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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=PHNlYXJjaD48cGFyYW1zPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJzdWJqZWN0aWQiIHZhbHVlPSIxNzkxIiAvPjxwYXJhbSBuYW1lPSJkYXRlaW4iIHZhbHVlPSI3MzAiIC8+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>Evaluation of Traffic Speed Deflectometer Data (TSD) for Potential Use in Michigan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731922</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The collection of continuous pavement deflection data is a technology that is starting to mature and is getting a lot of
attention from many state agencies around the country. The cost to obtain these data collection services can be significant.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MI DOT) would like to explore whether there is a benefit in spending money on this type of data. Does it provide
sufficient structural information that can be useful in the scoping or design phases of upcoming projects? Does it provide
useful information in the evaluation of the performance of in-situ pavements? In what situations does it make sense to
gather this data? These are some of the questions that need to be answered so that a determination can be made on the
cost effectiveness of moving forward with this relatively new technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:59:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731922</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhanced Understanding of Concrete Pavement Performance</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731921</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Michigan’s wet-freeze climate causes pavement durability issues such as freeze-thaw scaling, while salt exposures
significantly impact the long-term performance of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements (JPCP). These environmental stressors
initiate joint staining and can progress to joint spalling, eventually lead to structural failures like shear cracking under traffic
loads. Structural inputs like slab thickness and modulus of rupture govern mechanical performance, while durability factors
influence how a JPCP pavement degrades over time. These material properties affect roughness and service life. In addition,
the University of Michigan (UofM) Center can provide specialized technical expertise and examinations related to further development of its pavement
design program, specifically as it relates to Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:20:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731921</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Enhanced Understanding of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731920</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) interest is to have the Michigan State University (MSU) Center provide specialized technical expertise and examinations related to further development of its pavement design program, specifically as it relates to Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:08:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2731920</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing a Balanced Mix Design (BMD) Framework for Low-Volume Surface Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2730683</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Full implementation of balanced mix design (BMD) for dense-graded non-polymer-modified maintenance surface mixtures was achieved by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2024. Most of the mixtures used to develop the BMD criteria incorporated 30% RAP and PG 64S-22 binder, a common combination in Virginia. The criteria developed from these mixtures were based on desired performance characteristics for primary or high-volume secondary routes, which have greater traffic levels and typically thicker pavement structures than low-volume routes. However, as low-volume routes comprise over 90,000 lane-mi of VDOT-maintained roads, there is a need to develop performance criteria to address their specific needs.  
OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study is to develop a BMD framework specifically designed for dense-graded non-polymer-modified asphalt surface mixtures applied to low-volume roads. The performance needs of low volume roads along with mixture properties and performance will be evaluated to determine initial BMD threshold values to ensure adequate mixture performance. Historical information for a variety of routes and mixtures will be assessed to determine common properties indicative of their performance. Benchmark testing will be performed for current mixtures used on low volume routes. Modelling of low-volume routes will be performed to evaluate mixture properties necessary for acceptable performance. A strategy for the adoption of BMD criteria for these mixtures will be developed.  
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:52:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2730683</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Artificial Intelligence for Pavement Condition Assessment from 2D/3D Surface Images</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727389</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In phase I, the research team selected/annotated a library of two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) pavement surface images in AASHTO standard and developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Machine Learning (ML) models, using the established dataset. Phase I achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, significantly below TRL 8 required for implementation. This gap was compounded by the lack of sufficient data for several pavement distress types and a new functional requirement requested by TxDOT to include distress segmentation to the scope of work. In phase II, the research team will prepare more pavement image data provided by TxDOT to achieve the needed diversity on all pavement distress types in the 2D/3D image data library. The research team will revisit the tasks of literature review and AI/ML model selection, revise and optimize the trained models to make improvements, and develop new models to more accurately detect/segment and quantify pavement distresses for TxDOT.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:50:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727389</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Designing and Constructing Permanent Stable Foundation Layers in Areas of Sulfate Rich Soils</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727387</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The presence of a suitable foundation layer plays a significant role in the constructability and long-term performance of pavements. During construction, these layers must provide sufficient support for placement and compaction of subsequent pavement layers, and during service life, these foundation layers play a critical role in the pavement structure by supporting the upper pavement layers and spreading loads to provide long-term pavement performance. When designed correctly, lime stabilized layers have a long history of providing permanent support in areas of plastic soils. However, lime has been removed from recent projects because of concerns over soluble sulfates. The use of select fill and geogrids has not provided projects with the support needed to successfully complete construction, and in some cases even handle construction traffic. These failures cost millions of dollars to fix and result in significant project delays. Adequate and permanent foundation layers are critical to performance of both flexible and rigid pavement structures. The research team will document the effectiveness of current practices for identifying sulfates on construction projects and determine if new or improved technologies exist to more effectively and reliably detect sulfates. The research team will deploy these tools on actual construction projects and document their effectiveness. Using advanced lab testing, the research team will determine treatment alternatives for soils containing sulfates. Based on the findings, the research team will recommend soil treatment or pavement structural design alternatives to provide permanent and stable foundation layers. The findings from this project shall be used to recommend updates to project selection, treatment guidelines, test procedures, specifications, and the Pavement Manual.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:37:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727387</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementation of Seal Coat Project Selection Guidelines</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727313</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will assist TxDOT with implementing the guidelines for seal coat project selection and the draft ball penetration test method developed in research project 0-7106 “Quantify Maximum Accumulated Seal Coat Layers for Stability“. The research team will then use the findings and data generated from this implementation project to develop and teach implementation workshops for TxDOT.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:40:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2727313</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Road Ripples on North Carolina Roadways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726548</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Road ripples are an emerging and poorly understood form of asphalt pavement distress that has begun to appear with notable frequency on North Carolina roadways. Characterized by repeating surface undulations or shallow cracks that can form in the wheel paths or extend across entire lanes, they differ from conventional distress patterns and are not addressed in existing pavement distress manuals. They have been described as producing a “washboard-like” surface that degrades ride quality and draws the attention of both drivers and maintenance personnel. The phenomenon is particularly challenging because it does not have a single, well-established cause; instead, evidence suggests a complicated interplay of residual moisture in asphalt mixtures, moisture-sensitive subgrades, poor drainage or base support, and possibly traffic or environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycling. This lack of clarity has meant that road ripples are frequently mischaracterized in pavement evaluations and, more importantly, that no standardized diagnostic or treatment methods exist to guide agency practice.

