The meetings began Monday evening, May 18, with a joint dinner, providing Board members from each association an opportunity to reconnect, network, and share updates.
On Tuesday morning, the ARRA Board convened to conduct association business. Key topics included planning for ARRA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the upcoming Pavement Recycling Summit, ongoing sustainability initiatives, and progress across various committees.
Following the ARRA meeting, members from all three associations joined Dr. Braham, Dr. Vaddy, and several University of Arkansas graduate students for a series of research presentations. Each student shared insights into their current work, covering a range of topics, including:
- Performance of asphalt balanced mix design
- Application of traditional / non-traditional materials using 3D spray technology
- Production / characterization / field implementation of bio-modified asphalt emulsions
- Full Depth Reclamation (FDR)
- Performance-based frameworks for evaluating surface treatements on semi-bound layers
- Geo-Engineered Materials Solutions (GEMS)
- Performance of Composite Pavement System: FDR (+) Sealants as Surface Treatments
- Asphalt emulsion manufacturing
After the presentations, Board members engaged directly with the graduate students, discussing the research in greater detail and exchanging ideas. This interaction provided a valuable opportunity for both students and industry leaders to connect and collaborate.
The group then toured the University of Arkansas laboratory facilities, led by Dr. Braham and Dr. Vaddy. During the tour, graduate students prepared a live demonstration of the TREAT Program. Although weather conditions were not ideal, attendees appreciated seeing the program in action and learning more about the innovative work being done to train and promote pavement preservation treatments.
The day concluded with a dinner that continued the strong networking and relationship-building among Board members, faculty, and students.
On Wednesday morning, the AEMA Board held its meeting, focusing on sustainability initiatives, updates to the AEMA Training Program, and reports from various committees.
Later that afternoon, the ISSA Board convened to review the proposed 2027 Slurry Systems Workshop schedule (more details to come), along with updates on marketing initiatives and sustainability efforts.
AEMA, ARRA, and ISSA extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Braham, Dr. Vaddy, the University of Arkansas, and the graduate students for their hospitality and for providing an engaging and informative experience.
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