Arizona Department of Transportation engineers are working to develop more durable road materials that can withstand the state's diverse climate conditions.

In ADOT's materials testing laboratory, engineers are conducting experiments on different asphalt blends to determine how they stand up to pressure and heat across Arizona's 75,000 miles of roadway.

"It is a working lab," said Jesus Sandoval-Gil, ADOT materials lab engineer.

The lab recently acquired new equipment that simulates the impact of semi-trucks on road surfaces. A wheel passes over asphalt samples thousands of times, allowing engineers to evaluate durability without waiting for real-world wear and tear.

However, one blend of asphalt may not be the best blend to use all across Arizona.

"Those are the challenges, especiall

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