As the Region-6 University Transportation Center (UTC), Tran-SET promotes and funds advanced transportation research in the region. Every funded project addresses a specific research requirement with a potential to contribute significantly towards solving the transportation infrastructure problems.
For all the research that is conducted at Tran-SET, a research project description is submitted to the Research in Progress (RIP) database which includes an abstract, relevant dates, PI names and contact details, and performing and sponsoring organizations. After the research is completed, a final report is indexed and abstracted in the Transportation Research International Documentation Database (TRID). The Transportation Research Board (TRB) also provides an extensive database of Research Need Statements (RNS) that can be used by researchers to find relevant topics for future research.
Research Themes
Tran-SET administers transportation research projects under four main research themes:
- Enhancing the Durability and Service Life of Infrastructure;
- Preserving Existing Transportation Systems;
- Preserving the Environment; and
- Addressing Region 6 Transportation Needs (including such diverse topics as: metropolitan growth, congestion mitigation, under-served/under-invested communities, and safety).
First-Cycle Projects
Tran-SET’s first cycle of research projects were awarded in early May 2017. Tran-SET awarded 33 projects, totaling over $4.4 million (with matching funds or in-kind services). Of the 33 funded projects, 11 were collaborative studies between Consortium universities and 8 through public-private partnerships. Please see below for a breakdown by topical area, showcasing the breadth of the Consortium, ranging from materials research (e.g., Portland cement concrete and asphalt) to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Second-Cycle Projects
Tran-SET’s second cycle of research projects were awarded mid-March 2018. Tran-SET awarded 37 projects, totaling over $4.6 million. In total, $581,395 external matching funds were received; three projects received external matching from industrial firms and nine received external matching from local and state government agencies. Seven projects involved multiple partnering institutions, further supporting collaboration between Consortium universities. Below is the distribution of projects by research themes and topical areas.
Third-Cycle Projects
In Tran-SET’s third cycle 36 proposals were reviewed by national subject matter experts (Apr. 2019), solicited for revisions by the PIs (May 2019), and finalized (Jun. 2019). Ultimately, 33 projects were selected for award and their start date was set on Aug. 15, 2019. Please see below for a breakdown by research themes and topical area, showcasing the breadth of the Consortium, ranging from materials research (e.g., Portland cement concrete and asphalt) to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Fourth-Cycle Projects
Tran-SET’s fourth cycle of research projects were awarded June 2020. Tran-SET awarded 40 projects, totaling over $4.9 million. In total, $439,114 external matching funds were received. Of the 40 funded projects, 10 were collaborative studies between Consortium universities. Please see below for a breakdown by research themes and topical area, showcasing the breadth of the Consortium, ranging from materials research (e.g., Portland cement concrete and asphalt) to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
