NCDOT Materials & Tests Unit: Soils Laboratory

The Soils Laboratory has the responsibility of testing and providing data for natural, manufactured and recycled soil and aggregate producgts, establishing acceptance criteria, and ensuring that the acceptance criteria are met and will function as intended. Extensive assessment and training programs are provided for NCDOT employees and private industry personnel.

Acceptance Testing

Conducting various tests to verify material properties and ensure the material meets minimum acceptance criteria. The Soils Laboratory develops acceptance criteria when new or emerging materials are used in highway construction. The Soils Laborator also maintains a database of moisture-density information for Aggregate Base Course (ABC) material from rock quarries.

Performance Testing

Conduct various tests to determine performance of material and provide detailed reports to desing engineers. Test results are used by geotechnical, geo-environmental, hydraulic and pavement engineers to select appropriate design parameters.

Accreditation

The Soils Laboratory participates in the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) certification program. Under this Program the Soils Laboratory must meet rigorous requirements regarding equipment precision and technician competence.

Consultant Laboratory Assessment Program

In order to maintain consistency and a high standard of quality, the Soils Laboratory has implemented a Consultant Laboratory Assessment Program. The Soils Laboratory assesses and prequalifies consultant geotechnical laboratories prior to performing any contract work for the Department. As part of this Program hands-on training is offered to interested parties.

Geogrid Evaluation Program

In conjunction with the Geotechnical Engineering Unit (GEU), the Geogrid Evaluation Program evaluates performance test data of geogrid products. Under this Program, manufacturers provide test results for product performance evaluation. Once approval is given the product is qualified to be used for intended applications on NCDOT projects.

Field Technician Training and Certification Program

The Soils Laboratory also provides field support services. Regionally located Technical Trainers specialized in conducting training classes, field training/certifications, and providing technical support at the project site can be called upon to assist. Training classes are offered for the following certificatins (for schedule of courses Click Here):

Aggregate Sampling (Roadway Acceptance)
Borrow Pit Sampling
Conventional Density Testing (Soil and Aggregate)
Nuclear Safety and Hazardous Materials (NCDOT personnel only)
QMS Density Gauge
QC/QA Aggregate Sampling and Testing
Chemical Stabilization - QA Field

Technical Trainers

The Technical Trainers of the Soils Laboratory are listed below along with their area of primary responsibility. For contact information, Click Here: and for training area assignments, Click Here:

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		The North Carolina Department of Transportation