Testing for Success

Developed at NCAT in 2006, the TWPD rapidly simulates the polishing of a pavement surface by traffic to evaluate the friction characteristics of asphalt pavement mixes.

Did you know the NCAT laboratory offers specialty testing services? NCAT provides innovative and cost-effective testing to both the public and private sector. As an independent and experienced source of assessing materials and methods, we offer unbiased and comprehensive evaluations to keep your project on track. Our laboratory is AASHTO accredited for soil and aggregate testing and offers a wide variety of laboratory evaluations to suit your quality control and product development needs.

NCAT personnel are recognized leaders in pavement materials testing and are active participants in standards development and industry organizations. This multidisciplinary team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians enables us to offer extensive testing and investigation capabilities to characterize materials, determine root causes of problems and evaluate performance.

The NCAT laboratory can perform AASHTO and ASTM tests for consensus aggregate properties, specific gravities, sieve analysis, LA Abrasion, micro-deval, clay lumps and friable particles, magnesium and sodium soundness and durability of aggregates. The laboratory is also equipped with the Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) to provide shape, angularity and surface texture measurements. We collaborate with scientists across the Auburn University campus to provide many other analytical capabilities.  

From polishing and British pendulum testing to texture and friction measurements, assessing the quality and durability of aggregates, friction treatments and pavement coating materials is essential in providing safe roads for the traveling public. NCAT’s Three Wheel Polishing Device (TWPD) applies uniformly controlled conditioning in accordance with the new AASHTO Provisional Standard PP 104 Sample Preparation of Asphalt Mixtures for Dynamic Friction Testing. Along with ASTM E2157 Standard Test Method for Pavement Texture Properties Using the Circular Track Meter and ASTM E1911 Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the Dynamic Friction Tester, NCAT engineers can assess the relative friction performance of any pavement surface. NCAT has provided polishing and testing on high friction surface aggregates for contractors and agencies in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Michigan and Washington.

Our services also extend beyond our laboratories; it is common for NCAT staff to take our expertise to the field and conduct specialized testing on-site after a material has been placed in the field.

Soils play an important role in the ultimate success of a paving project. We perform tests to analyze and classify soils using the most current industry standards and specifications to help determine if the materials for your project are being used to their full potential. Some common examples include: Atterberg Limits, proctor density, specific gravity and particle distribution.

No matter the size of the need, NCAT will help your project move forward. With our highly trained materials engineers and technicians, NCAT delivers the results you can trust.

For more information about this article, please contact Jason Moore.