<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>Reassessing the Subsurface Conditions and the Durability of Buried Foundation Elements at a Texas National Geotechnical Experimentation Site</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780471</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A research site at Texas A&M University (TAMU) was one of six National Geotechnical Experimentation Sites (NGESs) established across the United States for geotechnical experiments. The NGESs were initially funded in 1992, through a partnership between the National Science Foundation and the Federal Highway Administration, to establish sites with extensive characterization data so research could focus on advancing state-of-the-art in situ testing, field instrumentation, foundation testing, and behavior predictions of soil and geotechnical elements. Many of the NGESs have since been decommissioned with TAMU being one of the last remaining. Before this site becomes decommissioned, an opportunity exists to reassess and complete geotechnical experiments.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this project are to quantify temporal changes in soil properties, assess advancements in geotechnical site characterization analysis, evaluate soil aggressiveness and the durability of buried concrete and steel, assess available prediction methods for corrosion and remaining strength given the soil in which the foundation elements are buried, and to produce a relational database of test results and measurements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:20:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780471</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigation of Using Higher Fines Backfill Materials in the Design and Construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls in Georgia
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2719309</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objectives of this research project are: (1) examine the impact of gradation and fine content on the permeability, density, and shear strength of backfill materials, as well as soil-reinforcement interactions; (2) conduct a cost comparison analysis between Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall design cases using higher fines backfill materials and current Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)-approved materials; and (3) perform Finite Element (FE) simulations to determine MSE wall deformation for various backfill materials.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:44:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2719309</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quantifying Impact of Soil Strength Degradation on Long-term Slope Stability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703925</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Soil slopes are integral to embankments, levees, bridge abutments, and natural terrain, and form a vital component of transportation infrastructure, highways, railways, and waterways. Soil strength degrades gradually with time due to unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g., water saturation, wet-dry cycles, freeze-thaw cycles, erosion, and chemical/biological degradation). Soil strength degradation increases chances of slope failures, which will pose significant safety risks to both human and transportation infrastructure. The primary objective of this project is to produce actionable procedures that facilitate the assessment of soil strength degradation tailored to unfavorable environmental conditions, quantify the impact of soil strength degradation on long-term slope stability, and provide informed decision-making procedures for slope safety and economics. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of literature and findings from related projects including the ongoing 
Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC) project at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). This project will evaluate the soil strength degradation models for different fill materials and their interactions with reinforcement and chemical binders under unfavorable environmental conditions considering the key influence factors. Utilizing numerical software, this project will assess the performance of soil slopes with different fill materials and mitigation methods changing with time by considering soil strength degradation under unfavorable environmental conditions. This project will also perform Life Cycle Cost Analysis to assess all costs incurred during the life of a project, such as initial design, construction, maintenance, repair, and re-construction with different fill materials and construction/mitigation methods.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 13:42:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2703925</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>Resilience Assessment of Tunnels Exposed to Blast (UTI-UTC 33)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543426</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to evaluate and enhance the resilience of tunnel systems subjected to internal blast loads, focusing on both structural integrity and functional performance. Through a combination of computational simulations and experimental validation, the research assesses the dynamic response of tunnel liners, surrounding soil, and structural components to blast-induced pressures. A simplified modeling approach using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) framework, supported by Winkler foundation theory, is developed to predict deformation and failure mechanisms in reinforced concrete tunnel linings. The model's reliability is verified using data from large-scale testing and finite element analysis. By quantifying damage thresholds and recovery metrics, the project provides tunnel designers and operators with practical tools to evaluate tunnel vulnerability, develop mitigation strategies, and prioritize retrofitting efforts. This work contributes to safer and more resilient underground transportation infrastructure capable of withstanding high-consequence events.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:10:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543426</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Simplified Calculation of Liner and Soil Deformations in Tunnels Subjected to Internal Explosions (UTI-UTC 34)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543427</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop a simplified analytical framework for evaluating the structural response of tunnel liners and surrounding soil systems subjected to internal explosive loads. By applying a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model integrated with Winkler foundation principles, the research provides a practical and efficient method for estimating deformation behavior without the need for full-scale numerical simulations. The framework accounts for varying explosive intensities, tunnel geometry, and material properties to predict the extent of structural damage and ground-structure interaction. Validation is conducted through comparisons with experimental data and higher-fidelity simulations. The outcomes of this project contribute to improving the design and resilience assessment of underground transportation tunnels, especially in scenarios involving accidental or intentional explosive threats.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 17:05:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543427</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Understanding cross passage ground-structure interaction using data from the Seattle Northgate Link transit extension project (UTI-UTC 39)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543429</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research project investigates the complex ground-structure interaction that occurs during the construction of cross passages in soft ground tunneling environments. Utilizing detailed instrumentation and monitoring data from the Seattle Northgate Link Transit Extension Project, the study aims to quantify the effects of cross passage excavation on segmental tunnel linings and the surrounding ground. It focuses on assessing deformation patterns, ground movement, and changes in internal tunnel forces induced by cross passage construction activities. The project employs numerical modeling and empirical analysis to validate field observations, offering insights into stress redistribution and liner performance. By improving the understanding of these interactions, the research supports the development of safer and more efficient design guidelines for cross passages, particularly in challenging geotechnical conditions common in urban tunneling projects.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 16:51:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543429</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Incorporation of Gasket Selection and Damage Accumulation in to Pipe Selection Software</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422893</link>
      <description><![CDATA[​A large number of culvert pipes are installed every year in North Carolina. In the current research project (RP2022-02: Integration of Repair and Remediation Methods into Pipe Material Selection Approach), a Pipe Assessment and Selection Software (PASS) was developed. PASS accounts for the service life of a wide range of pipe materials (reinforced concrete, galvanized steel, aluminized steel, cast iron, mild steel, aluminum alloy, and polymeric pipes) based on their exposure conditions, and it has been enhanced to account for loading and structural requirements. Additional features of PASS include accounting for the effect of backfill replacement as well as repair and mitigation strategies such as the use of flowable fills and membrane lining of the trench on the service life of pipes. PASS also includes a method to account for the effect of substandard coating for galvanized and aluminized steel pipes on their service life and recommends discount rates based on estimated reduction in the service life. The estimation of the service life of pipe materials in PASS is based on exposure conditions that are assessed using a GIS database linked with jobsite latitude and longitude coordinates to obtain information on soil conditions (including those from nearby quarries.) Alternatively, field measurements of soil resistivity and chloride content can be input directly into PASS. Overall, PASS has evolved into a comprehensive framework for pipe selection. The study team would like to mention that while PASS is developed for the State of North Carolina, it can be extended for use in other states by updating the GIS database with information relevant to that state. 

