What role does the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) play in asphalt standards?

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is instrumental in establishing standards and specifications that govern the materials and construction practices used in highway projects across the United States. This includes the development of guidelines for asphalt, ensuring that it meets certain quality and performance criteria necessary for safe and durable road surfaces. By creating these standards, AASHTO helps ensure consistency and reliability in the materials used in highway construction, which is crucial for maintaining infrastructure integrity and safety.

Other roles such as providing funding for research, regulating prices, or managing production facilities are not part of AASHTO's core responsibilities. Their focus is primarily on the technical aspects of transportation infrastructure, which include the standards that cover a wide range of materials, including asphalt.