NCAT Tours and Training
NCAT Tours and Training: A Hands-On Experience for Florida Asphalt Professionals
The Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida (ACAF) recently organized a three-day professional outing to Auburn, Alabama, to visit the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT). This immersive experience offered members a deep dive into asphalt research, testing, and practical applications. Key training personnel for our members were Travis Walbeck, Assistant Director for Training and Outreach and Pamela Turner, Assistant Research Engineer.
Day 1 – NCAT Overview and Lab Tours
The event opened with introductions from ACAF Technical Director David Allain, who provided context on the association’s history and mission. Randy West followed with a presentation on NCAT’s history and FDOT research initiatives.
Attendees then toured NCAT’s specialized laboratories, including the Mix, Volumetric, Performance, Aggregate, Extraction, and Binder labs, guided by Jason Moore and Zane Hartzog. Lunch included a presentation by Jason Nelson on the history of the NCAT Test Track and ongoing test track sessions. Participants had the unique opportunity to inspect select sections of the Test Track and several FDOT-recommended sections. The day concluded with a private dinner at The Hound in Auburn, fostering discussion and networking between ACAF members and NCAT staff.
Day 2 – Binder Training
Day two focused on asphalt binder training. Sessions covered binder chemistry, PG grading, Superpave fundamentals, and performance testing. Attendees participated in a hands-on lab using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to test binder grades and analyze collected data, supported by NCAT binder lab professional Pamela and Anton Paar representatives. The day concluded with a quiz and a raffle featuring prizes from Ergon and Anton Paar, including Bitumen Rheology textbooks.
Day 3 – QC Plant Technician Training
The final day was dedicated to QC Plant Technician training, with presentations on volumetrics, aggregate testing, and interpreting asphalt plant data. Nathan Moore and Travis Walbeck facilitated interactive discussions to help attendees identify potential asphalt plant issues and better understand their impact on pavement quality.
ACAF extends thanks to all participants and NCAT staff for making this event a success. We look forward to hosting future training sessions and continuing to advance knowledge and expertise in asphalt technology.