Q.A. Lab
6636-H East W. T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28215
704-537-6892

The Division 10 Quality Assurance Department currently oversees 23 Quality Control laboratories and asphalt producing facilities. Two of these plants are in South Carolina.

Quality Assurance (QA) personnel perform random checks and take samples from asphalt plants and roadway operations where hot mix asphalt (HMA) is being placed. Quality Assurance samples may consist of asphalt mix, raw aggregates, roadway cores, or nuclear gauge readings. Samples obtained by the Quality Assurance Department are tested and documented. These results are then compared with the results obtained by the Quality Control personnel. These checks insure that each asphalt contractor's product is produced in accordance with Section 609 of the NCDOT Standard Specifications and with the Project Special Provisions.

A new aspect of the Quality Assurance program involves the implementation of Superpave. Superpave is a new process of designing and testing asphalt mixes that should result in longer lasting and better riding asphalt pavements. It will be introduced in the contract lettings of 1999 and the year 2000. The Quality Assurance lab technicians are currently trained in Superpave testing and mix design.

All Quality Assurance testing is performed utilizing the latest hi-tech lab equipment. All test procedures are done in accordance with the latest NCDOT (HMA/QMS) Hot Mix Asphalt Quality Management System Manual.