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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>
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    <item>
      <title>Reinforcement Mechanism of Articulating Concrete Mats (ACMs) and Geosynthetic Fabric for the Design of Highway Embankment in Coastal Louisiana </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646938</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal highway embankments differ significantly from conventional highway embankments or levees due to their exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms. These events generate substantial hydrodynamic wave pressures that must be considered in design. Reinforcing soil fills at different elevations with geosynthetics is a common approach, but doing so effectively requires research that enhances existing design methods and clarifies their underlying rationale. Design elements such as tensile forces, reinforcement length, and vertical spacing depend on understanding the mechanical behavior of these materials under extreme loading.  

Because coastal embankments are subjected to wave pressures from storms with defined return periods, engineers must account for the maximum hydrodynamic loads these storms generate. In particular, the unique reinforcement roles of geosynthetics and articulating concrete mats (ACMs) must be thoroughly understood to optimize the design. Key factors include ACM layer thickness, the number and arrangement of non-woven geotextile separator layers, and failure modes such as tensile rupture and pull-out resistance in geogrids and woven geotextiles.  

Building on the results from Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC)-funded Cycles 1 and 2, this project will use experimental and numerical methods to evaluate the behavior of geosynthetic reinforcements placed at various elevations within embankment fills. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how these materials fail under load and how their performance changes with elevation and storm intensity. In addition to continuing the work from earlier phases, this project will also assess the seepage-reduction capabilities of non-woven geotextiles and the surface stabilization benefits of ACMs applied to embankment slopes.  

Large-scale direct shear testing will be conducted to analyze both tensile rupture and pull-out failure mechanisms in conditions representative of coastal environments. Seepage and slope stability analyses will complement this testing to evaluate the combined performance of ACMs and geotextile separators under storm loading.  

