Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium
Arizona’s Pavement Hub for Research and Training
News
2025 Best in Arizona Award Program
The “Best in Arizona” asphalt pavement awards program is open to all asphalt users, producers, and contractors. Projects nominated for awards can be submitted by the owner/agency and/or the contractor. Nomination forms are available for download on the consortium website and must be submitted by August 15th, 2025.
Second Test Site Installation in City of Mesa
This month marks a significant step forward in our ongoing research into pavement durability and long-term performance. In a collaborative effort with the City of Mesa, MR Tanner, and Southwest Asphalt, the Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium completed the construction of the new asphalt concrete test section in Mesa.
The City of Phoenix and the City of Peoria Joined SWPT
We proudly welcome the City of Phoenix and the City of Peoria as our newest agency members. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in our mission to further strengthen our consortium’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia, industry, and public agencies.
Projects
Assessment of Thermal and Durability Cracks in Asphalt Pavements in the Southwest Region
Sponsor: Southwest Pavement Technology
2023 – Ongoing
Durability cracking in asphalt pavements is a major deterioration mechanism for asphalt concrete (AC) pavements in areas experiencing temperature and precipitation extremes. In this study, we develop a case study example of thermal and durability cracks widely observed in the Southwest of United States. Significant factors and root causes influencing occurrences of thermal durability cracks are presented using data compiled from forensic investigation of sites, field core characterization and mechanistic assessment of the conventional flexible pavement structures.
Development of Asphalt Concrete Mixture Long-Term Aging Protocol for Arizona’s Climatic Conditions
Sponsor: Southwest Pavement Technology 2023 – Ongoing
Field aging of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures is a complex phenomenon resulting in significant changes in the rheological properties and chemistry of binders and impacting key performance characteristics of asphalt mixtures. Laboratory simulation of the field aging characteristics of asphalt concrete (AC) mixes is essential in characterizing its long-term performance. Hence, long-term aging protocols have become a key part of the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) framework adopted by many state and local agencies.
Construction Monitoring of Asphalt Pavement using UAV
Sponsor: NCIT 2022 – Ongoing
The in-place density of asphalt pavements is a key indicator of construction quality, durability, and long-term performance. Pavement construction requires coordination and monitoring to ensure proper compaction which in-turn achieves the targeted in-place density. Two major factors hindering targeted in-place density are uniform mat temperature and uniform rolling pattern. The objective of this study is to develop an automated monitoring protocol with use of aerial images using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV).
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