$200,000 FY 1999
$200,000 FY 2000
$200,000 FY 2001
$250,000 FY 2002

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 authorized funds to promote the implementation of the most significant products of the Strategic Highway Research Program, including the Superpave performance-based design method for hot mix asphalt. In response, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) undertook an aggressive program of technology deployment to encourage evaluation and adoption of the Superpave method among the state departments of transportation (DOTs). The DOTs also invested substantial state funds to implement the Superpave method among their own staffs and introduce it to their highway construction contractors and materials suppliers.

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century enacted in June 1998 reduced the funds available to FHWA for Superpave implementation activities. This critical situation prompted the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to support the continuation of the program and any necessary related research by funding specific activities through NCHRP.

Further, AASHTO requested the Transportation Research Board (TRB) to create the TRB Superpave Committee to advise on the planning and conduct of the Superpave implementation program and to provide coordination among the responsible parties. The TRB Superpave Committee advised AASHTO and FHWA on the planning and conduct of continuing efforts to implement the test methods, specifications, procedures, and other aspects of the Superpave performance-based design method for hot mix asphalt. The objective of NCHRP Project 9-21 was to provide continuing support of this committee and the expert task groups established to assist it in specific technical areas.

The TRB Superpave Committee and its expert task groups met extensively from 1999 through early 2005 to bring the Superpave implementation program to a successful conclusion. Copies of the committee letter reports may be requested from Mr. Neil Hawks, Director, TRB Division E, Special Programs, at 202/334-1430 or viewed on the Internet at https://www.trb.org/Studies/Programs/Superpave.asp.