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.

This test section is a key component of our projects focused on understanding and mitigating wide cracking and gathering long-term performance data for asphalt mixtures. Wide cracks are a prevalent distress in the region, and our research aims to identify their causes and develop effective material and design strategies to enhance the pavement’s lifespan and resilience.

Construction of the second test section in the City of Mesa

A notable aspect of this construction was the integration of advanced technology for monitoring and data collection. Utilizing UAV to capture high-resolution thermal and visual imagery throughout the paving process. This not only provides valuable documentation of the construction but also serves as a crucial step in developing a robust framework for the application of UAV technology in pavement quality control and assurance. By capturing detailed information on aspects such as temperature segregation and roller patterns, we aim to enhance construction quality and ultimately contribute to improved pavement performance.

This test section will help our researchers study how different pavement designs and materials withstand environmental aging and traffic over time. The data collected from this section will be instrumental in validating laboratory findings and improving predictive models for pavement distress.

Capturing footage from the construction of the second test section in the City of Mesa using UAV.

The construction of this test section underscores SWPT’s commitment to advancing pavement technology through collaborative research with industry partners and transportation agencies. We look forward to the insights this test section will provide and how they will contribute to building durable pavement structures in Arizona.

We wanted to thank once again all our members, the City of Mesa, Southwest Asphalt, and MR Tanner, for their support and efforts to help us reach this milestone.

Stay tuned for future updates on the performance of this test section and the progress of our related research projects.