In light of this need, the proposed research plan will seek to achieve four objectives: (1) evaluate the extent and severity of road ripples and the causative factors in North Carolina, (2) evaluate the potential for residual moisture to exist in asphalt mixtures produced in North Carolina, (3) evaluate the potential long- and short-term implications of road ripples on pavement performance, and (4) develop a targeted research plan for a follow-up study to systematically evaluate and quantify the impacts of different causative factors on causing road ripples.

These objectives will be met with six tasks: (1) Perform a literature review to understand the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-knowledge with respect to road ripples. (2) Conduct an evaluation of pavements in North Carolina that are experiencing road ripples to understand the extent and severity of the distress in the state and also identify potential causative factors. (3) Conduct experiments to evaluate residual moisture contents in North Carolina mixtures. (4) Conduct an assessment to understand the potential long-term performance implications of road ripples. (5) Develop a detailed work plan for conducting a Phase II study to systematically evaluate the causative factors. (6) Prepare a final report summarizing the methodology, results, and recommendations. 

The primary outcome of this research will be the establishment of a foundational understanding of road ripple distress in North Carolina, including its likely mechanisms, diagnostic indicators, and performance implications. While road ripples have been observed across the state, there is currently no standardized method to investigate, quantify, or manage them. This study will combine field investigations, laboratory studies, and analytical assessments, to provide clarity on the potential causes of this distress. Ultimately, the outcome of this work will be a clear, evidence-based foundation for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to use to make informed decisions about repair, prevention, and long-term management of pavements affected by road ripples.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:48:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726548</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a Job Mix Formula and QC/QA Framework for NCDOT Chip Seals</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726547</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Chip seals are among the most efficient and cost-effective methods utilized by state highway agencies to preserve and rejuvenate existing pavements. Chip seal operations in North Carolina have been outsourced since their transfer from the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT's) internal Road Oil program about 12 years ago. Some large contracting firms have developed the sufficient skills and experience needed to construct chip seals, but quality-related problems, such as raveling and too much fine material and moisture in the aggregate, have been found in some jobs. Quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) is an important step toward ensuring that pavements perform satisfactorily, and a job mix formula (JMF) designed specifically for chip seals is the first step toward well performing chip seals, which is currently lacking in the NCDOT chip seal specifications.

