The changes in truck configuration and expansion of the highway network resulting
from World War II brought pavement performance to the forefront again. In 1949, the
Council of State Governments held a meeting in Columbus, Ohio. At this meeting,
highway officials decided there was a “need for more factual data concerning the effects
of axle loads of various magnitudes on pavements.” The effort to advance the science of
pavement design was led by the American Association of State Highway Officials
(AASHO, which later became AASHTO). The regional AASHO associations decided
to construct test pavements in each region. The first of these test roads was constructed
by the Southeastern AASHO states. Named Road Test One, two test loops were constructed
in 1950 near La Plata, Maryland, each loop containing two 12-ft-wide (3.7-m)
pavement lanes. All sections constructed were concrete with a pavement thickness of
7 in (178 mm) thickening to 9 in (229 mm) at the edge of the pavement. Each lane of a
loop carried only one loading and axle configuration.