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    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
    <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" 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>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Critical Shear Strength of Soils in Nebraska Based on Revised CPT</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2675916</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study evaluated the “Fully Softened Shear Strength (FSSS)” of soils in Nebraska based on a revised Cone Penetration Test (CPT) method. FSSS is a unique strength condition that soils show substantially reduced strength during rainy seasons, eventually causing failure of slopes and other structures. The revised CPT was adapted to inject water at targeted depths, inducing controlled moisture infiltration and capturing real-time soil softening over designated intervals of 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Through tip resistance ( qc) and sleeve friction (f s) measurements under “in-situ” and “wet” conditions, the test effectively identified fully disturbed/low strength zones around the sleeve. Simultaneous sampling at test locations facilitated laboratory characterization of soil index properties. Subsequent direct shear testing under field-moisture conditions and 48 hour submerged conditions confirmed that high-plasticity soils exhibited similar strength loss. Conversely, lower-plasticity soils demonstrated limited magnitude of shear strength reductions. The correlation proposed by Robertson (2009) was employed to estimate undisturbed strength ( s u) and disturbed strength ( s u(d) ) for the revised CPT parameters, and these correlations were compared to laboratory direct shear strength test data. Marked decreases in peak shear strength similar to FSSS were observed at most sites. These outcomes well aligned with Skempton’s (1970) concept of fully softened shear strength, validating the measurement scheme developed in this study. Overall, the revised CP procedure offers a reliable, efficient in-situ method to evaluate fully softened shear strength, facilitating improved assessments of slope stability and soil behavior.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:48:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2675916</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cone Penetration Test Correlations for Missouri Soils </title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2673279</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research is to provide MoDOT with Missouri-specific guidance on the use of cone penetration test (CPT) measurements to estimate geotechnical parameters. This work will focus on two areas: (1) Development of Missouri-specific correlations to estimate undrained strengths of Missouri clays from CPT measurements. and (2) Investigation of inconsistencies between standard penetration test (SPT) and CPT derived values for granular soils in Missouri.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:30:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2673279</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A bayesian neural network framework for CPT prediction at sparse sites</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2640856</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geotechnical site characterization using in-situ tests, such as cone penetration tests (CPTs), is essential for foundation design but is often limited by sparse spatial coverage, hindering accurate soil variability assessment. This study benchmarks six prediction techniques, Bayesian compressive sampling with Markov chain Monte Carlo (BCS_MCMC), Bayesian neural network (BNN), genetic algorithm (GA), gene expression programming (GEP), empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK), and inverse distance weighting (IDW), to predict corrected cone tip resistance (qt) at untested locations across ten Louisiana sites. The performance of these techniques is evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean bias factor (λ), coefficient of efficiency (COE), coefficient of variation (COV), and a unified Performance Index (PI) analysis. Results show that BNN, EBK, and IDW consistently achieve higher accuracy, stability, and minimal bias; whereas GA, GEP, and BCS_MCMC exhibited larger errors than BNN/EBK/IDW when validated against measured qt profiles. Prediction quality depends strongly on CPT layout, with favorable accuracy at minimum spacing near ∼100 ft and distribution indices between ∼0.05–0.10. The proposed BNN architecture is implemented in the CPT Site Variability Suite (CSVS), a MATLAB tool developed by the authors that automates data processing, interpolation, visualization, and downstream analyses (e.g., variogram derivation and LRFD workflows), all within a single platform. This integrated pipeline enhances reproducibility and supports data-driven foundation design in geotechnical site investigations. Findings pertain to the Louisiana dataset examined and provide a transferable workflow that should be validated for other geologic settings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:12:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2640856</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Monitoring of a Steel-Reinforced MSE Abutment Wall and Evaluation of its Bearing Capacity Based on the CPT and DCPT</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2643337</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A two-span bridge, supported by steel H-piles and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) bridge abutments, was constructed as part of a new interchange on I-65 in Whitestown, Indiana. The east and west MSE abutment walls consisted of precast concrete facing panels, ribbed steel strips, and coarse-grained backfill soil. A section near the middle of the east MSE abutment wall was selected for instrumentation and performance monitoring. A variety of sensors, including earth pressure cells, strain gauges, inclinometers, and