Good data, thorough analysis, and innovative applications. CAIT thinks the answers to many infrastructure problems lie in the information and insights data analysis provides.
Training & Events
News
A Look Ahead at 2021 and The Long Recovery Crawl from COVID-19
CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James W. Hughes has been tracking the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic through his series of Fast Track Research Notes. As we head into the new year with a recent upsurge of cases both nationally and regionally, he provides some new insight on how the situation develops.
CAIT Partners with NJ TRANSIT and International Association on Rail Training Center
A new center designed to educate the current and next generation of transportation leaders to be resilient to challenges of the 21st century has been established at Rutgers through a partnership with two industry leaders.
An Updated Look at The Effects of COVID-19 on Transportation and Infrastructure
Last month we spoke to CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James Hughes to discuss COVID-19 and its potential impacts on the economy and regional transportation. Now we check back with him again for new insights as the situation progresses.
THMPER featured in Civil Engineering magazine
The February 2018 issue of CE magazine featured THMPER—a portable, rapid testing device for bridge load-bearing capacity. THMPER is a breakthrough because it does this critical task faster, cheaper, and with less traffic disruption than other current methods.
ASCE Features NYC Digital Twin Research By UTC Partners at Columbia
A three-year project at Columbia University is building Digital Twins of intersections, roadways, and other key infrastructure in New York City to monitor and map traffic flow throughout the city. Using Digital Twins can help officials simulate traffic and congestion conditions and test potential mitigation strategies.
UHPC Bridge Preservation & Repair Research at The BEAST
CAIT's BEAST Lab has been testing a full-scale, 50-ft. bridge deck for a project sponsored by the FHWA to learn about how the bridge deteriorates under exposure to extreme environmental conditions and traffic loading — and to evaluate emerging bridge preservation technologies such as UHPC.
BEAST Lab Studies Innovative UHPC Material for Bridge Preservation & Repair
This summer, the BEAST Lab at Rutgers CAIT began to evaluate emerging bridge preservation technologies in addition to ongoing testing of a full-scale, 50-ft. bridge deck. Specifically, researchers started investigating UHPC to establish measurements of the material’s long-term performance under real-world conditions.
Bridge evaluation device lands prestigious Pankow Innovation Award
THMPER determines bridge load ratings faster, cheaper, and with less traffic disruption than other current methods. A portable evaluation tool and data lab, it employs three refined methods outlined by AASHTO: modal impact testing, refined analysis, and calibration of FE element models.
CAIT Affiliated Researchers Publish New Book on Impacts of Trade on Transportation
CAIT-affiliated researchers examine the impact of major trade agreements such as NAFTA and the European Union Customs Union, and their implications on transportation systems globally.
Associate Director Elected Secretary of Council of University Transportation Centers
The Associate Director of CAIT, Dr. Patrick Szary, has served on the executive committee of CUTC previously as well as playing an instrumental role in both leading CAIT’s research in aligning with the national vision of USDOT while also engaging regional stakeholders and developing the Center as a dynamic resource.
CAIT Associate Director Elected CUTC VP for 2021-2022
Dr. Szary leads CAIT’s research efforts helping to align them with USDOT’s national vision and the needs of stakeholders in the Northeast region. He has been a member of CUTC’s executive board previously, most recently serving as Secretary last year.
UAS Conference Addresses Future of Air Mobility
The three-day event featured panelists from NASA, FAA, universities, industry, and more including associate director of Rutgers CAIT Dr. Pat Szary who presented on the safety and security roles that AI might play in the future of air mobility. A major theme of the event was addressing next steps in further implementing UAS.
CAIT Awarded $3.5 million from USDOT UTC program
Rutgers’ CAIT was awarded a $3.5 million grant from USDOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration under the University Transportation Center (UTC) program. This is the third time CAIT has successfully competed to retain its UTC status.
CAIT Awarded Bridge Resource Program to Support NJDOT Research
The BRP is aimed at preserving bridges in the state, enhancing the condition of key transportation infrastructure, and developing new technologies to help engineers build with resilience in mind.
