In this episode, I talk with Dave Henderson, executive vice president of business development at Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI), about innovative pavement preservation strategies that extend road life and cut costs. We also explore how proactive planning and bold innovation drive more sustainable infrastructure for asphalt contractors and public agencies.

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dave Henderson:



How can DOT engineers apply proactive pavement preservation strategies to extend road life while working with limited budgets?

What is the difference between pre-preservation and traditional pavement preservation strategies?

How have technologies like slurry seals and microsurfacing evolved, and what impact are they having on road maintenance today?

In what ways do VRAM and RPE work together to improve pavement durability and cost efficiency using advanced preservation technologies?

Are municipalities across the U.S. struggling to keep up with road maintenance and preservation, and how can innovation help close the gap?

What factors are driving the nationwide adoption of VRAM, and how is it changing practices for asphalt contractors and engineers?

How are organizations like FP2 and resources such as RoadResource.org helping engineers adopt better pavement preservation strategies?

What opportunities do you see for advancing preservation policies and improving infrastructure funding at the national level?

How do you see AI shaping the future of pavement preservation strategies and evaluation programs?

What final piece of advice would you give civil engineers who want to build more sustainable and cost-effective road maintenance infrastructure?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Pavement Preservation Strategies That Extend Road Life:





DOT engineers apply proactive pavement preservation strategies by planning network-wide treatments early, including technologies like VRAM at construction and scheduled chip seals or microsurfacing.

Pre-preservation happens during construction to prevent future problems, similar to installing durable siding on a home. Traditional pavement preservation strategies occur later in the pavement life cycle as a response to deterioration.

Slurry seals and microsurfacing have become versatile tools within a larger pavement preservation toolbox. They combine asphalt cement for waterproofing and aggregates for structure and friction, keeping roads durable and traffic-ready.

VRAM seals and strengthens pavement joints from the bottom up, while RPE penetrates from the surface to protect from above. Used together, these preservation technologies block water intrusion, reinforce weak points, and extend road life at a lower long-term cost.

Many municipalities struggle to maintain road maintenance schedules, as reflected in low infrastructure grades nationwide. Innovative technologies close this gap by preventing damage early and lowering future repair costs.

Nationwide adoption grows because VRAM consistently delivers results, is simple for asphalt contractors to use, and is supported by transparent specifications. Engineers willing to innovate are accelerating industry change and proving its value in the field.

FP2 and RoadResource.org spread awareness and provide reliable case studies that help engineers evaluate new pavement preservation strategies with confidence. These resources also create opportunities for small agencies to test technologies and share results across networks.

Opportunities include stabilizing the Highway Trust Fund and ensuring that all vehicle types contribute fairly to infrastructure funding. Equitable policies paired with engineering judgment can secure long-term sustainability for transportation networks.