INTRODUCTION AND SEMINAR OBJECTIVES

Moisture sensitivity in asphalt pavements is a national issue. This was demonstrated through a recent survey of state highway agencies throughout the United States. This national seminar is designed to address moisture-related distress in asphalt pavements through a series of focused papers followed by working breakout sessions. An introduction to the issues and the national seminar is given in this paper. The following items are covered: the extent of the problem, the purpose and scope of the national seminar; definition of moisture sensitivity in asphalt pavements; identification of moisture sensitivity problems; causes of moisture sensitivity problems; potential solutions to the problems; and expected deliverables for the seminar. In this paper, the stage is set for what is to occur over the ensuing two and a half days.