A series of chip seal research projects conducted at North Carolina State University (NCSU) can provide an excellent foundation for the development of a JMF for NCDOT chip seals. Findings from these projects cover a wide range of critical elements in developing a chip seal JMF, including the aggregate gradation and maximum fine content, emulsion performance graded specifications, performance test methods, and performance-based mix design method.

​The primary goal of the proposed research project is to develop a JMF for chip seals constructed in North Carolina. The scope of the proposed research includes double seals with granite and lightweight aggregates; however, the findings from the proposed research can be applied to single and triple seals as well. The research plan includes the characterization of different aggregate types with varied gradations, the characterization of emulsions using the test procedures currently used in the NCDOT specifications and procedures recommended by the NCHRP 09-50 project, the evaluation of aggregate-emulsion compatibility, chip  seal performance testing, refinement of NCSU's chip seal mix design method, and development of a chip seal JMF and QC/QA framework for the NCDOT using performance test data obtained from laboratory tests. The research products from the proposed project will result in improved control over chip seal design and construction compared to the current practice, enhanced chip seal performance, prolonged chip seal service life, decreased life cycle costs, improved NCDOT chip seal specifications, and potentially reduced carbon footprint.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:42:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726547</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effectiveness of IDEAL-RT Test in Assessing Rutting Resistance of NC Asphalt Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726545</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To limit rutting in asphalt pavements, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requires that surface asphalt mixtures meet the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) test criteria. Mixtures with rut depths below the specified threshold under APA loading are accepted. However, the APA test has several limitations: (1) it requires six hours of temperature conditioning and over two hours of testing, making its long turnaround time suitable only for mix design and acceptance; (2) the device is expensive, heavy, and requires significant laboratory space, limiting accessibility for contractors; and (3) state highway agencies (SHAs) have reported high variability in test results and insufficient correlation with field performance. To ensure pavement performance while reducing testing costs, it is imperative to identify a practical alternative method for evaluating the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures in North Carolina.

The IDEAL-RT test has recently gained prominence due to its simplicity, rapid execution, and strong predictive capability. Multiple SHAs have adopted it for mix design, acceptance, and quality assurance. As a promising alternative to the APA, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the IDEAL-RT test for North Carolina mixtures.

Correspondingly, the objectives of the proposed research project are to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the IDEAL-RT test using NC mixtures, (2) determine the optimum testing condition of the IDEAL-RT test, (3) determine preliminary performance criteria for NC mixtures, and (4) draft testing specifications for its implementation in NC. These objectives will be accomplished by executing the following six tasks: (1) Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review to collect information on procedures, testing conditions, acceptance limits, and validation methods for rutting performance tests used by other SHAs. Identify NC mixtures with documented rutting performance. (2) Material Acquisition and Testing: Acquire twelve NC surface mixtures and perform APA, IDEAL-RT, and Stress Sweep Rutting (SSR) tests. (3) Evaluation of IDEAL-RT Effectiveness: Compare IDEAL-RT results with APA rut depths and RSI indices from the SSR test at the material level. At the structural level, compare rankings of mixtures from the IDEAL-RT with both field performance and predicted performance from FlexPAVE (using SSR results as inputs). (4)  Testing Conditions and Thresholds: Recommend the appropriate air void level for IDEAL-RT samples and establish preliminary threshold limits based on findings from Task 3.
(5) Specification Development: Develop a draft testing specification for IDEAL-RT within the framework of NCDOT standards. The specification will consider applications in both mix design and quality assurance (QA). (6) Final Report: Prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing all tasks, findings, and recommendations.

