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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>
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      <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>Implementation of Seal Coat Project Selection Guidelines</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727313</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will assist TxDOT with implementing the guidelines for seal coat project selection and the draft ball penetration test method developed in research project 0-7106 “Quantify Maximum Accumulated Seal Coat Layers for Stability“. The research team will then use the findings and data generated from this implementation project to develop and teach implementation workshops for TxDOT.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:40:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727313</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Best Practice for Seal Coating &amp; Pavement Markings with Rumble/Mumble Strips</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2725884</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will evaluate how chip seals influence rumble strip effectiveness. Complementary approaches will combine technical review, practitioner input, standardized testing, and in-service monitoring; and will provide both rigorous data and practical insights, ensuring that the resulting recommendations are scientifically grounded and applicable to Minnesota’s roadway network.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:15:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2725884</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigate the Effects of Using of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as Aggregate in Seal Coats</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604526</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will develop recommendations and construction guidelines for using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as aggregate in seal coats for pavement maintenance in Texas. Incorporating RAP in seal coats offers potential benefits, including cost savings, improved moisture resistance, and prolonged oxidation resistance. The research team will establish test methods, procedures and guidelines for evaluating RAP stockpiles, materials selection, material processing, application rate design, quality control and quality assurance during construction, laying the groundwork for statewide adoption. Given the lack of national guidance, a state-specific approach is essential to maximize performance and feasibility. The findings will provide the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the technical basis to integrate RAP into seal coats effectively, leading to substantial cost savings and enhanced pavement sustainability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:22:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2604526</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field Performance Assessment of Chip Seals with Updated Chip Seal Specification and Fog Seal Treatment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558438</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of this study is to provide Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with a data‐driven understanding of how recent specification updates and the addition of fog sealing influence the performance characteristics of pavement preservation treatments, particularly chip seals. Building on this, the study has two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the efficacy and impact of the updated specification on the performance of modified single-layer chip seals; and (2) to assess the performance of chip seal applications incorporating fog sealing.  To achieve these objectives, the study will encompass field construction monitoring, laboratory characterization, and friction and texture measurements across various field sections.  All sections—built under both current and updated specifications, with and without fog seal—will be systematically monitored over the study period to capture performance trends over time and provide relative performance insights.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 10:07:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558438</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Silane Bridge Deck Ratings</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464348</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been very methodical and consistent with bridge deck ratings, it would be great to look at progression of silane bridge deck ratings since MoDOT moved to silane sealers 10-15 years ago.  The research would determine if deterioration has slowed.  MoDOT now uses 100% silane and have been told that decks with 100% silane only need to be sealed once and never again.  This project will look at that claim to determine if it is accurate that MoDOT would never seal again, or if not if the frequency of reapplication can be reduced.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:49:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2464348</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quarry By-product Fines for Otta Seal Surfacing of Local Roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417469</link>
      <description><![CDATA[An Otta seal is a cost-effective surface treatment that is formed by adding graded aggregate to a thick application of soft binder. It is worked into the aggregate as traffic rolls over it. This project will examine the use of quarry by-product fines, a leftover material from crushed rock extraction found in abundance in Illinois, as aggregates in Otta seals. Researchers will review design parameters as well as conduct lab testing to prepare mechanistic-based design and construction guidelines for Otta seals with quarry by-product aggregates. Effectively using Otta seals with quarry by-product aggregates will reduce operational costs and maintenance needs as well as minimize aggregate segregation and provide environmental benefits.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Aug 2024 09:11:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2417469</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 56-15. Practices for Selecting, Installing, Maintaining, Replacing, and Successively Using Complementary Bridge Deck Protection Systems



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384696</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A complementary bridge deck protection system is comprised of deck treatments (AASHTO Element 510 Wearing Surface and Element 521 Concrete Protective Coating) constructed together as a system to extend the service life of a deck beyond what either treatment would achieve if used separately.

Once a bridge is constructed and put into service, it begins to deteriorate. One of the most vulnerable bridge components to deterioration is the bridge deck.  Decks are often exposed to contaminants and adverse weather conditions (deicing chemicals, road salts, etc.), water, freeze thaw conditions, and saltwater environments.  Water and contaminants can penetrate concrete and cause accelerated deterioration. 

