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    <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" />
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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>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>A Data-Driven Probabilistic Framework Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Artificial Intelligence, and Underwater Robotics for Predicting Bridge Scour</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2745258</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Scour is the leading cause of bridge failure in the U.S. Traditional methods of
scour prediction rely on empirical formulas that require flow information at
bridge location, which is scarce and hard to obtain, and scour inspections often
rely on human divers which is costly, involve safety risks, and often lack the
precision and adaptability needed for the complex coastal and estuarine
environments. This project will develop a novel approach for scour prediction
and mapping that addresses these shortcomings by integrating computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML) for real-time prediction of flow
velocity and scour, and underwater robots powered by first-principles and
machine learning-driven perception to provide high fidelity maps of the scour
beyond capabilities of human divers. Project tasks include: (1) identify bridges
vulnerable to scour and characterize their environmental conditions and
structural features, (2) development of a CFD model for scour of a vulnerable
bridge, and deployment of a current meter on the channel bed close to the
bridge to measure currents that drive scour, and use of its data to validate the
CFD model, (3) run the CFD model for a variety water level conditions, spanning
regular tides to intense storms to generate training data for a ML model that will
calculate scour in real time given real-time current measurements at operational
gauges, (4) Develop a probabilistic framework for scour prediction using the
trained ML model, (5) deployment of low-cost underwater autonomous vehicles
to map a scour patch pre- and post-storm, and using the data to validate the
scour models. The framework in this proof-of-concept project can be scaled up
to numerous bridges across any region in future studies. By combining novel simulation and in-situ data acquisition techniques, this project aims to enable risk-informed decision making for management of bridge infrastructure.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:37:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2745258</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop a Risk-Based Framework for Selecting Hydrologic, Hydraulic, and Scour Criteria for Temporary Hydraulic Structures and Encroachments</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2712198</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Temporary hydraulic structures, such as bridges, culverts, and temporary access fills, are widely used during construction and emergency response to maintain transportation access and restore mobility following infrastructure damage. Unlike permanent structures, these installations are often designed for shorter service lives and may not meet the same hydrologic and hydraulic criteria. However, current design practices vary significantly across state departments of transportation, with no consistent national guidance for determining appropriate risk levels or design storm frequencies.

 Recent studies indicate that many agencies rely on case-by-case assessments, qualitative risk evaluations, or inconsistent application of evaluation criteria for temporary structures. Additionally, there is limited use of quantitative risk models and little integration of factors such as traffic impacts, environmental considerations, and failure consequences. The lack of standardized guidance can result in designs potentially contributing to increased conservatism and lifecycle costs, or to reduced system resilience and increased risk in some scenarios. Research is needed to identify and incorporate factors such as costs, structure lifespan, traffic, scour conditions, environmental impacts, failure risks, and regional variability to help determine how to select hydrologic, hydraulic, and scour criterion for temporary structures and to measure performance.

The objectives of this research are to develop (1) a practitioner’s guide and a data-driven risk-based decision-making framework for selecting hydrologic, hydraulic, and scour design criteria for temporary hydraulic structures and encroachments; and (2) a standalone memorandum with language suitable for AASHTO’s consideration in evaluating potential updates to the AASHTO Drainage Manual.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:42:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2712198</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In-Stream Vegetation for Scour Control at High-Proximity Bridge Crossing Elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706037</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Scour and erosion are leading causes of bridge failure in North America and present significant safety and maintenance challenges, particularly at crossings where piers, abutments, and channel banks are in close proximity. Existing scour countermeasures are often costly, difficult to implement under complex hydraulic conditions, and require ongoing maintenance. Although aquatic vegetation has been observed to alter approach flow patterns in ways that may reduce local scour, a rigorous scientific basis for its use as a scour-control strategy at bridge crossings is not currently available.
