About Us

The primary vision of the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) is to be the center for promoting quality and achievement of excellence in construction materials testing (CMT).   We do this by providing services and tools through our three major programs: the Laboratory Assessment Program (LAP), the Proficiency Sample Program (PSP), and the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP).  Through these activities, we evaluate testing competency, promote continual improvement, and instill confidence in the laboratories and specifiers that use our programs.

AMRL is part of the Engineering and Technical Services division of AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), an international leader in setting technical standards for all phases of highway system development.  AASHTO represents all fifty states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico and serves as a liaison between the state departments of transportation and the federal government.  AASHTO is the voice for transportation and strives to educate the public and key decision makers about the critical role that transportation plays in securing a good quality of life and a sound economy for our nation.

History

AMRL was established at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD in 1965, when NIST was known as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS).  AMRL’s Laboratory Assessment and Proficiency Sample Programs were introduced in 1966 and covered just the basics – soil, aggregate, and bituminous materials.  Over the years the programs have grown dramatically to meet the needs of our customers. Currently AMRL also provides laboratory assessments for metals, plastic pipe, and spray-applied fire-resistive material and proficiency samples for road stripe paint.  The AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) was established in 1988 to provide formal recognition for CMT laboratories that meet the requirements of AASHTO R 18.  Accreditation is available for most of the tests covered in the scope of AMRL programs as well as those tests covered in the scope of the programs of the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), such as hydraulic cement, Portland cement concrete, and unit masonry.

Why AMRL?

Whether you are a testing laboratory in need of assessment services, a project owner, or an agency that specifies accreditation, AMRL will fulfill your needs and exceed your expectations.  With over 45 years of experience, we are well-known and highly regarded in the CMT industry.  We serve over 2,000 customers, making each of our programs the largest of its kind.  Our programs are formally recognized for compliance with ISO 9001, an international standard that specifies requirements for organizations that aim to enhance customer satisfaction.  We take pride in being accessible to our customers – you can expect a quick response when you contact us.

Do you have a CMT laboratory?

Our field assessors come to you and are technical experts in the industry – they can provide you with a thorough and unbiased evaluation of your laboratory’s testing competence.  Need a good “reference” material to evaluate your equipment or technicians?  We offer a variety of proficiency testing materials.  Need accreditation for a project?  We are also experts in quality management system development and implementation and can help you with your accreditation needs. Click here to register your laboratory.

Are you a specifier of accreditation?

AMRL works closely with numerous federal, state, and local agencies including every state DOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), California Department of General Services, and the New York City Department of Buildings, to name just a few.  We can explain the details of the AASHTO Accreditation Program and benefits of using AASHTO-accredited laboratories. Click here to apply to be a specifier.

We are involved.

AMRL is also closely involved in standards development for AASHTO and ASTM International.  We can assist you with submitting suggested changes to testing standards.  AMRL staff regularly attends technical meetings such as the AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials (SOM), ASTM International, Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the Rocky Mountain Asphalt User-Producer Group (RMAUPG).  We welcome invitations to participate in other applicable technical meetings.