AASHTO re:source Q & A Podcast

We learn how, and why changes are made to the AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample Program. Plus get a sneak peek at some potential changes coming soon. Related information:S4 E13:  August PSP Insights - Gyratoryaashtoresource.org/psp

Craig Wieden, from Colorado DOT, joins us to discuss Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and shares insights into implementing EPD requirements for material used in projects throughout the state.Related information: https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/materials-and-geotechnical/epdhttps://www.asphaltpavement.org/programs/napa-programs/emerald-eco-label

Brian Pfeifer and Brian Hill from the Illinois DOT, join us to talk about developing a balanced mix design program in their state. Related information:Testing Protocols to Ensure Performance of High Asphalt Binder Replacement Mixes Using RAP and RASDevelopment of Long-Term Aging Protocol for Implementation of the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT) Utilizing Lab Tests To Predict Asphalt Concrete Overlay Performance Positive Practices, Lessons Learned, and Challenges When Implementing Balanced Design of Asphalt Mixtures: Site Visits Tech Brief: Balanced Asphalt Mix Design: Eight Tasks for Implementation Case Studies on the Implementation of Balanced Mix Design and Performance Tests for Asphalt Mixtures: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) North Central Peer Exchange on Balanced Mix Design (BMD): Outcomes Summary:  Seven States from the North Central U.S. gathered for a peer exchange and discussion on implementation activities to support Balanced Mix Design (BMD)

Yes. Another PSP Insights episode this month. We dive into the Polymer-Modified Emulsified Asphalt sample round results and the lessons learned after this first round. Related information: S4 E13: August PSP Insights - GyratoryS4 E 12: August PSP Insights - Marshall and HveemI Received A Low PSP Score, What Next?

We get insights into the Asphalt Mixture Gyratory 55/56 sample rounds and share some tips to avoid common issues labs may encounter when running these tests.Related information: S4 E12:  August PSP Insights - Marshall and HveemUnboxing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample: Asphalt Mixtures Gyratory Design - HMG 55-56I Received A Low PSP Score, What Next?

John, Ryan, and Joe are back to discuss the most recent Asphalt Mixture Marshall and Hveem proficiency samples. This was the first year the Hveem sample was separated by compaction method - what does that mean for your lab, and what did we learn?Related information: Changes to the Asphalt Mixture Hveem Design Samples Francis Hveem Testing the Limits of His AbilitiesUnboxing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample: Asphalt Mixtures Marshall & Hveem Designs

Sonya Puterbaugh, Laboratory Assessment Program Director, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how her team schedules assessments for over 2,000 laboratories. Plus, she answers the question "Can we always have our assessment in the off-season?"Related information:S1 E07: FAQ - What happens after an assessment? S1 E21: FAQ - Who needs to be present during the assessment?S1 E23: FAQ - What if I need to postpone my assessment? S1 E27: FAQ - How can I prepare for an assessment?S1 E29: FAQ - What occurs during an assessment?

We get up close and personal in the episode, sharing some of our recent experiences with stress and our go-to coping strategies.  While we're no experts, hopefully, we can give you some tips on how you can deal with stress (or at least you can learn from our mistakes).

The outgoing Director of CMRL, Steve Lenker, joins us to discuss his career and some lessons he's learned along the way.  Plus, Brian shares some of the lessons he's learned from Steve.Related information: AASHTO re:source and CCRL: Two Organizations, One Mission

We are deep into the weeds in this episode, discussing false claims of accreditation process and how to use the AASHTO Accreditation logo correctly.  Related information: AASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on False Claims of AccreditationAASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on Refusal of ServiceAASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing Accreditationhttps://www.aashtostaging.org/aap/false-claims/S2 E7: FAQ- Publicizing AASHTO AccreditationS3 E27: From the Cutting Room Floor - Down a Rabbit HoleS2 E20: Terminology - Accreditation, Certification, and Related TermsS2 E36: On the Road - NTPEP Part 1S2 E38:  On the Road - NTPEP Part 2S2 E40: On the Road - NTPEP Part 3Why is AASHTO Accreditation important to the construction materials testing industry? [VIDEO]

