental agencies regarding salt storage, handling, stockpile protection, usage and other operational issues. This survey will be reviewed and approved by the technical panel prior to distribution. (6) Submit an Interim Report to the technical panel summarizing the results of prior work including the survey and outlining any laboratory and field experimental testing required to determine the effectiveness of any promising salt storage protection strategies where environmental exposure may result in handling and leaching problems. (7) Meet with the technical panel to discuss the Interim Report and develop a final testing plan to evaluate strategies to minimize salt storage environmental exposure. (8) Conduct laboratory and field testing as approved in the testing plan to evaluate any salt storage protection strategies. (9) Continue with the facility vulnerability evaluation through the course of both winter maintenance operations and the ensuing delivery and storage of bulk salt for use during the following winter. (10) Summarize the data compiled on SDDOT salt storage capacity, environmental vulnerability based on facility type, potential impacts to the environment and highways and economic impacts of any potential increases or modifications to salt storage infrastructure and procedures. (11) Provide recommendations and guidelines for salt storage protection and handling too minimize both handling and environmental issues. (12) Prepare a final report and executive summary of the research methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. (13) Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at the conclusion of the project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:46:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1229691</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mechanistic Analysis of Geocell-Reinforced Pavement Foundations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228257</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geocells are factory-made three-dimensional forms of geosynthetic (polymer) materials with interconnected cells filled with soil. Geocells have been successfully used worldwide to reinforce pavement foundations. The experimental study will include the testing of geocells with different infill materials (aggregate and sand) above different sub grade foundations. The numerical analysis will include parametric studies considering a number of influence factors. The proposed research will benefit the geosynthetic industry and the transportation community by promoting the use of geocells and building safer pavement systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:17:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1228257</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>