We share some of the highlights from this past season and explain why we take a break in March and April (spoiler, it's because of the AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange). Related information: AASHTO re:source Events The Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig Thompson S4 E05: Paving with Recycled Plastic - Hawaii's Pilot Pro…

We share the audio from January 2024's webinar "A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling." Related informaiton: AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling http://aashtoresource.org/lapBy AASHTO resource

Get a high-level overview of why a laboratory's AASHTO Accreditation is not an "umbrella" accreditation that extends to other locations. Related information: S1 E13: FAQ - Mobile Lab Accreditation S1 E16: Understanding Technician Certification Requirements S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory S1 E37: FAQ - Multi-Site and Off-Site Personnel …

We go through Brian's inbox to answer some of the questions he's been asked recently. Related information: S3 E17: From the Cutting Room Floor - Consensus Standards S2 E19: FAQ - Refusal of Service S1 E39: FAQ - Policy for New Lab Internal Audits and Management Reviews S1 E31: FAQ - How long does it take to get accredited? AASHTO re:university Webi…

How familiar are you with fine and coarse aggregate specific gravity tests? Does your knowledge surpass Kim's? It's not difficult, but find out as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities for AASHTO T 84/ASTM C128 and AASTHO T 85/ASTM C127. Related information: Common Findings In Aggregate Testing S4 E34: Common Findings in Aggregate Test…

Have Kim's guesses of common nonconformities improved as we move along in this series? Find out how she does as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities during aggregate testing in regards to general equipment, AASHTO T 11/ASTM C117 and AASHTO T 27/ASTM C136. Related information: S4 E32: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments: ASTM C138,…

While the policy on how to publicize your AASHTO Accreditation hasn't really changed, how it is being enforced recently did. We discuss what this means for AASHTO Accredited laboratories. Related informaiton: AASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing Accreditation S2 E07: FAQ - Publicizing AASHTO Accreditation AASHTO Accreditation Directory False …

In this "Common Findings" episode, we continue with the concrete series and discuss ASTM C138, C172, C173, C231, C617, and C1231. As a refresher, in this series, Kim blindly tries to guess some of the most common nonconformities in concrete assessment reports, and then Brian shares the actual findings and some possible ways to resolve them. Related…

John, Ryan, and Joe join us once again, this time to discuss the recent Performance Graded Asphalt Binder, Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cement, and Slurry and Micro Systems samples. Related information: S4 E27: November PSP Insights - Unmodified Emulsified Asphalt and Paint S4 E20: October PSP Insights - Aggregate Gradation and Gravity S4 E14: August P…

Learn who, what, where, why, and when we can share specific customer information. Related information: AASHTO re:source Policy on Confidentiality S2 E28: FAQ - Mail Call! S2 E15: What is the ATG? S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation DirectoryBy AASHTO resource

Continuing the "Common Findings" series, with no context, Kim guesses the most common nonconformity in concrete assessment reports for ASTM C31, C39, C78, and C511. Then Brian shares a few of the real common findings for those standards and some general tips on how to resolve them. Related information: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments - ASTM…

We are giving listeners a sneak peek into the planning of the 2024 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange and sharing details about what they can expect from this unique industry event. Related information: aashtoresource.org/eventsBy AASHTO resource

John and Joe join us to discuss the most recent Unmodified Emulsified Asphalt and Paint sample rounds. Related Information: S3 E30 November PSP Insights (2022) http://aashtoresource.org/psp/schedule http://aashtoresource.org/psp/reports http://aashtoresource.org/psp/sample-round-analysisBy AASHTO resource

In this "Family Feud" type episode, Kim tries to guess the most common nonconformity in concrete assessment reports for ASTM C1077. Then Brian shares a few of the real common findings for that standard and some general tips on how to resolve them. Related information: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments - ASTM C1077 companion document How to Re…

We look into the AASHTO Accreditation Program's recent internal audit to share insights as to how the process has added value to the program and organization. Related Information S4 E24: The Value of Internal Audits - Part 1 February 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point? S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to Basics S3 E3: Internal Audit Awar…

We are joined by AASHTO re:source Quality Manager, Tracy Barnhart to cover some of the basics of conducting an internal audit and how the process is valuable to individuals and organizations. Related Information February 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point? S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to Basics S3 E3: Internal Audit Awareness Month -…

We share audio from the October 19, 2023 webinar Benefits of a Corporate Quality Management System (QMS) Review. Senior Quality Analyst, Trudy Eckstine covers the basics of if an AASHTO re:source corporate QMS review is right for your laboratory. Related information: Complete Webinar Recording: https://youtu.be/odHZLzSJhSI?si=K7Wo4R65mvxajldW Polic…

We share 8 brainstorming questions to help you set more effective goals and discuss how these questions would be tweaked based on if you are setting personal or professional/organizational goals. Related information: S4 E21: Soft Skills: Goal Setting Part 1 S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic Networking…

