Hey NAPA
Surface Science: What Is Asphalt Pavement?
At its most basic level, asphalt pavement is a highly engineered composite material. Think of it as a carefully balanced recipe where every ingredient serves a structural purpose:
95% Aggregates
A typical asphalt pavement is about 95% stone, sand, and gravel—aggregates that provide structural strength to support traffic weight and volume. There are many types and sizes, each with distinct performance properties and a unique structural purpose.
5% Binder
The remaining 5% is asphalt binder (also called asphalt cement or sometimes just asphalt)—a thick, flexible ‘glue’ that waterproofs the road surface and allows it to expand/contract with the weather without cracking.
Why Engineering Matters: Safety & Performance
We don’t just pour asphalt. We engineer it to save lives and tax dollars.
Safety Through Precision
Engineered asphalt is designed for smoothness, which reduces friction (improving fuel efficiency) and provides better tire grip for safer stops in wet weather.
Performance Under Pressure
Engineers design specific mixes based on the local environment. A road in the Arizona heat requires a different mix than a highway in a freezing Minnesota winter. Both climate and traffic volume matter.
Engineering The Process: From Lab to Laydown
Engineering is the thread that connects the entire lifecycle of a road.
Site Analysis
Engineers test the underlying soil to ensure it can support the intended traffic load.
Mix Design
In the lab, engineers determine the exact ratio of stones and binder to achieve durability and sustainability.
Precision Construction
During laydown, engineering ensures the mix is applied at the right temperature and compacted to the perfect density to prevent water from seeping in and causing potholes.
Leading the Way: National Engineering Initiatives
NAPA drives research that keeps the industry at the cutting edge of infrastructure technology, particularly as the United States transitions from volumetric recipes to performance-based balanced mix design (BMD), which can facilitate cost-saving high-RAP mixtures.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
Standardize your product transparency and meet increasingly stringent road-owner requirements with our respected and reliable Emerald Eco-Label software.
ENERGY STAR® Programs
Reduce energy intensity and operational costs at your plant with EPA-backed tools, learn from peers in the Asphalt Plant Energy Performance Peer Exchange (APEX), and learn how and why to certify your mix plant.
The Road Forward
Get to know the industry’s collective vision for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, including industry-wide goals, the latest research and progress reports, and how to join the initiative.
Long-Life, Perpetual Pavement Design
An engineering philosophy where roads are designed so well that only the very top layer ever needs to be replaced, allowing the structural base to last indefinitely.
PAVEXpress Pavement Design Softwae
Powerful, free software that allows engineers and road owners to create cost-effective, high-performance pavement designs based on specific project needs.
Balanced Mix Design (BMD)
The next generation of mix design. BMD focuses on performance testing in the lab to ensure roads are more resistant to common distresses like rutting and cracking. Explore the BMD Design & Testing Guide
Airport Asphalt Pavement Technology Program (AAPTP)
A collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deploy modern paving solutions—from advanced design to technical training—that enhance the reliability and efficiency of America’s airfields (with positive implications for roadway paving, too).
Engineering Resources
We don’t just pour asphalt. We engineer it to save lives and tax dollars.
Research Library
Get dozens of technical research reports on the latest innovations in mix design, sustainability, and pavement performance.
Specialized Workforce Training
Professional development is a strategic investment in your company’s most valuable asset—your people. Use our educational resources to improve operations, enhance safety, and foster long-term loyalty.
Quality in Construction Awards
See engineering excellence in action through our national awards program, recognizing the highest-performing projects in the country.