AASHTO -
SUPERPAVE LEAD STATE TEAM
By:
Maghsoud Tahmoressi, State Bituminous Engineer, TxDOT
AASHTO Task Force on SHRP Implementation headed by Bob Templeton of TxDOT has initiated a concept that promises to become a new wave in Technology implementation in coming years. The concept of Lead State translates into creating a network among agencies so that states with experience in a given technology area can share their experience and expertise with those who want to implement the new technology. This transfer of knowledge from lead states to new users will shorten the learning periods and will eliminate costly duplication of efforts.
The AASHTO task force has identified eight high pay off technology areas to start this concept. These technology areas are:
- Superpave,
- High Performance Concrete,
- Anti-Icing/Roadway Weather Information Stations,
- Innovative Pavement Maintenance Materials,
- Preventive Maintenance,
- Assessment of Physical Condition of Bridge Components,
- Alkali Silica Reactivity, and
- Removal, Repair, Protection and Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Structures.
The Superpave Lead State Team (SLST) currently consists of Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Texas and Utah. Several FHWA and industry representatives are also represented on the Team.
This Team met on September 18-19, 1996 in St. Louis, Missouri during the AASHTO Conference of Lead States for Implementation of SHRP Technologies. The Team has developed a
Mission Statement
and has identified six main Goals that must be met in order to fulfill the Mission.
The SLST members have agreed to team up with the Regional Superpave Centers to make sure our goals are met efficiently without duplication of efforts. The Team's Strategies and Action Plans for meeting the goals will evolve over the next months. But the possibilities for accomplishing the mission which really boils down to smooth transition into the Superpave System are unlimited. All the Team members are committed to share their expertise with those who will ask for it. The Team has collective access to many resources such as the Regional Superpave Centers and many industry and FHWA technical experts which can support their activities.
The Team contacts are:
- Jim Musselman, FL
352/337-3150
- Rick Smutzer, IN
317/232-5280
- Larry Michael, MD
301/678-6134
- Paul Mack, NY
518/457-4445
- Maghsoud Tahmoressi, TX
512/232-1903
- Cameron Peterson, UT
801/965-4296
You may call any contact person with any ideas or questions you may have.
The Lead States will assist in the uniform implementation of the Superpave System (Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements) by documenting and sharing experiences furthering development, and providing guidance related to the practical application of the technology.
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