TREC research addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, from across the Portland State University campus. Use the search box at right to search for a specific project.

Research Highlights

Examining the Geotechnical Earthquake Hazard to Transportation Assets in Oregon and Washington: Characterizing Earthquake-Induced Deformations of Silt Soils

Diane Moug
Critical transportation infrastructure in Washington and Oregon is vulnerable to damage during strong earthquake shaking, including the anticipated magnitude 9 Cascadia Subduction Zone event. A major hazard to transportation infrastructure is the failure and deformation of the underlying soil. Soils can undergo large deformations and strength loss when subjected to strong earthquake shaking. Current engineering practice has established guidance for estimating earthquake hazards for clay and… Read More

Enabling Decision-Making in Battery Electric Bus Deployment through Interactive Visualization

Xiaoyue Cathy Liu Jianli Chen
Encouraged by the advancement of battery technology, the transition from diesel or compressed natural gas to fully zero-emission bus fleets has been the trend in the United States. Policymakers and transit agencies have set up goals to accelerate such transition, yet various challenges that are, by nature, institutional, technological and/or financial still present themselves. For example, in terms of institutional challenges, cities without a proper fleet management framework will have a hard… Read More