COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) convened a forum in 1994 to establish a research and technology agenda to meet the needs of the hot mix asphalt (HMA) industry in the 21st Century. NAPA determined that the purpose of research and technology activities should be to improve the quality and performance of HMA products. This brief article describes the outcome of NAPA's forum, including the establishment of the Committee for Asphalt Research and Technology (CART). The CART developed a list of strategic areas of concern, including: laboratory accelerated pavement performance testing; HMA mixtures for the Year 2000; updated recycling technology; methods and equipment to improve construction practices; user delay costs; smoothness and pay adjustment factors; and high friction surface course mixtures. The CART agenda clearly outlines the need for strong partnerships with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Federal Highway Administration.