Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium
Arizona’s Pavement Hub for Research and Training
Best in Arizona Award Program
PCDOT, ADOT, and MCDOT
The PCDOT, ADOT, and MCDOT have demonstrated their commitment to road infrastructure innovation. These projects demonstrate how strategic planning, advanced techniques, and a commitment to quality pave the way for smoother, safer, and more efficient travel experiences.
City of Peoria, Navajo DOT, ADOT
Our team had the opportunity to visit three innovative paving projects completed by The City of Peoria, Navajo DOT, and ADOT. These projects highlight Mesa’s dedication to utilizing advanced materials and techniques in road construction and maintenance.
City of Mesa
Our team recently had the opportunity to visit two innovative paving projects completed by the City of Mesa alongside Tim Murphy. These projects highlight Mesa’s dedication to utilizing advanced materials and techniques in road construction and maintenance.
City of Phoenix
Our team recently had the opportunity to visit three projects in the City of Phoenix alongside Tim. These projects showcase the City of Phoenix’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and implementing sustainable paving practices across various neighborhoods.
Upcoming Training Events
Asphalt Pavement Design, Production, and Construction
🎓Instructor: Tim Murphy
📌Location: CAVC Devils Oasis,
Room 251, ASU Tempe Campus
📅Date: Jan 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2025
🕛Time: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. MST
Asphalt Pavement Maintenance and Preservation
🎓Instructor: Tim Murphy
📌Location: CAVC Devils Oasis,
Room 251, ASU Tempe Campus
📅Date: Jan 30th-31st, 2025
🕛Time: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. MST
News
Update: “Best in Arizona” Pavement Awards
Program Judging
We are excited to announce that Tim Murphy, a renowned pavement professional, will contribute his expertise to “Best in Arizona” Pavement Awards Program. Tim will be traversing Arizona to review numerous nominated projects across the state this September.
Presence of ASU at USDOT FoT Summit
On August 13th to 15th, 2024, Naaga Vedula represented ASU pavement research group, presenting his research on “Unmanned Aerial-Vehicle (UAV) Assisted Real-Time Construction Quality Support System for Pavements” at USDOT FoT Summit.
The Low-Carbon Materials Information Session
Join us at the information session regarding FHWA’s 2-billion-dollar low-carbon transportation materials grant. Many of the state DOTs have already completed their applications.
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).