PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Jan. 22, 2026) – Prairie View A&M University is contributing to research that aims to improve the safety, durability, and sustainability of Texas roadways, work that affects millions of drivers across the state. Through two statewide studies in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, PVAMU researchers are helping shape practical solutions for how roads are built, maintained, and repaired.
Kai-Wei Liu, PhD
Led by Texas A&M University, the two projects have received more than $1.2 million in combined funding from TxDOT. PVAMU serves as a co-principal investigator on both efforts under the direction of Dr. Kai-Wei Liu, a lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, with more than $50,000 supporting the University’s participation.
Although the research is technical, its purpose is straightforward: to help Texas build roads that last longer, perform better, and make more efficient use of public resources. Together, the studies focus on challenges many drivers encounter: construction detours that deteriorate quickly and road surfaces that require frequent maintenance, and apply research-based solutions to address them.
One study examines temporary pavements and detours commonly used during roadway construction. These short-term road surfaces are essential for keeping traffic moving while permanent improvements are underway, but they often experience early wear or failure, leading to safety concerns, delays, and added costs.
Researchers are evaluating how temporary pavements are currently designed and constructed by studying real-world roadway conditions and common construction practices. The goal is to establish clearer best practices that improve durability and performance. Findings from the study are expected to help TxDOT refine its pavement design guidance and field-testing procedures, providing engineers and inspectors with stronger tools to support safer and more efficient construction projects statewide.
The second study focuses on roadway maintenance and sustainability by investigating the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). RAP consists of material removed from existing roads during rehabilitation projects and has the potential to be reused in seal coats, a common pavement maintenance treatment across Texas.
Reusing RAP may reduce costs, improve resistance to moisture, and extend the life of road surfaces. Because these materials are readily available from ongoing roadway projects, their use also supports more sustainable maintenance practices by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Texas’ climate and frequent application of multiple seal coat layers present unique challenges, making careful testing essential. As part of the study, researchers are developing testing methods, material selection guidelines, and quality control procedures tailored to Texas road conditions. The findings are intended to provide TxDOT with reliable, research-backed guidance for safely incorporating RAP into statewide maintenance practices.
Together, these projects demonstrate how university research translates into real-world impact. Rather than remaining within academic settings, the results are designed to inform statewide transportation standards and day-to-day decision-making.
PVAMU’s involvement reflects the University’s commitment to applied research that benefits communities across Texas. By contributing expertise to large-scale transportation studies, PVAMU is helping support a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable transportation system for drivers today and in the future.
A modified version of this story was originally posted at pvamu.edu/research.
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