CAIT Celebrates International Women's Day and Women Leaders in Transportation
On Tuesday, March 8th, CAIT celebrated International Women's Day with a special edition of its seminar series that showcased some of the latest achievements and research of women leaders in transportation.
CAIT Develops Flood Risk & Resilience Analysis Tool with US Virgin Islands
Working with the University of the Virgin Islands, CAIT researchers have developed a Flood Risk and Resilience Analysis Tool that can assess and visualize risk for roadways and other infrastructure susceptible to flooding and storms. It was built based on real flood data and the US Virgin Islands transportation system.
CAIT Director Named to NJ’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently announced the formation of a statewide council of leaders from various industry, community, and faith-based groups and institutions across New Jersey to work together and advise on the state’s restart and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two New Studies from CAIT Analyze End-of-Track Collision Prevention Strategies
While extensive research has been done on train safety related to derailments and other areas, the same cannot be said for end-of-track collisions at passenger terminals. The Rail and Transit Program at Rutgers CAIT has taken an active research role in addressing this.
Best Practices for Deploying Real-Time Traffic Signal Performance Monitoring
Traffic congestion costs the US billions each year in productivity as commuters find themselves stuck on the nation’s crowded roadways. As more people use the transportation system, investment in innovative, intelligent technology is needed to ensure that current infrastructure can support the growing need.
CAIT Research Validates that Street Smart Program is Making NJ Safer
A two-part study conducted by Rutgers CAIT compared rates of unsafe pedestrian and driver behaviors before and after Street Smart NJ campaigns were implemented. The results prove the effectiveness of the program and provide new data for future decision making.
CAIT Research Helps NYC Engineers Monitor Structural Health of Manhattan Bridge
Researchers are developing a new tool to monitor track misalignment on the Manhattan Bridge that will help NYC engineers make informed repair and rehabilitation decisions in the future. They are also investigating the impact of dynamic amplification on bridge-fatigue life and possible mitigation options.
CAIT Research Provides Guidelines on Recycled Concrete Aggregate Implementation
Due to how it is sourced and produced, the mechanical properties and characteristics of Recycled Concrete Aggregate can vary greatly. As demand for this material grows, it is important for the construction industry to understand the nature of RCA and how it can be applied to different projects.
CAIT Researcher Awarded 2-Year FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant to Continue Infrastructur
Dr. Jie Gong’s recent work has focused on promoting coastal urban community resilience, including leading remote sensing-based post-disaster reconnaissance missions during Hurricane Sandy and other storms with the goal of advancing damage assessment methods and turning data into actionable resilience knowledge.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Shifted Emerging Trends in Transportation and the Workplace
Dr. James W. Hughes has been tracking the economic impacts of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic with his series of “Fast Track Research Notes.” As recovery continues and vaccines are distributed at a larger scale, he discusses some of the shifts that have occurred and what things might look like as we rebuild.
UTC Research Compares Pavement Condition Indexes To Help Estimate Service Life
New research from Rutgers CAIT is examining the consistency and relationship of three Pavement Condition Indexes. Analyzing them can result in more durable and sustainable airfield pavement in the long-term, and has the potential to help find improvements to the current practices in airfield-pavement management systems.
CAIT Researcher Discusses COVID-19 Recovery, the Infrastructure Bill, and More
The infrastructure bill recently passed by the United States Senate could foster economic growth in the region as has been the case historically with infrastructure investment in New Jersey. CAIT-affiliated researcher, Dr. James W. Hughes, discusses this opportunity and potential roadblocks to economic recovery.
CAIT Researcher Participates in GatewayJFK "On the Move" Industry Event
GatewayJFK "On the Move" celebrated industry, community partners, government, residents and next generation Movers & Shakers in the off-airport cargo and supply chain community.
CAIT Researcher Speaks at Capitol Hill on Gaps in Infrastructure Resilience
The Coastal Universities Coalition is a consortium of the nation’s leading academic institutions convened to develop science-based solutions to the most pressing issues facing populated coastal regions. This month, a CAIT researcher was invited by the organization to speak on infrastructure resilience.
