NCAT to Host AMPT Training
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Institute (NHI) are planning to launch the National Training Course for the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) at NCAT this fall, after conducting a pilot course last May. The goal of the course is to introduce the AMPT equipment and associated test and analysis procedures into accepted engineering practice.
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An NCAT engineer leads an NHI AMPT Training Course. |
Participants will receive hands-on training in using the AMPT to perform dynamic modulus and flow number testing of asphalt concrete. The results of these standard tests may be used to distinguish among materials and mixtures and, further, these properties can be directly input into the AASHTO Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The course will also provide training in various analyses that can be performed using data obtained from the AMPT, and it includes lectures on the background of these tests. Ultimately, the course is intended to help move AMPT technology from the research stage to standard practice and routine use, as specified by the highway agencies, industry and contractors.
This national, coordinated workshop was developed through funding from FHWA and Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) study, TPF5-178, titled "Implementation of the AMPT for Superpave Validation." More than 21 state highway agencies and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, Canada are participating in this study. The pooled-fund study provides participants with the AMPT system, funding for two participants to attend the training course and participation in studies to properly implement the equipment. Pooled-fund participants will have priority in attending the first offerings of the AMPT training course. More information on the pooled fund study can be found at www.pooledfund.org/projectdetails.asp?id=405&status=4.
The FHWA is currently consulting with pooled-fund participants to determine a course schedule. For more information about the AMPT course, please visit www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/Home.aspx.