NCAT Hosting AMPT Training

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Institute (NHI) launched the National Training Course for the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) at NCAT last fall, after conducting a pilot course in May 2010. Upcoming course dates include March 22-23 and April 2-5, 2011.

The goal of the course is to introduce the AMPT equipment and associated test and analysis procedures into accepted engineering practice. Participants 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 also provides 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.

AMPTThis 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.” Over 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.

For more information about the AMPT course, please visit http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/Home.aspx.