CAIT Researcher Speaks on the State-of-the-Art in NDE and Bridge Assessment Tech
On September 16th from 2-3 pm, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) hosted affiliated researcher Dr. Nenad Gucunski for a presentation on the state-of-the-art in the use of Nondestructive Evaluation and other technologies for the comprehensive assessment of concrete bridges.
How Climate Change May Impact the Life-Cycle of Asphalt Pavement
Changing global climate patterns and warming temperatures are increasing the risk and vulnerability of numerous key transportation infrastructure assets, and new research from a CAIT-affiliated researcher suggests that this may include asphalt pavements as well.
CAIT Researcher Trains NJ Agencies on Statewide Resilience Planning Using New Tech
Dr. Jie Gong gave a 3-hour course earlier this fall on statewide infrastructure resilience to storms, flooding, and other natural disasters at the NJ Regional Intelligence Operation Center.
CAIT Researcher Wins ASCE Huber Prize Recognizing His Research Achievements
The Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prizes are awarded to ASCE members for notable achievements in research related to civil engineering. Dr. Hao Wang was recognized by ASCE with a Huber Prize this year for his innovative research developing sustainable, durable, resilient, and smart pavement systems.
Researchers Contribute to Center of Excellence Developing Threat Assessment Solutions
Rutgers CAIT researchers Dr. Peter Jin and Dr. Jie Gong are contributing research on digital twin projects as part of a new Center of Excellence for Engineering Secure Environments from Targeted Attacks at Rutgers University that will combat potential threats to buildings, schools, stadiums, and other infrastructure.
CAIT Researchers Create AI Tool for Railroad Trespassing Detection
The system analyzes video footage to detect illegal pedestrian activity and deliver data to help reduce preventable train strikes.
CAIT Researchers Evaluate New Equipment to Help NJ Monitor Pavement Condition
Inaccurate network pavement data can impact pavement management decisions such as roadway repairs and more. CAIT researchers at the Rutgers Asphalt Pavement Lab are working with NJDOT to test new pavement inspection equipment and locations to ensure data is accurate and representative of roads in New Jersey.
CAIT Researchers Featured for Innovative ‘Engineering Advances’ Across New Jersey
CAIT researchers have been driving advanced engineering solutions into practice here in NJ. A few experts at CAIT were highlighted by NJBIZ last month in an article on "Engineering Advances."
CAIT Researchers Present, Win Awards at 23rd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase
The 23rd Annual NJDOT Research Showcase was an opportunity for the New Jersey transportation community to learn about the broad scope of academic research initiatives underway and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education partners and their associates.
CAIT Researchers Provide New Analysis on Pandemic’s Impact Statewide
The continued spike of COVID-19 throughout the country could short-circuit New Jersey’s recovery which began to rapidly rebound in May and June, according to a new Rutgers report.
CAIT Researchers Turn Damage from Hurricane Maria into Actionable Resilience Data
In the years following the devastation that Hurricane Maria caused for Puerto Rico, CAIT-affiliated researchers at PUPR have been collecting field data from damaged traffic signs and bridges, testing these transportation assets to better understand their structural failures and breaking points during the storm.
CAIT Researchers Will Use AI-powered Technology to Make Public Transit Safer
Artificial Intelligence can help reduce pedestrian and vehicle accidents along NJ TRANSIT’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line and beyond.
CAIT chosen to lead USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center
The Region 2 UTC consortium is focusing on developing practical tools and methods to improve infrastructure health, durability, and resilience. Partners are: Atlantic Cape Community College, Columbia, Cornell, NJIT, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Princeton, Rowan, SUNY–Farmingdale, and University at Buffalo.
COVID-19 and the Economic Factors Shaping Transportation and Recovery in 2022
On December 9th from 1-2 pm, CAIT researcher and dean emeritus of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, Dr. James W. Hughes, discussed economic trends the Northeast region is facing as it heads into the new year and continues to recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
CAIT Seminar Series: A Seminar on Port Logistics
On October 20th from 12 noon to 2 pm, the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) will host a seminar on port logistics. Click here to learn more and register.
