| April 22, 2013 | Webinar Registration Now Open
Space is limited; sign up now for the next live webinar, AASHTO R 18 Explained (Part 2). See full invitation for more details.
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| April 18, 2013 | Revised AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual
The AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) has released its latest version of the Procedures Manual for the Accreditation of Construction Materials Testing Laboratories, which has been approved by the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Materials. It is important to understand that although some of the policies and procedures are new to the manual, most of them have already been in place for years based on decisions made by AMRL’s Administrative Task Group (ATG) and in-house procedures. Please take time to review the revised manual. You may also be interested the following article summarizing the changes made: Understanding the Update to the AAP Procedures Manual. |
| April 5, 2013 | Follow us on Twitter
Follow @TheAMRL on Twitter to get updates about the Proficiency Sample Program schedule, AMRL announcements, webinar invitations, and much more.
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| April 1, 2013 | AASHTO Accreditation Invoice Announcement Attention accredited laboratories, please read the following announcement: Your annual AASHTO Accreditation invoice is now available to view on-line. This invoice has been issued for your laboratory’s AASHTO Accreditation from April 2012 through March 2013. Payments for this invoice are due by May 1, 2013. A hardcopy of this invoice will not be sent unless requested. If you require a hardcopy of this invoice, please email info@amrl.net your laboratory information. To view/print invoices, please log-on to www.amrl.net with your username and password. Select 'My Laboratory Home' under the 'My Tab' drop down menu. Then click the View Invoices' link on the left side under the 'Lab Account' section. Look for the top invoice that begins with "AAP." Please send checks to the address on the invoice and note invoice number on the check:
AASHTO
Dept. 1013
Washington DC 20061-1013 For other payment options, or if you have trouble logging-in, please contact us at 240-436-4900. Thank you for your participation in the AASHTO programs. |
| March 19, 2013 | Webinar Registration Now Open
Space is limited; sign up now for the next live webinar, AASHTO R 18 Explained (Part 1). See full invitation for more details.
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| March 18, 2013 | Webinars Now Offered
AMRL now conducts live webinars. To view a list of upcoming webinars and see recorded sessions, please visit the AMRL Webinars page under the About Us tab.
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| February 25, 2013 | New Standards Added to the AMRL Programs
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following standards to the Laboratory Assessment and AASHTO Accreditation programs:
- AASHTO T224 / ASTM D4718 - Correction for Coarse / Oversize Particles in Soil
These standards cover a procedure for adjusting the density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate mixtures containing coarse (oversize) particles.
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of the test method to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please Note: If you have already submitted an on-site assessment request form for your upcoming assessment and would like to add this new test, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit the request form. Please inform the assessor you wish to add the test to the scope of the assessment during the opening meeting of your scheduled on-site visit. |
| November 26, 2012 | New Test Methods Added to the AMRL Programs
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following tests to the Laboratory Assessment and AASHTO Accreditation programs:
- AASHTO T288 - Determining Minimum Laboratory Soil Resistivity
- AASHTO T289 - Determining pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Testing
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of the test method(s) to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please Note: If you have already submitted an on-site assessment request form for the current tour and would like to add this new test, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit the request form. Please inform the assessor you wish to add the test to the scope of the assessment during the opening meeting of your scheduled on-site visit. |
| August 15, 2012 | AASHTO Releases New Editions of Materials Book and Provisional Standards
AASHTO has recently released the 32nd edition of Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing (the “Materials Book”) and the 2012 edition of the AASHTO Provisional Standards.
The new edition of the Materials Book contains 394 materials specifications, including 52 revised and 6 new specifications and test methods. The 2012 edition of the AASHTO Provisional Standards contains 61 provisional standards, with 8 revised and 14 new standards.
The literature is available for purchase in either print or as a single-user CD-ROM. To order, visit the AASHTO Bookstore online at https://bookstore.transportation.org, or contact the AASHTO Fulfillment Center at 1-800-231-3475. Please direct questions to Carolyn Toye, Publications Marketing and Production Specialist, at ctoye AT aashto.org.
More information about AASHTO publications is available by downloading a free copy of the current AASHTO Publications Catalog at http://downloads.transportation.org/aashto_catalog.pdf |
| August 15, 2012 | Notice of False Claims of Accreditation
A laboratory has been placed on the False Claims of Accreditation page on our website. Here is the link. |
| August 3, 2012 | Change in AMRL Proficiency Sample Identification System
Please note that the sample identification system for the AMRL Proficiency Sample Program has been modified. We will continue to use the traditional odd/even numbering system (such as Sample 165 and Sample 166) on all documentation. However, the samples inside the shipping boxes will ONLY be labeled as “A” and “B.” The “A” sample corresponds to the odd-numbered sample (such as Sample 165), and the “B” sample corresponds to the even-numbered sample (such as Sample 166).
