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

Bridge Seismic Retrofit Feasibility Case Study Utilizing Ductile Fuses

Peter Dusicka
In an effort to increase the seismic resiliency of our transportation network, a performance centric retrofit measure has been developed as part of State funded research and evaluated through to large scale laboratory setting. With an eye toward implementation, this technology transfer proposal aims to conduct a feasibility study on incorporating this retrofit measure with a recently developed ductile fuse technology and applying the retrofit to a real bridge case study. The intent is to… Read More