Mission Statement

To be a world leader and authority in hot mix asphalt research, development, technology, and education in the areas of:

• Structural Design
• Construction Methods
• Materials and Testing
• Performance Measurement and Prediction
• Pavement Preservation, Rehabilitation, Recycling, and Maintenance
• Environment and Highway Safety

History

The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) was created in 1986 through an agreement between the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Research and Education Foundation and Auburn University. The visionary leadership of dozens of individuals, in conjunction with companies associated with the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) industry, large and small, brought about this joint venture at a truly appropriate time.

Ninety-six percent of all paved roads and streets in the U.S. - almost two million miles - are surfaced with asphalt. The HMA industry directly employs approximately 300,000 people, and indirectly accounts for an additional 600,000 jobs. On an average, the industry produces and places approximately 500 million tons of hot mix asphalt annually valued at some $20 billion. When combined with state and federal employees associated with the construction and maintenance of asphalt surfaced roads, the HMA industry has a significant impact on the economic vitality of the nation. NCAT was created to ensure the HMA industry meets this challenge and to improve pavements.