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 travel-time reliability

Most supply chains cannot thrive without access to an efficient and reliable freight system. Since congestion in the highway system has a significant impact on the productivity and competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest Economy, the objective of this research is to evaluate travel time reliability in the main freight corridors connecting the Pacific Northwest to California, the Midwest, and Southwest.

Read more: Analysis of Travel Time Reliability for Freight Corridors Connecting the Pacific Northwest