This project employs detailed physical modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of in-stream vegetation for scour control at high-proximity bridge crossings. Experiments will be conducted in a high-gradient tilting flume with an erodible sediment bed, using particle image velocimetry and laser-based bathymetric scanning to measure velocity fields, turbulence characteristics, shear stresses, and resulting scour patterns. The research will quantify how vegetation patches influence local flow structure and sediment transport near piers, abutments, and banks. The results will form the foundation of a knowledge base supporting development of practical implementation guidelines.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 18:04:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706037</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of design guidelines for protection against erosion at bridge piers of rectangular cross section and estimating effects of pressurized flow on erosion potential</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706034</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge piers are vulnerable to severe erosion (scour) during high-flow and flooding conditions, which can compromise structural stability and, in extreme cases, lead to bridge failure. Existing riprap design methodologies used to protect bridge piers have limitations, particularly for rectangular piers and for conditions in which bridge decks become submerged and flow transitions from open channel to pressurized regimes. Inadequate riprap sizing under such conditions increases risk of structural distress, traffic interruption, and potential safety hazards.
This project develops improved design guidelines for riprap protection at rectangular bridge piers under both open channel and pressurized flow conditions. Using validated three-dimensional numerical simulations, the research will quantify how pier geometry, aspect ratio, angle of attack, and flow regime influence critical shear stress and the Froude number associated with stone failure. The project will propose a multi-parameter riprap sizing formula applicable to a broader range of geometrical and hydraulic conditions, including overtopping scenarios. Recommendations will be provided for adapting existing HEC-18 methodologies to account for pressurized flow conditions at bridge sites.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 17:39:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2706034</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hydrologic and Hydraulic Software Enhancements (SMS, WMS, Hydraulic Toolbox, and HY-8)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698362</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsors ongoing development of four computer programs that perform both routine and complex hydrologic and hydraulic analyses of watersheds, river and stream systems, and transportation infrastructure. 
This Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) project will: 1. Enhance the capabilities of the four FHWA sponsored software programs and ensure they remain consistent with the latest FHWA technical reference documents. 2. Update the software user manual documentation. 3. Make new software versions publicly available. 4. Develop and deploy technology transfer materials and workshops to test and demonstrate new software content and features. 5. Inform users of the availability of new software versions and features through website postings, email notifications, newsletter articles, conference presentations, and other avenues.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 19:48:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2698362</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Risk Assessment of Bridge Substructure due to Scour and Seasonal Moisture Variations
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696152</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Changes in flooding patterns, temperature extremes, and soil moisture cycles are intensifying the environmental loads acting on bridge infrastructure. These changes often result in more frequent and severe hydrologic events, potentially heightened vulnerability to structural failure of bridges. Scour, the erosion of soil around bridge piers and abutments due to increased streamflow during heavy rainfall, is a leading cause of hydraulic-related bridge failures. Similarly, soil moisture variability caused by extreme temperature and precipitation swings can compromise pile capacity, as soil stiffness decreases significantly under saturated conditions. These issues are particularly critical for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) projects, where rapid construction methods must ensure longterm performance and resilience. Scour and soil moisture variations can accelerate foundation deterioration, compromising the integrity and safety of ABC bridges. Therefore, the proposed study aims to incorporate hydraulic hazard effects into the assessment of bridge substructure performance. Specifically, it will develop a comprehensive understanding of how the increasing frequency and intensity of hydraulic events influence bridge vulnerability, particularly the risk of damage caused by scour and seasonal variations in soil moisture. The research team will evaluate multiple Global Climate Models (GCMs) using different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios to project future temperature and precipitation trends at selected study locations. Hydrologic modeling tools will be used to develop calibrated streamflow models using historical datasets of precipitation, temperature, and flow rates. Also, scouring depths at bridge foundations will be estimated following the HEC-18 procedures. These outputs will be integrated into a finite-difference model to study how scour and variations in soil moisture affect the lateral load behavior of bridge piles. The results will quantify failure probabilities, providing a comprehensive understanding of bridge resilience under changing hydraulic hazard conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:40:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696152</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improving Transportation Infrastructure Safety Through Flow and Scour Analysis at Porous Riverbank Protection Structures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2695864</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: Protecting riverbanks from erosion during flood events is critical for ensuring the safety of transportation infrastructure located near rivers. Such erosion can undermine roadways and bridge foundations, leading to failures such as those observed on I-40 in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. In locations where riverbank erosion poses a significant transportation asset risk, porous riverbank protection structures such as engineered logjams (ELJs) have been implemented as alternatives to traditional revetment approaches. The geometric design of ELJs deflects flow away from banks while their porosity reduces drag and toe scour, thereby limiting additional flood-related failure risks. Additionally, ELJs can be constructed incrementally using off-channel crane equipment, which reduces construction costs associated with channel diversion and dewatering. 

