The use of the right pavement treatment at the right time on the right road can improve the condition level and extend the service life of a pavement structure. When properly applied or constructed, they optimize performance of the pavement. By monitoring the timing, placement, and performance of PM treatments through applied research, the optimal timing for placement can be determined and performance grading specifications developed, improving overall pavement performance.
Building on the successes of phases 1 and 2, this pooled-fund study will support state highway agencies (SHAs) and other Local Public Agencies (LPAs) by improving the application and quality of PM treatments on their pavements under live traffic conditions. The study will also provide guidance and funding to SHAs and LPAs in an effort to standardize or harmonize treatment strategies, address implementation efforts, and develop best construction practices utilizing their existing specifications or available AASHTO standards. For the study to be valuable, documentation of pretreatment pavement condition is critical along with monitoring of post treatment performance. The study will use established and proven data collection procedures such as those from the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program to monitor the PM treatments. This data will be available to the public through an online system (e.g. LTPP InfoPave™ web portal).
Participating states are currently nominating projects for inclusion in the study. The technical team is ready to assist with project selection and specification development.
The Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) last met on October 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This meeting included a tour of the MnROAD facility and field visit to CSAH 8.
The next in-person TAP meeting will be held in Auburn, Alabama on May 13, 2027 This will be in conjunction with the NCAT End of Cycle Conference (May 11-13).
Link to pooled fund project information, including quarterly status reports:
https://pooledfund.org/Details/Study/754
Link to NCAT dashboard:
https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/testtrack/preservation/observed-performance.html