Studying Damages from Hurricane Maria to Improve Infrastructure Resilience
On January 29th, 2021, from 2-3 pm EST CAIT will host UTC partners from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico for a seminar on their latest research studying damages from Hurricane Maria to improve future infrastructure resilience.
CAIT Seminar: Developing the DataCity Smart Mobility Testing Ground
On Thursday February 23rd, CAIT researcher Dr. Peter Jin hosted a seminar discussing the DataCity Smart Mobility Testing Ground, its implementation throughout the test corridor, data collected from the project so far, and next steps in the DataCity program.
CAIT Showcases DataCity Lab at Middlesex County’s Inaugural Transportation Symposium
State transportation leaders gathered to learn about mobility and infrastructure projects happening in Middlesex County.
CAIT Update, April 2021
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, April 2022
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, August 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, December 2019
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, December 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, December 2021
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, December 2022
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, February 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, February 2021
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, February 2023
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, January 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update Enews, July 2019
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation. Includes stories on recent events, research, and faculty accomplishments and activities.
CAIT Update, July 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, July 2021
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, Jun 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, June 2021
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, March 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, April 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, November 2019
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, November 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, October 2019
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, October 2022
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, September 2019
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT
CAIT Update, September 2020
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT
CAIT Update, September 2021
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Update, September 2022
News from the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center led by Rutgers CAIT.
CAIT Works with NJ Transit on Innovative Autonomous Shuttle Solutions
Self-driving shuttles are one part of NJ Transit’s future plans for filling in the gap on first and last-mile transit options. The agency hopes to test this technology as part of an innovative pilot program that Rutgers CAIT has partnered with them on.
CAIT-Affiliated Researcher to Study New Tech to Better Prepare for Future Pandemics
Columbia University recently announced 10 faculty teams that were each awarded $85,000 to develop innovative technology for New York City during COVID-19. CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Sharon Di was among one of those faculty teams selected for a project developing a crowd management systems for public transit systems.
Augmented Reality And Autonomous Technology to Analyze the Edenville Dam Break
Using cutting edge technology stemming from augmented reality and connected vehicles, a CAIT researcher presents a potential new way to analyze infrastructure failures despite a lack of available data — as was the case in the Edenville Dam failure.
CAIT-affiliated Researcher Wins DARPA Young Faculty Award
The DARPA Young Faculty Award works to identify and engage rising stars in research, and help them develop research ideas within the context of national security needs. CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Javanmard won the award this year.
CAIT-Affiliated Researchers Develop Intersection-Safety AI Tool
The technology was created as part of a UTC project analyzing potential mobility and safety concerns of the transportation network surrounding the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
CAIT’s DataCity Part of $26M NSF Grant to Develop a Center for Smart Streetscapes
Led by Columbia University, this grant will develop a new Center for Smart Streetscapes in collaboration with state-of-the-art labs at Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Lehman College, and Rutgers University/CAIT.
Celebrating International Women's Day 2021
The way that we think about and use transportation as it exists today has been shaped by innovative women leaders throughout history. They have contributed greatly to the safety of all modes of travel, efficiency of our transportation systems, and the development of new technology that drives transportation into the future.
Cornell to Host Webinar on Thickness Design of Low-Volume Roadway Pavements
In June UTC partners at Cornell's Local Roads Program will host a free webinar on low-volume roadway pavements and how to use a new software they have developed to help local agencies do their own pavement designs.
Every Day Counts round five initiatives announced
FHWA acting administrator Brandye Hendrickson has announced the fifth round of the agency’s Every Day Counts (EDC) program, 10 selected proven, yet underutilized innovations to enhance safety, reduce congestion, shorten project timelines, and improve sustainability.
