Making Superpave Work for You

This article reports on four workshops conducted in 2004 and 2005 to assess the current status of Superpave implementation. Developed under the Strategic Highway Research Program, it consists of performance-based binder specifications, a mix design procedure, and mixture analysis techniques to predict performance. The various components have been adopted piecemeal at different times across the country, with all but one state now using the binder specifications. The article describes the many issues that remain in implementing the full program, key among which is the lack of uniformity in using the system. Some issues transcend regional boundaries, while others tend to be more common in certain areas of the U.S. The article details feedback and findings from the four workshops on aggregates, binders, plant production, field use, and mix design. Future needs are also noted.