crackmeters were used to measure the magnitude and evolution of several quantities, such as the vertical stresses at the base of the leveling pad and within the backfill soil, the lateral stresses on the back of the wall facing, the tensile loads in the reinforcement, the lateral deflection of the wall facing, the contraction of the panel joints, and the settlement of the MSE wall foundation. The data was collected continuously, both during and after bridge construction, using multiplexers and dataloggers powered by solar panels. The results indicated that the vertical stresses measured at the base of the leveling pad were greater than those measured along the base of the reinforced fill and those calculated based on the self-weight of the wall facing. The values of key parameters used in MSE wall design were determined from the instrumentation results and compared with those obtained using design methods available in literature. The relationship developed by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) between the dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT) blow count and the factored bearing resistance of MSE wall foundations constructed over fine-grained soils was verified based on the results of the DCPTs performed in this study. In addition, a preliminary procedure to estimate the limit unit bearing capacity of the leveling pad in compacted B-borrow material was developed as a function of the pad width and the DCPT blow count for 0–12 in. penetration.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:11:06 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2643337</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A new CPTU-informed random field approach for probabilistic analysis of vertically loaded piles</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622317</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The piezocone penetration test (CPTU) is a widely used in situ tool in geotechnical engineering, particularly for pile foundation design. Reliability-based methods have become standard for evaluating pile stability, as they account for the uncertainties inherent in soil parameters. However, while soil parameters often exhibit deterministic spatial characteristics, this deterministic nature is rarely acknowledged in conventional reliability-based analyses. To address this limitation, a semi-probabilistic framework is developed by integrating the first-order reliability method (FORM) with random field theory (RFT), explicitly incorporating the deterministic information provided by in situ CPTU measurements. In this framework, field measurements at the design location are directly utilized to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of piles. The procedure involves pile reliability design theory, uncertainty analysis of load, empirical coefficients, model errors in the limit state function, CPTU-based effective cone tip resistance (qe) through RFT, and correlations among soil variables. A systematic procedure for semi-probabilistic pile reliability analysis is presented, followed by three illustrative examples comparing the proposed approach with conventional full-probabilistic methods. Results demonstrate that neglecting the deterministic nature of CPTU observations leads to overly conservative estimates of failure probability (pf), while the proposed framework provides more accurate predictions and enhances the practical applicability of CPTU-based reliability design.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:25:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622317</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integration of Field Monitoring and Numerical Modelling to Evaluate the Construction Performance of a Deep-Sea Quay Wall</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2608082</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Quay walls are often assessed using numerical models to capture highly nonlinear soil behavior and the complex interactions between foundation elements. The input parameters of these models are usually derived from advanced laboratory tests; however, capturing the spatial variation in these properties across large quay walls can prove inefficient and costly. Moreover, the difficulty in performing full-scale load tests or small-scale physical models complicates the validation of the numerical model. This paper addresses these challenges by using monitoring data during the construction of a deep-sea quay wall in the Port of Rotterdam. The quay wall, installed primarily in sand, consists of an anchored retaining wall with a concrete relieving platform. During dredging in front of the wall, fiber optic sensors and inclinometers measured large changes in anchor forces and wall deflection. These changes were then compared to the predictions of a finite element model with the hardening soil model with small strain stiffness constitutive model, with the input parameters derived from cone penetration tests (CPT). The results from the CPT-based numerical model were in good agreement with the measured data, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating numerical modelling and field monitoring while supporting the use of the CPT to calibrate advanced soil constitutive models. The validated model provides a reliable basis against which hypothetical adaptation or remediation measures to the wall can be assessed, such as changes in the dredged seabed depth and surcharge loading.