Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-07-016
Date: August 2007

FHWA Course Offers Intensive Introduction to Highway Materials

An intensive introduction to materials, mix design procedures, and quality assurance is offered by the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) 2008 Highway Materials Engineering Course. Presented through FHWA's National Highway Institute, the curriculum for the 6-week course was developed by national experts in the various materials areas, under the guidance of State department of transportation materials engineers and FHWA materials specialists.

Designed for State transportation department engineers who require a basic knowledge of highway materials, the course will be held at the University of Nevada-Reno from February 4 through March 21, 2008. A 1-week break is scheduled for February 25-29, 2008. The course fee is $6,600. Travel and other expenses for participants must also be funded by their own agencies. Applicants should have a good academic background in mathematics and science and either an undergraduate degree in engineering or equivalent engineering experience in the highway field.

The curriculum covers materials control and acceptance; soils and foundations; steels, weldings, and coatings; aggregates and unbound bases; asphalt materials and paving mixtures; and concrete. The course includes 150 hours of classroom time, 50 hours of laboratory work, reading and problem-solving assignments, and exams. "Participants will gain valuable skills, including being able to identify and describe the characteristics and engineering properties of the materials used in highways and describe the important steps and considerations in mix design procedures," says Michael Rafalowski of FHWA's Office of Pavement Technology.

Applications are due to FHWA by November 1, 2007. All applicants will be notified of their status by December 1, 2007. The selection criteria includes the strength of endorsement from an applicant's agency and an applicant's potential contribution to the agency's highway materials program, as well as highway engineering experience and academic and professional achievements. Priority will be given to employees of State, local, and Federal agencies involved in highway construction.

For more details on the course or to obtain an application, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/materials/131023.cfm. More information is also available from Michael Rafalowski at FHWA, 202-366-1571 (email: michael.rafalowski@fhwa.dot.gov).

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