Improved tools are needed to predict how flow deflection and scour vary with ELJ porosity and internal structure. Advancing this knowledge will support more reliable ELJ design and reduce the risk of over- or under-design. A larger database of flow and scour depth measurements for ELJs with a range of porosities and characteristics is needed to improve scour prediction methods and provide flow validation data for two- and three-dimensional hydraulic models.

To address these research gaps, laboratory experiments will be conducted in a 32-foot-long open-channel flume to quantify flow and scour at porous bank protection structures. Model ELJs will be fabricated using 3D printing to have identical external geometry but systematic variation in porosity and pore configuration. Flow fields will be measured using UMKC’s particle image velocimetry (PIV) system that can measure turbulent flow fields around channel obstructions with high resolution (<1 mm vector resolution). These PIV measurements will be used to quantify flow deflection and shear stress amplification. In addition, clear-water scour experiments will document the maximum scour depth for each ELJ configuration. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:50:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2695864</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigate Wisconsin Bridge Scour in Mobile (Alluvial) Sand-Bed Rivers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671987</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary objective of this research is to enhance scour prediction accuracy for bridges in Wisconsin’s mobile sand-bed rivers by developing region-specific scour envelope curves. The proposed study will address the limitations of existing scour prediction methods by incorporating Wisconsin’s unique hydraulic, geomorphic, and sedimentological conditions. By refining existing scour envelope methodologies and tailoring them to Wisconsin’s river systems, this research aims to improve scour estimation accuracy, reduce unnecessary costs, and enhance long-term bridge safety and maintenance planning. In order to provide guidance for determining the probable depth of scour under various hydraulic, geological, and structural conditions, FHWA developed Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18 (HEC-18): Evaluating Scour at Bridges (Richardson & Davis, 2012). HEC-18 has served as a technical standard for bridge scour analysis in the United States. It establishes a comprehensive methodology for evaluating scour at bridge foundations, including pier scour, contraction scour, and abutment scour. Additional documents are also available, including HEC-20: Stream Stability at Highway Structures (Lagasse, Schall, et al., 2001) and HEC-23: Bridge Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures (Lagasse, Zevenbergen, et al., 2001).These documents are also adopted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) as the standard procedures for bridge scour analysis. To address the limitations of HEC-18, many state DOTs (e.g., Minnesota, Iowa, New Jersey, South Carolina) have developed regional modifications or supplemental procedures to enhance scour prediction models. While many state DOTs have developed regional modifications for HEC-18, or regional scour envelope curves, Wisconsin has not yet established a dedicated set of scour envelope curves tailored to its river systems. This study seeks to refine scour prediction in Wisconsin’s rivers by supplementing HEC-18’s methodology with locally derived scour envelope curves, improving the accuracy of scour predictions and optimizing bridge foundation designs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:26:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2671987</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Coastal and river bridge scour mitigation using hybrid solutions (TAMU)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663228</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge piers, foundations, and abutments in coastal areas or across rivers often face heightened risk of detrimental scour development under wave and/or current loading. Along  coastlines bridges are part of essential evacuation routes, saving lives ahead of predicted storm impacts with life-threatening consequences if compromised. Further inland, many bridges across creeks and rivers that are part of rural transportation systems and low-volume road networks afford equally important transportation connections. When disaster strikes and these structures are compromised – as was painfully demonstrated in the recent Central Texas flash flood disaster – entire communities are cut-off from relief help or means to recover quickly. In most instances, bridge failure is initiated through hydraulically-induced scour formation and growth at the interface of the structural components and the surrounding sediment. If scour issues can be predicted and mitigated early, catastrophic failure can be avoided. The problem is that traditional mitigation techniques are costly or, in the case of rural bridges, may not even be included in the design. Here, the research team plans to test low-cost hybrid mitigation techniques that can help reduce scour impact to bridges caused by wave or current impact by using bio-cementation (such as Microbially-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation - MICP) and/or geosynthetics in combination with the in-situ sediment.

Proposed Research: The team plans the following tasks to address the efficacy of these solutions to reduce scour: Task 1: Assess existing technological options for coastal and riverine bridge scour protection. This will be done via an in-depth literature review on scour protection with the goal of identifying various options, their advantages and limitations. 
