Asphalt

Bituminous materials have been a key component in highways since 1901 when Warren Paving Company began a then patented process which, coincidentally included a warranty. The study of asphalt materials, from the liquid asphalt or bitumen, to the mixture designs from Marshall to Superpave has been a very dynamic process. The challenge to build a structure to withstand the ever increasing truck loads with a flexible material has been met through sound construction practice, practical specifications, and plenty of asphalt materials research.

LTRC has been a leader in Asphalt Research since its inception and actually since the founding of the Louisiana Highway Research group in 1959. Over the years, Louisiana Asphalt Researchers have provided Louisiana DOTD with asphalt specifications based on knowledge and experience utilizing available materials.

The foundation for sound research is a well equipped and well staffed laboratory. LTRC has AMRL certification in Asphalt Binder, Asphalt Mixtures, and aggregates. Three certified technicians Greg Tullier, Willie Gueho, and Patrick Frazier and two engineers MD Kabir and Bill King manage the asphalt research within our 5,000 square feet of laboratory space and a mobile trailer that enables specimen to be made immediately during the construction process enabling expert field support for LTRC research projects.

Keeping up with the complex nature of asphalt research with the wide variety of testing required to quantify asphalt binders and mixtures requires University Support, and the LSU Chemistry Team lead by Dr. William Daly and Dr. Ioan Neglescu along with our fully staffed Engineering Materials Characterization Laboratroy lead by Dr. Louay Mohammad rounds out our very capable staff.