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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJzdWJqZWN0aWQiIHZhbHVlPSIxNzk3IiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSI3MzAiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9InN1YmplY3Rsb2dpYyIgdmFsdWU9Im9yIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJ0ZXJtc2xvZ2ljIiB2YWx1ZT0ib3IiIC8+PHBhcmFtIG5hbWU9ImxvY2F0aW9uIiB2YWx1ZT0iMTYiIC8+PC9wYXJhbXM+PGZpbHRlcnMgLz48cmFuZ2VzIC8+PHNvcnRzPjxzb3J0IGZpZWxkPSJwdWJsaXNoZWQiIG9yZGVyPSJkZXNjIiAvPjwvc29ydHM+PHBlcnNpc3RzPjxwZXJzaXN0IG5hbWU9InJhbmdldHlwZSIgdmFsdWU9InB1Ymxpc2hlZGRhdGUiIC8+PC9wZXJzaXN0cz48L3NlYXJjaD4=" 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>Performance-Based Evaluation of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Thickness in Integral Abutment Bridges</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2784732</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this study is to establish performance-based framework for calculating the required thickness of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) elastic inclusion at integral bridge abutments. The results will be implemented in Chapter 17 of the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT's) Manual of the Structure and Bridge Division. Reductions in integral bridge construction and maintenance costs are expected to be derived from this study. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2784732</guid>
    </item>
    <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>Abrasion Resistance Comparison Wearing Surfaces</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780489</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will evaluate and compare the abrasion resistance of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC), Polyester Polymer Concrete (PPC), and standard concrete mixtures used for bridge wearing surfaces. Laboratory testing will be conducted using ASTM C944 and other applicable methods to compare material performance and assess current testing procedures. The results will be used to develop recommendations for abrasion resistance requirements and testing procedures to support ITD specifications and ensure adequate durability of concrete materials.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:58:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780489</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Granular Carbon-Enhanced High Early Strength Concrete for Bridge Decks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780485</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project, conducted in collaboration with the City of Nampa, will evaluate the use of granular carbon as a concrete additive to improve early strength gain in bridge deck concrete while maintaining durability and workability. The study will examine how different carbon dosages affect concrete strength, workability, durability, permeability, shrinkage, thermal properties, and overall performance. Laboratory testing will be used to identify mix designs that balance strength, durability, constructability, and cost effectiveness. The project will also evaluate the potential for granular carbon to improve heat retention and reduce snow and ice accumulation on bridge decks.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:20:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780485</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Residual System-Level Performance of Prestressed Girder Bridges with Cast-in-Place Decks after OHTI Repairs: Phase 1</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780483</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will evaluate the performance of prestressed girder bridges with cast in place decks after over height vehicle impacts and repairs. The study will examine girder damage, repair methods, load distribution, diaphragm performance, and preloading to better understand how these factors affect long term bridge performance. The project will include a literature review, analytical modeling, and experimental testing. The results will be used to develop practical guidance for bridge inspections, load ratings, repair decisions, and future bridge design.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:14:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780483</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improved Prediction of Long-Term Camber for Prestressed Bridge Girders Build in Arizona</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780406</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To be determined.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:02:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2780406</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Human-AI Collaborative Bridge Inspection for Advanced Damage Detection
and Defect Quantification</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689757</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The aging concrete bridge infrastructure across the U.S. poses increasing risks to safety and reliability, amplifying the urgency to modernize inspection processes. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive, subjective, and inconsistent, creating barriers to effective infrastructure management. This research proposes an innovative human-AI collaborative framework designed to enhance the durability, resiliency, and technological capabilities of bridge inspections. The project integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies to automate damage detection and defect quantification. To ensure reliability and trustworthiness, the AI system incorporates rigorous uncertainty quantification methods, increasing transparency and inspector confidence. An active learning component strategically facilitates human-AI collaboration, enabling inspectors to focus on the most critical inspection cases identified by the AI, significantly reducing manual workloads. Additionally, engineering domain expertise, particularly in structural reliability and risk assessment, will inform and prioritize inspection processes within the AI framework. The outcomes of this project will substantially improve the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of bridge inspections, promoting safer, longer-lasting, and more resilient transportation infrastructure. Anticipated benefits include reduced inspection costs, enhanced public safety, and a proactive approach to infrastructure management that significantly extends service life and supports sustainability. