In response to these challenges, agencies need the ability to explore new technologies, introduce and train their team members and industry stakeholders, and the ability to test products in real-world conditions. The MATC program is built specifically to address the asphalt community’s needs by introducing these emerging technologies into real-world construction projects, assisting agencies and stakeholders with their challenges, and providing practical training and technical information.
Which services does the MATC provide?
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Each year, the MATC receives around 25 requests to consult, test, review, or train at active field construction projects across the country. The MATC program is built to handle this breadth of requests, consisting of a mobile asphalt mixture laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art materials, mixtures, and field testing equipment. The MATC typically conducts 5 to 7 field visits annually, with each visit lasting three to four weeks. The MATC team also travels to agencies upon request for specialized training and support activities, as well as holding an Open House as part of conferences, workshops, and industry events.
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The MATC’s test results, experience, and findings from Project Site Visits are presented through the delivery of classroom and online training to agencies and industry to facilitate implementation to improve asphalt pavement quality and effectiveness.The data from MATC projects is available to the public, included in the FHWA national database, InfoMaterialsTM
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Purchasing new technology and equipment often comes with challenges such as long budget approval processes, lengthy implementation, training times, and whether a technology will be right for the user’s specific needs. The MATC Equipment Loan Program helps to address these unknowns by allowing agencies and industry stakeholders to borrow, evaluate, and test new equipment, giving the opportunity to try new technologies without risk before purchasing. The MATC’s team offers training to agency and industry staff that borrow the equipment. In the final stage, the team also assists borrowers with data analysis and presents a post-loan summary of results.
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Dating back to 1988, the MATC has provided agencies and industry stakeholders technical assistance relating to the implementation of new technologies and innovative design procedures, materials evaluation, testing methods, best practices and forensic investigation. The MATC includes a mobile asphalt mixture laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art materials, mixtures, and field testing equipment, as well as a team of experts with extensive breadth of knowledge, experience and training.
Who Can Take Advantage Of The MATC’s Services?
The MATC facilitates innovation by interacting with all members of the asphalt pavement community. This includes all levels of government (State, local, tribal governments, and Federal agencies), as well as paving contractors, academia, and consultants who serve agency stakeholders.
Training At Your Fingertips
Consult our FHWA Training YouTube channel for online video resources.
How Can the MATC Help With Your Training Needs?
Contact us at FHWA-MATC@dot.gov today to learn more.
Image Source: FHWA
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