The Advanced Transportation Research and Engineering Laboratory (ATREL), the headquarters of ICT and UIUC transportation research, recently received IDOT approval for several tests and is preparing to apply for additional accreditations.
The HMA and Aggregate testing labs at ATREL were inspected by the IDOT Bureau of Materials and Physical Research (BMPR) inspectors on January 8, 2010. The inspection included a review of the testing equipment, calibration records, testing procedures and laboratory protocols. The equipment and testing procedures were reviewed to ensure that they comply with the relevant ASTM and AASHTO specifications found in the IDOT Manual of Test Procedures for Materials. ATREL was inspected as per the same standards expected for all IDOT District labs. There were no deficiencies during the inspection and ATREL was approved. Future inspections will be conducted by BMPR biennially.
ATREL is also currently preparing for AASHTO Accreditation with the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL).
Additionally, ATREL participates in the Round Robin Uniformity Study for HMA conducted by IDOT. The study requires each participating lab to perform testing on a known mix. The 2010 Round Robin testing included HMA volumetrics, gyratory compaction, TSR, ignition oven and aggregate gradation. The biennial inspections and Round Robin testing provide IDOT with a means to ensure that contractors, consultants, districts, and ATREL are consistent with laboratory procedures and results.
The ATREL complex is located on 47 acres just 15 miles north of the UIUC Campus. The complex includes 60,000 square feet of laboratories, continuing education classrooms, office space, a technical library, and a computer facility.