The Basic Mixture Technician (BMT) Training course provides detailed, hands-on laboratory training on basic aggregate and asphalt mixture testing for both experienced and inexperienced technicians. Instruction covers the most current AASHTO and ASTM standards used in the asphalt mix design process. The course focuses on giving the students a thorough understanding of each test and related processes while instructing students on the procedures and techniques that will maximize testing accuracy and repeatability. Students receive training over the entire range of activities related to asphalt mix design and testing: aggregate sampling and batching, testing aggregate properties, mixing, short-term aging, compaction, and testing of loose and compacted asphalt mixtures. Approximately 75% of the course time will be spent in the laboratory with the remaining 25% spent in classroom instruction. The class size is limited to eight students to maximize each student’s time in the lab with instructors.
This course is intended to complement Asphalt Institute’s Mix Design Technology Certification course, which focuses on how advanced technicians, designers, and/or engineers use laboratory and project information in the mix design process to create long-lasting asphalt mixtures. A practice written exam is intended to test the student’s knowledge of the content delivered during the class.
Tests Covered in Laboratory Portion
Every person entering an Asphalt Institute laboratory space must wear safety glasses and a lab coat. Individuals who wear glasses must wear side shields. Asphalt Institute will supply the required PPE but welcomes students to bring their own PPE to ensure comfort and fit.
Aggregate Consensus Tests
- AASHTO T2/ASTM D75: Sampling Aggregate
- AASHTO T248/ASTM C702: Reducing Aggregate to Testing Size
- AASHTO T11/ASTM C117: Washed Sieve Analysis
- AASHTO T27/ASTM C136: Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
- AASHTO T85/ASTM C127: Coarse Aggregate Specific Gravity and Absorption
- AASHTO T84/ASTM C128: Fine Aggregate Specific Gravity and Absorption
- AASHTO T176/ASTM D2419: Sand Equivalent
- AASHTO T335/ASTM D5821: Coarse Aggregate Angularity
- AASHTO T304/C1252: Fine Aggregate Angularity
- ASTM D4791: Flat & Elongated Particles
HMA Compacted Specimen & Volumetric Properties Tests
- AASHTO T312/ASTM D6925: Preparation and Determination for Density of Asphalt Mix Specimens by the Superpave Gyratory Compactor
- AASHTO R47: Reducing Asphalt Mixture to Testing Size
- AASHTO T168/ASTM D979: Sampling Asphalt Mixture from the Field
- AASHTO T209/ASTM D2041: Maximum Theoretical Specific Gravity of Asphalt Mixtures
- AASHTO T166/ASTM D2726: Bulk Specific Gravity of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
- AASHTO T331/ASTM D6752: Bulk Specific Gravity of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures – Vacuum Sealing Method
- ASTM D7227: Drying of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens Using Vacuum Drying
- AASHTO T283/ASTM D4867: Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures to Moisture-Induced Damage
