The Recycled Materials Resource Center (RMRC) has a history spanning over three decades, marked by its evolution and adaptability to the changing transportation infrastructure needs. Initially founded to address the challenges surrounding using recycled materials in transportation infrastructure, RMRC's journey started with its first generation in 1998 at the University of New Hampshire through an agreement with FHWA based on a stipulation in TEA-21RMRC-1. In its second generation, RMRC-2, a joint venture between the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, furthered its mission with competitive funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and state support through a pooled fund. The third generation, RMRC-3G, continued this mission by consolidating activities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, funded by a state-pooled fund (TPF-5(270)) with contributions from multiple states.

The mission of the fourth and last generation of the center (RMRC-4G) was to facilitate the development and distribution of cost-effective and environmentally sound technology for incorporating recycled materials into transportation infrastructure. To achieve this mission, RMRC-4G aimed at developing effective technology transfer mechanisms, including educating designers, regulators, and end-users about the appropriate use of recycled materials and procedures to assess their environmental suitability and economic viability. Creating a nationwide market for recycled materials in transportation infrastructure was another pivotal plan, which entailed the establishment of a Green Highway/Roadway program and the development economic evaluation tools and design guidelines for various materials. RMRC-4G also collaborates with federal and state agencies to formulate a methodology for evaluating the environmental suitability of recycled materials on a national scale.

The history of the Recycled Materials Resource Center (RMRC) underscores its vital role in advancing sustainability and innovation in transportation infrastructure. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have shown a growing interest in harnessing the benefits of recycled materials, from economic value to environmental responsibility. Building on past research and knowledge, there's an urgent need to explore the full potential of recycled materials to create more resilient infrastructures capable of withstanding future challenges. Therefore, to sustain the momentum and continue enhancing sustainability, service life, and cost savings while unlocking the highest and best uses of materials and resources, a fifth generation of RMRC is valuable and imperative. Focusing on resilient infrastructure can be a defining feature, aligning with the ever-evolving transportation industry needs and reaffirming the RMRC's crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.

The primary objective of the proposed RMRC-5G is to champion the continued evolution of sustainable transportation infrastructure by breaking new ground in resiliency and climate change adaptation, with a particular focus on exploring the potential of emerging recycled materials. RMRC-5G aims to lead the way in enhancing the resilience of transportation systems to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate. To achieve this overarching goal, RMRC-5G outlines the following fifteen study objectives:

• Advance Resilience Research: Continue to define, conduct, or manage pioneering research projects that address critical aspects of resiliency in transportation infrastructure, exploring the application of novel recycled materials and construction techniques that can enhance the longevity and robustness of transportation systems.
• Lifecycle Analysis: Develop methodologies and tools to assess the long-term environmental impacts of using recycled materials in transportation, considering climate change factors. Methods and tools will be developed to include these considerations in Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to transparently communicate the environmental impacts associated with the use of recycled materials, with a specific focus on their role in enhancing infrastructure resiliency in the face of climate change.
• Regional Materials Assessment: Define a comprehensive system for assessing regionally significant recycled materials and establish performance expectations for these materials in various applications, particularly emphasizing their role in fortifying infrastructure against climate-related challenges.
• Innovative Solutions: Deploy innovative solutions that position RMRC-5G as a go-to resource for the highway materials and construction community, offering cutting-edge insights on using recycled materials to bolster infrastructure resilience.
• Identify Barriers: Identify and address challenges and bottlenecks that hinder the widespread utilization of recycled materials, particularly those capable of contributing to resilient infrastructure.
• Technological Innovation: Evaluate and recommend innovative technologies from a recycled materials perspective, focusing on their potential to enhance the reliability, efficiency, safety, and sustainability of construction materials, with a specific lens on climate adaptation.
• Local Implementation Support: Provide guidance and resources for local agencies to effectively implement recycled materials in transportation projects, particularly those to enhance resiliency.
• Innovative Outreach: Organize webinars and workshops to disseminate best practices and ideas for using recycled materials in climate-resilient transportation construction.
• Collaborative Information Exchange: Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration between state agencies, industry stakeholders, and researchers to foster a deeper understanding of recycled materials and their suitability for various applications, especially in climate resilience.
• Private Sector Engagement: Engage with private sector producers of recycled materials to encourage and support the availability, quality control, and efficient delivery of sustainable materials, especially those with climate resilience benefits.
• Standards Development: Actively contribute to developing specifications and guidelines through collaboration with organizations like AASHTO and ASTM, emphasizing the importance of incorporating recycled materials for resilient transportation systems.
• Resource Enhancement: Maintain and continually enhance the RMRC website as a dynamic, up-to-date resource that provides the latest information, research findings, and best practices for climate-resilient and sustainable transportation.
• Project Management: Administer contracts and research work orders on behalf of RMRC-5G, ensuring that research and development efforts are focused on meeting the challenges of climate change and advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure.
• Recycled Material Certification: Work with industry stakeholders to establish a certification program for recycled materials, ensuring their quality, sustainability, and suitability for resilient infrastructure.
• Climate Adaptation Training: Develop and offer training programs to equip transportation professionals with the skills and knowledge to address climate adaptation and resiliency through recycled materials in construction projects.

