About

Transportation infrastructure deterioration is a significant national problem, affecting our roads, bridges, tunnels, ports, and railroads. With 20% of highway miles and over 42% of bridges in the U.S. in poor condition, it is increasingly important to adopt improved technologies for the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.

At the Transportation Infrastructure Precast Innovation Center (TRANS-IPIC), we are pursuing solutions to these challenges by focusing on precast concrete (PC).

 

Why PC? 

In new and repaired transportation infrastructure, we look for durability, adaptability, efficiency, and self-assessment and healing capabilities. Emerging technologies such as nanomaterials and robotics offer these features but can be difficult and expensive to incorporate into construction processes.

PC, on the other hand, is manufactured in a controlled environment which allows for efficient introduction and implementation. As a result, PC has become a preferred composite material and is commonly used to build and manage roads, highway bridges, railroads, airports, and ports.

Our Mission

TRANS-IPIC enables research innovation and industry support to provide guidance and leadership in the dormant field of precast concrete technology in transportation. We aim to achieve this goal by optimizing PC design, construction, and maintenance.

Our research will develop solutions for current infrastructure problems and revolutionize the development and performance of future transportation infrastructure, providing gains in durability, safety, and economy as well as reducing environmental impact and resources required for repair and replacement.

Strategic Goals

1. Develop advanced materials for PC components
2. Develop a new design framework for infrastructure PC elements
3. Advance the field of building information modeling (BIM) using new technologies
4. Incorporate “built-in” quality control and repair mechanisms in PC components
5. Establish economic plans for off-site PC manufacturing, shipping, and onsite installation

Funding

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), this Tier One University Transportation Center (UTC) will target the U.S. Department of Transportation's statutory research priority area of "Improving Durability and Extending the Life of Transportation Infrastructure."