Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center

04/07/2026

X-BRIDGE Project In the News!

The UMaine Advanced Structures & Composites Center and USDOT ARPA-I project, X-BRIDGE, has been featured in three recent national articles from The Federation of American Scientists, American Composites Manufacturers Association Composites Manufacturing, and CompositesWorld publications.

Check out the articles to learn more here:
https://tidc.umaine.edu/2026/04/07/x-bridge-project-in-the-news/

More on X-BRIDGE:
https://www.transportation.gov/research-and-technology/x-bridge-program

April 6th, 2026 – The University of Maine & US DOT ARPA-I (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure) have embarked on a collaborative research project: X-BRIDGE (eXceptional Bridges through Innovative Design and Groundbreaking Engineering) This project – focused on designing bridges ...

04/06/2026

REGISTER TODAY - 2026 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference
Register HERE: https://buff.ly/6F8uBbP
Learn More: https://buff.ly/G3Mw0zF

Build Faster • Build Affordable • Build for the Future
Coming to UMaine’s Wells Conference Center - Orono, Maine, August 19th-20th, 2026

Join Industry Professionals, State & Municipal Government Leaders and University Researchers to discover transportation innovations underway that are shaping the national infrastructure landscape.

This year’s conference primary focus will be the UMaine & U.S. DOT ARPA-I (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure) project: X-BRIDGE (eXceptional Bridges through Innovative Design and Groundbreaking Engineering).

Topics to include
• Composites in Transportation Infrastructure
• U.S. DOT Infrastructure Research Landscape
• ARPA-I X-BRIDGE Program
• Advances with Autonomous Vehicles and Public Challenges

- See you in Orono this August! -

Register HERE: https://buff.ly/6F8uBbP
Learn More: https://buff.ly/G3Mw0zF

02/23/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 🗓️

The 2026 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference is scheduled for August 19th-20th at the University of Maine's Wells Conference Center.

tidc-utc.org/tidc26

TIDC26 is UMaine's annual forum for all things at the forefront of transportation innovation, this year with a focus on the UMaine / U.S. DOT Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure (ARPA-I) collaborative project: eXceptional Bridges through Innovative Design and Groundbreaking Engineering (X-BRIDGE).

Be on the lookout for registration, full agenda, and more info soon!

tidc-utc.org/tidc26

11/10/2025

10/08/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference Session 6 are now LIVE!
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Transportation Innovations

Application of Deep Learning on the Condition Assessment of RC Highway Bridges using GPR: https://buff.ly/zQH6nnt
Case study of artificial intelligence on analyzing a two-year radar image database with more than 3,800 radar images for monitoring subsurface steel rebar corrosion and concrete cracking of a I-495 highway bridge in Mass.

De-Mystifying Machine Learning to Inform and Optimize Urban Infrastructure: https://buff.ly/BnEilTx
Dr. Mueller overviews the basics of Machine Learning, and how Northwestern University is utilizing it for city-wide data gathering - as well as a look into next steps.

GeoAI: How AI and Machine Learning are Transforming GIS in Transportation: https://buff.ly/NArwU7F
Dr. Corey discusses the work of the VEMI Lab at the University of Maine that focuses on human interactions with fully autonomous vehicles. He presents findings from recent study and discusses its implications for future research and development in autonomous vehicles

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Transportation Innovations Panel Discussion: https://buff.ly/Pe2hoPs

Thank you to all who were able to join us at TIDC25 this year, and to all who are interested in our presentation recordings. Check out all of the recordings here: https://buff.ly/A2GZq4k



University of Maine UMass Lowell Northeastern University MassDOT

10/01/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference Session 3 are now LIVE!
TIDC Research - The Path to Deployment

Real-time Wireless Joint Monitoring System for Highway Bridge Resilience: https://buff.ly/LS8EVIf
This presentation highlights the reasons for joint malfunctioning, joint monitoring practice in New England, TIDC-funded research into wireless joint monitoring system and field deployment and its results.

Processed Glass Aggregate/Glass Cullet – Quantifying Deleterious Materials Content, Allowable Limits, & Economic Analysis: https://buff.ly/CqhmV8g
The presentation includes new methodologies devised to determine deleterious material content in processed glass aggregate (PGA), assessment of allowable limits of deleterious material content in PGA, and economic and environmental assessment of using PGA in Vermont as a case study.

Physical-Chemical-Mechanical Model for Corrosion Damage of Reinforced Pull-Out Behavior: https://buff.ly/NH0JiNP
The presentation introduces an accelerated corrosion testing framework aimed at calibrating a damage model that characterizes the deterioration of bond-slip behavior and the corresponding reduction in ultimate load capacity.

Assessing Presence & Impact of Recycled Engine Oil Bottoms on Asphalt: https://buff.ly/WQXSoLR
This presentation focus is on molecular-level indicators of REOB and its impacts on mechanical properties of asphalt.