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:04:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2689757</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SHM-based Bridge Element Deterioration Modeling and Prediction</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2692311</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The transportation legislation MAP-21 and the FAST Act have advanced the integration of performance-based asset management into transportation decision-making across federal, state, and local levels. Through Transportation Asset Management (TAM), agencies are establishing systematic processes to operate, maintain, and preserve infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycle. The objective of the project described herein is to support these goals by developing a methodology for predicting bridge element deterioration using long-term Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) data. Current approaches rely on periodic inspections and NDT/NDE methods, which miss real-time changes and pose safety risks. By combining SHM data with traditional models (Markov chains, Weibull distributions) and advanced algorithms, this research aims to produce accurate, time-based deterioration curves for bridge elements. Using high-resolution data from the BEAST lab at Rutgers University, the models will be calibrated and validated to reflect real-world deterioration mechanisms. This work supports NCIT’s mission to improve durability and extend the life of transportation infrastructure. It directly addresses the topical pillars of Infrastructure Durability, Resiliency, and Technology, offering tools for predictive maintenance, life-cycle cost management, and improved safety. The outcome will aid bridge owners in making data-driven decisions that enhance long-term performance and resilience. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:40:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2692311</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing a Multi-Resolution Remote Monitoring System for Bridge Integrity
Assessment (BIA) Using IoT and AI Technologies</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696932</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridges are an integral part of U.S. transportation networks, improving highway connectivity and accessibility. For instance, there are over 55,000 bridges in Texas, with an average age of 43 years. The maintenance of this bridge network costs the TxDOT more than $300 million annually. The traditional Bridge Integrity Assessment (BIA) monitoring methods include periodic manual inspections to observe visible cracks, wearing surface, drainage features, signs of scouring or erosion at the piers or abutment, and overall structural integrity, and other sensors to monitor stress, vibrations, and movements continuously. With the advancement of AI and IoT, it is more possible than ever to develop an innovative BIA system that can address the challenges of traditional BIA methods and support bridge structure safety and integrity. The proposed research has three objectives: (1) Design an AI-enabled secure remote monitoring architecture for supporting BIA and maintenance. (2) Build an end-to-end simulation system to evaluate and validate the developed architecture to detect threats that pose a risk to bridge structure safety. (3) Implement a prototype of the proposed multi-resolution remote monitoring system using various remote sensing technologies and conduct real-world field experiments using the developed system (i.e., UAV and IoT sensors). Additionally, the Blinn College District (BCD) will organize an educational workshop for Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) and BCD students, during which unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies will be demonstrated. The project outcomes will assist the DOTs (Department of Transportation) in monitoring the bridge infrastructure condition and conducting preventive maintenance more efficiently. This project is directly related to NCIT’s focus area of “Improving the Durability and Extending the Life of Transportation Infrastructure” and the NCIT’s topical pillar, “Technology.”]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:32:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696932</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Increasing the Lifespan and Resiliency of Bridge Deck Concrete Containing
SCM Through Durability-Based Performance Evaluation and Structural-Level</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696935</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The long-term durability of concrete bridge decks is critical to ensure safe and cost-effective transportation infrastructure. While Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) are widely used to enhance the durability performance of bridge deck concrete, their long-term deterioration under both live-load and environmental (exposure conditions)-load remains inadequately understood. The research will evaluate in-service SCM bridge decks using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods to track deterioration trends and correlate them with traffic loading and environmental exposure. Concurrently, representative SCM bridge decks will be constructed at the BEAST facility, where accelerated testing will simulate 15 to 30 years of traffic-induced damage through rolling loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and salt brine exposure, and deterioration progression will be monitored through the NDT assessments along with establishing a correlation between average daily traffic and bridge deck deterioration. The laboratory-based durability evaluation, followed by refinement of the TTI Tool, will be conducted at TTI for rapid and reliable durability-based performance evaluation (e.g., optimum SCM dosage for alkali-silica reaction mitigation; autogenous and drying shrinkage strains, shrinkage-based cracking potential; time to rebar corrosion initiation and probability of failure; and freeze-thaw service life based on estimation of time to critical saturation) of the selected SCM deck mixtures. A new and innovative combined approach (i.e., the TTI-Tool-based material level durability evaluation combined with performance prediction due to live-load + environmental load) will be developed for predicting the deterioration curve over time under field conditions for SCM field bridge decks. This will improve the durability and extend service life for new deck construction and improve repair strategies based on the remaining life prediction for the existing concrete bridge decks.
