U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


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Pavements

Testing Capabilities

Mixture Tests

AMPT Suite of Tests

The AMPT Suite of Tests include Cyclic Fatigue, Dynamic Modulus, and Stress Sweep Rutting. They provide a comprehensive assessment of the asphalt mixture’s stiffness, cracking potential, and resistance to rutting.

Learn more about AMPT Tests.

AMPT Videos (YouTube)

Overlay Test

The Overlay Test determines the reflective cracking potential of asphalt mixtures with a repeated direct tension test.

Learn more about Overlay Test.

Overlay Test Video (YouTube)

Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT)

The I-FIT determines the cracking potential of asphalt mixtures by loading a notched specimen in a semi-circular bending geometry.

Learn more about I-FIT Test.

Flexibility Index Test (YouTube)

IDEAL-CT

The IDEAL-CT determines the cracking potential of asphalt mixtures by loading a gyratory specimen in an indirect tensile geometry.

Learn more about IDEAL-CT.

Indirect Tensile Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) Video (YouTube)

IDEAL Rutting Test (IDEAL-RT)

The IDEAL-RT determines the rutting potential of asphalt mixtures by loading a gyratory specimen at high temperatures, depending on local climate.

Learn More about IDEAL-RT

Rapid Shear Rutting Test (IDEAL-RT) Video (YouTube)

Hamburg Wheel Track Test (HWTT)

The HWTT can be run on asphalt core specimens to observe the rutting and moisture susceptibility potential of a mixture.

Hamburg Test Video (YouTube)

Material Tests

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer Test

The XRF Spectrometer Test measures elemental composition of materials by exciting the samples to produce a set of unique characteristic fluorescent X-rays.

Learn more about XRF Spectrometer Test.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Test

The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Technology provides a test for identifying specific chemical functional groups in asphalt binders.

Learn more about the FTIR Test.

Field Tests

Paver-Mounted Thermal Profiler

The Paver-Mounted Thermal Profiler Technology provides real-time, two-dimensional thermal imaging for detection of thermal segregation in an asphalt mat.

Learn more about PMTP Test.

Statewide Implementation of Pave-IR 5-4577-05 (YouTube)

Pulse Induction

The Pulse Induction Technology measures pavement thickness in real-time using a thin metal plate that is placed over the underlying layer before paving.

Learn more about Pulse Induction Test.

Pulse Induction Demonstration Video, using the MIT Scan T3 Device (YouTube)

Circular Track Meter (CTM)

The CTM Technology provides a measure of pavement macrotexture using a non-destructive laser device placed directly on the pavement surface.

Learn more about CTM Test.

Dielectric Profiling System (DPS)

The DPS Technology provides a prediction of in-place density by measuring pavement dielectric constant with GPR antennas.

Learn more about DPS Test.

Density Profiling System NPF (YouTube)

Laser Texture Scanner (LTS)

The LTS provides a measure of pavement macrotexture using a non-destructive laser device placed directly on a pavement surface in the field or on gyratory and/or cored specimens.

Learn more about LTS Test.

Other Support Activities

Group of men standing in the interior of a trailer, looking at a computer screen which is showing temperature data on the pavement directly behind a paver.
  • Independent review of QA, materials, and construction specifications
  • Equipment evaluation and training in the field on real-time projects
  • Workshops on quality in the asphalt paving process
  • Developing case examples from on-site innovation trials

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE MATC’s TESTING CAPABILITIES?

Agencies and stakeholders alike utilize the MATC for its wide range of testing capabilities and rely on its expert team for knowledge, experience, and training. The MATC is here to support any and all members of the asphalt paving community as we build a stronger, safer transportation infrastructure.

For technical assistance and to learn more, contact us at FHWA-MATC@dot.gov.

Image Source: FHWA

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Updated: 11/19/2024
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000