Research

The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and its coastal area in Puerto Rico, an overseas US territory that needs resources to recover from Hurricane Irma and Maria and to face future devastating coastal hazards in the economic crisis, has been facing the challenge of coastal flooding, erosion, and storm damage. Fiel…

Successful implementation and effectiveness of monitoring systems requires good understanding of (1) structure being monitored, (2) existence of various monitoring technologies and their advantages and limitations, (3) monitoring process and (4) roles of involved parties. In the case of tunnels, lack of understanding of …

The primary goal of this proposal is to assist NJ TRANSIT’S Bus Service Planning department to create a complete roster of the 500 bus capacity Northern bus garage determining stats such as platform hours and non-revenue mileage totals for potential auditing purposes.

The intended outcome of the project includes…

The primary goal of this proposal is to develop a robust charging system for battery electric buses considering economic and environmental impacts. Case studies will be conducted on the selected NJ Transit bus routes focusing on three charging system design scenarios: depot charging, on-route charging, and hybrid chargin…

The primary goal of this proposal is to enhance the resilience of coastal box girder bridges subject to storm and/or tsunami wave loading through an evaluation of their design geometry.  Specifically, the geometry to be studied is the angle of inclination of the web plates, the width of the bottom flange (where a width …

There is a need to advance the manufacturing process for improvements towards sustainable and resilient civil infrastructure. Recent developments in additive manufacturing technologies has enabled bespoke design and flexibility in on-site development or prefabrication of houses, buildings, and bridges. However, the autom…

In this study, proven pavement preservation treatments are proposed to be re-engineered using innovative materials that can better withstand the environmental and traffic loading conditions of the future.  In addition, recycled materials are proposed to be introduced to help reduce the carbon footprint of the pavement p…

The primary goal of this proposal is to develop a comprehensive risk and resilience assessment framework for critical transportation and coastal infrastructure, using the RAMCAP framework as a baseline. The framework will identify potential risks to the infrastructure and analyze its resilience against natural and artifi…

This project will utilize a combination of field and laboratory testing to (1) improve the preparation of laboratory specimens and (2) help guide the development of QA/QC guidelines. This project aims to improve current approaches by better incorporating the impact of the field construction process, compaction method, an…

The main objectives of this research are to 1) determine correlations between structural monitoring data and bridge condition, 2) develop analytical methods for processing and interpreting structural monitoring data, and 3) develop a model for predicting the remaining service life of structural members based on strain re…

The main focus of the project is to establish a link between a physics-based corrosion model and condition rating assessments. This will empower the DOTs to rationally explore the long-term benefits of investments in innovative technologies, such as advanced materials and innovative construction methods. If the framework…

The primary goal of this proposal is to develop a well-defined methodology to estimate the remaining strength of a suspension bridge cable that has been exposed to fire. The methodology will rely on a general purpose Finite Element code (ABAQUS) that is commercially available and widely used in the profession.

The…

The primary goal of this proposal is to develop cost-effective standard open rib SOBD demonstrating similar performance as CRD.

The new design specifications for open rib SOBD to be developed in this study are expected to be incorporated into the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications. Additional companion design gui…

Major tunnel fires can lead to catastrophic events potentially resulting in the loss of lives, property damage, long service disruptions, and major socioeconomic impacts. A number of previous historical events confirm that tunnel fires may not necessarily cause collapse, but significant damage to the tunnel lining and lo…

The primary goal of this proposal is to analyze pedestrian bridges that were damaged or collapsed during Hurricane Maria. The specific objectives of the project are:

• Develop an inventory of pedestrian bridges that were damaged or collapsed due to the hurricane and document the type of failures exp…
  

The primary goal of this project is to analyze motor vehicle bridges that were damaged or collapsed during Hurricane Maria. The specific objectives of the project are:

• develop an inventory of bridges that experienced damages or collapsed
• determine the causes of failu…
  

The overarching aim of the research is to explore and establish the ability of large-amplitude, forced vibration testing to reveal the current performance and forecast the future system performance of bridges, with the consideration of dynamic soil-foundation-structure effects. With the ability to perform reli…

The primary goal of this proposal is to evaluate a state of the art technology in roadway profiling called Zero Speed Profiling.  Conceptually developed under NCHRP Project 10-93, “Measuring, Characterizing, and Reporting Pavement Roughness of Low-Speed and Urban Roads,” this research study will evaluate the…

Rutgers CAIT has worked with NJDOT to develop a prototype Maritime Asset Management System (MAMS) that can be used to meet the transportation asset management plan (TAMP) requirements and aid with capital planning and resource allocation. The state-of-the-art TAM approach has been implemented in a desktop-based user inte…