Developing this kind of combined approach aligns with NCIT’s focus on improving infrastructure durability by enhancing data-driven decision-making for bridge deck design, maintenance, and rehabilitation, and contributes to asset management and fostering more resilient transportation infrastructure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:27:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2696935</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing TxDOT Design Guidelines for Riprap Rock Size and Apron Limits at Culverts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768430</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Current design practices for bridge-class culverts often use bridge-centric or outlet-focused rip-rap rock size design equations, which do not adequately address inlet contraction scour, multiple culvert types, velocity amplification in wide structures, and varying soil erodibility. This project will develop defensible, culvert-specific rock sizing equations and apron design criteria tailored to varying culvert types (with-bottom and bottomless) and soil conditions. Researchers will: (1) perform literature review, survey, and site visits to synthesize design practice, identify research gaps, inspect Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT’s) data, and identify typical failure modes and vulnerable locations; (2) establish culvert-specific rock sizing equations for both with-bottom and bottomless culverts, with calibrated amplification factors for inlet and outlet culvert hydraulics and for both cohesive and non-cohesive soil conditions; (3) develop apron limits design criteria, including layout rules and quick-reference guidelines, that explicitly incorporate soil erodibility categories and address multiple vulnerable inlet and outlet transitions; and (4) produce ready-to-use design aids (charts, worksheets, and design examples), implementation recommendations, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checklists compatible with existing specifications and scour analysis procedures tailored for designers and maintenance personnel. These outcomes will provide TxDOT with scientifically robust design procedures compatible with the Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), enhancing infrastructure resilience and optimizing construction and maintenance expenditures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:02:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768430</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Conduct 1D and 2D Hydraulic Modeling of Traffic Rail for Design of TxDOT Bridges and Culverts</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768431</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Researchers will develop a method to quantify hydraulic performance of different bridge and traffic rail types for implementation in 1D and 2D hydraulic modeling software to determine impacts on the surrounding floodplain during extreme flood events. The use of a previously developed rail rating curve and submergence model, combined with additional physical testing for newer rail types, will be incorporated into floodplain mapping software such as Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis Software (HEC-RAS) (1D and 2D) and culvert design software such as Hydraulic 8 Culvert hydraulics Analysis Program (HY-8). Researchers will develop generalizable modeling methodologies and guidance for various rail configurations under both 1D and 2D hydraulic modeling conditions to inform how to model different systems effectively and consistently.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:01:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768431</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis: Techniques for Freeboard and Other Simplified Approaches to Account for Uncertainty</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768669</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Freeboard is widely considered as the vertical clearance above a design water-surface elevation to reduce bridge and culvert vulnerability to flood-related hazards; however, current guidance across agencies on freeboard is inconsistent and often lacks transparent treatment of hydrologic, hydraulic, and debris-related uncertainty. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Hydraulic Design Manual does not specify a recommended freeboard value, which creates challenges for consistent and defensible design decisions. The research team will conduct a structured synthesis of national- and state-level guidance, tools, and research related to freeboard determination for bridges and culverts and other simplified approaches for addressing uncertainty. Where directly relevant and readily comparable, selected international guidance will be included as supplemental examples to provide additional context. Researchers will systematically review authoritative design manuals, federal guidance, DOT practices in different states, and prior research to document how freeboard is defined, justified, and applied, including consideration of design events, structure types, technical rationale, uncertainty treatment, and any exception procedures. The research team will develop traceable synthesis products, including annotated catalogs, evidence matrices, and cross-agency comparison tables, to clearly summarize current practice and identify areas of inconsistency or ambiguity. The primary outcome will be a set of synthesis materials organized for direct use by TxDOT to support consistent, transparent, and risk-aware freeboard determination and to inform future updates to TxDOT’s hydraulic guidance. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:01:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768669</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Investigating the Structural Impact of Delamination in Precast Concrete Panel Decks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768424</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Precast concrete panel (PCP) deck systems are the primary method for bridge deck construction in Texas. While these systems are designed to act compositely with a cast-in-place (CIP) concrete topping, recent field inspections and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) evaluations have identified widespread delamination at the PCP-CIP concrete interface. This bond degradation challenges the fundamental design assumption of monolithic behavior, which may lead to issues such as compromised punching shear capacity, reduced rigidity, increased deflection, water penetration, and potentially shortened service life. But the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) currently lacks the data-driven, quantitative criteria necessary to evaluate the structural and serviceability implications of such distress. This research project addresses this critical knowledge gap by investigating how varying extents of delamination influence the bridge deck's serviceability, load-carrying capacity, fatigue resistance, and overall durability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:21:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768424</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Updating KYTC’s Prestressed Concrete Plant Inspection Manual</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768421</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Portions of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Prestressed Concrete Manual no longer align with industry standards, updated American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications, current construction practices, material technologies, and advancements in quality assurance procedures. Inconsistencies between the manual and policies, standard drawings, and specification updates have also resulted in designers, producers, inspectors, and contractors interpreting the manual differently and applying requirements inconsistently. As such, the Cabinet needs a revised manual that has updated design criteria, inspection protocols, durability considerations, fabrication tolerances, and construction best practices. It must also eliminate outdated provisions and conflicting guidance and improve usability through better organization, revised details, and clearer technical language.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:04:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2768421</guid>
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