The construction and maintenance of a reliable and sustainable transportation infrastructure (that is economically viable, minimizes the impact on the environment, and operates fairly) is a priority for all transportation agencies. Because of its importance and past and ongoing investment, highway construction, maintenance, and operation is one of the most important areas of infrastructure where sustainability must be achieved. Therefore, a broadly stated sustainability framework for research, which includes a full understanding of sustainable pavement assets, has the possibility of delivering real benefits. A concerted and collaborative effort between state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) can maximize those benefits. For this reason, this proposed consortium is intended to bring DOTs together to share ideas, experiences, and to set up a common agenda to encourage the use and development of a sustainability framework for pavements. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has defined that sustainable transportation means providing exceptional mobility and access in a manner that meets development needs without compromising the quality of life of future generations. A sustainable transportation system is safe, healthy, affordable, renewable, operates fairly and limits emissions and the use of new and nonrenewable resources. Although there is no widely accepted definition of a ¿sustainable pavement,¿ it could be inferred that sustainable pavement systems have optimized surface properties, are long lasting and efficiently preserved, minimize life cycle costs, maximize reuse and recycle, are operated fairly and efficiently using sound asset management principles, are constructed, maintained and operated using materials processes and policies that minimize the environmental impact (life-cycle assessment), are multifunctional (e.g., can be used for supporting other secondary functions, such as generating energy or controlling water runoff), and can be adapted to accommodate evolving environmental (e.g., climate change) and traffic demands. Adoption of more sustainable practices allow agencies to save money, reduce their impact on the environment, and provide safer, and provide more efficient mobility and access. The appreciation of the importance of highway sustainability, and of the enormity of the challenges that it brings, continues to develop rapidly. An international workshop held in January 2010 sponsored by the FHWA and National Science Foundation (NSF) brought together the leading researchers in this field to establish a roadmap for research (http://www.vtti.vt.edu/ISPW/ISPW-2010.html). The workshop concluded that `for pavements, business as usual is NOT sustainable; however, focused near-term research can/will provide practical, scientifically-based tools/solutions to effectively guide decision makers and strategic research in identified areas will provide the scientific answers necessary to support the green economy of the future.¿ The agenda presents a series of short, medium, and long term strategies for increasing the sustainability of our pavement materials, systems, and programs. The proposed consortium aims to develop some of the research proposed in the roadmap, with focus on products that will have direct application for the participating agencies. In addition, the proposed consortium will complement the activities being pursued by the FHWA Sustainable Pavements Program This program has established and coordinate a Sustainable Pavements technical Working Group (TWG), develop guidelines, evaluate and assess existing tools, and assist technology transfer and deployment activities pertaining to sustainable pavements. The consortium will support the implementation by the consortium members of the Program recommendations and seek solutions for some of the research questions identified by this Program.

The objective of the proposed pooled-fund project is to establish a research consortium focused on enhancing pavement sustainability. The six-year program will be developed in cooperation with the consortium participants and will include at a minimum answering the following research questions: (1) What emerging materials, construction practices and pavement systems have the most potential for increasing the sustainability of our road infrastructure? The consortium will review emerging sustainable materials, technologies, products, and pavement systems, how to facilitate their adoption; and what testing, approaches, and methods are needed to adopt these technological improvements. (2) What do we need to measure --and how-- to address sustainability in the context of pavement engineering? To start answering this question, it will necessary to identify an appropriate set of metrics that cover all aspects of pavement sustainability and the adaption or development of tools for the assessment of pavement sustainability on a qualitative and quantitative relative scale. (3) How do we integrate sustainability consideration into the pavement management processes? This can be answered by looking at how sustainability considerations will affect all aspect of pavement engineering such as planning, design, construction, maintenance, management, and reclamation. (4) What changes are needed in our pavement engineering practices to adapt to climate changes? The consortium will investigate the effect of climatic change on pavement engineering in the region in terms of design, construction, and maintenance and management. ---------------------------- The pooled-fund project will be led by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) through its research office, the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research (VCTIR).

It is anticipated that the consortium will focus on those projects that are most relevant to its participants (which will be represented by a technical advisory committee -TAC- that will meet annually). Specific products of the research effort will include the following: (i) Identify novel materials, practices, and systems that can be used to provide more sustainable pavement networks, recommend approaches for trying them, and organize and monitor demonstration projects for the most promising emerging sustainable technologies. (ii) Develop a list of best practices and implementation guidelines for sustainable pavement management that are practical and applicable to the participating agencies. (iii) Develop guidelines for integration of these tools into pavement/ asset management business processes (to support project, network, and strategic-level decisions). (iv) Prepare educational materials to support both professional short courses and academic classes. (v) Organize and deliver short courses and workshops to explain the importance of pavement sustainability, and demonstrate available technologies and methods for sustainability assessment. The first activity of the consortium will be a workshop for the participants to discuss research needs, identify and prioritize the potential projects, and develop an overall research plan. This research plan will address the set objectives in collaboration with all the consortium participants. It is anticipated that the details and scope of the objectives will be further defined to reflect the concerns of the consortium participants. The proposed process is as follows: (1) the research team will prepare a list of potential projects and solicit additional problem statements from the TAC; (2) the research team will develop a short description of each potential project and distribute to all consortium members of in advance of the initial consortium meeting; (3) the participants will rate problems via email and those that receive the highest ranking will be discussed during the TAC meeting and a final scope developed; (4) the projects receiving the highest ranking will be included in the research program. Depending of their scope, some of the demonstrations will require the identification of a champion among the consortium members, which will be willing to test the product as part of its construction and/or maintenance program with support of the research team.

This consortium is expected to have participation of at least five members (including VTTI and VDOT). The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, as the host organization, has committed $150,000 seed funding to cover initial setup and operational expenses for the research effort over the first two years. The consortium will be initially set for six years, with the possibility of continuation depending on the needs of the participants. For state and federal agencies it is suggested that each partner make a first year commitment of $25,000 to get the program underway. After the first year contributions will be solicited annually from each partner that wishes to remain in the program depending on their individual needs/interests. Other participants, including local agencies, consultants, and industry partners will be allowed to participate with a contribution according to their role and objectives.