Asphalt Institute in Hawaii

In late July, Regional Engineers Robert Humer and Dave Johnson were in Hawaii conducting the Asphalt Institute’s Mix Design Technology (MDT) course. The three-day course covers aggregate and binder selection, material properties, development of trial blends, batching, volumetric calculations and analysis, Superpave mix criteria, mix performance tests and criteria, use of RAP in asphalt mix designs, plus an overview of SMA and open-graded mixtures. An optional exam is given on the fourth day. Students passing the optional written certification exam earned the Asphalt Institute’s Mix Design Technology Certification.

The seventeen students that took the course were from HAPI members Grace Pacific LLC, GEOLABS, Inc., Jas. W. Glover, Ltd., and Road and Highways Builders, LLC. There was also a student from Michigan.

Humer and Johnson did an excellent job of explaining the various mix design topics. They also used videos to demonstrate lab tests. For some students the course material was a refresher; for others it was new knowledge.

HAPI appreciates the Asphalt Institute conducting the class in Hawaii as it is much less expensive than the cost for students to take the course at the Asphalt Institute’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.

A big Mahalo to Jas. W. Glover, Ltd. For letting us use their Sand Island Access Road Training Room. The room was comfortable and conducive to learning for the students.