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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Temperature-Induced Cyclic Loading Effects on Rail Anchor Slip Force</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2573195</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Recently, continuous welded rail (CWR) systems have been widely adopted due to their enhanced ride quality, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended service life for both rails and rolling stock. However, the elimination of joints in CWR introduces challenges, particularly in managing thermal expansion, which can lead to track buckling. A critical factor in maintaining track stability is the Rail Neutral Temperature (RNT) — the temperature at which rails are free of thermal stress. Anchors, which resist longitudinal rail movement, play a key role in managing RNT and ensuring track integrity. While previous studies have largely focused on the static behavior of rail anchors, this research emphasizes the importance of cyclic longitudinal loading, which can simulate daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Unlike static loading, cyclic longitudinal loading on the rail-anchor under different temperatures can potentially lead to gradual degradation in anchor performance, slip initiation, or cumulative displacement over time. These effects may be more critical to track stability than static forces alone, especially under service operating conditions. This study will conduct full-scale laboratory testing to investigate the impact of cyclic temperature-induced longitudinal loading on slip force performance for various rail anchor types. By simulating temperature cycles and measuring anchor slip under controlled conditions — including different anchor geometries, installation tightness, and environmental parameters — this research aims to provide an understanding of the long-term reliability of rail anchoring systems under thermal cycling. Also, this study addresses the need to construct a 15-foot full-scale track segment on ballast and wood ties to replicate in-field conditions for the future studies to be performed for this project.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:42:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2573195</guid>
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      <title>Development of General Guidelines on The Effects of Bridge Span Range and Skew Angle Range on Integral Abutment Bridges (IABs) (3.7)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1638201</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The aim of this research is to improve guidelines for the modeling, design, and construction of IABs in the following areas:
(a)	The effect of the roadway profile grade on substructure; 
(b)	The constructability of pile supported IABs at a site with shallow bedrock;  
(c)	The effect of ranges of skew angle on axial and bending stresses in the superstructure; 
(d)	The effect of axial and bending stresses in the superstructure caused by thermal expansion and contraction for a range of bridge spans.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:31:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1638201</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Development of Environmentally Friendly Stabilization Methods for Transport Infrastructure Based on Geopolymers
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1467369</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In recent years, the use of geopolymers has received much attention as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical additives since they can be processed at room temperatures from aqueous solutions of waste materials (e.g. fly ash) or abounded natural sources (e.g. clay). The objective of the proposed research is to develop an environmental and eco-friendly solution using Geopolymers for stabilizing bases and subgrades. Research tasks include the material aspects and pavement engineering performance aspects of the treated soils and bases. The effects of Geopolymer composition, dosage rates, curing time and temperature on overall properties of Geopolymer stabilized base and subgrade materials will be studied in order to optimize the use of Geopolymers derived from local waste and natural materials. Both material characterization studies related to micro to macro behavioral changes have to be evaluated as a part of this research. A comprehensive study of processing-structure relationship including structural characterization Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Water Absorption Index (WAI), thermal expansion, and others have to be linked to engineering soil properties including shear strength, resilient moduli, volume change and durability characteristics. During the implementation phase, sustainable, resiliency and life cycle analysis of these treatments will be evaluated. This study would provide major benefits in the design of durable and distress free pavement infrastructure in problematic soil conditions that prevail in Texas and other regional states.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 May 2017 13:54:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1467369</guid>
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      <title>PPRC14 SPE 3.31: Improved ME Design Algorithms and Reliability Approach</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441809</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this project is to improve the ability/reliability of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and national Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) procedures to predict pavement distresses.  Update/add algorithms for asphalt fatigue cracking, thermal reflection cracking, top-down cracking, full-depth reclamation and raveling. Address asphalt recovery between truck loadings, and the interaction of truck traffic loading and temperature for asphalt surfaced pavement. Address upcoming changes in  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) test methods for asphalt fatigue cracking and translation of data from repeated shear to the new Asphalt Material Performance Tester (AMPT) equipment. Improve roughness progression algorithms for asphalt and concrete. Update calibration of Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) models for jointed plain concrete (JPC) transverse cracking and faulting using new condition survey data. Complete study investigating range of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2017 10:53:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1441809</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a Limit States Standard for Onshore Pipelines</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1261695</link>
      <description><![CDATA[There are two primary objectives for this project: (1) Develop a Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) checks for the basic group of limit states associated with internal pressure, thermal expansion and equipment impact.  This will involve the definition of appropriate reliability targets, selection of a number of test cases and calibration of the required design checks. (2) Develop a plan to address geotechnical loads in a subsequent project phase.  This will involve investigation of available models, and data from project participants.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Sep 2013 01:00:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1261695</guid>
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