State departments of transportation (DOTs) undertake a variety of strategies in design, construction, and maintenance to minimize, reduce, and slow down the deterioration of their bridges. Many bridge decks have overlays, such as: asphalt only, asphalt with a liquid applied waterproof membrane, asphalt with a sheet applied waterproof membrane, rigid cementitious concrete, latex modified concrete, premixed polymer concrete with primer, multi-layer polymer concrete with primer, etc.  These overlays function as protective wearing surfaces that reduce the amount of water and contaminants permeating the underlying deck concrete, thereby increasing the service life of the deck.  However, they may obscure the condition and hide the deterioration of the underlying deck.

Some state DOTs use overlays in conjunction with deck treatments, such as: concrete penetrating sealers, crack sealers or healer sealers, or a combination of sealer types.  These complementary bridge deck protection systems further extend the service life of decks because the top layer of protection (the overlay) has to fail before the second layer of protection (the sealer) begins to work.  Using a complementary bridge deck protection system may give state DOT bridge owners latitude of when to replace the overlay without experiencing significant deck deterioration.   The cost of applying a concrete penetrating sealer, crack sealer, or healer sealer is estimated to be 2% the cost of replacing a deck, 4% the cost of a partial depth deck replacement, and 1% the cost of new bridge construction. However, even at this relatively low cost, it is unknown how extensively complementary bridge deck protection measures are used.

The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT practices for the selection and use of complementary bridge deck protection systems (single or combined).  The synthesis encompasses current practices for designing (selecting a deck treatment combination), installing, maintaining, replacing, and successively using complementary bridge deck protection systems to extend the service life of bridge decks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2024 20:17:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384696</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Recommendations for Evaluating Surface Types and Aggregate Properties to Minimize Wet Weather Crashes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256332</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The current design methodology for asphalt and seal coat surfaces is limited when considering safety aspects like friction and surface texture, also known as skid resistance. The only requirement for asphalt or seal coats placed on high demand areas is that they use surface aggregate classification (SAC) A coarse aggregates. This approach has several shortcomings: does not consider the friction and texture of the final surface; does not consider the change in skid resistance versus trafficking; SAC system is defined by the acid insolubility test, not a direct measurement of aggregate properties that mechanically generate skid resistance; and SAC categories are very broad with no distinction of the best and worst performing aggregates in each class.
Consequently, some recent resurfacing projects have resulted in unacceptable skid resistance shortly after construction, even when SAC A aggregates were used. As such, there is a serious need to improve the current design process for asphalt and seal coat to ensure that the surfaces will have acceptable long-term skid resistance.  The research team will develop a laboratory-based system to select the pavement surface type and coarse aggregate types that will provide adequate skid resistance over the life of the pavement surface.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:11:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256332</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Best Practices for Flexible Pavement Repairs</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2255821</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research study aims to perform a study focusing on best practices for performing pavement preparatory work in advance of preventive maintenance (PM) surfacing contracts. The study will respond to answer, "What are the best practices for repairing a roadway before a new surface is placed?" Seal coats or thin overlays are typical PM surfacing projects. The preparatory work performed by in-house maintenance forces or maintenance contracts may include crack sealing, fog seal, repairs, milling, and level-up. The preparatory work should be completed well before the PM contract. This study will identify the main flexible pavement repair types and investigate best practices for performing both in-house and contracted repairs. A procedure will be developed to determine the limits and type of flexible pavement repair. An evaluation process of the repair, including its performance and effects on the PM surfacing, will be developed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:06:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2255821</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Measuring Seal Coat Rate Field Adjustments</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1879815</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research project is to develop measurable and repeatable adjustment criteria for seal coat application rates based on pavement condition, traffic and material properties for the design method developed in research project 0-6989 Update Seal Coat Application Rate Design Method (TxDM6989). Current practice requires experienced personnel to understand the adjustments needed for application rates, including changing the adjustments as conditions on the pavement change. The adjustments in the TxDM6989 combine multiple pavement conditions into one description. By measuring the conditions, a combined adjustment based upon measured parameters will remove subjectivity from the procedure. This will lead to more consistently constructed projects that meet the objectives of designing the rates so that the resulting seal will not have too much binder so that it flushes or bleeds in the summer; but there is enough binder to prevent rock loss over the winter. This research project will produce measurable methods for adjustments to the rate design procedures that will help engineers and inspectors make better decisions resulting in successful projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:46:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1879815</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing Performance and Safety Specifications for Rejuvenating Seals



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1854194</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement preservation treatments delay pavement deterioration by sealing cracks, preventing pavement oxidation, and, in the case of surface fog seals, rejuvenating the existing pavement surface layers. Rejuvenating seals are believed to have the ability to modify the surface binder of aged pavement surfaces. If these seals can rejuvenate the surface, they may be able to restore functionality to old pavements allowing them to function for longer without total reconstruction. Traditionally petroleum-based rejuvenators have been used in such applications, however bio-based rejuvenators also have been increasingly utilized.

