Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is the main civil engineering material in paving construction. More than 90% of roads and highways in North America are paved with HMA; therefore, many civil engineers work in the design, production, and construction of HMA. A successful design, production, and construction of HMA need significant knowledge, experience, and engineering judgement.

During the last decade, several developments in the asphalt mix industry have occurred. The most important developments in the design and testing of HMA include a new grading system for asphalt cement (Performance Grade- PG) as well a new mix design method (Superpave). Although many agencies use these new methods, other agencies use the traditional design and testing methods or a combination of new and old systems. It is critical that HMA users, producers, and pavement engineers and technologists to learn and understand the traditional characterization methods as well as the recent development in this area.

Objective The main objective of this workshop is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of HMA as well as of the traditional and new developments in HMA design and testing. Target Audience The workshop is intended for all engineers and technologists who work in the design, production, and quality control/assurance of HMA. This course is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to develop their knowledge on the latest technology in the area of HMA. Program Outline (1.2 CEUs / 12 PDHs) Day I: Introduction to HMA HMA industry and its importance Components of HMA (asphalt cement and aggregate) Asphalt cement and types (emulsions, cut back) Traditional characterization of asphalt cement Penetration test and grading Viscosity test and grading Shortcomings in traditional asphalt testing and grading systems Performance Graded (PG) asphalt grading system Aggregates for HMA Important properties: gradation, soundness, testing of aggregate for HMA Day II: Fundamentals of HMA Why characterization of HMA is a complicated engineering task? Volumetric and mass relationships of HMA Definition of volumetric properties and their significances Air voids, VMA, VFA Mix design of HMA using Marshall method Shortcomings in Marshall methods Superpave Mix design method Special Asphalt Mixtures and their applications Stone Mastic Asphalt Asphalt rubber mixes Polymer modified asphalt Asphalt recycled mixes Upon completion of the workshop participant will learn: Components of HMA (asphalt cement and aggregates) Nature and types of asphalt cement Traditional testing of asphalt cement PG asphalt cement system Volumetric properties of HMA Marshall mix design testing and methods Superpave mix design method Special asphalt mixtures and their applications