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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>Sustainable Anti-Icing Solutions Reducing Concrete Damage with Organic-based Agents </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2640693</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The goal of the research is to identify sustainable alternatives to traditional chloride-based de-icing solutions by evaluating organic-based anti-icing agents, such as beet, corn juice, etc. These agents are intended to reduce the detrimental impact on concrete infrastructure, minimize corrosion, and maintain effective performance at lower temperatures. This project will provide the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) with an innovative, sustainable approach to winter road maintenance, enhancing road safety while protecting infrastructure longevity. Reduced salt usage will lower maintenance costs over time and improve environmental outcomes, benefiting Missouri's residents and ecosystems. Organic-based anti-icing solutions can be more effective at lower temperatures than traditional salt solutions and may be less corrosive to concrete. The goal for this research project is to find an organic alternative by exploring renewable resources from organic by-products, which are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:28:34 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Enhanced Durability, Crack Resistance, and Cost-Effectiveness of Concrete in Infrastructure Applications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598425</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop durable, crack-resistant, and cost-effective concrete for U.S. infrastructure by incorporating nanomaterials derived from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo, combined with Agricultural Residue Char (ARC) for internal curing. Traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) often require high replacement percentages to achieve significant improvements, increasing the cost and complexity of mix designs. In contrast, nanomaterials, even at small dosages (1-2% by weight), have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance both the early-age and long-term performance of concrete. ARC will serve as an internal curing agent, specifically targeting improvements at later ages by reducing shrinkage and enhancing long-term crack resistance. Nanomaterials extracted from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo will be evaluated for their impact on early-age strength and durability. The objectives of the proposed study are to: (1) Develop cost-effective synthesis techniques for nanomaterials from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo; (2)  Investigate the impact of nanomaterials on early-age compressive strength and hydration; (3) Utilize ARC for internal curing to reduce shrinkage and improve long-term performance, (4) Perform ASTM C1609 (notched beam test) for crack resistance and ASTM C157 (shrinkage test) for mix designs undergoing flexural testing, and (5) Analyze the cost and performance of developed mixes compared to conventional concrete.
The project will employ a comprehensive research approach, including detailed material characterization, mix design optimization, mechanical and durability testing. Material characterization will involve advanced techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction, to analyze the structural properties of the nano materials. The concrete mixes will undergo standard workability, compressive strength, crack resistance, shrinkage and surface resistivity testing to ensure optimal mechanical and durability properties. The tasks for this study involve the following: Task 1: Literature Review and Material Acquisition; Task 2: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials; Task 3: Mix Design and Optimization; Task 4: Mechanical and Durability Testing; Task 5: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; and Task 6: Reporting and Dissemination.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:03:50 GMT</pubDate>
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