New ICT-IDOT reports
9/21/2026
Illinois Center for Transportation is pleased to announce the publication of reports from the following Illinois Department of Transportation-sponsored projects, in order of publication.
R27-SP78: Concrete Strength Sensing Using REBEL Sensors
Mohammad Hossain and Matthew Soltani, Bradley University
Charles Wienrank and Xinyu Sun, Illinois Department of Transportation
Accurately determining the strength of in-place concrete helps to ensure its quality, avoid premature failure and keep construction projects on track.
This project evaluated the use of REBEL (resonance-based embedded layer) sensors, which nondestructively assess real-time strength of concrete, for use in Illinois Department of Transportation projects. Researchers evaluated the accuracy, reliability and practicality of REBEL sensors compared to IDOT’s currently specified test methods on six construction projects with different classes of concrete and mix designs.
The results of this project will help IDOT decide if it can incorporate acoustic resonance methods, like REBEL sensors, into its specifications as well as determine the validity of REBEL sensors for use in IDOT projects. Allowing this method into IDOT’s specifications can potentially enhance overall quality control/assurance as well as provide accurate and real-time strength data that will help determine if a roadway can open early to the public.
R27-SP79: A Programmatic ESA Consultation Framework for Bridge Construction and Maintenance in Illinois
Dan Salas and Megan Petraitis, University of Illinois Chicago
Kimberly Burkwald, Illinois Department of Transportation
The Illinois Department of Transportation is required to comply with environmental laws and regulations when threatened and endangered species are present at a construction site. IDOT currently coordinates with federal and state regulatory resource agencies on a project-by-project basis.
Researchers developed a proposed programmatic agreement that IDOT may use to standardize and expedite the coordination process when federally threatened and endangered aquatic species are present at bridge construction sites. In addition, they hope to use the proposed agreement as an outline to develop additional programmatic agreements for IDOT.
Successfully implementing a programmatic agreement for bridge construction and rehabilitation projects will allow IDOT to address required environmental concerns in a timelier manner, reducing the time between developing a construction project and starting construction.
R27-SP77: Synthesis of Capabilities, Opportunities, and Research Needs in UAS Technology for High-Precision Bridge Inspection
Mohamad Alipour, Larry Fahnestock and Mani Golparvar-Fard, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mark Shaffer, Illinois Department of Transportation
Technologies to perform bridge inspections are rapidly advancing, highlighting the need for the Illinois Department of Transportation to explore their potential use for bridge inspection work.
This project examined how unmanned aircraft systems can improve the safety, efficiency and quality of various types of bridge inspections. Researchers identified barriers to implementation as well as developed recommendations for effective use in IDOT bridge inspections.
Effectively using new bridge inspection technologies will allow IDOT to make better decisions in contracting inspection work and buying inspection equipment, allowing the agency to inspect, repair and load rate bridges more accurately and with less interference to traffic.
R27-263: Advancements in Profiler Certification
Steve Karamihas and Kelly Smith, Applied Pavement Technology
John Senger, Illinois Department of Transportation
Building smooth roads extends the life of pavements as well as decreases fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs.
This project aimed to help IDOT implement the latest technology in collecting ride-quality data or measuring road smoothness. Researchers validated proposed tests for inertial profilers, a device that measures pavement’s smoothness, and investigated improvements to IDOT’s Illinois Certification and Research Track.
Successfully implementing the latest technology will allow IDOT to make better decisions on what roads need to be addressed as well as provide data for underserved areas.
R27-SP75: Development of Pavement Temperature Measurement System for ICART
Ramez Hajj, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
John Senger, Illinois Department of Transportation
Performance of hot-mix asphalt is dependent on temperature and loads applied to the pavement, among other factors.
Researchers designed pavement temperature sensors for IDOT’s Illinois Certification and Research Track that will measure and record temperatures at various levels in the pavement structure.
Monitoring pavement temperature at various levels will help to better understand how pavement reacts to changes in weather conditions, allowing engineers to optimize measurement analysis and designs.
R27-268: Quarry By-product Fines for Otta Seal Surfacing of Local Roads
Erol Tutumluer and Ramez Hajj, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
John Senger and Andrew Stolba, Illinois Department of Transportation
An Otta seal is a cost-effective surface treatment that is formed by adding graded aggregate to a thick application of soft binder. It is worked into the aggregate as traffic rolls over it.
This project examined the use of quarry by-product fines, a leftover material from crushed rock extraction found in abundance in Illinois, as aggregates in Otta seals. Researchers reviewed design parameters as well as conducted lab testing to prepare mechanistic-based design and construction guidelines for Otta seals with quarry by-product aggregates.
Effectively using Otta seals with quarry by-product aggregates will reduce operational costs and maintenance needs as well as minimize aggregate segregation and provide environmental benefits.