Implementation Activities
Letter from Superpave Team LeaderDear Superpave Colleague:
In 1996, the AASHTO Task Force on SHRP Implementation created, among others, a "Lead State Team" for Superpave Implementation. The mission of the Superpave Team is to assist in the uniform implementation of the Superpave system by documenting and sharing experiences, furthering development and providing guidance related to the practical application of the technology.
Superpave was, of course, the product of extensive research done under the SHRP Program. Almost all research leaves some questions unanswered. These must ultimately be resolved by additional research and/or practical real world experience. In the case of Superpave, both are true.
n March of this year, experts from the Superpave Lead States met together and with other invited experts. This group examined information currently available from completed and ongoing research. In addition, they considered their collective experience in the practical application of the technology. The result of their work is enclosed and is titled "1998 AASHTO Superpave Lead State Guidance." As described in the introduction, the new guidance incorporates and updates an original guidance document similarly prepared in 1997.
Some of the guidance recommends minor alteration of existing standards as adopted and published by the MSHTO Subcommittee on Materials. Where the guidance does so, it is noted with the document. The Lead States will propose revisions to AASHTO Standards in accord with the guidance as written.
This leads to a troublesome conflict within the mission of the Lead State Team. Since Superpave is a system based on scientific research, the resulting standards should not be altered without serious consideration by the AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials and member states. Indeed, the Lead States have been advocates for the uniform implementation by member states in accord with the adopted standards. At the same time, our mission compels us to provide guidance based on our collective experience in the practical application of the Superpave System.
The guidance document is an attempt to be true to both competing interests. As noted, we will be recommending standard revisions with the expectation they will be adopted. In the meantime, the guidance is what it says it is. It is intended to ensure the success of Superpave implementation by providing advice based on experience.
I would like to extend my appreciation to those who contributed to the synthesis of this document. They freely gave of their time and expertise so that the success of our collective implementation might be enhanced. In addition, I'd like to recognize Ronald Sines of New York, who contributed, edited, coordinated reviews and synthesized the final document.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Mack, P.E.
Superpave Team Leader
Deputy Chief Engineer, NYSDOT
Director, Technical Services Division