Task 2: Conduct physical model wave flume scour tests with wave and/or current loading for different low-cost, hybrid scour protection combinations including MICP and geosynthetics in tandem with the in-situ sediments.
Task 3: Develop scour prediction equations based on the conducted physical model tests that can be used to assess the efficacy of the hybrid solutions for use in coastal and riverine bridge systems.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:25:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663228</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SEAHIVE® solutions to mitigate bridge scour – Phase III (UM)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663128</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This is a collaborative research project conducted in partnership with Texas State University. Phases I and II of the project were conducted during AY24 and AY25. This one-year proposal is for Phase III of the three-phase project.  The objective of this research project is to show a proof-of-concept of using innovative hydraulic load dissipating elements, known as SEAHIVE®. This is a modular engineered protection system composed of concrete perforated hexagonal prisms. Perforations on the side faces of the elements provide passage for water flow dissipating the energy within the system while also adding structural complexity which improves its potential for habitat creation. 
SEAHIVE® has been under research and development at the University of Miami (UM) for wave energy dissipation and habitat enhancement with three pilot installations completed. This UTC study investigates the performance of the SEAHIVE® system intended for mitigating bridge scour. This project has the potential to create a consortium-wide effort for implementing the SEAHIVE® system into practice and changing how we design or retrofit bridge foundations for mitigating scour. Phase I focused on externally-prestressed elements given the mass production and scaling-up advantage. Externally prestressed (by Glass FRP rovings) units were produced by the dry-cast method with the same equipment used for the production of concrete pipes. Phase II focused on the production of internally-prestressed units using a revolutionary mold system. Using this technique, it will be possible to increase production efficiency and, as importantly, manufacture units of lengths up to 24 ft. that could be necessary for installation in riverine environments. The units produced with this technology were characterized.
Phase III deals with the production and characterization of elements made by wet-casting using a combination of randomly distributed short fibers for the control of cracking with and without the presence of transverse and longitudinal reinforcement made of GFRP bars. This investigation is made possible because of the special formwork that has recently been constructed as shown in Figure 1.
Figure1: Custom SEAHIVE® formwork 
The behavior of these units will be compared to others produced with the technologies investigated in the previous Phases I and II.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2663128</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Optimizing SEAHIVE® solutions to mitigate bridge scour (TXST)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2662984</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge scour remains the top cause for bridge failure in the United States. When scour is observed during bridge inspections, a plan of action must be established to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Bridge failure is obviously costly; scour mitigation and monitoring are additional costs for the life cycle of the structure. Scour is additionally challenging to predict and unforeseen changes in the hydraulic load (both in direction and in magnitude from extreme events) can further exacerbate bridge scour. This research is the next phase of Texas State University (TXST)'s effort to implement SEAHIVE® elements for scour mitigation. SEAHIVE® is an engineered protection system composed of concrete hexagonal prisms. Perforations on the side faces of the elements provide passage for water flow, dissipating the energy within the system while also adding structural complexity to improve its potential for habitat creation. SEAHIVE® is under research and development at the University of Miami (UM) for wave energy dissipation. TXST conducted experimental and computational studies on a horizontally stacked three-unit SEAHIVE® system. A three-unit system placed three pile diameters in front of a monopile reduced the scour magnitude by 70.2% and volume by 94.1%. The configuration also reduced tangential velocity by one-third and vertical velocity by 80%, effectively weakening vortex strength and minimizing local scour. A limitation of the first phase is the SEAHIVE® system was continuous in that it extended edge-to-edge across the TXST flume and in the computational model.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to expand the analysis to more realistically simulate field-scale challenges and to establish baseline design parameters towards testing a prototype system in the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory at Oregon State University (OSU). The calibrated coupled hydrodynamic-morphodynamic model in Open FOAM will be used for further analysis to include studying the effects of: soil density, flow height, velocity, and  SEAHIVE® length to pier diameter ratios. Additionally, in this phase we will analyze vertical SEAHIVE® systems, including a SEAHIVE® skirt around the monopile and a SEAHIVE® wall. Such data are needed more fully understand the practical boundaries of SEAHIVE®  as an effective green-gray scour counter measure and design the prototype scale experiments in the OSU flume.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:52:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2662984</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 57-03. Practices for Monitoring POA-Required Bridges During and After Floods</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630487</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Scour is the most common cause of bridge failures. Per 23 CFR 650.313, state departments of transportation (DOTs) must perform a scour appraisal for all bridges over water and prepare a documented scour plan of action (POA) for any bridge determined to be scour critical or to have unknown foundations. A POA typically includes a plan for monitoring the bridge during or after flooding to ensure it is safe for traffic or closed if found to be unsafe.
