Asphalt Materials and Flexible Pavements

"All lecturers were very informative, and the course was paced to suit the wide mix of attendees."

Asphalt Materials and Flexible Pavements

book online

Asphalt Materials and Flexible Pavements

[ Book online ]

[ Download Brochure ]

An understanding of the properties and performance of asphalt and the design, construction and maintenance of asphalt pavements is a fundamental requirement for a highway engineer and those in associated disciplines. However, undergraduate courses are generally unable to cover these subjects in sufficient detail. This course has been designed primarily for highways-related operatives, technicians, engineers and managers or anyone who wishes to extend their knowledge of asphalt materials, pavement design, construction and maintenance. The course will also serve more senior professional engineers who wish to update their knowledge of asphalt materials and flexible pavement design, construction and maintenance.

Professional institutions stress the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure that Engineers and technical staff are aware of the latest developments in their field of expertise, and able to apply them. Some institutions set annual targets for the appropriate amount of time that should be spent on CPD. This course is designed to meet this need, by providing an overview of the asphalt and flexible pavement industry, focusing on current practices, new developments and recent innovations.

The Course is broad and provides participants with an extensive overview of the subject. The comprehensive lecture notes provide an up to date introduction and include references leading to more detailed study. The course begins by investigating each of the constituent materials followed by consideration of mix composition and design together with quality assurance. Elements of pavement design are then considered, with recent changes in design procedures from empirical to analytical methods being described, along with explanations of how such techniques can be used to meet more specialised criteria. The assessment of and design for maintenance of pavements including reinstatement work will also be discussed.

The implementation of the first generation of European Standard specifications and test methods for asphalt and its constituents into the UK began with bitumen in 2002 and aggregates in 2004. It was completed with the implementation of European specification requirements and test methods for asphalt itself on 1 January 2008. While the asphalt mixes themselves remain largely unchanged in composition, the means of specifying them became significantly different. Consequently, the course will deal with asphalt materials as they exist within the framework of Harmonised European Specifications, including those covering bitumen and aggregates.

In addition to 'traditional' UK materials, reference will be made during the lectures to innovative asphalt materials, such as EME2 bases, SMA and thin surfacings, which originated in Europe and have been introduced in the UK over recent years for highway construction and maintenance. Procedures for evaluation of performance and quality control of all these asphalts will also be explained. Other aspects that will be covered during the course include: health and safety in asphalt production and laying, broader sustainability issues including recycling techniques, along with methods for laboratory and site testing of asphalt and asphalt surfacings.

The Course will be based on a series of lectures with time for discussion and practical demonstrations, accompanied by technical videos and site visits. Acknowledged specialists from appropriate backgrounds will contribute lectures to the course and provide an appropriate blend of principles, research and practical application. Response from delegates on previous courses has been taken into account in setting the course syllabus and content to ensure that the course will continue to meet the current and future needs of the industry.

[ Back to top of page ]

Course Outline

  • Sunday: Registration and dinner
    • 17.00-19.00: Registration in Henderson Hall
    • 19.00: Dinner in Henderson Hall
  • Properties and characteristics of binders and aggregates
  • Types, properties and design of asphalt mixes
  • Assessment of traffic loading
  • Structural design of asphalt pavements
  • Manufacture, laying and compaction of asphalt
  • Pavement performance
  • Sustainability and recycling procedures
  • Skid resistance and surface texture
  • Thin surfacings and other surface treatments
  • Quality management and certification for asphalt
  • Road maintenance, assessment, design and practice
  • Health and safety aspects of asphalt operations
  • Latest developments in flexible pavement technology
  • European developments
  • Site visits to include:
    • quarry
    • asphalt plant
    • laboratory
    • paving demonstration
    • pavement inspection and management

Course ends 1200-1230 Friday.

Catering and Accommodation

Full board will be provided throughout the course beginning with dinner in Henderson Hall on Sunday evening, and ending with lunch on Friday. On some evenings, meals will be taken during visits to local places of interest. On Thursday, there will be a Course Dinner at a well-known local venue. Refreshments will be available each morning and afternoon (except during site visits).

Accommodation has been arranged in single rooms at Henderson Hall, a comfortable hall of residence, about two miles from the University. The majority of rooms have en-suite facilities. These are normally allocated on a first come, first served basis. Transport will be provided between the Hall, the University, all site visits and organised evening activities. Ample parking facilities are available at Henderson Hall.

[ Back to top of page ]

Contact

Miss Colette Brodrick
Secretary (Professional Development Unit)
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Phone: +44 (0)191 222 5456

MPA Asphalt is part of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), the representative body for the UK aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, lime, mortar and silica sand industries. The MPA was formed in March 2009 through the merger of the British Cement Association (BCA), the Quarry Products Association (QPA) and The Concrete Centre. The Course has been organised, since its inception, by Newcastle University in conjunction with MPA and its predecessor Associations.

Who is the course aimed at?

The course serves personnel at all levels in the highways sector (both public and private) who are involved in or responsible for the design, specification, procurement, supply, installation, assessment, or maintenance of highways and highway materials.

Presenters

School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
Industry Professionals

Fees

  • Asphalt Materials and Flexible Pavements
    • £945.00 (duration 6 days)

Fees include all course materials, accommodation (full board), and transport to and from site visits during the course. The majority of delegates choose to attend the course on a residential basis even if living locally. However, if you do not require accommodation, the fee for the course is £765.00.

Discounts are available for groups of five or more people. Please contact the Professional Development Unit for further information.

Cancellations

It is necessary for the University to levy a charge if a reserved place on the course is cancelled. However, substitutes are accepted.

Cancellation Fee levied
Prior to 27 July 2013 £165.00
Between 28 July 2013 and 23 August 2013 £475.00
On or after 24 August 2013 £945.00 (full fee)

[ Book online ]

In association with:
In association with Mineral Products Association Asphalt Materials and Flexible Pavements delivered in association with Mineral Products Association
Endorsed by:
endorsed by Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Asphalt Materials and Flexible Pavements endorsed by Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

[ Back to top of page ]

[ Download Brochure ]