Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
When you drive down a smooth highway or walk across a freshly paved sidewalk, you’re experiencing the finished result of how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are applied in the asphalt industry.
Asphalt paving is more than just laying down blacktop — it’s a process that involves chemistry, engineering and innovation to design and produce the pavements and highways we use every day. From testing new eco-friendly materials to using advanced machinery that pave mixes with pinpoint accuracy, asphalt paving is a real-world example of how STEM shapes our daily lives. By looking at asphalt through a STEM lens, we can see how these fields work together to build smooth, longer-lasting roads and open new opportunities for future generations. Some may consider the four fields of STEM to be one and the same, so what’s the real difference, you might ask?
Science
Asphalt paving is the result of multiple sciences, which often start with understanding the materials being used. Asphalt pavements are a mixture of aggregates (crushed limestone, natural sand and gravel, etc.), combined with a binder, usually liquid asphalt, that holds everything together. Engineers and other industry experts study how different mixtures respond to heat, traffic loading and weather to create pavements that last longer and perform better across different climate conditions. For example, adding polymers or recycled materials can change the long-term performance of the asphalt, making it more durable in hot climates or more resistant to cracking in cold ones. Science also plays a role in testing: labs use methods like rheology, viscosity measurements, rutting and cracking tests to ensure each mix meets the required standards. Various types of chemistry and materials science make asphalt paving not just about paving roads, but about engineering surfaces designed to withstand time, traffic and the elements.
Technology
As it has in every other component of our lives, technology has become revolutionary in asphalt paving, transforming the labor-heavy process into one driven by precision and efficiency. Today’s paving projects use advanced machinery equipped with GPS, lasers and sensors to guide rollers and pavers with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring smooth surfaces and consistent thickness. With some projects, drones are even used to survey construction sites, providing real-time data that helps crews plan and monitor progress more effectively. In addition, computer modeling and artificial intelligence now allow us to simulate how different asphalt mixes will perform under traffic and weather conditions before they are ever used on the road. Even smart paving systems, which can track temperature and compaction levels in real time, are becoming common, reducing errors and extending pavement life. These advancements in technology have made asphalt paving faster, safer and more reliable.
Engineering
Engineering is at the heart of asphalt paving, turning raw materials and technical knowledge into strong, sustainable roads. Civil engineers design pavements to handle the stresses of heavy traffic, harsh weather and years of service, carefully choosing materials, layer thicknesses and support structures to distribute weight evenly. They also address challenges like drainage, slope and soil conditions to prevent damage such as cracking, potholes or flooding. Engineers work closely with construction teams to turn plans or ideas into reality and can even make adjustments on-site when unexpected issues arise. By combining creativity, problem-solving and practical know-how, engineering ensures that asphalt paving projects result in safe, durable surfaces.
Mathematics
Mathematics is an essential tool in asphalt paving, providing the accuracy needed for every stage of the process. From calculating the exact amount of asphalt mix required to cover a roadway to determining the slope for proper drainage, math ensures projects are both efficient and effective. Geometry and trigonometry are used to measure angles and alignments, while algebra and statistics help predict how pavement will perform under different loads and conditions. Even small details—like the correct temperature range for compaction—depend on numerical calculations. Without math guiding measurements, estimates, predictions and asphalt paving would lack the precision needed to produce the roads we drive on every day.
Bringing asphalt science to life
At almost any industry conference, you will often find a technical presentation or two that discusses asphalt research or data using many of the components of STEM mentioned previously and in great detail. For those still reading, you may have read the title of this article and thought this would be an article about G*sin delta, Delta Tc or some other tech-heavy subject. Over the time I have spent in this industry, I’ve noticed that STEM discussions or presentations related to asphalt paving can be quite complex and enough so that many viewers can lose interest in the topic. Ironically enough, my passion for the asphalt industry and my career came from my experience in the technical side. As time has passed, I’ve realized that this is not a common occurrence and have wondered why, or how the concepts of STEM and asphalt paving can be more appealing to listeners, especially in terms of attracting future generations to continue industry efforts.
At an AEMA (Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association) conference, I was fortunate enough to listen to and meet Dr. Andrew Braham from the University of Arkansas, who effectively uses asphalt paving STEM concepts for industry promotion and education.
Braham has found that one of the most popular and effective portions of a conference is the live demonstrations. The majority of participants like to see what is happening and to experience hands-on demos. In order to communicate the STEM concepts during these live demonstrations, the science, technology, engineering and math are woven into discussions and handouts as the demonstrations are occurring. This allows the participants to learn a concept, see a concept and then be reminded of the concept just learned.
This framework was fundamental in the development of the TREAT (Teaching and Researching Emulsified Asphalt Treatments) mobile lab, which demonstrates asphalt emulsion manufacturing, asphalt emulsion being sprayed (i.e., a chip seal), and asphalt emulsion being mixed with fine aggregate (i.e., a slurry seal). Over 15-20 minutes, participants can see the asphalt emulsion break, turning from a brown color to a black color. In addition, cups of asphalt emulsion are passed around, and sand is slowly added to each cup while participants are stirring. This allows participants to see and feel the asphalt emulsion breaking in their hands.
This combination of having discussions and handouts, along with the visual and tactile demonstrations, drives home the STEM learning.
Campbell is the Manager of Asphalt Sustainability and Emulsion Technology for All States Materials Group. He participated in the Asphalt Institute EPIC Leadership Program.
