The Southeastern Superpave Center has been supported by state agencies through a pooled-fund project that has been largely used to provide training, verify ruggedness of equipment, check equipment calibrations, provide materials research, and aid in keeping agency personnel abreast of changes in asphalt technology. In order to continue the efforts in training, technology transfer, and implementable research, it is essential that the pooled-fund effort be continued. NOTE: This pooled-fund project is not limited to states located in the southeast. Agencies throughout the country are invited to participate and take advantage of the research and training opportunities provided by the Southeastern Superpave Center.

Several short-term and long-term objectives of the Southeastern Superpave Center are listed below. Several objectives deal with evaluating recently-developed performance test equipment and conducting research to address materials and tests issues. Objectives of the Center are: 1. Conduct training in regard to Superpave binders, mix design, and performance testing, and provide training on special topics as requested by participating agencies. 2. Perform research, both cooperatively and agency-specific, sponsored by members of the pooled-fund. 3. Perform precision and bias testing for asphalt-related performance test equipment. 4. Conduct noise studies in an effort to develop quieter pavements. 5. Perform forensic evaluations on materials or projects that have experienced premature distress. 6. Prepare and give presentations and reports of research activities at local, state, and national meetings when invited. 7. Prepare research articles of regional and national interest. 8. Support agency personnel who attend regional and national meetings for the purpose of technology transfer or participation in special committees or task force groups. 9. Work in close association with the Southeastern Asphalt User/Producer Group to promote technology transfer from research to implementation.

The following tasks will be performed in order to carry out the objectives of this project. 1. Conduct Superpave mix design and Superpave binder training courses (typically offered at NCAT facilities annually). In addition, specialized training may be conducted on-site at a sponsoring agency¿s facilities. 2. Conduct cooperative research that may cost more than a state is willing to commit to individually. This allows for basic research to be conducted that can answer questions and address needs quickly. 3. Conduct state-specific research that can be done quickly to address problems that have come up prior to, during, or after construction and for which an answer or solution is needed quickly. 4. Perform materials testing that an agency may not be equipped to conduct, or for which independent verification of test results is needed. 5. Conduct equipment calibration and develop precision and bias statements when new laboratory equipment is introduced. 6. Conduct forensic pavement evaluations as needed to determine the root cause of premature failure. 7. Evaluate new products. Through the joint research facilities provided by both the NCAT main laboratory and NCAT Test Track, a regional calibration facility is possible for smoothness, friction, structural modulus, and density testing equipment. 8. Participate with the North-Central Superpave Center located at Perdue University to produce a periodic newsletter that informs participating agencies of recently completed research, the status of on-going research, and meetings and events of interest. 9. Supplement agency travel needs, where internal travel restrictions may make it impossible to participate otherwise, so that agency personnel may participate in special meetings such as AASHTO and ASTM committees that set policy for testing procedures and decide on future research activities and provide technology transfer. 10. Work closely with the Southeastern Asphalt User/Producer Group (SEAUPG). A member of NCAT (currently the Director of the Southeastern Superpave Center) serves on the Board of Directors of SEAUPG and NCAT staff is regularly requested to present research findings at the annual SEAUPG meeting.

It is anticipated that eight states will initially participate in the pooled-fund project developed through this proposal. With an annual contribution of $20,000 for each participating state for the three year period, the total contribution for each state will be $60,000.