Transition Plan
January 31, 2000

ACTION STEPS

To maximize return on the SHRP investment, the Superpave system will need to achieve its full potential. In its mature form, Superpave will be a fully integrated mix design system that will:

• Recommend binder type (including complex binders) and mixture proportions based on anticipated environmental and loading conditions, along with layer location.
• Predict the ability of a mix to withstand rutting, fatigue, thermal cracking, and moisture damage through a series of laboratory tests and mechanistic models.
• Integrate the binder and mix properties into a performance-based quality control system during construction.
• Be fully comprehended by public and private sector engineers, technicians, and contractors through initial and continuing education, communication, and outreach programs.

The key components needed to drive and support the full maturity of the Superpave system have previously been discussed. However, in order for some to continue, and others to commence, actions need to be taken in this "Lead State" transition year.

Action Step #1:

Encourage AASHTO to continue support for the key position of its "SHRP Implementation Coordinator."

This may best be done by the AASHTO SHRP Implementation Task Force prior to its sunset.

By March 2000, the Lead State Team will propose a course of action to the Task Force.

The Lead State Team will encourage the TRB Superpave Committee to request periodic reports on this program. This will be done by March 2000.

Action Step #2:

Support the continuance of the TRB Superpave Committee. This action will be orchestrated similar to Step #1.

Action Step #3:

Respond to the need for programmatic management of a Superpave "research program" and a strategic plan for the performance prediction system.

The TRB Superpave Committee is developing a long range, coordinated and comprehensive research program that addresses the need. It will need to be supported by and augmented by an education, outreach and training program. Indeed, the Committee intends to develop just such a program.

Action Step #4:

A plan must be developed and implemented to measure the performance of in place Superpave projects.

Gary Henderson, leader of the FHWA Superpave Technology Delivery Team, will be working initially with the Maryland and Indiana DOT's to pilot a performance tracking methodology. The Lead State Team will encourage the TRB Superpave Committee to monitor progress. This will be done by Spring of 2000.

Action Step #5:

Encourage FHWA to facilitate and provide administration of the pooled fund support for the Superpave Regional Centers.

The Lead States Team will, by March of 2000, encourage the TRB Superpave Committee to recommend that FHWA accept this responsibility.

Action Step #6:

Encourage the TRB/AASHTO/FHWA partnership devise and implement an outreach program to keep the Superpave technology on the radar screens of SHA executive managers.

The TRB Superpave Committee has recognized the issue as a priority and named an internal task force to develop a plan to accomplish this and other needed outreach, education and training.

No further action is required of the Lead State Team.

Action Step #7:

Establish a definitive source for up-to-date Superpave programmatic, coordination, and management information.

Could and should be included in Action Step #6.

Action Step #8:

Support the Superpave Regional Centers efforts to be a recognized source of Superpave expertise. The work of the Superpave Centers is far from complete. The Superpave Centers should be encouraged and supported as centers of Superpave expertise.

As the Superpave system matures and a simple performance test, as well as the performance prediction and modeling system are developed, the centers are in an excellent position to assist in evaluating and supporting the system.

FHWA should be encouraged to identify and manage a base level sustaining funding source. The AASHTO Task Force should make this recommendation which will be prepared for them by the Lead State Team.

Action Step #9:

Encourage FHWA to develop a Superpave implementation support plan by/for their "Resource Centers." Included in Action Step #6.

Action Step #10:

Encourage FHWA to continue their efforts in technical coordination of Superpave implementation on a nationwide basis. Included in Action Step #6.

Action Step #11:

It is proposed the AASHTO Task Force on SHRP Implementation be transitioned to a new entity called the "AASHTO Steering Group for Technology Deployment." It has been suggested that while the TRB Superpave Committee will ensure the needed research is completed, it may not be in a position to support implementation. It is further suggested that the expected Technology Deployment Group be encouraged to accept delivery of emerging Superpave technology as one of its programs.

The current AASHTO Task Force on SHRP Implementation should take the lead in doing so. The Lead State Team will assist them as in other action steps.

Action Step #12:

Engage LTAP (or appropriate organizations such as State HMA associations, Asphalt Institute, etc.) to provide Superpave implementation at the local level.

FHWA is exploring several options to facilitate technology transfer to local governments. The Task Force should send a letter of encouragement to Administrator Wykle. Mr. Mack will prepare such a letter for consideration by the Task Force at their Spring 2000 meeting.