We talk with leading educators and researchers to learn more about the people and topics of asphalt technology.

Dr. Amy Epps Martin, Ph.D., P.E., FASCE is a professor at Texas A&M University’s Zachry Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and a Research Engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.

By Dave Johnson, P.E.

Through the course of conducting my duties for the Asphalt Institute, I have increasingly noticed the use of centerline rumble strips when traveling. I could not help but wonder what, if any, negative effect they might be having on pavement deterioration.

My concern stemmed from the fact that the final longitudinal joint on many rural two-way roadways is at their centerline. So, milling a rumble strip into what is also commonly the most problematic location of a pavement raised concerns for me.