Specification Corner
Florida DOT
FDOT is increasing the sampling rate for the binder testing program to three samples/project/binder grade/contract year for modified binders. As well, FDOT is performing APA testing for low air void failures. The APA acceptance criteria is based on the binder grade.
Georgia DOT
GDOT is still in the process of updating specifications with the verbiage for LASA requirements. GDOT is also looking into converting our smoothness requirements from HRI (metric units) to MRI inches per mile.
Ohio DOT
OHDOT is implementing PWL for mat densities in July 2026. The use will mainly be for freeway and interstate systems for now.
Maryland State Highway Administration
Maryland SHA are currently working on introducing the Delta Tc spec at the mix design level. This is in addition to the current blending chart requirements for mixes that have ABR more than 30%. We believe that the AASHTO blending charts are not completely addressing the cracking behavior by assuming the linear blending and all binder from RAP is contributing to the mix.
Asphalt Forum
Florida DOT
FDOT is performing more benchmarking research on performance testing and balanced mix design. The evaluation of mixtures’ crack resistance, correlation between lab performance testing and in-situ performance are prioritized on FDOT’s research needs in the current phase.
Maryland State Highway Administration
What is the current TRL level of implementing biochar or bio-oils into emulsions or asphalt binders as a replacement to portion of asphalt binder in asphalt mix?