GPTQ report

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION DIVISION
OFFICE OF MATERIALS AND RESEARCH FY 2008 GPTQ Report

Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
Table of Contents
Office of Materials and Research ............................................................................................................... 3 Contact List ............................................................................................................................................................4 Geotechnical Bureau.......................................................................................................................................... 5 Technical Assistance Bureau ......................................................................................................................... 6 Testing Bureau .....................................................................................................................................................9 Quality Administrative Bureau ................................................................................................................... 11 Summary ...............................................................................................................................................................12
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
Office of Materials and Research
Office Head: Georgene M. Geary, PE
The main task of the Office of Materials and Research (OMR) is to conduct sampling, testing, and inspection of highway construction materials to assure the quality of GDOT construction projects for the citizens of Georgia. As part of this, OMR also develops materials-related polices and specifications that are cost efficient without compromising the safety of the traveling public. The OMR administers the GDOT research program, which is geared toward the implementation of new technology, including improved highway materials and processes that will be more economical and environmentally friendly. The OMR also provides geotechnical engineering services to the GDOT including bridge and retaining wall foundation studies, soil surveys, lake siltation scour, and river migration studies.
The OMR has a staff of almost 400 employees who work in the Central Laboratory (Metro Atlanta) located in Forest Park, Georgia, or in one of six branch laboratories located throughout the state.
The OMR is composed of four Bureaus: Quality Administration, Technical Assistance, Testing, and Geotechnical.
In order to more effectively monitor quality, the OMR employs statistically based Rating Systems to evaluate all major construction items. Rating systems are presently in place for asphaltic concrete plants, ready mix concrete plants, aggregate sources, pavement smoothness, asphalt surface treatment construction, bridge deck steel cover, and concrete pipe and miscellaneous precast products. Products which meet the GDOT specifications are placed on the GDOT Qualified Products List. Only products on this list or those which have been uniquely certified by this laboratory may be used in GDOT construction projects.
Our mission .....
The mission of the Office of Materials and Research (OMR) is to conduct the necessary sampling, testing, and inspection to assure the quality of materials used in the Department of Transportation projects; to provide geotechnical engineering services to the Department; and to administer the Department's research and development program.
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report

CONTACT LIST

State Materials and Research Engineer, Assistant Materials and Research Engineers (Bureau Chiefs),
Secretaries, Branches and Branch Chiefs

State Materials and Research Engineer
Georgene M. Geary, PE
Tracy Stone-Winsky

404-363-7512 404-363-7510

Geotechnical Bureau
Tom Scruggs, PE Naomi Sims Engineering Branch Preliminary Engineering Branch/Crews Environmental Testing Branch

Glen Foster Sidney Johnson Vacant

404-363-7548 404-363-7546 404-363-7577 404-363-7578 404-675-1731

Technical Assistance Bureau
Peter Wu, PE Gail Morley Pit and Quarry Control Branch Concrete Branch Bituminous Construction Branch Inspection Services Branch
Testing Bureau
Rick Douds Donna Mathis Physical and Chemical Testing Branch Testing Management Branch
Quality Administration Bureau
JT Rabun, PE Donna Mathis Administrative Branch Building Maintenance Branch Research and Development Branch Pavement Management Branch Quality Assurance Branch

Jerry German, PG Myron Banks Sheila Hines Kevin Ledford
Brad Young, PE Daniel Mann
Hattie Nixon Anthony Poindexter Rick Deaver, PE AJ Jubran, PE David Duffey

404-363-7521 404-363-7520 404-363-7667 404-363-7561 404-363-7531 404-363-7619
404-362-2545 404-363-7567 404-363-7560 404-363-7621
404-363-7583 404-363-7567 404-363-7556 404-363-7504 404-363-7584 404-363-7582 404-363-7572

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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report

Geotechnical Bureau
Bureau Chief: Thomas Scruggs, PE

The mission of the Geotechnical Bureau is to produce quality, accurate and timely engineering services that provide the Department a solid transportation foundation in its service to the citizens of Georgia. The Bureau consists of three Branches: Preliminary Engineering Branch, Engineering Branch and Environmental Branch.

ENGINEERING BRANCH

1.

Analyze subsurface conditions and prepare recommendations for safe and economical design and

construction of highway bridge foundations, roadways, retaining walls and other structures.

2.

Provide expert advice on problems encountered during construction in the areas of foundations,

embankments, subgrades, stability of slopes and specialized retaining wall construction.

3.

Provide recommendations for roadway alignment by conducting geological studies.

4. Develop and conduct research as needed to improve the operation of the Bureau and to evaluate

materials and technology that will improve design and construction of roadways and structures.

5.

Provide analysis of problems encountered with existing roadways such as sinkholes, landslides,

pavement failures and scour problems at bridges.

6.

Assist in developing new consultant contracts for Geotechnical work and construction monitoring

activities.

Contact: Glen Foster, PE 404-363-7577

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING BRANCH
Determine the presence and extent of subsurface contamination from leaking underground storage tanks and hazardous waste materials on proposed rights-of-way and/or when discovered during construction. Conduct environmental site assessments and required remediations for Departmental fueling facilities.

Contact: Vacant 404-675-6250

PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING BRANCH

1.

Determine subsurface conditions along roadway projects through subsurface borings and testing of

soils.

2.

Manage the scheduling and status of Geotechnical consultant work.

3.

