PATHS TO PROGRESS, 2005: NEW AASHTO DESIGN GUIDE ONLY ONE AMONG CURRENT ISSUES AND TRENDS TO FOLLOW

This article presents a broad survey of road engineering innovations in 2005. At the top of the list is a new AASHTO design guide that will make road engineering more flexible to fit individual road circumstances and will incorporate software using climatic data. The article relates that since higher oil prices in 2005 will push up costs, there will be a greater tendency to use new recycled material in road construction. Also, new antifreeze amendments to concrete will lengthen the construction season to year-round for portland cement concrete construction. Self-propelled robotic road traffic barrels should roll out in 2005 for use in slow-moving maintenance operations and active work zones. The article also explores new warm asphalt mixes, precast pavements, seatbelt usage, and a scanning tour of prefab bridges.