Dale s. decker, llc.

Quality Control

Field Management of HMA Volumetric Properties

 

Hot Mix Asphalt properties from lab-produced and plant-produced materials can vary significantly.  This course provides guidance on what the causes for the differences are and how to align plant production and the Job Mix Formula.  Included is a discussion of volumetric control of mixtures.  Course length can be 1 to 2 hours.

 

HMA Materials, Characteristics and Control  

 

This course, based on the FHWA NHI course, provides in-depth training on design and control of asphalt materials.  An overview of binders and aggregates, understanding of volumetric control of mixes, what to do if specifications are not met, and understanding variability of production processes are topics that are covered.  The level of detail can be adapted to the audience.  The complete course is best delivered in a one and a half day format.

 

Quality Control for HMA Operations

 

This course focuses on the development of quality control systems for the Hot Mix Asphalt producer.  Management commitment, personnel requirements, sampling and testing issues and processes for using test data in decision making are discussed.  Course length is 1 to 2 hours.

 

Understanding Variability in Pavement Construction

 

Many agencies are moving towards statistically-based specifications for acceptance of Hot Mix Asphalt materials.  Contractor personnel do not need to be theoretically trained statisticians, but they do need to understand the basic statistical concepts and the effect that the statistical measures will have on the acceptance (and therefore pay) for the product that they produced.  The objective of this program is to outline fundamental concepts of variability in an easily understood manner.  This topic can be covered in 1 hour.

 

Troubleshooting HMA Problems

 

This session provides tools for evaluating pavement problems and developing solutions to the issues.  Issues such as mat blemishes, longitudinal joint construction and segregation are included in the discussion.  This session can be from 1 to 2 hours.

 

Training Programs can also be developed on specific topics of interest to the participants.