Fast Track Research Notes 2: Tracking the Economic Impact of COVID-19
The second edition of Fast Track Research Notes published by CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. James W. Hughes was published earlier in June and looked at New Jersey's May job gain and recovery following staggering loses due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Collaborative UTC Project Addresses Fires In Tunnels
The project is related to a recent presentation at the 2019 Graduate Seminar Series hosted by Rutgers Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where Mr. Joseph Englot, National Director of Infrastructure Security at HNTB, discussed alternative fuel vehicles, fire events, and more.
Immigration Plays Significant Role as Major Source of Population Stability in Region
A new Rutgers Regional Report documents the rise of international migration as a primary demographic engine of growth as the result of a region suffering from sustained domestic out-migration. As demographic changes impact the workforce and movement of people and goods, it might also shape the larger transportation network.
Online tool with truly comprehensive data on 600,000-plus U.S. bridges
Bridge owners faced with difficult choices every day rely on multiple resources help them make maintenance and rehabilitation decisions. There are many databases out there, but no single source for comprehensive bridge performance data. Until now.
Meet CAIT’s 2020 Outstanding Student of the Year: Prarthana Raja
At the 30th annual CUTC Awards Banquet, a UTC student from Rutgers University was recognized by CUTC as the CAIT 2020 Student of the Year. The award highlights outstanding UTC students and their accomplishments in the field of transportation.
Meet CAIT’s 2022 UTC Student of the Year from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
At the 102nd annual TRB meeting, Geoffrey Vega, a Ph.D. student in Engineering & Applied Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), received the 2022 Student of the Year Award alongside his peers at the CUTC Annual Banquet on Saturday, January 7th.
Meet CAIT’s 2023 Outstanding Student of the Year: Holly Josephs from Rutgers
At of the 103rd annual TRB meeting, Holly Josephs, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rutgers, received the 2023 Student of the Year Award alongside her peers during the CUTC Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 6th.
New Asphalt Analysis Software Tool Helps Test Pavement Performance More Efficiently
CAIT researchers at the Rutgers Asphalt and Pavement Laboratory created this new free technology and are now licensing it to professionals in the field. The software can easily provide analysis for various asphalt-performance testing specifications while alleviating errors and decreasing testing time.
Innovation Hub: Bridging the gap between tomorrow’s transportation network
A CAIT proposal transforms part of downtown New Brunswick into a test bed for technologies that collect, process, analyze mobility big data—a crucial component to future integration of autonomous vehicles, a safer pedestrian and cycling environment, and robust public transit.
New Jersey, Nation May See Consumer Boom, New Workplace Dynamic in 2021
New report provides assessment of 2020’s economic journey and an outlook for 2021.
New Jersey, Nation Surpass Halfway Employment Recovery Mark
Rutgers researcher says progress will be much slower as rapid recovery phase wanes.
New Jersey’s Economic Recovery Continues, but at Slowing Pace
New Jersey has regained nearly half of the jobs it lost due to the pandemic-driven economic contraction of March and April, but future employment gains will become increasingly difficult.
New Jersey’s Employment Drops to 1985 Level, New Report Finds
Rutgers researchers provide analysis on the pandemic’s impact on state’s economy through new Rutgers Regional Report published by a CAIT-affiliated researcher.
New Software Tool Will Help Local Agencies Do Their Own Pavement Design
Under-designing roads can mean more expensive repairs for local towns and counties in the long run. Cornell’s Dr. David Orr, PE, developed an innovative tool to help bring the proper pavement designs to local agencies. The product launched this winter following testing by local agencies and stakeholders in New York State.
NJ Maintains Economic Momentum, Defying National Trend
Rutgers researchers also expect pandemic-driven changes to the housing market, with shift to “live, work, play habitat.”
NJ TRANSIT and CAIT Host Research & Technology Partnership Forum
Recognizing successful research collaboration between the agency and university, On April 6th NJ TRANSIT and Rutgers CAIT hosted a Research & Technology Partnership Forum featuring some of their ongoing projects.
NJ Transit and CAIT Awarded Grant to Study Pedestrian Detection at Rail Crossings
Federal Transit Administration Grant Award Advances Transit Innovation and Safety.
