Asphalt Laboratories
Overview
The Asphalt Laboratories have been established to support the research programs dealing with asphalt pavements and materials. This complex consists of a Binder Laboratory; a Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory; and a Simulation, Imaging, and Mechanics of Asphalt Pavements (SIMAP) Laboratory. These laboratories, which all work closely together, are described in detail below.
Manager: Thomas Harmon (tom.harman@fhwa.dot.gov)
The purpose of the Binder Laboratory is to conduct Superpave performance-based binder specification testing; to develop better equipment and methods for testing binders; and to carry out advanced rheological research on asphalts, modified asphalts, and mastics. The laboratory provides support for several activities — including Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) experiments, Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) projects, and chemically modified crumb rubber asphalt
(CMCRA) research — and for the Superpave binder expert task group.
The Bituminous Mixtures
Laboratory specializes in the research of asphalt pavement mixtures.
The facility supports FHWA's efforts to develop, evaluate, and improve
materials; mixture design technology; and performance-based tests
for asphalt paving mixtures. The extensive resources and innovative
technology of the laboratory are used to assist FHWA field offices,
State highway agencies, and other members of the pavement community
in the design of asphalt mixtures, evaluation of in-service asphalt
pavement performance, and implementation of new technology. The laboratory's
activities are aimed at extending the life and improving the performance
of asphalt pavement, reducing vehicle wear and tear, and shortening
construction delays.
Simulation, Imaging, and Mechanics of Asphalt Pavements
(SIMAP) Laboratory
The primary goal of the SIMAP Laboratory is to provide experimental data and theoretical models to increase understanding of the scientific principles necessary to design and construct asphalt pavements with desirable properties and long service lives. These scientific principles are explored using diverse cutting-edge technologies, including two- and three-dimensional imaging and analysis, photoelastic techniques, micro-mechanics, and computer simulations.
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