We propose herein to integrate the following items into PASS; these ideas have come up during the discussion with NCDOT colleagues:

(i) Currently, PASS does not account for the selection of gaskets, especially in contaminated soils where the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, PCE, and TCE can significantly degrade gasket durability. 
(ii) While PASS includes the effects of mitigation strategies such as flowable fill and lining the trench with membranes or clay liners, it does not have a robust process to account for the durability of such measures and the presence of damage in them; this may lead to an overestimation of service life since perfect (damage free) liners and membranes are assumed, but are not realistically achieved in the field.
(iii) PASS does not account for aging effects of polymeric pipes; that is the current service life estimation of polymeric pipes (e.g., HDPE and PVC) is a constant number and does not include interaction with the environment (i.e., moisture and contaminants) nor the effects of creep.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 07:54:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2422893</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accelerated Foundation Repair/retrofits For Capacity Upgradation And Strengthening </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404261</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The anticipated research output will be a state-of-art compilation of efforts at bridge foundations reuse based upon capacity upgradation and strengthening using mini-/micro-pile retrofits. The aim of the effort will be to enable standardization of such efforts leveraging data science and soil-structure interaction mechanics guided artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. The research will prepare preliminary data for systematic development of construction techniques, materials selection, and capacity estimation methodologies that are compatible with superstructure design. The novel technologies to be pursued in the proposed work is twofold: (1) novel probabilistic soil-structure interaction method for harmonization with load and resistance factor design (LRFD) superstructure design, and (2) development of AI/machine learning (ML) ready database of mini-/micro-pile retrofits of bridge foundations. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:54:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2404261</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of P-Y Curves for Analysis of Laterally Loaded Piles in Montana</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1860238</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The response of a laterally loaded pile depends on the lateral stiffness of the soil, the pile stiffness, and the interaction between the pile and the surrounding soil. A laterally loaded pile can be analyzed using different methods; among which, the P-Y method, a method of intermediate complexity and reasonable accuracy, has been widely accepted by the geotechnical engineering community. In the P-Y method, the soil reaction is replaced with a series of independent nonlinear springs, and the nonlinear behavior of the soil is represented by the P-Y curves and relating the oil reaction and pile deflection at points along the pile length. The P-Y curves are developed based on a relatively small amount of data in specific soil conditions. Their accuracy depends on the data from which the curve was developed which may or may not correlate well with soils in Montana. Consequently, the applicability of these procedures to different soil conditions is uncertain and may lead to overly conservative designs.

