Research

HRC Center

The Highway Research Center (HRC) was established at Auburn University in 1985. The mission of the HRC is to support Alabama’s highway industry through a coordinated research program. Research activities are coordinated with the Alabama Department of Transportation, regional and national research programs (NCHRP, FHWA, AASHTO), county and municipal agencies, material suppliers, and contractors.

The HRC’s funds are used to develop and sustain research programs that improve highway transportation for the citizens of Alabama and to enhance the education of Auburn University students. Many of HRC’s projects involve workshops to the industry which contributes to the university’s outreach mission. HRC staff is also responsible for arranging the technical program for the annual Alabama Transportation Conference that is attended by around 1,000 individuals annually.


The Highway Research Center performs research to improve the safety, user-friendliness, sustainability, longevity, and return on investment of our highway infrastructure.

The Highway Research Center conducts research in civil engineering sub-disciplines required for highway design, construction maintenance, and operation. These sub-disciplines include:

  • Construction
  • Environmental
  • Geotechnical
  • Hydraulics and Hydrology
  • Pavements and Materials
  • Structures
  • Transportation