Notable News: CAIT Research in the News
From studying and monitoring roadways paved with waste-plastic infused asphalt to analyzing the regional economy and outlook for 2023, CAIT researchers have been making headlines lately for their impactful and implementable research.
Notable News: End of Year Highlights
From addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19 to maintaining our roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure in the region, take a look at some of the recent highlights from researchers at Rutgers Center for Advanced infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) as we head into the new year and close out 2021.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, August 2020
Amid restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the region, researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation have still been able to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation—highlighted by recent media coverage and virtual events.
Notable news: Region 2 UTC activities
The USDOT Region 2 UTC Consortium spreads knowledge through published works, conference presentations, and other opportunities. Here are some examples of the recent activities and accomplishments of our researchers.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, May 2021
Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here are some of our recent highlights.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, November 2019
As the USDOT Region 2 University Transportation Center, part of CAIT’s mission is to share the innovative tools, technologies, and processes that its researchers develop with the right stakeholders so that they can be implemented and solve the most pressing challenges today’s transportation network and industry faces.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, November 2020
Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here are some of our recent highlights.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, October 2019
This October, CAIT has been in the news for various research and projects, has seen faculty members honored for their excellence in education and research, and has hosted a number of classes and site visits.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, September 2020
Researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation continue to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Here is some of what we have been working on, highlighted by recent media coverage and virtual events.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, Summer 2019
From analyzing research gaps in applying autonomous and connected vehicles to discussing scenarios for railway tunnel fires, Region 2 UTC partners had an eventful summer. Below are some highlights from our researchers to you, and upcoming events to look out for.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, Summer 2020
Amid restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the region, researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation have still been able to conduct important work and take on new challenges in transportation—highlighted by recent media coverage and virtual events.
Notable News: Faculty Accomplishments and Activities, Summer 2021
From innovative research to receiving awards, read about some of the recent highlights and successes from researchers at the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation during the summer months.
Participate in Columbia’s Survey on How Travel Patterns Are Affected By COVID-19
Researchers at University Transportation Center (UTC) partner school, Columbia University, are conducting a survey to better understand people's travel pattern changes before and after the pandemic to ultimately help improve transit service.
Partner Schools and Engineering Programs Recognized Among Top Universities
U.S. News & World Report revealed its 2021 Best Colleges ranking this September. Among a number of schools, many UTC partners were recognized in general as well as for their individual engineering programs.
Print Newsletter Captures Recent Highlights at CAIT
CAIT has been busy in recent months with projects ranging from building virtual reality modules for workforce training to using drones in innovative ways for highway interchange asset inspection. Check out the latest edition of Transportation Today, our print newsletter, for these stories and much more.
Railroad research, technology, and teaching picking up steam at Rutgers
Dr. Xiang Liu is driving rail research and academics at RU. He is PI on several FRA research contracts. One on PTC—a hot topic after recent derailments—and another developing advanced risk analysis. Liu says RU can provide cutting-edge tech solutions and well-“trained” talent that railroads need.
Researchers and customers come together at Region 2 UTC partner meeting
As the Region 2 UTC lead institution, Rutgers CAIT gathered its consortium partners and high-level industry leaders to discuss the next round of UTC projects, clients’ priorities, and collaboration. Discussions focused on finding real-world implementable solutions for pressing transportation issues in the region.
Remote sensing, risk, and resilience
Hurricanes or other extreme events can cause pipeline leaks, joint-weakening, or even ruptures. Dr. Jie Gong developed a mapping, monitoring, and risk-evaluation system combining lidar, infrared imagery analysis, and GIS-based assessment tools to identify vulnerable pipelines after a disaster.
Rowan University Develops Innovative AI to Help FAA Identify Rotorcraft Landing Sites
A project from UTC partners at Rowan University is working to develop an AI-based algorithm that will automate the process of identifying landing sites from video data as well as satellite images—increasing safety and efficiency in the NAS.
RU railroad expert Xiang Liu's study chosen for special issue of TRB journal
A study on managing risk associated with broken rails by Dr. Xiang Liu was chosen for a special issue of Transportation Research Record that collects papers from 2016–2017 that were most frequently cited and mentioned in journal articles, federal reports, and policy publications.
