Improve MDOT's Understanding of the Acceptance and Performance of Riprap

The long term performance of riprap has been an issue because some local sources of riprap have known durability issues and will degrade/dissolve over time. In addition, the acceptance of riprap size and gradation is currently done by performing a Wolman count. Performing the Wolman count involves walking over large rocks, which can be a safety hazard and takes a significant amount of time to do. There are challenges in assessing the performance and durability of riprap in riverine, lightly acidic and other environments that need to be addressed. The potential exists that there may be technological and electronic solutions that need to be utilized to enhance or replace existing processes.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Van Wagoner Building
  425 W. Ottawa Street
  Lansing, MI  United States  48909
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  2350 Hayward
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109-2125
• Start Date: 20251001
• Expected Completion Date: 20271231
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Durability; Geotechnical engineering; Performance measurement; Riprap
• Identifier Terms: Michigan Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Materials; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01995870
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Michigan Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 17 2026 3:21PM