Due to the high cost and lengthy time associated with conducting the SPT, it is often the case that pavement
project stakeholders opt not to conduct the test for QA/QC. Instead, the QA/QC process is based on volumetric
properties such as air void content and binder content. The shortcoming of such method is that volumetric properties
are not always reliable indicators of the asphalt concrete’s long-term performance. This is also the case for the use of
one |E*| value at a specific temperature and frequency combination. For reliable QA/QC and proper total quality
management (TQM), the culture of the pavement industry should shift towards performance-based specifications.
This is achieved through the use of SPT results with accurate performance prediction models and tools in order to
predict level of distresses of the pavement throughout its service life. However, a benefit/cost analysis of QA/QC
methods and specifications helps determine the optimal option for the project at hand depending on its type and
scale.