Next Generation Asphalt Paving the way for greener highways THe Asphalt Showcase at Iowa State University brought together transportation and thermochemical researchers as well as industry partners and policymakers to investigate the development of biorenewable substitutes for petroleum in the production of asphalt for road surfaces and transportation fuels. A series of presentations by legislators and Iowa State University researchers, as well as laboratory tours, focused on the research, development, and ultimate benefits of the utilization of biobased products in transportation infrastructure. Like much of western society, the U.S. paved highway and road system is heavily dependent on oil. The asphalt industry, in particular, relies on the oil industry to supply the compounds
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needed for asphalt road construction. As oil refiners overhaul equipment to achieve maximum output of highly profitable fossil-based fuels, the asphalt industry is experiencing drastic shortages. Where 40 percent of a barrel of oil was formerly designated for asphalt material production, the newer systems allocate only 10 percent for asphalt materials. The resulting shortage of asphalt materials has sent shock waves through federal, state, county, and municipal road departments. Because