The findings from this research will help validate and refine current design guidelines for coastal highway embankments that incorporate geosynthetics and ACM armor. The study will also contribute to a deeper understanding of conventional geosynthetic failure mechanisms in coastal applications. Ultimately, the research will yield practical, implementable steps for assessing both internal and external stability in coastal embankment design.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:35:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646938</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Physical model to study tunnel squeezing under true-triaxial stress state (UTI-UTC 30)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543423</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project develops a novel physical modeling framework to investigate the phenomenon of tunnel squeezing in weak or highly stressed rock masses under true-triaxial stress conditions. Tunnel squeezing—characterized by excessive and time-dependent ground deformation around the tunnel perimeter—poses significant challenges to safe and cost-effective tunnel construction. To simulate this behavior, a miniature tunnel boring machine (TBM) is integrated into a true-triaxial apparatus capable of replicating realistic in-situ stress states. The model allows for controlled excavation in synthetic clay-rich rock analogs and incorporates real-time measurement of displacement, strain, and support system response. Experimental data are complemented with analytical and numerical analyses to evaluate failure mechanisms and the interaction between the TBM, tunnel liner, and surrounding ground. The research aims to provide a deeper understanding of tunnel-ground interactions under squeezing conditions and guide the development of robust tunneling strategies and support systems for use in challenging geological environments.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:23:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543423</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Design Methodologies and Efficient Details for Triple I-Girder Steel Straddle Caps</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437682</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Straddle caps are frequently required in congested settings in urban environments that preclude the use of central piers due to intersecting roadways. The research focuses on the behavior of three-girder steel straddle caps that offer solutions for each of these desired configurations. Efficient details that maximize the effectiveness of the straddle cap at resisting bending, shear, and torsion will be developed. The work will result in design methodologies that allow engineers to effectively analyze and design straddle caps to produce economical and structurally-efficient systems.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:03:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2437682</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>System Design for Highly Accurate and Efficient Target Detection in Triaxial Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2289621</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For photogrammetry-based volume measurement, existing coded target (CT) recognition and identification algorithms have limitations in perspective deformation, freely rotated CTs, and unfavorable light conditions. This study will develop an innovative system design for highly accurate and efficient target detection in triaxial testing. The proposed method will remain all the merits in existing methods and have several improvements, including blob analysis, automatic outlier identification, and an increased number of points on the membrane for more representative 3-D results. The developed photogrammetry-based volume measurement method with the target detection technology will be applied in the widely used triaxial tests to evaluate stress-strain behavior of geomaterials. The method will improve the testing accuracy and efficiency. The low-cost testing system has the potential to be widely adopted by government agencies, contractors, and research institutes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:26:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2289621</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Multifunctional Geosynthetic-based Stabilization to Increase Coastal Infrastructure Resilience</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265858</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal communities of Texas and Louisiana primarily rely on road infrastructure for their transportation and access to goods and services. Due to surges in extreme rainfall and storm events, coastal infrastructure is at pressing risk. The aggressive infiltration of water in the pavement due to frequent flooding declines its functional and structural performance gradually. Geosynthetics have been extensively used in pavement structures to enhance their bearing capacity and stiffness. Most of the commonly used geosynthetics do not help with subsurface drainage under pavements. A novel geotextile with special hydrophilic and hygroscopic wicking fibers is gaining popularity due to its multiple functions, including separation, reinforcement, gravity drainage, and capillary drainage through wicking action. Because of its versatility, it can potentially serve as a unified drainage and reinforcing element in a pavement.
This project aims to assess wicking geotextile as a resilient adoption in coastal pavement infrastructure vulnerable to the impacts of changing weather patterns. The objectives of this research study are: (1) To understand the efficacy of wicking geotextile reinforcement in pavement infrastructure under extreme weather conditions; (2) To compare the overall performance of wicking geotextile with conventional geotextile reinforcement in coastal pavements. 
To address these objectives, the following research tasks will be conducted: (1) Existing literature on novel geosynthetics and their characterization will be reviewed and summarized in progress reports and in the final report; (2) Moisture movements within a soil layer with wicking geotextiles and conventional geotextiles will be studied. Moisture probes or tensiometers will be installed in the large direct shear box, and moisture variation in compacted soil will be recorded for up to 7 days. This will help understand and compare drainage capabilities of conventional and wicking geotextiles under different normal loads; (3) Around 20 large-scale direct shear tests (apparatus shown in Figure 1) will be performed on soil with wicking geotextile and conventional geotextile to determine interface friction angle and cohesion. Tests will be performed at different normal loads after 3 and 7 days of drainage. The experimental results will potentially provide a degree of increase in the strength of the subgrade with an application of wicking geotextile; (4) A fully coupled finite element model of coastal pavement infrastructure reinforced with both geotextiles under different environmental stressors will be developed. Laboratory results will be used to develop a model in PLAXIS, and the performance of wicking geotextile in pavements will be assessed under extreme rainfall and flooding events. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2023 07:26:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2265858</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessment of Asphalt Shear Rutting Test Method to Improve the Performance of ADOT Asphalt Mixes</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2248916</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A balanced mix design (BMD) approach to asphalt mixtures that considers both cracking and rutting resistance is important to minimize road-maintenance costs and extend the life of the pavement. Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is currently engaged in a research project to assess innovative test methods to predict the cracking resistance of ADOT asphalt mixes across the state. The ADOT Materials Laboratory (Lab) obtained an apparatus known as the IDEAL-RT, which is used to conduct the shear rutting tests that predict the resistance to rutting (permanent deformation) of asphalt mixes. The Lab is interested in this test method to determine if it is acceptable for regular use in future rutting-resistance assessments of ADOT asphalt mixes. This project will focus on assessing the IDEAL-RT as a tool for predicting rutting resistance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:28:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2248916</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Refinement of Shear Strength Properties for Geotechnical Design</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2021854</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The shear strength of natural occurring materials must be accounted for in the analysis and design of embankments, excavation slopes, and structural foundations.  The properties of these materials are often difficult to define due to environment, sampling technique, and testing limitations. 
The long-term performance of embankments, slopes, and structural foundations primarily depends on the shear strength of the fill material and in-situ soils. When the induced shear stresses are greater than the shear strength of the soils, failures tend to occur. The SDDOT currently back-calculates soil parameters from observations made in the field or uses results from direct shear tests to determine shear strength properties. While direct shear tests provide essential information, there are limitations with respect to strain boundary conditions, failure plane orientations, and principal stress orientations in the test setup.  Direct shear tests force soils to fail in the horizontal plane which may not be the weakest.  These limitations can result in variances in the peak and residual strength parameters, which influences the factor of safety in stability analysis. 
The direct shear test is a relatively simple method with inherent limitations.  Triaxial testing may be a more effective method to characterize and define the strength properties of natural materials commonly encountered in SDDOT infrastructure projects. 
Objectives are as follows: 
(1)	Complete triaxial shear testing of soils widely used in SDDOT infrastructure projects and compare test results with those obtained through direct shear testing.
(2)	Develop a comprehensive guidance document that will assist in choosing the appropriate direct shear testing parameters and enable SDDOT to validate and refine shear strength properties for geotechnical design and analysis. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:18:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2021854</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Design of Anchors for Rapid and Durable Strengthening of Bridges with Externally Bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites—Phase 2</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1907230</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The beams tested in Phase 1 had sufficient steel stirrup shear reinforcement, which allowed the research team to evaluate the effectiveness of U-wraps in anchoring the longitudinal CFRP reinforcement. However, in practice, an RC beam deficient in flexure may also be deficient in shear, requiring both vertical (shear) and longitudinal (flexural) CFRP reinforcement. Due to the lack of experimental data, the current ACI 440.2R design guidelines do not permit to count on shear U-wrap reinforcement to provide anchorage for the longitudinal CFRP. Thus, the specific objectives of the proposed research program are to determine how effective U-wraps are in:
i. enhancing the shear capacity of shear-deficient RC beams, AND
ii. increasing strain utilization of longitudinal CFRP reinforcement in shear-deficient RC beams.
The primary expected outcome of this work will be more economical FRP strengthening. This will be accomplished by allowing the designer to limit the required area of longitudinal CFRP reinforcement through improved strain utilization (provided by the U-wrap anchorage) while, the same time, being able to consider U-wrap anchors as shear reinforcement.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:08:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1907230</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CT Girder with FRP Shear Studs – Strength &amp; Fatigue Testing</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1895371</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project focuses on the assessment of the fiber-reinforced polymer tub girder (CT girder) with precast concrete decks and new, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) girder-deck shear connectors. This will extend the application of this new bridge technology by modularizing construction and the additional use of composite materials. The new FRP shear connectors, when used with FRP rebar for the deck reinforcing, will completely eliminate steel and therefore all corrosion in the bridge superstructure. The project will also include the fatigue testing of a full-scale girder, which has not been performed to-date. This research project will employ both large-scale and smaller-scale experiments.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2021 13:27:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1895371</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Multiple Camera System to Determine the Absolute Volume of Soil Specimens During Dynamic Triaxial Testing (yr 1)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1868764</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Triaxial tests have been widely used to evaluate stress-strain behavior for geomaterials. In the past few decades, several methods have been developed to measure the volume changes of unsaturated soil specimens during triaxial tests. Literature review indicates that all existing methods can only measure relative soil volume and it remains a major challenge for researchers to measure the absolute volume changes of soil specimens during dynamic triaxial testing. The research will develop a computer vision/photogrammetry-based multiple camera system for measuring the absolute volume change for soil specimen during dynamic triaxial testing. Methodology will be developed to analyze the videos taken from multiple cameras by combining deep-learning techniques and modern close-range photogrammetry. Three-dimensional models of the soil specimen with high accuracy will be constructed using the videos and will be compared and validated using different methods. Post-processing algorithms will be developed to automatically calculate the absolute volume, titling, eccentricity, as well as localized displacement/strains at any arbitrary locations. This method for 3D reconstruction will provide us a non-contact, high accuracy, low cost, and easy-to-operate tool for absolute volume measurements for soil specimen during dynamic triaxial testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:19:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1868764</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of In-Situ Cyclic Borehole Shear Soil Test Device</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1664454</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project, a Cyclic Borehole Shear Test (CBST) device was developed to enable rapid in situ measurement of cyclic behavior and monotonic shear strength properties of the soil. The CBST is unique in its ability to measure the parameters in the soil’s natural setting, under cyclic loading, and in a matter of minutes whereas present laboratory techniques can take several weeks. By testing the soil in situ, the device saves time and money, while reducing effects of soil sample disturbance which can significantly affect laboratory test results. Based on the results of several field testing trials, numerous refinements and modifications were made to the system that included the physical testing apparatus inserted into the borehole, the electronic and pneumatic measurement and control system, and the software control program. Comparisons of the field CBST results to those of conventional laboratory cyclic direct simple shear tests demonstrated that the device can measure meaningful cyclic behavior of soils in situ. Further research will be pursued to more rigorously relate the measured displacements to shear strains in the soil surrounding the borehole, and to explore applications of the device to in situ measurement of the liquefaction behavior of soils. With further research, the device has the potential to fundamentally transform the presently empirical techniques used in practice for assessment of soil liquefaction resistance into a more mechanistic physics-based framework. 