Please contact us if you have any further questions. |
| June 4, 2012 | New Tests Added to the AMRL Programs
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following tests to the Laboratory Assessment and AASHTO Accreditation programs:
- CT 670 (California Method) - Tests for Mechanical and Welded Reinforcing Steel Splices
- ASTM A 1034 - Testing Mechanical Splices for Steel Reinforcing Bars
- ASTM A 970 - Standard Specification for Headed Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of the test method to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please Note: If you have already submitted an on-site assessment request form for the current tour (28th) and would like to add this new test, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit the request form. Please inform the assessor you wish to add the test to the scope of the assessment during the opening meeting of your scheduled on-site visit. |
| May 4, 2012 | New Test Added to the AMRL Programs
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following test to the Laboratory Assessment and AASHTO Accreditation programs:
AASHTO T2 / ASTM D75: Standard Method of Test for Sampling of Aggregates
This practice covers sampling of fine and coarse aggregates for control of the product at the source of supply, control of product at the site of preparation (such as batch plants or quarries), and investigation of potential supply sources.
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of the test method to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please Note: If you have already submitted an on-site assessment request form for the current tour (28th) and would like to add this new test, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit the request form. Please inform the assessor you wish to add the test to the scope of the assessment during the opening meeting of your scheduled on-site visit. |
| February 6, 2012 | New Tests Added to the AMRL Programs
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following tests to the Laboratory Assessment and AASHTO Accreditation programs:
ASTM D6913 -04(2009): Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
The test covers the gradation of soil and is used for classification in accordance with Practice D2487. It is a comprehensive approach to + No. 200 particle size determination procedures currently covered in ASTM D422.
ASTM D4643 -08: Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating
This test method outlines procedures for determining the water (moisture) content of soils by incrementally drying soil in a microwave oven.
ASTM D7553 -10: Standard Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in N-Propyl Bromide
This test method covers the determination of the degree of solubility in n-propyl bromide of asphalt materials. It is almost identical to Test Method D2042 (which uses trichloroethylene), but is safer than trichlor in that it has no flash point and it is not considered to be an ozone depleter.
ASTM A706 / A706M-09b: Standard Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
This specification is very similar to AASHTO M31 and covers tensile, yield and bend testing of Low-Alloy Steel rebar.
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of any of these test methods to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please Note: If you have submitted an on-site assessment request form for the current tour (28th) and would like to add any of the new tests, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit your request form. Please inform the assessor of the tests you wish to add during the opening meeting of your scheduled on-site visit. |
| November 8, 2011 | New address and phone numbers for AMRL
Please note that on November 14, 2011 the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) address, phone numbers, and fax number will change to:
AMRL
4441 Buckeystown Pike
Suite A
Frederick, MD 21704
Phone: 240-436-4900
Fax: 240-436-4899
A complete list of our staff phone numbers will be available on November 14 at http://www.amrl.net/amrlsitefinity/default/aboutus/contactus.aspx.
During this week, the best way to reach us is by email. Please visit our website for more information and for staff email addresses located under the “About Us” tab. We apologize for any inconvenience.
It is important to note that AMRL’s billing address will remain the same. Please continue to send payments to the address listed on any invoices.
Email addresses for AMRL programs and staff will not be affected.
The Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) is also moving at the same time:
CCRL
4441 Buckeystown Pike
Suite C
Frederick, MD 21704
Phone: 240-436-4800
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
AMRL |
| October 17, 2011 | New Tests Added to the AMRL Programs
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following tests to the Hot-Mix Asphalt scope of our programs:
- Colorado Procedure CP-L5115 (Preparing and Determining the Density of Bituminous Mixture Test Specimens Compacted by the Superpave Gyratory Compactor)
- Colorado Procedure CP-L5106 (Resistance to Deformation of Bituminous Mixtures by Means of Hveem Apparatus)
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of these test methods to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please note that participation in our Hveem proficiency sample program is a requirement for accreditation for these test methods. If you are not already enrolled in that sample, please log in to our site and request enrollment. If your laboratory needs to be accredited for AASHTO T312 or ASTM D6925 for compaction using the Superpave gyratory compactor and the 6-inch diameter molds, participation in the hot-mix gyratory proficiency sample program is still required.
