U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000
Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology
Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations
Purpose: To conduct fundamental studies of highway materials aimed at understanding both failure mechanisms and superior performance. New standard test methods are developed to facilitate the chemical analysis of highway materials and to characterize and quantify the additives used in them. Assistance is offered to State agencies in forensic investigations of premature pavement failures.
Laboratory Description: The two main functions of the laboratory are sample preparation and analysis. Traditional wet chemistry techniques are used to modify paving materials and to prepare and condition samples for further testing and analysis.
A wide range of modern electronic equipment is available for examining paving materials in great detail. These include:
Laboratory Services: The technology and data generated in this laboratory as well as the expertise of staff are being used by State transportation agencies to enhance the durability of highway materials and to reduce operating costs.
Arnold, Terry
terry.arnold@dot.gov
202-493-3305
Youtcheff, Jack
jack.youtcheff@dot.gov
202-493-3090
Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
6300 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22101-2296