Friction testing evaluates an asphalt pavement’s ability to provide adequate tire grip and reduce the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.

Sustainability in the asphalt industry revolves around reducing carbon emissions and extending the lifespan of roadways. We can achieve this by using low-carbon materials, improving durability, and incorporating renewable additives.

Want the best results from your asphalt lab? Here are six great tips for achieving the highest performing asphalt mix design.

In 2023, the asphalt industry felt the impacts of legislation, new specifications for mix designs and an increased emphasis on Balanced Mix Design. This blog explores what the author sees as the most pressing topics of last year and how each will continue to impact the industry.

Binder testing in the BATT Lab combines decades of expertise with the latest in testing equipment to provide feedback on how a wide range of binders will perform in the asphalt mix.

The challenge in improving sustainability for asphalt pavements lies in two primary areas where the goal is to produce less CO2: 1) Materials selection (Cradle to Gate); 2) construction methods (Cradle to Site). Improvements in both areas seek to make pavement life expectancy longer (Cradle to Grave), also referred to as pavement Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

In August 2023, the BATT Team wrapped up a project that combined in-depth pavement condition analysis with a unique blend of advanced materials and advanced quality assurance (QA) testing to create a strategy that could well become the standard-bearer for changing best practices in asphalt pavements.

A new service from BATT employs an AI-enhanced monitoring system to produce an accurate and in-depth analysis of pavement conditions. BATT Vision provides a leap forward in detecting the extent and severity of pavement distresses.

Superpave is increasingly giving way to Balanced Mix Design as a method for achieving improved longevity and performance from asphalt pavements.

The BATT Lab worked with Surface Tech to develop a tough aramid-reinforced interlayer that offers an easy-to-install and cost-effective alternative to third party fabric interlayers.

Rebekah Upchurch received a scholarship from Women of Asphalt, presented by Amy Miller, past president of WoA. Rebekah is one of an increasing number of women who view the asphalt industry as a promising career choice.

Asphalt paving projects sometimes fail to reach their expected lifespans and can lead to disputes between owners and contractors/engineers. As a responsive strategy, a thorough forensic analysis can be your best move.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) leads the way among many states in its focus on asphalt pavement friction testing, and its efforts are advancing new specification requirements that will affect all pavement contractors in the state. It’s an all-out effort by the agency to make the state’s roads safer.

Callie Boggs, lead employee in the areas of safety and sustainability, is an up-and-coming member of the BATT team and reflects the commitment to sustainability of a new generation of asphalt industry employees.

Whatever the need, BATT can handle it. We test and certify asphalt binders to ensure compliance with AASHTO 320 or M32 specifications, and we can assist with product development.

Uberbinder is a new low-carbon asphalt binder made from polymerized sulfur, a highly stable material that has the potential to shift the industry away from bitumen and hot mix paving by providing pavers the ability to bypass heating and hauling and move to cold placement instead.

BATT Lab can provide an independent audit of your lab’s performance and adherence to quality standards and measures including the procedures of AASHTO R 18 or company internal audits.

In 2022, Palmer Engineering called the BATT Team in to help in assessing the general aviation airport in Madisonville, KY. The 15-year-old runway needed a solution to address a condition of high cracking and raveling.