When state DOTs use monitoring as a countermeasure a variety of approaches and techniques are deployed. These approaches can vary depending on factors such as data availability, funding, and resources for monitoring bridges during and after floods. Therefore, a synthesis study documenting state DOT practices for both on- and off-system bridges will provide information on technologies, methodologies, and knowledge gaps related to POAs.
The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT practices and policies for POA implementation, including monitoring methods, software, instrumentation, and other tools used in these efforts.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:33:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2630487</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of new design guidelines for protection against erosion at bridge piers and estimating effects of pressurized flow on erosion potential
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627350</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Addressing flood-induced erosion problems at bridges is critical to maintain the safety of the transportation infrastructure. Better design of scour prevention measures will result in less failure of bridges during natural disasters. A numerically-based approach will be used to propose a new design formula for determining minimum riprap stone size needed for riprap apron protection against erosion at circular, rectangular and oblong bridge piers. The proposed approach was already validated for abutments. The flow fields predicted using fully 3-D RANS simulations will be used to estimate the maximum bed shear stress over the riprap layer and the critical Froude number corresponding to the shear-failure entrainment threshold for the riprap stone. A comprehensive parametric study will be conducted to understand how pier shape and aspect ratio influence the peak shear stress over the riprap region. Results will be compared with those given by present formulas including by those recommended by HEC-18. A new multi-parameter design formula that incorporates the effect of pier shape and aspect ratio will be developed. The research also aims to develop procedures for riprap sizing at bridge piers under pressurized flow conditions due to bridge deck overtopping at high flow conditions. Simulations will be conducted to understand how the critical Froude number varies with increasing flow depth in between open-channel and pressurized flow conditions at the bridge. Recommendations will be made on how to use the design formula developed for open channel flow regime for cases when the flow at the bridge site is pressurized.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:27:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627350</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In-Stream Vegetation as a Nature-Based Approach to Scour Control at Bridge Crossings
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627352</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Scour and erosion are well-established as leading causes of bridge failures in North America. While bridge crossings often include countermeasures for scour control and mitigation, the majority of existing scour countermeasures are considered expensive, impractical, and ineffective. Although routinely commented on in state-of-practice reports and highly beneficial in building and maintaining sustainable communities and ecosystems, nature-based solutions have been overlooked as an approach to scour control. A knowledge base which provides scientific evidence of the efficacy of green infrastructure such as in-stream vegetation for scour control at bridge crossings is not currently available. Evaluation based on detailed bathymetric and flow field measurements is necessary for future development of practical guidelines.
The proposed research will employ extensive physical modelling to explore the efficacy of in-stream vegetation for scour control at bridge crossings. Experiments will be conducted in the laboratory facilities of IIHR – Hydroscience & Engineering, which include a high-gradient sediment-capable tilting flume with a sediment recess. Robust flow measurement techniques, including particle image velocimetry (PIV) and acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV), will provide insight into distribution of velocity components, shear and normal stresses, and higher-order turbulence moments in the flow field of interest due to inclusion of vegetated sections in the channel. The results of the physical modelling efforts will enhance the severely limited understanding of the influence of green infrastructure elements on the scour mechanism. The primary anticipated product is the initiation of a knowledge base for the development of a framework of guidelines to be used in practice.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:20:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2627352</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>TRS: Management of Woody Debris in Rivers to Protect Bridges and Reduce Flood Risk</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607955</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will summarize the risks to bridges created by the presence of woody debris, conduct a survey of state department of transportation (DOT)s to understand practices in other states on this topic, and document applicable laws and regulations in Minnesota rivers and floodplains. This Transportation Research Synthesis (TRS) will be used to further the understanding of this issue both for bridge owners as well as regulatory authorities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:56:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2607955</guid>
    </item>
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