The research will produce an improved testing specification to ensure asphalt mixture quality and performance in both mix design and QA. Implementation of the specification will also reduce the cost and turnaround time of rutting susceptibility testing for asphalt mixtures in North Carolina.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:35:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726545</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Verification and Implementation of Production-Level Long-Term Durability Assessment for Asphalt Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726544</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The primary purpose of this study is to verify the suitability, practicality, and implementation viability of the recommended production-level long-term oven-aging (LTOA) protocols and associated cracking tolerance (CT) index threshold within Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT's) Balanced Mix Design framework. While the previous research established a practical design-stage LTOA protocol and recommended production-level aging procedures, additional evaluation is needed to confirm that the proposed production protocols and CT index threshold provide a reliable basis for future implementation into statewide production acceptance and quality assurance practices.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:06:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2726544</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Best Practice for Seal Coating &amp; Pavement Markings with Rumble/Mumble Strips</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2725884</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The research team will evaluate how chip seals influence rumble strip effectiveness. Complementary approaches will combine technical review, practitioner input, standardized testing, and in-service monitoring; and will provide both rigorous data and practical insights, ensuring that the resulting recommendations are scientifically grounded and applicable to Minnesota’s roadway network.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:15:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2725884</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing Guidance on the Safety Performance of Edge Line Pavement Markers and Guardrail Delineations on Rural Oregon Roads</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2724855</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Despite Oregon's efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, crashes along curves (statewide) continue to be high-risk locations, particularly those involving roadway departures.  Contributing factors such as speed, visibility, pavement quality, limited delineation, and adverse weather conditions exacerbate these risks.  While Oregon incorporates edge line pavement markers and guardrail delineations, there is limited research on their safety performance on Oregon specific rural roads. It will also investigate whether combining edge line pavement markers with guardrail and barrier delineations as part of a systemic safety countermeasure strategy provides greater safety benefits than applying treatments individually.

This research will produce a guidance document outlining recommendations for the use of edge line pavement markers and guardrail delineations on rural curves.  The document will provide: (1) criteria for identifying high-risk curves where these treatments will be most effective, considering factors such as crash history, speed, curve geometry, and environmental conditions; (2) guidance on combining edge line pavement markers with guardrail and barrier delineations as a systemic safety countermeasure strategy to achieve greater safety benefits; (3) scalable solutions tailored to rural curves that address Oregon’s unique roadway environments and crash patterns; and (4) performance evaluation framework for ongoing assessment and monitoring of these countermeasures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:06:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2724855</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Thick Lift Surface Asphalt Pavement Mixtures</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2721743</link>
      <description><![CDATA[When paving asphalt mixtures in a deep patching and rehabilitation application the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) currently limits lift thickness to approximately three to four times the nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of the mixture (VDOT, 2018). For a typical asphalt surface mixture having an NMAS of 9.5 mm, the practice generally limits lift thickness to approximately 1.5 inches. Where deeper distresses must be repaired multiple lifts will be required which increases construction time, prolongs traffic disruption, and introduces additional interfaces between lifts that may affect construction efficiency and field performance.

Therefore, there is a need to evaluate whether asphalt surface mixtures can be placed in a single thick lift without compromising construction quality or long term performance. The study addresses this need by investigating 1) the performance of a 9.5 mm NMAS asphalt mixture in a single 4 inch lift and (2) evaluating the performance of that layer using a combination of laboratory testing, controlled construction, and accelerated pavement testing to assess compaction behavior, material properties, and structural performance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:54:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2721743</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Overpredicted Resistances of Non-Displacement Piles in Sands Using Static Analysis Methods</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2720554</link>
      <description><![CDATA[he goal of this research is to determine the cause of the overpredicted resistances of the low-displacement piles in the project-specific subsurface conditions and either recommend modification factors that can be applied to the Nordlund method or recommend another static analysis method (such as the Beta or API method) to accurately estimate pile lengths. To achieve these goals, the existing data (where the resistance of low-displacement piles in sands was overpredicted) as well as data from two new projects (where the Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to drive low-displacement piles) will be systematically analyzed in this study. Regression methods and sensitivity analyses, as well as numerical simulations, will be used to better understand the reason for the overprediction of the pile resistance, and modify the existing static analysis models to improve the pile resistance predictions in sands. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:40:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2720554</guid>
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