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:51:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2608082</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessment of railway ballast fouling using GPR and AI-Based learning from LDCP and geoendoscopy data</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2602172</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ballast is a key components of ballasted railway tracks. Its main function is to guarantee the vertical, lateral and longitudinal stability of the track for the passage of trains. These functions are compromised when ballast begins to deteriorate or becomes fouled, so it is imperative to monitor the rate of fouling index to determine the necessary maintenance or renovation actions. The objective of this study is to characterize the fouling index of the ballast using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) measurements with 400 MHz antennas and employing machine learning techniques. The proposed methodology focuses on the parametric development of GPR signals, incorporating both time and frequency domain analyses, along with specific analytical parameters. This comprehensive approach enables a more precise characterization of GPR signals, enhancing their interpretation and analysis in various geotechnical contexts. This analysis will be carried out using a historical database of French railways, consisting of 4700 km of GPR measurements and 12,000 soundings with the light dynamic cone penetration (LDCP)/geoendoscopy test principle. The determination of the target variable, which is the fouling state of the ballast layer, will be performed through the soundings. The results obtained show that the most appropriate model for estimating the fouling index is Random Forest, demonstrating an accuracy of 96% in the training phase. On the other hand, in the model evaluation phase with cases external to the database, the XGBoost model obtained the best result, with a maximum accuracy of 86%.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:23:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2602172</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Granular Density and Moisture Testing</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2611082</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has been using the Ohio Highway Department’s (OHD) moisture-density curves for compaction quality control of granular materials. However, the OHD curves were not developed for granular materials, and their use was found to result in inconsistencies between the lab and field-measured densities. Also, OHD curves were not developed for South Dakota’s local materials. The present study was undertaken to verify the family of curves developed in the SD2014-12 research project and the suggested Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) method. Hence, different aggregate bases were compacted in the field, and their density and DCP penetration index values were measured. In addition, the gradation and moisture-density relation of the collected aggregate bases were determined in the laboratory. Furthermore, base materials were compacted in a fabricated test box, and sand cone and DCP tests were conducted. The SDDOT moisture-density curves suggested by the SD2014-12 study were found to predict the moisture-density of the granular bases more effectively compared with OHD curves. The DCP test was found to be effective in screening the compaction quality for most parts. A draft specification being considered by SDDOT for implementation of the DCP test for compaction screening was evaluated and shown effective.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:17:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2611082</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Idaho-Specific Correlation of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) to Resilient Modulus (Mr)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2601427</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project builds on previous Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) research to develop Idaho-specific equations that more accurately correlate Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) penetration rates with Resilient Modulus (Mr) values for different soil types across the state. The DCP provides a simple, cost-effective method for collecting in-situ subgrade and base resilient modulus data to support pavement design. Reliable correlations will allow districts with limited geotechnical resources to design simpler roadway projects and validate laboratory testing for larger projects. Improved accuracy will help prevent over- or under-designed pavements, reducing costs and extending roadway service life.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:28:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2601427</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stiffness-Based Field-Testing Framework for Design and Evaluation of Pavement Subsurface Layers</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2577190</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pavement subsurface layers are designed based on the modulus of the subgrade reaction, resilient modulus, or through the California bearing ratio test; yet, the standard method for assessing the condition of as-built soil layers during construction is the nuclear density gauge (NDG) method. The NDG method, however, does not indicate the performance of the pavement sublayers (i.e., strength, stiffness, or modulus) like the parameters used during the design process. This paper discusses the use of the lightweight deflectometer (LWD) and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) tests under a proposed stiffness-based field test framework for the construction and evaluation of pavement subsurface layers. Large-scale test sections were built with locally available geomaterials and evaluated with the NDG, LWD, and DCP tests during and after construction. While the results from the NDG tests showed some variability, the LWD test results were more consistent among layers composed of the same material. A correlation was observed between the DCP penetration index and the LWD test parameters (i.e., deflection, dynamic modulus, and impulse stiffness modulus), both unbiased measures of soil stiffness. From this study, the implementation of both devices can provide near-surface layer measurements with the LWD test and post-construction evaluation results with the DCP test that can interchangeably provide the user with a more mechanistic-related condition of the pavement subsurface geolayers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2577190</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-5036: Development of Direct CPT-Based Pile Design Method</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2576634</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main deliverable from the project is a direct method for estimating the axial capacity of driven piles from CPT data and a computer program that will enable geotechnical engineers to use it for driven pile design. Extensive data that the geotechnical office has accumulated over the years will be used to develop a method that will work for Indiana soils.