Advanced Asphalt Materials Laboratory

Mixing materials in lab with instructor

The Advanced Asphalt Materials Lab is home to our state-of-the-art Superpave testing equipment. The laboratory is equipped to conduct standard asphalt binder performance grade specification testing (AASHTO M320).

The asphalt laboratories operate as a university fee-for-service entity, catering to both internal and external personnel interested in asphalt materials testing. Our expert team ensures precise, reliable results for a wide range of asphalt testing needs, supporting research, development, and practical applications in the field.

Additionally, this lab excels in performing non-standard tests for advanced rheological
characterization. Capabilities extend to developing formulations for modified asphalts, RAP additives, waste-derived asphalt formulations, and biopolymeric additive development.

The lab was equipped through donations from the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa, moneys from Iowa State University, and asphalt contractors and suppliers.

Contact and Location

Laboratory Supervisor Paul Ledtje, paledtje@iastate.edu

Town 168
813 Bissell Road
Ames, IA 50011

What kind of work is done in the Advanced Asphalt Lab?

  • Asphalt materials characterization
  • Asphalt design, performance, and construction testing
  • Development and performance of bio asphalts
  • Development and performance of waste-derived asphalt additives
  • Iowa DOT beam fatigue specification testing

Lab Services

  • Asphalt binder specification testing and verification
  • Asphalt performance testing on mix and binder
  • Asphalt binder extraction/recovery and development of blending charts
  • Asphalt highway coring and sample collection

 

Hands with protective industrial gloves pouring asphalt into a geological laboratory testing machine

How to get involved

Before operating in this lab, students are required to undergo training and secure Worktag funding from a faculty or staff member of the department. Contact the lab manager with additional questions or collaboration opportunities.

Equipment

  • Gyratory compactor
  • Bending beam rheometer
  • Dynamic shear rheometer
  • Pressure aging vessel
  • Rolling thin film oven
  • NCAT ignition furnace
  • Direct tension tester
  • Rotational viscometer
  • Nottingham Asphalt Tester (NAT)