Preservation treatments utilizing asphalt emulsions as the binder generally have been considered secondary to hot mix asphalt (HMA) technologies and therefore have not been researched to the same extent. Over the last 5 years, the AASHTO Technical Services Program (TSP2) Emulsion Task Force (ETF) has made a concerted effort to improve the state of the science in emulsion technology and to create consistent, performance-based standards (specifications, test methods, design practices, etc.) that are sponsored by AASHTO and are not vendor specific. To date, 12 standards have been approved. The emergence of new materials on the market warrant further study of rejuvenating seals to determine the extent the new materials penetrate and rejuvenate the asphalt pavement.

The objectives of this project are to (1) provide the characteristics of the rejuvenator based on chemistry and rheology; (2) determine how different rejuvenating compounds are penetrating and rejuvenating the underlying pavement; (3) determine how the desired performance for a rejuvenating seal is measured and quantified in the laboratory and field; (4) determine the life extending benefit and impact on friction properties of a rejuvenating seal measured and quantified in the laboratory and field; (5) determine how practitioners may design an optimum dose and/or application rate for a rejuvenator required to provide the desired performance and friction properties; and (6) document suggested practice prepared in conformance with AASHTO standard format.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2021 19:23:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1854194</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effectiveness of Epoxy Chip Seals for SD Bridge Decks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1844017</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Since the early 1990’s, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has been using epoxy chip seals on bridge decks to reduce the water and chloride infiltration that leads to rapid deck deterioration. To check the effectiveness of the epoxy chip seals, SDDOT conducted tests on core samples from two bridge decks, a bridge deck with an epoxy chip sealing overlay and a deck without an overlay. It was found that the core samples with the overlay had more chloride contamination than those without the overlay. This obviously casts doubt on effectiveness of the current epoxy chip seals in preventing water or chloride infiltration. Research on the effectiveness and performance of different types of epoxy chip seals for bridge decks is required to reduce maintenance costs, and improve structure life. The objectives of this research are to: (1) Determine the effectiveness of various deck sealers for chloride infiltration available on the market today and (2) Determine if single or double coats of epoxy deck sealers are more effective at reducing chloride infiltration. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2021 14:40:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1844017</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Next Generation Crack Sealing Planning Tool for Pavement Preservation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1474435</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project is to develop a next generation, data-driven crack sealing planning tool for advancing the existing state-of-good-repair practices to achieve the highest return on investment for pavement preservation and to better utilize the existing infrastructure by prolonging its life. This tool is especially important because outsourcing has become a trend for crack sealing and transportation agencies' budgets are stringently constrained.  The research team is now conducting literature review on the state-of-the-practice of pavement preservation, especially the project selection criteria, operations, and pricing of crack sealing; and the state-of-the-art of crack map detection algorithms using different sensing data including three-dimensional (3D) laser data and digital images.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2017 12:53:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1474435</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Extending Bridge Deck Life</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1418185</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Maintaining bridge decks is a huge issue.  It is critical to extend the life of a bridge deck as long as possible since bridge deck replacement is difficult, expensive, and it significantly disrupts the traveling public. For example, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) currently utilizes overlays, but effective use of sealants and deck treatments could delay overlays, save costs, and extend bridge deck life.  The primary objective of the project will be to develop a bridge deck maintenance guide that focuses on weather conditions that are common in the desert southwest. This includes areas of extreme dry heat to mountainous regions with snow and deicing salts. The primary focus of this research is to take the best practice from other states and determine the best implementation plan for the SOLARIS members.  Therefore, the research will focus on reviewing the literature for current best practices.  After collecting the literature, comparisons will be made between states in terms of bridge maintenance, construction practice, and deck conditions.  An experimental phase will test these materials under accelerated conditions and then use test bridges to apply the knowledge in the field. The final step will be a comprehensive report that describes the work and provides recommendations for bridge deck maintenance.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:48:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1418185</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Guide Specifications for the Construction of Chip Seals and Microsurfacing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1364351</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. Chip seals, microsurfacing, and fog seals are frequently used as pavement preservation treatments on flexible pavements. 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 was a need to develop guide construction specifications to help highway agencies apply chip seal, microsurfacing, and fog seal treatments more effectively and achieve the most benefit of their application. The objective of this research was to develop recommended guide specifications for the construction of chip seals, microsurfacing, and fog seals.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2015 01:01:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1364351</guid>
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