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:42:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2576634</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Lightweight Aggregate with the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2553735</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study investigates the viability of substituting the NDG with the dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) for quality assurance processes in embankment and base course test procedures, specifically on lightweight aggregate (LWA). Limited studies investigate the utilization of DCP on LWA. DCP benefits consist of millimeter precision, decreased safety concerns, decreased training demands, and the absence of stringent federal regulations or licensing requirements. The DCP also moves toward a performance-based specification for acceptance versus density, a material-based specification. Specifications for accepting soil layers using the DCP have been established previously. This study is a follow-up investigation that builds upon previous research and focuses on LWA. The blend of laboratory and fieldwork was conducted on two LW fill materials. 5-lb and 17.6-lb DCPs were compared, a key finding. A 5-lb hammer for shallow depths, with a minimum blow count of six for 6-inch depths, and a minimum blow count of 16 for a 10-inch layer recommended.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:49:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2553735</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Michigan (One Point) Cone Test Evaluation</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2562261</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Recent use of Open Graded Drainage Course (OGDC) has drawn the attention of Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to the current practice of using One-
Point Michigan Cone tests to determine Maximum Density for such soils. The material is relatively new to MDOT, and the research team desires to discover if current field tests involving the Michigan cone correlate with other industry standard tests.
Studies from the 1960's, 70's and early 2000's indicate that for many applications, Michigan Cone Maximum density
values exceed those garnered by other acceptable testing methods. The department would like to explore if Michigan
Cone testing practices as written are an effective determination of Maximum density for OGDC, or if modifications to
this current process are more appropriate for determining this maximum density. MDOT would prefer to keep its current equipment for field testing without investing in ovens for oven dry moisture, generators, new volumetric
molds or hammers, so a preference exists to manipulate our current processes to give a representative sample of the
maximum density.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:35:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2562261</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geotechnical Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Estimation of Ground Settlement after Filling and Compaction</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2509489</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In geotechnical engineering field, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been widely used to monitor ground deformation. The objective of this study is to apply the UAV in the field and compare it with the on-site dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT), considering the ground deformation and strength characteristics. The calibration test results show that a flight altitude of 25 m, side-frontal overlap of 80–80 %, and camera angle at 80° is the most reliable compositions. For the field test, UAV scanning using the data model generated by the point cloud and DCPT up to a depth of 500 mm after filling and compaction were conducted. The field test results revealed that the ground settlement measured by the UAV and on-site test was similar, and a larger settlement occurred when the ground was weaker. Thus, the UAV can be efficiently used to assess the strength characteristics as well as ground settlement.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:37:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2509489</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Various Approaches for Assessment of Crude Oil Mixed Soil Behavior Using Cone Penetration Test Records</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2458855</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The study proposed a new classification index, the Crude Oil Classification Index, to detect changes in soil behavior due to crude oil, water, and clay. The index was calculated based on water and oil composition. The small cone tests and physical modeling techniques were used. Data from cone tests were compared with observations from physical modeling methods. Significant changes in soil properties including density, cohesion, and deformation resistance were observed due to crude oil. The research classified soil mixed with crude oil and evaluated trends in cone tip resistance and sleeve resistance parameters. The results indicated a decrease in soil strength and stiffness with increasing crude oil content.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:55:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2458855</guid>
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