CAIT Asphalt Team Passes National NCAT Certification for Pavement Smoothness Testing
This certification meets AASHTO standards and requirements. It also further validates equipment used in the lab and supports ongoing efforts at Rutgers to monitor and maintain New Jersey’s pavement network in partnership with NJDOT.
CAIT awarded FHWA $25.5 million contract for long-term bridge study
FHWA selected CAIT as PI on a competitive five-year contract worth up to $25.5 million for the Long-Term Bridge Performance program. Envisioned as 20-year research study, it will be the first nationwide effort to collect uniform quantitative data on bridge performance.
CAIT Receive $5M to Build Advanced Bridge Technology Clearinghouse
The research program will develop a semi-autonomous online portal for identifying and promoting new bridge technologies into practice.
Rutgers CAIT Helps JFK International Airport Facilitate and Optimize Cargo Movement
This new research project will help to identify best practices to facilitate truck movements and minimize truck wait time at JFK International Airport for land-side cargo movements through a systems analysis of cargo movement and logistics.
Rutgers Drone Team Helps Engineers Develop As-Built Models of Construction Site
Elizabethtown Gas brought in a Rutgers Drone team to map a gas pipeline replacement project and capture geolocations of newly installed underground infrastructure. The data collected will help the team develop enhanced As-Built models that are vital for informing infrastructure stakeholders in the area.
Rutgers Engineering Student Wins USDOT FHWA Infrastructure Data Analysis Contest
The contest encourages students to explore careers and research areas in pavement engineering through analysis of long-term performance data.
Rutgers Researchers Help New Jersey Recover and Learn from Hurricane Ida
Since Hurricane Ida struck New Jersey, a team of Rutgers engineers, researchers and students has been in the field assessing flood damage and gathering data to help improve flood prediction models and how New Jersey responds to future storms.
Rutgers Researchers Receive $1M PHMSA Grant to Improve Nation's Pipeline Safety
Researchers will develop new technologies to reduce the risk of pipeline incidents due to external corrosion and improve pipeline integrity management.
RU Student Wins NJDOT Outstanding Transportation Student Award for Pothole Research
At the 24th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase, Rutgers student Xiao Chen won the 2022 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award for his work on the NJDOT project “Innovative Pothole Repair Materials and Techniques.”
Severe Storm Highlights Recent Transportation Resilience Research at CAIT
Recent UTC projects from Rutgers CAIT address critical issues of asset management, transportation safety, and infrastructure resilience during severe weather events as Hurricane Season 2020 continues.
Smart Solutions for Smarter Cities
The Middlesex County - Mobility Living Laboratory is transforming 12 downtown city acres and the wider Middlesex County into a cutting-edge smart mobility testing ground, designed to create an "innovation economy" in the region that aligns with the state's goals.
Stakeholders Tour Pavement Lab and Facilities at CAIT
This fall, CAIT hosted multiple guests for tours of its Rutgers Asphalt Pavement Lab and other innovative labs and facilities on campus. From stakeholders at transportation agencies throughout the NJ/NY region to state legislators, CAIT showcased some of the impactful research happening at our labs.
The Robots Are Coming, the Robots Are Coming!
CAIT expert briefed NJDOT on “gee whiz” automated systems and advanced technologies developed at the center that give bridge owners a picture of bridge health inside and out, and accelerated testing that indicates how they may hold up over time.
TRB Guide: See Presentations, Posters, and More from Rutgers CAIT Researchers at TRB
The 99th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board will feature transportation professionals from around the world for a week of presentations, posters, meetings, awards, networking, and more. Use this schedule to find out when and where researchers from Rutgers CAIT will be discussing their own work.
TRB GUIDE: See Updates from CAIT’s DataCity and Rutgers Researchers at TRB
TRB’s Annual Meeting attracts thousands of transportation professionals from around the world to cover the latest research across all modes of travel. Among them, CAIT researchers will be presenting their work at sessions highlighted in this article.
