The University of Illinois is collaborating with researchers and staff from Koch Materials Company to vigorously expand fundamental knowledge of damage mechanisms in reflective crack control systems. The industry-academia partners are addressing the aforementioned problem through an advanced laboratory testing program, development of new models, and through detailed field investigations. A key aspect of the project is the integration of testing, modeling, and field performance. A cohesive-zone fracture model has been developed and incorporated into the commercially available finite element software program ABAQUS. Simulation of mode I and mixed-model crack propagation in laboratory specimens have been successfully performed through a comprehensive series of verification and validation trials. These calibrated models are current being calibrated and validated against field reflective cracking data. Once the mechanisms of reflective cracking are more thoroughly understood, it is hoped that the new fracture tests and models will allow researchers to more effectively combat reflective cracking in asphalt overlays using a mechanics-based design approach.