The development of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Hot Mix Asphalt specification was a positive step toward improving the quality of hot mix asphalt pavements in the state.
TxDOT called on the industry to assist them in the research, data analysis and review of existing QC/QA specifications to generate a comprehensive specification. Through this extensive process they determined that a certification program for technicians involved in sampling, testing and designing hot mix asphalt would play a major role in the success of the QC/QA specification.
The Hot Mix Asphalt Center was developed to implement the certification program. Today, TxAPA manages and operates the center and certification program that meets TxDOT's requirements and specifications. A joint TxDOT/TxAPA Steering Committee carries out oversight of the operation to ensure the integrity of the program meets the high standards originally stipulated.
The purpose of the Certification Program for Hot Mix Asphalt Specialists is to develop and maintain a pool of welltrained specialists for the state and contractors to design, test and manage hot mixed asphalt pavements. The intent of the program is to improve the quality and performance of hot mixed asphalt pavements through knowledge and understanding of the product.
The center provides three levels of certification in testing and evaluating hot mix asphalt. These levels include field laboratory testing (Level 1-A), quality management and mix design (Level 2), and roadway testing (Level 1-B). The original certification is valid for three years. At the end of the three-year period, specialists are required to complete recertification courses. Procedures for certification include a hands-on demonstration of test performance, evaluation of test performance by a certified evaluator, classroom participation and a written examination.
The teamwork philosophy that TxDOT and TxAPA used to develop the certification program has enabled the Hot Mix Asphalt Center to gain national recognition as a superior program. Many states have visited the center and have used it as a model to develop their own certification programs.
The Hot Mix Asphalt Center is located in Buda (just south of Austin) in a 10,000-square-foot building containing four laboratories. Since 1993 approximately 7,000 students have attended certification and recertification courses at the center.
For more information about the Hot Mix Asphalt Center, please contact Karen Pagitt, Office Manager, or Gary Dolph, Vice President at 512-312-2099.