UB engineers study tunnels for fire safety
University at Buffalo engineers, and CAIT UTC partners, Dr. Negar Elhami-Khorasani and Dr. Anthony Tessari are looking at how to improve fire safety in tunnels.
USDOT competition seeks innovative ways to analyze crash data
USDOT launched a national competition, Solving for Safety: Visualization Challenge, for crash data analysis innovations. Competition is open to local government personnel, data scientists, academics, and safety experts.
USDOT UTC Region 2 Researchers Win Awards, Present, and More at Annual TRB Meeting
Transportation professionals from around the world came together last week to share research, discuss the future of the industry, network, and more. Among them, researchers from CAIT shared their own work ranging from autonomous vehicles and accessibility to preventing tunnel fires.
UTC Partner Creating Digital Twin of NYC to Study Traffic Management in Real Time
CAIT-affiliated researcher Dr. Sharon Di is part of a team of Columbia University researchers who recently received NSF funding to create a virtual replica, or digital twin, of New York City that will continuously learn and dynamically update itself as the city traffic environment changes in real time.
UTC Partner School Selected for FAA UAS Training Initiative
UTC Partners at Atlantic Cape Community College were recently selected among a group of 15 new schools to participate in the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative.
UTC Partner Wins NSF CAREER Award for Concrete Research
Dr. Matthew Bandelt, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a CAIT University Transportation Center partner, won the award to continue his research studying the use of highly ductile concrete materials in structural systems.
UTC Partners Collaborate on NSF Project to Improve AI Systems and Machine Learning
Five students from Atlantic Cape Community College will be joining researchers from Rowan University to investigate potential improvements to artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms—with the goal of further developing these technologies to learn from and adapt to a perpetually changing environment.
Atlantic Cape Community College Launches Drone Degree This Fall
Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) is helping its students enter the multi-billion-dollar drone industry in two ways: with micro-credentials offered through a new degree program, and by establishing the college’s drone-pilot certification program as the industry standard.
UTC Partners Evaluate Mobility Impacts of the American Dream Mall
On August 30th, Rutgers CAIT hosted UTC partners from Rowan University to discuss their research Evaluating the Mobility Impacts of American Dream Complex and Developing Innovative Intersection Safety Tools, as part of a presentation during the CAIT Seminar Series.
UTC Partners Explore First & Last-Mile Transportation Solutions in Camden NJ
University Transportation Center partners at Rowan University are creating an effective and specialized approach to the Last Mile Challenge for the City of Camden, NJ, to improve transportation accessibility, public health, education, and employment opportunities for city residents.
UTC Project Develops Innovative Electrified Pavement Design that Supports EV Charging
An innovative, electrified-pavement design created by Rutgers researchers can enable efficient Electric-Vehicle charging and has the potential to help transform roadways into sustainable energy sources in the future.
UTC Research Investigates Ways to Streamline Truck Cargo Movements at JFK Airport
Research with GatewayJFK and JFK International Airport analyzed the benefits of an airport-wide Truck Flow Management System to coordinate truck traffic and cargo movements throughout the airport and surrounding region.
Watch the CAIT Seminar Series on Studying Damages from Hurricane Maria
On Friday, January 29th, CAIT hosted UTC partner Dr. Gustavo Pacheco-Crosetti for a seminar presentation on his work to date studying the damages from Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in order to improve future infrastructure resilience.
Effects of Exposure to Fire on Strength of Suspension Bridge Cables Over Time
On December 9th CAIT hosted affiliated researchers from Columbia University for a webinar on their latest research studying the “Effects of Exposure to Fire on Strength of Suspension Bridge Cables Over Time” as part of the ongoing CAIT Seminar Series. Watch the webinar here.
Youth in STEM Program Kicks Off Year 3 With High-Tech Tours at Rutgers CAIT
Bridge to Employment is a J&J youth development program designed to inspire young people from historically marginalized communities to stay in school and pursue STEM careers. A local site kicked off year 3 of its program with lab tours and technology demonstrations at Rutgers CAIT this September.