Thank you to all who were able to join us at TIDC25 this year, and to all who are interested in our presentation recordings. Check out all of the recordings here: https://buff.ly/A2GZq4k



University of Maine UConn University of Vermont Western New England University University of Rhode Island

10/01/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference Session 5 are now LIVE!
Autonomous & Connected Vehicles - Current & Upcoming Innovations

Autonomous & Connected Vehicles: Current Issues and Policy: https://buff.ly/NpVx668
In this session Dr. Rubin discusses the current state of autonomous and connected vehicles in regards to policy, safety, levels of autonomy, state regulations and future considerations.

Connected Vehicles Where We Are And Where Are We Going?: https://buff.ly/pC4ttc9
An overview of the connected vehicle system currently deployed by the MaineDOT at over 150 locations throughout the State and future plans to expand the system.

VEMI Lab Driving Research Update: https://buff.ly/YuHvNsX
Dr. Corey discusses the work of the VEMI Lab at the University of Maine that focuses on human interactions with fully autonomous vehicles. He presents findings from recent study and discusses its implications for future research and development in autonomous vehicles

Autonomous Vehicles Are Here - Are You Ready?: https://buff.ly/JQIpAvs
Sarah Yager, a Business Development Manager at May Mobility discusses the history and development of autonomous vehicle technology and its real-world applications. She also emphasizes the importance of policy, understanding limitations, and community engagement for successful adoption of AV technology.

Autonomous & Connected Vehicles - Current & Upcoming Innovations Panel Discussion: https://buff.ly/sIE8YsW
Our panelists discuss the deployment, challenges, and the future of autonomous vehicles in rural areas, including the role of state DOTs, human-machine interface projects, and cybersecurity.

Thank you to all who were able to join us at TIDC25 this year, and to all who are interested in our presentation recordings. Check out all of the recordings here: https://buff.ly/A2GZq4k



MaineDOT University of Maine UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center May Mobility Vemi Lab

09/24/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference Session 4 are now LIVE!
Infrastructure Workforce Development - Success Stories

ASCC Workforce Development & Training Program: https://buff.ly/2jfJ8JW
The Advanced Structure & Composites Center shares how K–12 programs, research experiences, and micro-credentials are shaping the next generation of transportation professionals.

Maine Construction Academy - Workforce Programs for the Future: https://buff.ly/7d5BZiZ
Shaping the future of construction through workforce training. Kelly Flagg highlights the Maine Construction Academy, workforce programs, and her passion for employee development at the 2025 TIDC Conference. She is joined by both an educator and student from the Maine Construction Academy to share their experiences.

Panel Discussion: Infrastructure Workforce Development - Success Stories: https://buff.ly/HS0JaeQ

Thank you to all who were able to join us at TIDC25 this year, and to all who are interested in our presentation recordings. Check out all of the recordings here: https://buff.ly/A2GZq4k



University of Maine UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center Associated General Contractors of Maine

09/10/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference Session 2 are now LIVE!
Composites Advance & Future Direction – Army, MaineDOT & Research Perspectives

Thermomechanical Assessment/Accelerated Aging of Composite Rebar For Reinforced Concrete: https://buff.ly/gRrmDaw
A look into University of Maine research and findings on composite rebar for infrastructure assets.

A Novel Solution for Live Load Continuity in Multi-Span FRP Composite Tub Girder Bridges: https://buff.ly/xaX1EsU
This presentation describes the design and large-scale experimental evaluation of a live-load moment continuity joint for multi-span FRP composite tub (CT) girder bridges. The joint relies on concrete infill over a short girder length and stress transfer from FRP to concrete via shear-friction.

FRP Implementation at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and MaineDOT: https://buff.ly/EdFvNLT
Who and why USACE is adopting and promoting the use of composites for their hydraulic structures used at locks and dams nationwide.

Thank you to all who were able to join us at TIDC25 this year, and to all who are interested in our presentation recordings. Check out all of the recordings here: https://buff.ly/A2GZq4k


University of Maine UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center MaineDOT U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters

09/03/2025

Recordings from the 2025 Transportation Infrastructure Durability Conference Session 1 are now LIVE!
Composites Advance & Future Direction – Industry Perspectives

Decades of innovation: IACMI’s Impact: https://buff.ly/6bzYw4q
Joe Fox highlights decades of innovation and the lasting impact of IACMI, including the I&C Working Group’s mission to accelerate composite adoption in infrastructure and construction

Advancing Composites that Meets the Needs of the Infrastructure Market: https://buff.ly/zgHqDFG
For over 40 years, composites industry innovation created many products for infrastructure including pedestrian bridges, bridge decks, roads, marine facilities, navigational waterways, electrical transmission and distribution structures, and more for both new construction and rehabilitation. This presentation addresses how composites products met those needs and what we can do to advance composites to prepare for future opportunities.

Composites Advance & Future Direction – Industry Perspectives Panel: https://buff.ly/s2rQw4b
Exploring current innovations, market opportunities, and the future direction of composites in civil engineering.

Thank you to all who were able to join us at TIDC25 this year, and to all who are interested in our presentation recordings. Check out all of the recordings here: https://buff.ly/A2GZq4k


Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation - IACMI American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) University of Maine UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center