We discuss the basics of personal and professional goal setting (including SMART, HARD, and DUMB goals), as well as the role personal and organizational values play in creating effective goals. Related information: S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic NetworkingBy AASHTO resource

John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay from the Proficiency Sample Program (PSP) join us to discuss the results of the recent Aggregate Gradation and Gravity samples 3 and 4. Plus, share in our excitement as we discover the benefits of using slide lock bags in the PSP packaging process. Related information: S4 E14: S4 E14: August PSP Insights - Polymer-Modif…

We want your feedback! Head over to the AASHTO re:source LinkedIn page and answer the current poll. We want to know what types of podcast episodes you want to hear more of in the future.By AASHTO resource

Some people call them gigs, docks, dings, notes, or deficiencies. CCRL calls them footnotes. AASHTO re:source calls them findings and classifies findings into 2 categories: observations and nonconformities. We learn the differences and discuss some best practices on how to resolve them. Related Information: How to Resolve AASHTO re:source and CCRL …

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 - Gyratory aashtoresource.org/pspBy AASHTO resource

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/epd https://www.asphaltpavement.org/programs/napa-progr…

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 RAS Development of Long-Term Aging Protocol for Implementation of the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (…

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 - Gyratory S4 E 12: August PSP Insights - Marshall and Hveem I 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 Hveem Unboxing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample: Asphalt Mixtures Gyratory Design - HMG 55-56 I Received A Low PSP Score, Wha…

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 Limi…

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 presen…

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).By AASHTO resource

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 MissionBy Steve Lenker, former Director of Construction Materials Reference Laboratories

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 Accreditation AASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on Refusal of Service AASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing …

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.html https://transportation.org/materials/By Oklahoma DOT

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 Insights…

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 Information S4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1 S4 E2: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 2 S4 E4: Paving with Recycled P…

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 Information S4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1 S4 E2: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 2 http://hawaiiasphalt.org/ http://hawaiiasphalt.org…

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 Insights S3 E23: September PSP Insights S3 E15: July PSP Insights S3 E06: Digging into Soil Classification and Compaction Samples 185…

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 Information S4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1 S3 E40: From the Cutting Room Floor - Questions from a DOTBy Kristi Grilho and Mel Chung from the Materials Testing and Research Branch at Hawaii Department of Transportation

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 E…

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 epi…

Greg Uherek joins us to discuss an unusual situation with ASTM D2434: Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Coarse-Grained Soils.By Greg Uherek, Program Manager of Business Development & Technical Services, AASHTO resource

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 ins…

Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation, joins us to discuss the Hawaii DOT's Climate Resilience Action Plan. Related Information: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/resilience HDOT Climate Resilience Action Plan https://aashtojournal.org/2022/12/02/gov-elect-names-ed-sniffen-to-lead-hawaii-dot/ HDOT Climate Insights for Infrastructur…

We share the audio from the Q & A section of our August 2021 webinar: Ready, Set, Go: How to Prepare for an Assessment. Sonya and Mike answer questions about scheduling assessments, documentation needed, and much more. The full webinar can be viewed: https://youtu.be/acMYN53eth8By AASHTO resource

We dig deeper into the 2023 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange draft agenda, sharing highlights, and attendee favorites. Related information: http://aashtoresource.org/events 2023 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange Webinar: Internal Audits: What’s the Point?By AASHTO resource

We sit down with the AASHTO Publications team to talk about what goes into the materials standards. Related information: http://store.transportation.org/ AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: Standards as a Second Language Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, and AASHTO Provisional Standards, 42nd…

We share audio from the November 2022 Q&A webinar, Ask the AASHTO Accreditation Program. Senior program staff answers accreditation-related questions, explaining more about the accreditation process and internal audit requirements. Related Information: AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: Ask the AASHTO Accreditation Program S3 E32: Changes to AASH…

Gary Pasquarell joins the discussion on sieve requirements for testing labs and ASTM E11. Related Information: Sieves: Making the Grade, Part I Sieves: Making the Grade, Part 2 AASHTO re:source Policy and Guidance on Go-No-Go Gauges 2023 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange S2 E14: Fireproofing and Special Inspection…

We close out 2022 by having staff share some of their favorite tips and tricks they have seen in the lab. Related Information: 2023 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange AASHTO's Daily Transportation UpdateBy AASHTO resource

We discuss upcoming, and proposed changes to the AASHTO R 18 standard. Related Information: AASHTO R 18 Ballot for Iron and Steel Equipment Table https://materials.transportation.org/ The Birth of a Standard – Part I: Who Are AASHTO and ASTM? The Birth of a Standard – Part II: The Harmonization Effort S1 E22: AASHTO Committee on Materials and Pavem…