SECTION 9

Summary and Options That May Enhance Adoption

The evaluation found that the development of the ABQT advanced multiple FHWA strategic objectives and therefore strongly aligns with FHWA’s strategy. Table 9-1 shows an assessment of how FHWA research and technical support with the development of the ABQT aligns with the strategic objectives from the FHWA Strategic Plan, fiscal year 2019–2022 (FHWA, 2018). Although the size and scope of the ABQT project are modest compared with many other FHWA-funded initiatives, it has contributed to all of FHWA’s main strategic objectives.

The ABQT project was identified and scoped jointly by FHWA and LTI while they were jointly researching related laser testing technologies. As such, the ABQT development project was a spinoff of related research funded by FHWA and a collaborative development effort by the principals from this work. It was an opportune joint research venture that required FHWA leadership but a modest FHWA investment. Many scientific and research advances are produced in such a manner, and these spontaneous public- and private-sector collaborations reflect the opportunities and entrepreneurial nature of innovation in general.

The potential net benefits of all state DOTs using the ABQT as a screening tool are close to $8 million per year or an average of about $150,000 for an individual state. Adoption by at least some of the larger states seems feasible. Moving forward, FHWA might consider several activities to promote and increase the adoption of the ABQT device. These activities would be primarily related to technology transfer and information dissemination and would not require significant additional investments by FHWA. Only minor technical enhancements/changes would need to be considered for the device itself. To promote and increase the adoption of the ABQT, the following activities could be considered:

• Expanded access to demonstrating the device would likely be the most effective approach for increasing adoption. Access can be expanded by loaning additional units to state DOTs; implementing a low-cost leasing program; or simply providing units to the larger, more innovative states at reduced or no cost.
• Engaging in the AASHTO certification process would increase the ABQT’s visibility and credibility. Members of key AASHTO subgroups represent almost all 50 states, as well as private-sector companies within the asphalt supply chain. The AASHTO certification process would provide an excellent networking and communication opportunity. Additionally, the AASHTO certification process could help mitigate the uncertainty associated with the device so that users would have a better understanding of the results it provides.
• Organizing a round robin testing program would also help increase visibility and credibility. Participants would gain firsthand knowledge of and experience with the ABQT, which would help convince their management to approve its purchase and use as a screening tool.
• Addressing industry concerns regarding the ABQT’s capability to test aging requirements of binder samples for the device to achieve the full PG could be accomplished by disseminating

Table 9-1. The ABQT’s alignment with FHWA strategic objectives.

technical reports showing that the ABQT properly identifies PGs for binder samples without aging tests.

• Investigating options that would reduce not only the up-front cost of the device but also lower the level of effort and risk of adoption would help promote uptake. State DOTs have few resources (labor and capital) to invest in modifying their processes. Whereas the potential benefits of the ABQT are not negligible, they may not be viewed as significant enough to warrant investigation. A joint pilot demonstration project between FHWA and one of the larger state DOTs could document the process and benefits, which would lower risk and provide a roadmap for DOT implementation as described in this evaluation report.