• (717) 657-1881
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm

Events calendar

Sunday. 05 October, 2025 - Saturday. 11 October, 2025
Week 41
Monday. 06 October, 2025
12:00 am

NCAT: Performance Graded Binder Technician

This four-and-a-half-day workshop includes practical classroom sessions and hands-on laboratory testing to enhance the skills of experienced technicians and train new ones. Attendees will gain a working knowledge of binder grading systems, test procedures, and equipment including the rotational viscometer, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR). Step-by-step training will allow attendees to operate the test equipment and analyze test results for PG binder specification compliance.

Topics Covered

  • Overview and history of binder grading systems
  • The PG system and LTPP Bind software
  • PG binder test procedures (rotational viscosity, DSR, BBR, PAV)
  • Conventional tests (softening point, kinematic viscosity, specific gravity, elastic recovery)
  • Specifications and binder data evaluation
  • Additional procedures, including multiple stress creep recovery

Exam and Certification

An exam is administered on the final day. A minimum score of 80% is required to earn certification. Certifications are valid for three years.

Materials

Each participant will receive a workbook and a copy of the Asphalt Institute’s Asphalt Binder Testing Manual (MS-25).

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for engineers and technicians responsible for asphalt material certification. It also benefits consultants, contractors, suppliers, and materials engineers seeking knowledge of PG binder testing and specifications. While a background in asphalt testing is helpful, the course is designed for participants at all levels.

Fees, Refunds, & Deadline

The registration fee is $1,450 and includes the course, materials, and breaks. Housing, food, and transportation are not included. Registration closes two weeks prior to the course start date or when full. Cancellations received two weeks in advance will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued after that date; however, substitutions are welcome.

Continuing Education

The course provides 28 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

Location

This course is held at NCAT’s research facility at 277 Technology Parkway in Auburn, Alabama. Nearby hotel accommodations are available.

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

REGISTER TODAY

 

12:00 am

NCAT: Airfield Asphalt Certification Program-Asphalt Lab Technician

Airfield asphalt pavements present unique performance challenges as compared to highway pavements. Airfield pavements are subjected to significantly heavier loadings, higher tire pressures, and overall require a higher level of performance as compared to a highway pavement. Due to these differences, construction requirements for airfield asphalt pavement projects can be quite different than those of highway pavement projects, and consequently their specifications and materials requirements are also different. This course is designed for technicians who are involved in sampling and testing aggregate materials and asphalt mixtures that are used in airfield pavement construction.

Program Content

This course consists of interactive lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on training of fundamental aggregate and asphalt mixture tests used during asphalt mixture production. The course will be split between classroom lectures and hands-on work using the testing equipment in the laboratory. The course will provide engineers, technicians and testing personnel with an understanding of the sampling and testing requirements associated with airfield asphalt mixture production and construction. Approximately 1 1/2 days will be spent in the classroom and 1 1/2 days will be spent in the laboratory. A brief outline of the course follows.

Lecture

  • Overview of Course
  • Random Sampling
  • Sampling Aggregates and Reducing to Testing Size
  • Aggregate Properties
  • Sampling Paving Mixtures and Reducing to Testing Size
  • Volumetric Analysis of Asphalt Mixtures
  • Marshall and Superpave Mix Design
  • Moisture Susceptibility Testing
  • AC Content and Gradation Determination
  • Sampling and Testing for In-Place Density
  • UFGS 32 12 15.13 Specification Review

Laboratory

  • Fine Aggregate Properties (Fine Aggregate Angularity, Sand Equivalent, Soundness, Clay Lumps and Friable Particles, Gradation)
  • Coarse Aggregate Properties (L.A. Abrasion, Soundness, Clay Lumps and Friable Particles, Flat and Elongated Particles, Gradation)
  • Mixing and Compacting Asphalt Samples
  • Maximum and Bulk Specific Gravity
  • Mixture Moisture Susceptibility
  • Marshall Stability/Flow
  • Asphalt Extraction
  • Moisture Content of Asphalt Mixtures

Goals and Objectives

This 3 1/2-day course will provide a basic understanding of the materials and tests that are involved in the design and production of asphalt mixtures. In addition to classroom instruction, this course will also provide hands-on laboratory training using the laboratory tests involved in the design and testing of asphalt mixtures.

Materials

Each participant will be provided a book of the instructional material.

Certification

In order to obtain a certification as an Airfield Asphalt Lab Technician, each participant must take a three-hour exam and obtain a minimum score of 80%. Certifications are valid for four years.

Eligibility

Applicants must have either 1) three years of asphalt laboratory experience or 2) a two-year engineering-related education and one year of asphalt laboratory experience to attend this course. Applicants must provide documentation that these requirements are met prior to attending the course.

Continuing Education Credits

The course will provide 2.4 CEUs or 24 Professional Development Hours.

REGISTER TODAY

 

Visit Our Office

3544 North Progress Avenue,
Suite 100
Harrisburg PA 17110

Mon-Fri ----------- 8am - 4pm
Sat-Sun ---------- Closed

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Membership DIRECTORY

MD_Cover.jpeg

Or download the PDF here.