- National Center for Asphalt Technology
- Test Track
Test Track
The NCAT Pavement Test Track (www.pavetrack.com) is a unique accelerated pavement-testing facility that brings together real-world pavement construction with live heavy trafficking for rapid testing and analysis of asphalt pavements. The test track is funded and managed as a cooperative project among highway agencies and industry sponsors. View the Auburn College of Engineering video spotlighting the test track.
The track is a 1.7-mile oval test track with 46 different 200-ft. test sections. Sections are sponsored on three-year cycles. Each sponsor has specific research objectives for their section(s) and shared objectives for the track as a whole.
NCAT operates a fleet of heavily loaded tractor-trailers to provide 10 million ESALs during each cycle. Pavement performance is monitored on a continuous basis to evaluate rutting, fatigue cracking, roughness, texture, friction and noise. Structural pavement research test sections have embedded strain and pressure sensors to analyze pavement response to loads for validation of mechanistic-empirical pavement design procedures. All sections are also equipped with temperature sensors throughout the pavement depth.
Beyond Pavement Testing
In addition to accelerated testing of pavement structures, the test track is currently being used for a variety of transportation-related projects, including the development of new heavy vehicle suspension systems, evaluation of alternative fuels, improved tires, a vehicle rollover prediction system, advanced propulsion systems, and improved vehicle electronics and safety.
2012 Pavement Test Track Conference
The fourth-annual NCAT Pavement Test Track Conference will be held February 28-29, 2012, at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center in Auburn, AL. The two-day meeting will highlight the latest research findings from NCAT's 1.7-mile test track. Tour the track and hear researchers and DOT engineers share how track research is translating into implementable findings.
Hotel Information: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center at a cost of $109.00 per night, per room. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please make reservations directly with the hotel by calling (334) 821-8200. Mention you are attending the conference to ensure that you receive the special rate.
Registration and Exhibition: You may register online and submit your payment online, or you may print a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us. The registration fee is $200 and includes meals and a reception. This year, participants also have the opportunity to showcase their materials with a tabletop exhibition that will be displayed throughout the conference. The hotel will provide a table, tablecloth, two chairs, and, if needed, A/V setup for each display. The exhibition fee is $250 in addition to the registration fee.
For more information about the conference, please contact Buzz Powell at (334) 844-6857. For more information about registration, please contact Vinnie Hester at (334) 844-7305.
Online Registration Form
Online Exhibitor Form (Note: You must fill out the Online Registration Form and pay the registration fee in addition to the Online Exhibitor Form & fee.)
Printable Registration and Exhibitor Form