Airfield Pavement Management collects data of structural condition such as fatigue cracking and rutting. However, important factors affect the safety of aircraft operations including non-structural distresses of low friction and surface distortion are missing in the data collection process. The goal of this research is t…

Robots are emerging force in some of the most challenging working environments. Whether they are flying drones or climbing robots, rigid machinery systems or soft robots made from flexible organic materials, their mix of mobility, strength, and configurability poises them to revolutionize the field of infrastructure main…

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Overlay Tester using field cores from a recently completed FHWA accelerated loading facility (ALF) fatigue cracking study. The study comprised of 10 different lanes, each produced to the same target volumetrics, but with varied recycled asphalt contents, base asphal…

NJTA owns several steel bridge superstructures that are in service for more than 60 years. Being on strategic commerce route, these bridges are subjected to large Average Daily Truck Traffic (ADTT), with potential for fatigue damage to the bridge superstructure. Recently unique fatigue cracking was discovered in one of t…

The Manhattan Bridge is 6,855 feet long, spanning the East River and connecting the island of Manhattan to Brooklyn. It is subjected to repeated dynamic loads, especially by the transit system trains with the average daily traffic of 1,000 trains per day. As a result of repeated loads, especially those by the …

The Targeted Hits for Modal Parameter Estimation and Rating (THMPER) system is a rapid modal impact trailer, a mobile work station, and streamlined data processing software that is used to extract modal parameters (natural frequencies and global mode shapes) of highway bridges during brief traffic slow downs or partial l…

The objective of this research is to identify technological issues and formulate a research agenda for a smart city research program.  Given the research strength of the faculty members associated with CTIS at UTEP, this project will focus on the areas of smart bridges, smart mobility and smart building, with a view of …

The goal of this project is to develop a road map for research through CAIT on transportation infrastructure resilience.  The objective is to:

1) Develop an inventory and assessment of current research and activities

2) Develop an inventory of research needs and prioritize these needs

3) Connect the…

Lean philosophy was used to analyze the efficiency of bridge inspection. Emphasis was put on identifying activities that add value to the final output, an owner approved bridge inspection report. 26 bridge inspections were shadowed. Time spent on bridge inspection activities was recorded for all bridge inspection stages …

Utah Department of Transportation, along with Utah State University and the University of Utah Seismograph Stations are currently operating an installation with 39 channels of acceleration including 18 channels from on-bridge sensors.

This proposed project will address upgrading of the data recording equipment (us…

This research provides a research and educational platform that is ideal for a variety of bridge studies.  The work included in this proposal is the design and installation of embedded accelerometers, strain gages, and thermocouples throughout the bridge structure which can then be used for dynamic studies in the future…

While there is consensus among stakeholders (FHWA, State DOT’s, Academia, Industry) that better data on bridge performance is required, there is limited infrastructure in place to make the best possible use of the data. This is a considerable threat to the success and existence of the shift towards data-driven appr…

We propose to develop a rugged in-situ battery-powered electronic sensing platform for continuous monitoring of key toxic compounds in natural water sources with high temporal and spatial density (> 1 measurement per 5 minutes and > 1 measurement per 5 meters) over long periods of time (>48 hours). This continuo…

The Utah Transportation Center, in conjunction with CAIT at Rutgers, sponsored a study that investigated the distribution factors and load ratings of a continuous, steel I-girder bridge. The SH-52 Bridge over the Snake River is located on the Idaho-Oregon border near Payette, Idaho. The bridge w…

One Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) technique that is being utilized in many locations throughout the US is the construction of bridge superstructures off site and then moving the bridge into position.  This method relies on Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs).  The bridge superstructure undergoes both ve…

The natural gas distribution system in the United States has 1.2 million miles of mains and about 65 million service lines (as of 2012). This distribution system, which consist of various material types, is subjected to various threats the impact of which differ depending on material, age, location, and operational funct…

The goal of this project was to cast the SHM problem within a statistical pattern recognition framework. Techniques borrowed from speaker recognition, particularly speaker verification, were used as this discipline deals with problems very similar to those addressed by structural health monitori…

The LAE sensing sheet contains dense array of individual sensors, but there are some non-instrumented spaces between the sensors that are not sensitive to strain anomalies. In addition, individual sensors are sensitive to strain in one specific direction, while the damage (e.g. cracking of concrete and bowing of steel), …

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public transit agencies to provide paratransit service to individuals who are unable to use fixed-route buses because of their disability. New Jersey first introduced Access Link paratransit in 1993; in compliance with the law, the system fully shadowed the NJ TRANSIT lo…

Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques have resulted in innovative options that save time and money during the construction of bridges.  One such group of techniques that has generated considerable interest is the usage of individual precast concrete decks in place of cast-in-place bridge decks.  Utilizing precast …

