Keynote Address Achievements and Challenges in Asphalt Pavement Engineering

This series of international conferences has facilitated the development of mechanistic methods for the design and structural evaluation of asphalt pavements over the past 35 years. While the record is one of real achievement, stimulated by initiatives such as the U.S. Strategic Highway Research Program, there are still problems to solve and challenges to face including that of implementing the results of research. The major achievements are outlined and the latest developments discussed. These include more realistic theoretical modelling and the availability of higher quality data from modem testing facilities both in the laboratory and in the field. The need to incorporate the principles of soil mechanics more effectively in the design and evaluation of pavement foundations is identified. The continued extensive use of the CBR concept is questioned and the need for application of more relevant parameters is encouraged. Several other procedures which have long been used are critically reviewed and attention is drawn to innovative ideas including new concepts for modelling asphaltic materials. The theme of “Paving-the-Gap” between research and practice is considered and examples given of success. The importance of structural evaluation is emphasised and the need to develop faster, more convenient data gathering facilities is considered. The concept of “Smart Roads” incorporating appropriate low cost instrumentation could help in this context.