We are joined by Siv Sundaram and Bryce Hanlon with the Oklahoma DOT to learn about how their geotechnical investigation processes are evolving. Related information: https://oklahoma.gov/odot.htmlhttps://transportation.org/materials/

John, Ryan, and Joe are back again. This time to discuss the most recent Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cement and Performance Graded Asphalt Binder proficiency sample rounds and results. We also dive into why the samples are shipped twice a year and what happens to all of the optional data that is collected. Related information: S4 E03: May PSP InsightsS3 E30: November PSP InsightsS3 E23: September PSP InsightsS3 E15: July PSP InsightsS3 E06: Digging into Soil Classification and Compaction Samples 185/186S2 E29: The Proficiency Sample Program Participation Guide and Prerequisites for AccreditationS2 E22: Taken from TechEx: Hydrometer Analysis of Fine-Grained SoilsS1 E30: Inside PSP with Guest Host, Oak MetcalfeS1 E24: The transition from ASTM D422 to D6913 and D7928S1 E15: FAQ - How and when do I respond to low ratings? S1 E02: Dealing with Repeat Low Ratings

In the final part of this series, talk with Dr. Jennifer Lynch, Co-Director at the Center for Marine Debris Research to get some insight on this plastics issue. Related InformationS4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1S4 E2: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 2S4 E4: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 3https://www.hpu.edu/cncs/cmdr/

In part 3 of our series, we talk with Jon Young from the Hawaii Asphalt Paving Industry to take a look at the project from his perspective. Related InformationS4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1S4 E2: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 2http://hawaiiasphalt.org/http://hawaiiasphalt.org/education/hapi-shorts/

We discuss the results for the most recent soil proficiency samples, including Soil Classification and Compaction, Soil California Bearing Ratio, and Soil Resistance R-Value.Related information:S3 E30: November PSP InsightsS3 E23: September PSP InsightsS3 E15: July PSP InsightsS3 E06: Digging into Soil Classification and Compaction Samples 185/186S2 E29: The Proficiency Sample Program Participation Guide and Prerequisites for AccreditationS2 E22: Taken from TechEx: Hydrometer Analysis of Fine-Grained SoilsS1 E30: Inside PSP with Guest Host, Oak MetcalfeS1 E24: The transition from ASTM D422 to D6913 and D7928S1 E15: FAQ - How and when do I respond to low ratings? S1 E02: Dealing with Repeat Low Ratings

In part 2 of our series, we talk with Hawaii DOT's Mel Chung and Kristi Grilho, to go deeper into the testing involved in this project.Related InformationS4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1S3 E40: From the Cutting Room Floor - Questions from a DOT

We kick off a four-part series on Hawaii DOT's effort to use locally recycled plastic in their asphalt pavements. In Part 1, we are joined by Ed Sniffen, Director of Hawaii DOT to get some background on this project.Related information:AASHTO Journal article: Hawaii DOT Wants Waste to Hit the Road S3 E39: Hawaii DOT - Planning for Resilience S3 E21: Resiliency, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, and the Future of Bridge Construction

In our last episode this season, we take a look back over some of our favorite moments and share a little bit about what to expect in season 4. Will it include more Shakespeare references? Listen to find out!  Season 4 starts in May 2023. Email podcast@aashtoresource.org to let us know where you listen from and to suggest a topic for an upcoming episode.Related information:S3 E40: From the Cutting Room Floor - Questions from a DOTS3 E39: Hawaii DOT - Planning for ResilienceS3 E36: Inside AASHTO PublicationsS3 E33: Favorite ThingsS3 E29: Giving ThanksS3 E28: Checking In on the IIJA - 1 Year LaterS3 E21: Resiliency, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, and the Future of Bridge ConstructionS3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic NetworkingS3 E11: Updates to the 42nd Edition of AASHTO Materials Standards 

 Greg Uherek joins us to discuss an unusual situation with ASTM D2434: Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Coarse-Grained Soils.  

In this From the Cutting Room Floor episode, Brian is joined by Kristi Grilho and Mel Chung from the Hawaii DOT. This audio is taken from a recording session for a yet-to-be-release episode, but during their conversation, Kristi wanted to ask Brian some questions. So, in this episode, they discuss training versus certification, and Brian shares insights on what it's like as a laboratory assessor.