Understanding the Emulsion Task Force (ETF): Advancing Emulsion Technology for Pavement Preservation

If you work in pavement preservation, you’ve likely encountered asphalt emulsions—but have you heard of the Emulsion Task Force (ETF)? 

Started under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), now operating under American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the ETF was created to address a critical industry challenge: the lack of national standards for emulsion technology and treatments in the AASHTO/ASTM format. Without standardized specifications, local and state agencies face barriers to adopting these innovative solutions.  

The ETF’s mission is to advance emulsion technology and equip agencies with the resources they need to integrate emulsions into their pavement preservation programs. 

Key Goals of the ETF: 

• Develop AASHTO standards, Quality Assurance guidelines and research problem statements for emulsion-based treatments. 

• Advance emulsion binder specifications to improve consistency and performance. 

Quick Facts About the ETF: 

• 100% Volunteer-Run 

• Composed of representatives from academia, industry, industry organizations and state & local agencies 

• Operates under the Transportation System Preservation-Technical Services Program (TSP2) of AASHTO, which serves as a liaison between state DOTs and the federal government 

What is an Asphalt Emulsion? 

Emulsions play a crucial role in many pavement preservation treatments, but what exactly are they? 

An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible (unmixable) liquids—such as oil and water—where one liquid is dispersed into the other in tiny droplets. In the case of asphalt emulsions, asphalt is dispersed in water and stabilized by an emulsifying agent. This allows the mixture to remain uniformly distributed and usable at lower temperatures. 

Why Use Emulsions in Pavement Treatments? 

Asphalt emulsions provide significant advantages in road construction and preservation: 

• Lower application temperatures reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. 

• Improved safety by minimizing exposure to high-temperature materials. 

• Versatile application options, making them ideal for a range of treatments. 

Common applications of emulsified asphalt include: 

• Tack Coat 
• Chip Seal
• Slurry Seal & Micro Surfacing
• Fog Seal
• Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) 
• Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR)

ETF Resources for Pavement Preservation 

To support agencies, contractors and industry professionals, the ETF has developed a suite of resources that promote best practices and standardization in emulsion-based treatments. 

1. Best Practice Guides 

These guides provide in-depth technical knowledge to ensure treatments achieve their intended service life and performance goals: 

• Chip Seal Best Practices 

• Fog Seal Best Practices 

• Recycling Best Practices 

• Slurry Surfacing Systems Best Practices 

2. Specifications & Construction Guides 

Standardization is key to improving adoption and performance. The ETF is working to align the industry on specifications and terminology, compiling the latest specification drafts to help agencies and contractors implement best practices. 

3. Pavement Preservation Checklists 

Developed to assist state and local agencies, these checklists serve as step-by-step guides for implementing innovative pavement preservation techniques effectively. 

Why the ETF Matters 

No matter your role in the pavement preservation industry, the work of the ETF benefits us all. 

• If you are an agency, these resources help you incorporate emulsions into your preservation strategy with confidence. 

• If you are a contractor, they provide guidance to enhance service quality and longevity. 

• If you are an industry professional, they offer clarity on evolving emulsion specifications and best practices. 

The ETF’s efforts are shaping the future of emulsion technology by fostering collaboration, advancing standards and promoting sustainable pavement solutions. Take advantage of these resources and be part of the movement toward smarter, longer-lasting roads.