Binder Technician Training & Certification Course

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Information for Attendees (hotels, airports, etc.) 

The Binder Technician Training & Certification Course is a 3-1/2 day workshop that provides the attendee with practical classroom sessions and hands-on laboratory testing that will reinforce the experienced technician's skills and develop the knowledge and ability necessary for new technicians as well. The course will provide background information on the development of binder grading systems and test procedures, and present
step-by-step descriptions of test methods used in the Superpave binder system.

The attendee will learn how to analyze test results and determine specification compliance for Superpave Performance Graded (PG) binders. Each attendee will have the opportunity to operate the test equipment while conducting tests on samples they have prepared. Equipment that will be used is the rotational viscometer, dynamic shear rheometer, and bending beam rheometer.

Topics discussed during the course include:

  • Overview and history of binder grading systems
  • The Superpave PG system and LTPP Bind software
  • Superpave Test Procedures such as Rotational Viscosity, DSR, BBR, and PAV aging
  • Conventional test procedures such as softening point, flash point and mass loss
  • Specifications and evaluation of binder data
  • Discussion of other procedures such as Multiple Stress Creep Recovery and Critical Cracking Temperature

Who Should Attend

Engineers and technicians responsible for asphalt testing to assure and certify materials to meet specification requirements. Other technicians, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and materials Engineers who want to improve their knowledge of Superpave binder tests and requirements will also benefit. A background in asphalt testing is helpful, but the course is taught at an introductory level so that even the inexperienced will be able to understand the course materials.

Fees, Refunds, & Deadline

The registration fee of $800 includes a course notebook of presentations and handouts, a copy of the Asphalt Institute SP-1 Manual, the optional certification exam, and all break refreshments. Pre-payment is required, and must be received no later than one 10 days before the start date of the course. A refund, less $100 processing fee, will be granted for cancellations received up to two weeks prior to the start date of the course. No refunds will be granted for cancellations made after that date; however, substitutions will be accepted. Due to the in-depth hands-on laboratory exercises, the course will be limited to 10 students so early registration is recommended. Please register no later than 10 days prior to the start of the course, so we can have enough materials on hand and have nametags created.

The costs for housing, food, and transportation are the responsibility of each participant. NCAT will assist the participant in locating suitable hotel accommodations.

Certification Exam

At the completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to take an optional Certification exam. The Certification exam is a written test that will be given on Thursday morning between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon.

Continuing Education

The course will provide 2.5 CEUs.

Location

This course will be conducted at NCAT's research facility in Auburn Technology Park, 277 Technology Parkway, Auburn, Alabama. Hotel accommodations are close by.

To obtain more information on training
Please call or write:

Stacie Hunter
National Center for Asphalt Technology
277 Technology Parkway
Auburn, AL 36830, USA
Phone: (334) 844-7308
Fax: (334) 844-6248