The research proposed will be accomplished with the following steps: 1) review the current methods for analysis of laterally loaded piles, from the most common methods (e.g., P-Y method) to the most complex, and evaluate the applicability of P-Y curves to Montana soil conditions; 2) review and prioritize soil conditions in Montana for which laterally loaded pile behavior is not well known; 3) perform a series of model-scale, instrumented centrifuge experiments on piles embedded in prioritized soils collected from different regions of Montana in the centrifuge facility at the University of New Hampshire to develop a data set capable of gaining insight into the characteristics of P-Y resistance in Montana soil conditions; 4) couple the experimental results with numerical simulations to understand the behavior of a single pile laterally loaded in different prioritized soil conditions and develop P-Y curves for analysis of laterally loaded piles in Montana; 5) use the findings from previous tasks in this research to re-evaluate the performance of a laterally loaded pile from a project site located on Interstate 15 in Lewis and Clark County, MT and validate the findings of the new research.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2021 16:08:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1860238</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Quantitative Assessment of Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) Effects on Seismic Performance of Bridges with ABC Connections
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1694130</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In this project, the research team proposes a quantitative assessment of soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects on seismic performance of bridges with accelerated bridge construction (ABC) connections. Towards achieving this objective, the team uses the outcome of a recently completed ABC-UTC project to develop a baseline finite element model for a two-span bridge system with six ABC connection types. The team uses the experimental data and state-of-the-art data assimilation techniques to calibrate the constitutive models uses for the representation of the superstructure and ABC connections. To model foundation flexibility, the team uses the direct modeling approach to model the surrounding soil and incident wave-field. Consequently, the team will perform a series of numerical experiments to assess the seismic performance of ABC connections and the bridge system taking SSI effects into account. The outcome of this project will help the team determine the extent to which existing connections are prone to damages in seismic areas when supported by soft to moderate soil. Accordingly, this will help the team either improve these connections or propose alternative solutions to be eventually used in construction projects. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2020 19:30:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1694130</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Economic Pier-to-Pile Connections for Permanently Cased Shaft (CFST) Piles
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1689224</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A missing piece of this new structural system is the foundation system including the direct pier-to-pile connection and the contribution of soil-structure interaction on this is an economical solution that reduces the cost of the structural foundation system. The overall goals of the proposed research are to: (1) Investigate concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) connections and other column-to-pile connections through a literature review. (2) Select column-to-pile connections for study based on the finite element analysis (FEA) results. (3) Investigate the seismic response and resilience, including damage, of selected CFST connections using large-scale testing. (4) Develop, in collaboration with WSDOT and Caltrans as well as other interested transportation agencies, new design methods for these connections. (5) Develop a simplified nonlinear spring element to simulate the connection and pair the engineering demand parameters from the model to the damage states to provide tools for PBEE.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:05:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1689224</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Seismic-Resisting Connections for Concrete-Filled Tube Components In High-Speed Rail Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1677121</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In seismic design of transportation structures there are several competing demands that must be met: high strength and stiffness, large ductility, damage resistance and efficient construction. Prior research at the University of Washington (UW) demonstrates that concrete-filled tubes (CFTs) can meet these competing demands. For a given diameter, CFTs have larger strength and stiffness than an RC component. Testing of CFT connections demonstrates their ductility, with drift capacities larger than 8%. When used with precast components, CFTs facilitates accelerated bridge construction (ABC).

