The Asphalt Materials Section performs routine and special testing in support of Districts and ODOT project contract administration, supplier certification, material investigations, and implementation of new specifications and technology.
This section supports ODOT in testing and production and works with material suppliers and contractors in specification development and material evaluation. Also, in conjunction with the hot mix industry, the section works to further the expectation of quality paving through specification development and evaluation of contractor procedures.
The section is divided into two distinct roles. One area conducts testing and administers the asphalt binders program for ODOT. These binders are used in hot mix paving, joint sealing and various other applications of asphalt products in roadway construction. The other area within the asphalt section conducts testing and administers the approval of asphalt mixtures for a variety of specifications, and assists districts in pavement failure forensics and pavement applications.
The Asphalt Materials section is AASHTO accredited and can perform all of the basic standard AASHTO and ASTM tests relating to asphalt mixes and asphalt binders. The section also conducts a variety of specialized tests including gyratory compaction, loaded wheel rut and fatigue tests, abson recovery, reflux and moisture damage tests.