Engineered Roads: Connecting 250 Years of American Growth

The 23rd Arizona Pavements and Materials Conference will be held at the Memorial Union at the Arizona State University Campus on Dec 8-10, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona.

Engineered Roads: Connecting 250 Years of American Growth

Join us for the 23rd annual Arizona Pavements and Materials Conference, a premier event bringing together professionals from across the transportation infrastructure sector. Hosted by Arizona State University, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and local industry partners, this conference offers a comprehensive program designed to advance the science and practice of pavement engineering.

Whether you’re a practitioner, researcher, or policymaker, this conference provides a platform to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on solutions to enhance the sustainability and performance of our transportation systems.

This three-day conference will be held at Arizona State University, Tempe Campus (301 E. Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281) on December 8-10, 2026, in the Memorial Union (MU).  The MU serves as the central meeting and conference center for the ASU community. 

Speaker presentations will be in the Ventana Ballroom and Turquoise Room with Exhibitors, Luncheons, Refreshment Breaks, Welcome Reception and Best in Arizona Pavement Awards in the Arizona Ballroom.

Conference Highlights

Workshops & Technical Sessions: Engage in hands-on workshops and technical sessions covering topics such as innovations in asphalt materials and pavement preservation,  and balanced mixture design.​

Innovative Research & Exhibits: Explore cutting-edge research, student posters, and demonstrations of field equipment at the Pavement Laboratory Open House.​

Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, industry experts, and policymakers during networking breaks, luncheons, and the Best in Arizona Pavement Awards Reception.​

Keynote Speakers: Hear from local and national leaders, including representatives from ASU, FHWA, ADOT, and the Arizona Transportation Institute, who will share insights on current challenges and future directions in pavement engineering.​

Featured Topics

Asphalt and Pavement Preservation:
Explore how state and local agencies prioritize pavement preservation, including performance targets, budget constraints, PMS-driven decisions, and treatment selection philosophies. Learn why timing, delivery challenges, and public expectations shape successful programs.

Transportation History and Legacy Infrastructure:
Step into 250 years of roadway development, from the first federally funded highways and early concrete pavements to the upcoming Route 66 Centennial. Understand how historical practices influence today’s design standards and infrastructure planning.

Asphalt Mix Design Evolution:
Dive into the progression of asphalt concrete mix design methods, including N-design and WesTrack insights. Hear expert perspectives on how materials, testing, and performance expectations have evolved over time.

Concrete Materials and Performance Innovations:
Gain insights into modern concrete practices, including supplementary cementitious materials, petrography, sealants, patching techniques, and polyester concrete applications aimed at durability and long-term performance.

Recycling and Sustainable Pavement Practices:
Discover best practices in asphalt recycling, including RAP utilization, rejuvenation technologies, and in-place recycling methods. Learn how suppliers and agencies are advancing sustainable material reuse.

Geotechnical Engineering and Subsurface Challenges:
Examine key geotechnical considerations impacting roadway performance, including soil behavior, foundation challenges, and emerging engineering solutions for infrastructure stability.

Low Volume Roads and Federal Program Delivery:
Understand the unique challenges and solutions for low-volume roads, including nationwide services for federal, military, tribal, and municipal projects.

Safety and Infrastructure Performance:
Explore safety considerations in roadway design and maintenance, with a focus on improving system performance and reducing risk across diverse transportation networks.

Innovation, Research and Workforce Development:
Engage with student research, emerging technologies, and field demonstrations highlighting the next generation of pavement engineering and workforce development.

Questions about the event?
Contact Dr. Ramadan Salim at [email protected]
Contact Zeynep Elabiad at [email protected]