This research builds on the prior CFT research to develop connections specific for use in structural systems for high-speed rail (HSR). While the Florida International University (FIU) study focuses on the column-to-cap connection, this study will investigate a new, untested direct column-to-pile connection. This connection is critical to the structural performance and cost of the system, but few studies have focused on it, in particular for ABC. This study will advance design and construction of pile connections for HSR.

The research will investigate the connection and HSR system response using advanced, nonlinear analysis methods. A thorough literature review will identify types of connections and document their structural response; the UW team will work with the HSR team to identify one or more connections for further study. Using high-resolution finite element modeling, salient parameters of selected connections, including materials, geometry, and soil-structure interaction, will be studied. Those results will be used to develop spring and line-element nonlinear models of the components and connections as a function of the important connection parameters. The final research task will investigate the seismic response of a prototype HSR CFT system using these nonlinear models. Connection design details, seismic performance objectives, seismic hazard levels, and soils will be varied to study their impact. The results will provide important initial guidelines for the connection design and seismic performance which will found a future experimental research study to validate the work]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:00:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1677121</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Sesimic-Resisting Connections or Concrete-Filled Tube Components In High-Speed Rail System</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1547346</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In seismic design of transportation structures there are several competing demands that must be met: high strength and stiffness, large ductility, damage resistance and efficient construction. Prior research at the UW demonstrates that concrete-filled tubes (CFTs) can meet these competing demands. For a given diameter, CFTs have larger strength and stiffness than an RC component. Testing of CFT connections demonstrates their ductility, with drift capacities larger than 8%. When used with precast components, CFTs facilitates ABC.

This research builds on the prior CFT research to develop connections specific for use in structural systems for high-speed rail (HSR). While the FIU study focuses on the column-to-cap connection, this study will investigate a new, untested direct column-to-pile connection. This connection is critical to the structural performance and cost of the system, but few studies have focused on it, in particular for ABC. This study will advance design and construction of pile connections for HSR.

The research will investigate the connection and HSR system response using advanced, nonlinear analysis methods. A thorough literature review will identify types of connections and document their structural response; the UW team will work with the HSR team to identify one or more connections for further study. Using high-resolution finite element modeling, salient parameters of selected connections, including materials, geometry, and soil-structure interaction, will be studied. Those results will be used to develop spring and line-element nonlinear models of the components and connections as a function of the important connection parameters. The final research task will investigate the seismic response of a prototype HSR CFT system using these nonlinear models. Connection design details, seismic performance objectives, seismic hazard levels, and soils will be varied to study their impact. The results will provide important initial guidelines for the connection design and seismic performance which will found a future experimental research study to validate the work]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jul 2019 15:34:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1547346</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>New Sesimic-Resisting Connections or Concrete-Filled Tube Components In High-Speed Rail Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1547447</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In seismic design of transportation structures there are several competing demands that must be met: high strength and stiffness, large ductility, damage resistance and efficient construction. Prior research at the UW demonstrates that concrete-filled tubes (CFTs) can meet these competing demands. For a given diameter, CFTs have larger strength and stiffness than an RC component. Testing of CFT connections demonstrates their ductility, with drift capacities larger than 8%. When used with precast components, CFTs facilitates ABC.

This research builds on the prior CFT research to develop connections specific for use in structural systems for high-speed rail (HSR). While the FIU study focuses on the column-to-cap connection, this study will investigate a new, untested direct column-to-pile connection. This connection is critical to the structural performance and cost of the system, but few studies have focused on it, in particular for ABC. This study will advance design and construction of pile connections for HSR.

The research will investigate the connection and HSR system response using advanced, nonlinear analysis methods. A thorough literature review will identify types of connections and document their structural response; the UW team will work with the HSR team to identify one or more connections for further study. Using high-resolution finite element modeling, salient parameters of selected connections, including materials, geometry, and soil-structure interaction, will be studied. Those results will be used to develop spring and line-element nonlinear models of the components and connections as a function of the important connection parameters. The final research task will investigate the seismic response of a prototype HSR CFT system using these nonlinear models. Connection design details, seismic performance objectives, seismic hazard levels, and soils will be varied to study their impact. The results will provide important initial guidelines for the connection design and seismic performance which will found a future experimental research study to validate the work]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:22:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1547447</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>