Research

OTREC’s broad research program addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, at our four member universities and beyond. The combined expertise allows OTREC to explore ways to move people and goods sustainably. Research projects also address broader transportation initiatives designed to investigate and build research capacity. Check out the featured projects below or use the search box at right to browse research or search for a specific project.

Durability of Recycled Concrete Aggregates in New Concrete

Public demand for recycled concrete aggregate continues to rise, but there are many barriers to its increased use, including the lack of technical data on long-term durability and the potential for alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In this project, Oregon State University’s Jason H. Ideker researches methods that can detect the potential for ASR in recycled concrete pavement and generates data needed for the material to gain wider acceptance and use.

Read more: Durability Assessment of Recycled Concrete Aggregates for use in New Concrete

Freight Vehicle-Miles Traveled in Urban Areas

Commercial vehicles account for nearly 10 percent of vehicle-miles traveled in urban areas, with many of the trips they take starting at distribution centers or warehouses. In this report, “Practical Approximations to Quantify the Impact of Time Windows and Delivery Sizes on Freight VMT in Urban Areas,” Miguel Andres Figliozzi of Portland State University examined how to approximate the length of these trips and to estimate how the window of time and size of delivery affect the miles traveled.

Read more: Practical Approximations to Quantify the Impact of Time Windows and Delivery Sizes on Freight VMT in Urban Areas