The final report is available. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2019 21:02:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1664454</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Laboratory Testing of Aggregates for Road and Bridge Construction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1515768</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project reviews existing documentation on direct shear testing of aggregates and the friction angles used in design of roads and bridges. For open and well graded AASTHO aggregates: (1) sieve analysis to verify AASHTO designation (ASTM C136-01) for the aggregates tested.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:42:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1515768</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PPRC14 SPE 4.50: Performance-Related Specifications for Rubberized Asphalt Binder</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441815</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This is a continuation of Task 2558 to develop supporting data/information for the writing of performance related Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) specifications for mix design and mix placement of terminal blend and wet process asphalt rubber mixes.  This project will use recently developed dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test methods for assessing rubber binders and will include laboratory mix tests and field evaluations on new and recent projects.  The project will also investigate potential changes in bending beam rheometer (BBR) test procedures for binders containing rubber.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:53:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441815</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Experimental Investigation of the FRCM/Concrete Interfacial Debonding</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1316157</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will study the bond behavior of fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites externally bonded to reinforced concrete (RC) members. Fiber-reinforced composite systems are widely used for strengthening, repairing, and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structural members. A promising newly-developed type of composite, comprised of fibers and an inorganic cement-based matrix, provides several environmental, structural, and sustainability-related advantages over fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites traditionally used in structural applications, which potentially expands the strengthening applications beyond those currently utilized. Such advantages include: 1) high resistance to fire and high temperatures; 2) resistance to UV radiation; 3) ease of handling during the application because the inorganic binder is water-based; 4) easy cleanup and reuse of tools; 5) low odor and toxin emissions during application and curing; 6) permeability compatibility with the concrete substrate; and 7) unvarying workability time (between 40°F and 105°F). Stress-transfer mechanisms and interfacial fracture propagation of fiber-reinforced composites externally-bonded to a concrete substrate are complex phenomena that are highly dependent on the bond characteristics of the composite matrix material to the fibers. These phenomena have not yet been clearly defined and understood for FRCM composites. Experimental work will be carried out in this study to isolate the shear debonding phenomenon using single lap shear tests.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2014 01:01:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1316157</guid>
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