Please Note: If you have submitted an on-site assessment request form for the current tour (28th) and would like to add any of the new tests, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit your request form on your own. Please contact Chris Breth to update your request form. |
| July 29, 2011 | Changes to AASHTO T 87 and T 170
Effective immediately, the following AASHTO standards have been changed:
- T 87-86 “Dry Preparation of Disturbed Soil and Soil-Aggregate Samples for Test” has been renumbered as R 58-11.
- T 170-00 “Recovery of Asphalt Binder from Solution by Abson Method” has been renumbered as R 59-11.
These standards have been renumbered because they are practices (“R” standards) rather than test methods (“T” standards) and do not produce test results. There have been no other significant changes to the methods.
R 58-11 and R 59-11 are included in the 31st Edition (2011) of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, which is currently available for purchase through the AASHTO Bookstore. The single standards will be available for purchase in late August 2011.
These standards will soon be renumbered in the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) Directory of Accredited Laboratories for all affected laboratories. Future AMRL on-site assessments will include R 58 and R 59. The previous numbers will no longer be used. |
| June 6, 2011 | AMRL Assessment Reports to be Issued Electronically
AMRL is trying to do its part to help the environment. Over the past year, all AMRL assessors have switched from using "paper" assessment worksheets to electronic worksheets on Tablet PC's to record and document information during the on-site assessments. In addition, starting June 1st, AMRL will no longer mail the final assessment report to your laboratory. Instead, an email notification will be sent to the Laboratory Contact when the report is available. The report may then be viewed and downloaded from our website. |
| April 20, 2011 | Spring 2011 Edition of Newsletter: AMRL In Focus
The Spring 2011 Edition of AMRL's Newsletter, AMRL In Focus, is now available. Read more... |
| January 26, 2011 | New Tests Added to the Laboratory Assessment Program
AMRL is pleased to announce the addition of the following tests to the Soils scope of our Laboratory Assessment and AASHTO Accreditation programs:
- ASTM D4644 – Slake Durability of Shales and Similar Weak Rocks
- ASTM D5731 – Determination of Point Load Strength Index of Rock
- ASTM D7012 – Compression Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock (Method C only)
Laboratories may now request an evaluation of any of these test methods to be performed during their on-site assessment.
Please Note: If you have submitted an on-site assessment request form for the current tour (28th) and would like to add any of the new tests, it is not necessary to re-submit or edit your request form. Please inform the assessor of the tests you wish to add during the opening meeting of your scheduled on-site visit. |
| October 20, 2010 | Fall Edition of Newsletter: AMRL In Focus
The Fall Edition of AMRL's Newsletter, AMRL In Focus, is now available. Read more... |
| September 1, 2010 | AAP Directory Listing for ASTM C617 and ASTM C1231
If qualification of capping material over 7000 psi is not listed as "satisfactory" in the CCRL final report, the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) will add this exception to the AAP Directory listing for C617 and C1231 for applicable laboratories: "(7000 psi and below)." If a laboratory would like to have this exception removed from its listing, the laboratory must submit evidence that they have qualified their capping material per the requirements noted in the test method. |
| July 12, 2010 | 30th Edition (2010) AASHTO Books Now Available
AASHTO's 30th Edition (2010) of Standard Specifications for Transportation and Methods of Sampling and Testing are now available to pre-order for August delivery. For ordering information, go to the AASHTO Bookstore or call 1-800-231-3475. |
| May 3, 2010 | Alert: Revisions to AASHTO T310
Revisions to the Annex of AASHTO Test Method T310-06 (In-Place Density and Moisture Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods) were recently approved by the AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials and provide clarification of the calibration requirements for nuclear gauges. The revised method, to be designated AASHTO T310-10, requires that nuclear gauges be calibrated using multiple calibration standard blocks. The revised method is expected to be published in the 30th Edition of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials in August 2010. |
| April 14, 2010 | Spring Edition of Newsletter: AMRL In Focus
The Spring Edition of AMRL's Newsletter, AMRL In Focus, is now available. Read more... |
| February 3, 2010 | ASTM D244 (Emulsified Asphalt) Changes
ASTM D244 (Particle Charge) has been replaced by ASTM D7402, and ASTM D244 (Saybolt Viscosity) has been replaced by ASTM D7496. Affected laboratories should request the new test methods for their next AMRL on-site assessment, and applicable quality management system documentation should be revised to reflect any changes. AMRL will make appropriate revisions to AAP accreditation listings after laboratories are assessed for the new standards and upon adequate resolution of applicable nonconformities noted in the assessment report. |