ASPHALT'S GENERATION OF CHANGE

Asphalt pavement technology has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The most important advancements to the industry include the rise of performance-related binder specifications under the Superpave system of asphalt mix design and more durable asphalt mixes. The industry has shifted to the more durable Superpave system of specifications from conventional Marshal mix designs, which were based on binder's viscosity or resistance to penetration. The Superpave system's intended effect is to strengthen pavements against traffic loading and weathering stresses. The shift to Superpave has in turn given rise to innovations in lab and field mix-testing equipment and new full-scale accelerated pavement testing facilities. Extremely rugged mix designs imported from Europe and elsewhere have also improved the industry. Other improvements include new asphalt modifiers that enhance the chemistry of liquid asphalt, the recycling of reclaimed asphalt pavement and other waste materials into pavements and new asphalt paver designs that increase speed and allow for more versatility in paving.