The primary objective of the Rutgers Pavement Resource Program (PRP) is to utilize the extensive laboratory and field pavement testing equipment and staff expertise of the Pavement Resource Program in all aspects of Pavement Engineering to assist the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Pavement and Drainage Manag…

This report discusses the application of Tensar geogrids as the reinforcement elements in the construction of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls on the Route 22 over Conrail and Liberty Avenue bridge replacement project in Hillside, NJ (Union County). As this is a relatively new product to the New Jersey Departmen…

The objective of the project is the development of a full All-in-one Asset Management tool will be described followed by the identification of specific modules and features that will be implemented during a prototype phase. The All-in-one tool will be developed using client/server applications including a desktop capabil…

The project is proposed to expand the previous efforts (by WinLab-Rutgers) performed on Parking Guidance and Information System (ParkNet) and assess the effect of real-time dissemination of on-street parking information using mobile connectivity on the gas emission and consequently the environment pollution. The research…

Given the importance of overcoming the challenges associated with aging and deteriorating bridges, and the need for a full-scale proving ground for evaluation of new and advanced materials and devices, CAIT has procured full-scale load testing equipment. The Heavy Vehicle Load Simulator for Bridge Deck Testing…

Given the importance of overcoming the challenges associated with aging and deteriorating bridges, and the need for a full-scale proving ground for evaluation of new and advanced materials and devices, CAIT has procured full-scale load testing equipment. The Heavy Vehicle Load Simulator for Bridge Deck Testing…

The primary objective of this project to establish the ESTIP application to provide interactive tools and protocols for TIP/STIP review and approvals involving several stakeholders, including NJDOT, FHWA, MPOs, and NJ Transit. To ensure that all the stakeholders’ design requirements were properly addressed in the E-STI…

The increasing emphasis on maintenance of existing infrastructure systems has led to greater use of advanced sensors and condition monitoring systems. Wireless sensors and sensor networks are emerging as sensing paradigms that the structural engineering field has begun to consider as substitutes for traditional tethered …

The New Jersey Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction require uniform quality-assurance testing and approval of concrete admixtures and structural steel paints. Testing is performed to insure that contract materials are not adversely modified or altered.

This study ev…

Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), like many other State DOTs, is faced with the need of identifying and deploying means for rapid, nondestructive and accurate condition assessment and performance monitoring of bridge decks.  Finding the right technologies will make a tremendous difference in the financial resour…

The project will encompass forensic testing on extracted cores of the stone matrix asphalt rubber (SMAR) material placed on I-295. Cores were provided to the Rutgers Asphalt/Pavement Laboratory (RAPL) at CAIT via Advanced Infrastructure and Design (AID).

Performance testing on cores will determine the following vo…

New Jersey Department of Transportation manages a number of transportation structures that have pipes of various sizes that act as culverts. It is a challenge to repair and rehabilitate pipes with diameters less than 36 inches because of the problems of accessibility. An innovative solution is needed for in-place repairi…

The Accelerated Infrastructure Testing Facility (AITF) would be the first facility in the world to enable accelerated scientific study of deterioration processes on full-scale bridges and also would offer state-of-the-art advanced pavement materials evaluation and testing capabilities.

Specifically, the AITF would…

This project will perform an investigation that covers the following broad objectives:
•    The state-of-the-art in asset management of highway infrastructure in the United States and abroad
•    Research needs for demonstrating a network-level implementation of asset management to a regional highwa…

The main objective of the conducted research was to evaluate 3D-Radar GPR in bridge deck condition assessment and imaging, with an emphasis on detection and characterization of corrosion induced bridge deck delamination. A broader objective of the study was to provide data for comparative evaluation of the performance of…

Center for Advanced Transportation Infrastructure (CAIT) of Rutgers University is mandated to conduct ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys to update NJDOT’s pavement management system with GPR-measured pavement layer thicknesses.

Based on the review of the GPR data currently in the pavement management system, …

As a part of the Pavement Management Systems (PMS) project, ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were conducted at locations throughout New Jersey. Interpretations of the survey information were conducted for both network-level pavement management and design-level (project management) purposes. The objective of the wor…

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), as many other DOT’s, moved towards utilizing a high-speed profiler to measure the International Roughness Index (IRI) as a part of the state smoothness acceptance specifications. Although high-speed profilers have been in use for long time as a tool to collect networ…

The main objective of this study was to calibrate the AASHTO pavement temperature and seasonal adjustment models, or to develop new models. The models were based on New Jersey conditions and also will be used in network- and project-level FWD analysis.

For this study, 24 pavement sections were instrumented and a n…

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the capabilities of the Portable Seismic Pavement Analyzer (PSPA) device to evaluate the bridge deck elastic moduli and the deck thickness, and to detect and quantify concrete bridge deck delamination.

The PSPA is a device for nondestructive evaluation of concret…