NCAT Tours & Training - ACAF Members Only

Hosted by David Allain, Technical Director

Join the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida (ACAF) for a visit to the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) in Auburn, Alabama. This exclusive event features state-of-the-art laboratory tours, FDOT research highlights, hands-on demonstrations, and dedicated binder and QC training led by NCAT engineers and staff.

Ticket Options

1. Supporting Sponsor – One Day Ticket

Date: February 24 only
Cost: $750 per attendee

Includes:

• Access to all Day 1 events
  • NCAT Main Laboratory Tour (Performance, Mix Design, Binder, Extraction, Aggregate Labs)
  • NCAT Test Track Tour
  • Catered Lunch
  • Invitation-only Dinner

• Company logo displayed on the ACAF website, event emails, dinner menu, and during training days

Ideal for companies & personnel who want to support the event and participate in NCAT tours without attending the full two-day training.

2. Three-Day Technical Training Ticket

Dates: February 24–26
Cost: $1,250 per attendee

Includes:

• Access to Day 1 events on February 24
  • NCAT Main Laboratory tour (Perfmnce, Mix Design, Binder, Extraction, and Agg Labs)
  • NCAT Test Track tour
  • Catered lunch
  • Invitation-only dinner
• Two full days of technical training led by NCAT engineers and staff
  • Binder fundamentals, PG grading, sampling, troubleshooting, DSR testing, and other hands-on demonstrations
  • QC laboratory training covering aggregates, asphalt mixtures, volumetrics, lab procedures, and practical applications
  • Two additional catered lunches on February 25th and 26th

Designed for QC technicians and managers seeking in-depth, practical skill development.

Detailed training agenda available below.

Event Agenda

Tuesday, February 24 – Day 1 (40+ attendees)

Location: NCAT Main Laboratory

• 8:00–8:15 AM – Check-in

• 8:15–9:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks (David Allain, Dr. Randy West, Dr. Fan Yin, Jason Moore)

• 9:00–10:00 AM – NCAT Overview & FDOT Research Highlights

• 10:00–10:15 AM – Break

• 10:15–12:00 PM – NCAT Main Laboratory Tours

• 12:00–1:00 PM – Catered Lunch on-site

• 1:00–1:30 PM – Travel to NCAT Test Track

• 1:30–2:00 PM – Photo Opportunity & Track History Overview

• 2:00–3:30 PM – NCAT Test Track Tours (Instructor: Jason Nelson)

• 6:00–9:00 PM – Invitation Only Dinner (Location: The Hound)

Wednesday, February 25 – Day 2 (10–20 attendees)

Binder Training

• 8:15–10:00 AM – Binder Fundamentals (Basics, Sampling, Testing)

• 10:00–10:15 AM – Break

• 10:15–12:00 PM – PG Grade Testing (DSR, Viscosity, Reflux)

• 12:00–12:45 PM – Lunch Provided

• 12:45–4:30 PM – Binder Troubleshooting & Lab Demonstration

Thursday, February 26 – Day 3 (10–20 attendees)

QC Laboratory Training

• 8:15–10:00 AM – Asphalt Mixture Fundamentals (Volumetrics, Aggregates)

• 10:00–10:15 AM – Break

• 10:15–12:00 PM – Mixture Testing & Practical Applications

• 12:00–12:45 PM – Lunch Provided

• 12:45–4:30 PM – Volumetrics Workshop (Hands-on Group Exercises)

Why You Are Invited

You are a valued member of ACAF, and this trip is designed for our members first. NCAT is recognized worldwide for its cutting-edge labs, full-scale test track, and expert staff.

Whether you want hands-on technical training or just want to experience the one-day tour, this is the perfect opportunity to see world-leading asphalt research up close.

Accommodations

We recommend arriving February 23 for the early start on February 24th.

Suggested Hotels in Auburn:

• The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, 5-star

• The Collegiate Hotel at Auburn, 3-star

• The Laurel Hotel & Spa, 5-star

Check-In: February 23 (Recommended)
Check-Out: February 25 (1-day ticket) or February 26 (Recommended for 3-day ticket if leaving after 4pm on Thursday)

If flying out of Atlanta, allow 3–4 hours for travel (1.5 hrs driving plus time zone change).