We provide...
AMRL provides tools and services to evaluate the capabilities of construction materials testing laboratories.
AMRL Programs:
• measure laboratory performance and competency,
• promote improvements in laboratory testing and
• instill confidence in testing services.
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Program Benefits
Participants in AMRL programs demonstrate:
• increased testing precision
• increased conformance to testing procedures and
• increased quality
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Laboratory Assessments
AMRL assesses construction materials testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada through the Laboratory Assessment Program (LAP). Facilities are assessed for procedural, apparatus, and quality system conformance to AASHTO and ASTM Standards.
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Proficiency Testing
AMRL provides pairs of material samples to laboratories worldwide through the Proficiency Sample Program (PSP). Laboratories use AASHTO and ASTM test methods to determine material properties of the sample pair. Test results are submitted to AMRL for statistical analysis. Upon analysis, AMRL publishes reports comparing the results of participating laboratories.
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AASHTO Accreditation
AMRL supports the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) by utilizing data collected through the Laboratory Assessment Program (LAP) and the Proficiency Sample Program (PSP).
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Joint Research
AMRL and the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) conduct a program in association with the NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) research program. A Research Task Group, consisting of representatives of AASHTO, ASTM, and CCRL, performs program oversight. The combined research program has four components:
1. Standards development support
2. Externally funded research
3. Cooperative research with BFRL divisions
4. Technology development and deployment.
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NCHRP Research
AMRL is currently developing a precision statement for AASHTO T312 on Compaction of Mixes Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) has allotted additional funding for continued research in precision statement development. This includes:
1. Continued research on AASHTO T312 to remove the variability of the gyratory compactor
2. Use of existing AMRL proficiency sample data to evaluate current precision statements in materials testing standards
3. An additional interlaboratory study in a high priority area.
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NIST Research
AMRL staff is currently assisting BFRL research in the Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory. The research strives to develop a virtual testing system. The system will expedite the research and development process by reducing the amount of testing required for cement and concrete.
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The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) was established at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly the National Bureau of Standards) in 1965, under the sponsorship of the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Materials. |
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AMRL is a Research Associate program in the Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) of NIST in Gaitherburg, MD. NIST also hosts the ASTM-sponsored Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL). |
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