By Alana MacLachlan
Yesterday we toured “the NASA of asphalt”, the National Center for Asphalt Technology. Right here in Auburn, AL, tucked in the trees, is a world leader in asphalt research. The tour was led by Travis Walbeck, Training Manager and Civil Engineer, who came from West Virginia to lead at NCAT. We had the opportunity to see each lab in the 20,000 square foot research building, from wear and fatigue to binder additive testing. The walls were decorated with road-related movie posters and album covers, from Abbey Road to 21 Jump Street. Travis explained all the equipment and projects underway, and thoroughly answered all our questions (and we had plenty!). It was fascinating to see something involved in every one of our lives that I had never really thought about. We were each given a memento of the occasion—a small core sample of asphalt.
After touring the labs, we were invited to see the asphalt testing track next door in Opelika, AL. The track consists of a 1.7-mile oval with 200-foot testing sections. Each section is funded by highway agencies or industry sponsors who need road testing done. The track was empty for now, but during the research cycle, there are five 156,995 lb trucks driving 16 hours a day, 5 days a week. This allows over a decade of wear to be achieved during only 2 years. The sections of concrete are then analyzed, the track is rebuilt with new asphalt parameters, and they begin again.
looking over the NCAT testing track
Most who tour the research facility see the track, but rarely does anyone get to drive on it. We were invited to drive a couple laps, and we stopped at various points to discuss the asphalt type, what their testing goals are, and what potential issues may be. We then stopped by the test trucks—each with 3 trailers loaded with steel plates.
NCAT testing trucks
All in all, I was quite impressed with not only the scale, but the quality of research and innovation happening right under our noses. Travis was a fantastic host, and I very much enjoyed the opportunity to learn about his world, the world of asphalt.
outside the NCAT research facility