RMRC-5G's study objectives are in tune with the evolving needs of the transportation industry, addressing climate change and resiliency as paramount considerations while continuing to explore the potential of recycled materials in infrastructure development.

The primary objective of RMRC-5G is to propel the optimal utilization of recycled materials within transportation infrastructure through the fifteen study objectives. This will be accomplished through a multifaceted approach that combines pioneering research and development efforts, comprehensive outreach initiatives, and cutting-edge technology transfer. By focusing on innovation and knowledge dissemination, RMRC-5G aims to set new standards for strategically incorporating recycled materials fostering climate-resilient and sustainable transportation systems that address evolving environmental challenges.

The RMRC-5G research program will underscore the vital role of industrial byproducts in building climate-resilient transportation infrastructure, especially those that cannot be recycled through conventional means. The program will encompass a comprehensive spectrum of research domains, emphasizing the strategic application of these byproducts, such as recycled carbon fiber, plastics, and rubber, to enhance the climate adaptability and resilience of transportation materials. Utilizing scientific principles and applied research, the program will guide the evaluation of these materials, considering their long-term physical performance under changing climate conditions and extreme weather events. This research initiative will prioritize environmentally innovative solutions, validating data through an up-to-date database for life cycle assessments (LCAs) and environmental product declarations (EPDs). This comprehensive resource will empower decision-makers to make informed choices regarding material and construction options in the context of life cycle cost, sustainability, and resilience in a changing climate.

The outreach and technology transfer efforts will be a cornerstone of our mission. The RMRC Administrative team will be committed to disseminating research findings and fostering outreach at significant national events, as determined by the Executive Board. Active participation in developing new specifications, guidelines, and standards related to recycled materials will persist through engagement with industry bodies such as the AASHTO-Subcommittee on Materials (SOM) and the ASTM Committee D18.14 during semi-annual meetings. We will uphold the tradition of hosting regular Executive Board meetings, conducting quarterly (or more frequent as needed) sessions, and arranging an annual in-person meeting at key events.

To ensure that the RMRC's knowledge remains accessible and up to date, the RMRC Administrative team will continuously enhance the RMRC website, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly resource. Furthermore, we will organize webinars and workshops upon request by the Executive Committee to facilitate knowledge transfer and address specific areas of interest. We acknowledge the considerable impact of past outreach efforts, which have benefited state DOTs, environmental quality departments, regulatory agencies like the EPA, and consulting engineering and construction professionals.

Recognizing the importance of responsive communication, the RMRC Administrative team will promptly address inquiries received through the website, emails, phone calls, or other channels. We will submit quarterly reports detailing all research advancements and outreach/technology transfer activities to provide transparent progress updates. This commitment to robust outreach and technology transfer activities ensures that the knowledge and insights generated by RMRC-5G are effectively shared and applied to benefit transportation infrastructure nationwide.

Desired total commitment from each partner is $200,000 split between FY25-29, generally achieved through 5 years at $40,000 per year. Commitment covers travel for one representative to an in-person meeting approximately once per year throughout the life of the project. For partners that would like to send an additional representative to an in-person meeting, an additional $2,500 commitment per attendee per year is required. Specific meetings and locations to be determined during the project.

Will be pursuing a 100% SPR Part B waiver.

Additional partners are always welcome. Please reach out to the Lead Agency Contact at any time.