Manage the scheduling and status of required field work for all incoming preconstruction,

construction and maintenance projects.

Contact: Sidney Johnson 404-363-7578

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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report

Technical Assistance Bureau
Bureau Chief: Peter Wu, PE

The Technical Assistance Bureau consists of four Branches: Bituminous Construction Branch, Concrete Branch, Pit and Quarry Branch, and Inspection Services Branch. Administers the Georgia DOTs Technician Certification Program.

BITUMINOUS CONSTRUCTION BRANCH
Responsible for development and administration of Bituminous Construction related policies for the Department and for providing assurances that related items are produced and constructed in accordance with Specification requirements. This Branch is divided into three work units:

A.

Bituminous Control Unit: Administers the Department's certification program for products and

supply of bituminous materials for DOT work. This includes

monitoring of the production and

testing operations of the producers and suppliers of the various materials. Performs physical testing of

various bituminous materials to assure compliance with Specification requirements. Develops and

implements related Specifications, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures.

B.

Asphalt Design Unit: Designs and/or approves or rejects asphaltic concrete mix designs on a

statewide basis.

Conducts physical testing to evaluate existing pavements, assist Pavement Management Branch and makes recommendations as needed for asphalt pavement rehabilitation.

Conducts research to improve bituminous mixtures and evaluates innovative products related to bituminous construction.

Conducts tests to evaluate heat stable anti-striping additive, asphalt releasing agents, hydrated lime, and non-chlorinated asphalt extractants for Qualified Products Lists.

C.

Bituminous Technical Services Unit:

Administer the Department's QCT Level II Certification Program.

Provides technical services to technicians, inspectors, engineers, and contractors involved in the production and placement of bituminous construction items on a statewide basis.

Approves or rejects submitted requests for asphalt concrete job mix formulas.

Inspects asphaltic concrete plants and paving equipment and maintains list of approved asphaltic concrete producers.

Conduct the Department's annual bituminous workshops.

Contact: Sheila Hines 404-363-7531

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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
CONCRETE BRANCH
Responsible for the development and administration of Concrete Construction related policies for the Department and for providing assurances that related items are produced and constructed in accordance with Specification requirements The Concrete Branch is divided into three units: A. Precast/Prestress Technical Services Unit - Ensures that the precast-prestressed concrete bridge members
and structural precast concrete members are produced in compliance with the Plans, Approved Drawings and Specifications; monitors the manufacture of concrete members at Department certified plants in Georgia and in other states. Monitors all hydraulic cements and pozzolans used on DOT projects. In order to be carried as an approved source, a producer must meet inspection criteria specified by the Department and provide samples and test results to the Department.
This unit is responsible for monitoring mill source to ensure that cement arriving at the job site meets the specifications and is satisfactory for use. C. Concrete Technical Services Unit - Provides technical services to technicians, inspectors, engineers, and contractors in the production and placement of ready mix concrete and Portland Cement Concrete pavement.
Evaluates concrete plant facilities and personnel for compliance with Department requirements.
Reviews and approves Portland cement design proposals. Performs concrete mix designs. Trains and certifies field construction personnel for concrete sampling and testing.
Performs bridge deck steel cover measurements on new construction.
Investigates concrete quality problems and recommends appropriate action.
Runs profilograph on all bridges to determine compliance with rideability requirements.
Conducts bridge deck condition evaluations and makes recommendations on rehabilitation strategies.
Contact: Myron Banks 404-363-7561
INSPECTION SERVICES BRANCH
The Inspection Services Branch is comprised of two work units: General Inspection and Structural Steel Inspection. A. General Inspection Unit - The General Inspection Unit performs pre-inspection, testing and evaluation of
a variety of roadway and bridge construction items. These include reinforcement steel, gray iron drainage castings, guardrail, highway signs, traffic and bridge paint, thermoplastic traffic stripe, treated wood products, fencing, bearing pads, raised pavement markers and anchor bolts. The General Inspection Unit also manages several certification programs such as Certified Pipe & Precast Technicians (CPT), Certified Metal Pipe Technicians (CMPT), Certified Plastic Pipe Technicians (PPT), Certified Thermoplastic Technicians (CTT) and Certified Casting Technicians (CCT). B. Structural Steel Inspection Unit - The Structural Steel Inspection Unit performs pre-inspection, testing
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
and evaluation of roadway and bridge construction items of a structural nature. These include structural steel bridge beams and girders, overhead sign supports, high mast lighting towers, steel and aluminum lighting and traffic poles, steel bearings for bridges and other welded construction items. The Structural Steel Unit also manages the Welder Certification program and provides Non-Destructive Testing for the Department.
Welder Certification - All welders involved in fabrication for GDOT construction projects must be certified on an annual basis. There are two categories of welders, shop welders and field welders. Shop welders are certified in their respective facilities prior to beginning fabrication of any welded roadway or bridge construction item. Field welders are certified at OMR and are required to have their certification card on their person whenever performing welding on a GDOT construction project.
Non-Destructive Testing - Non-Destructive Testing is performed in both the shop and field environments. Ultrasonic (UT), Magnetic Particle (MT), Dye Penetrant (PT) and Visual (VT) testing is performed by the Structural Steel Inspection Unit. Shop and field testing of structural steel beam and girder splices continues to be one of the most critical duties. In addition, technical assistance is provided to the Operations Division by performing UT evaluation of cantilevered sign structure anchor bolts and bridge pin and hanger connections.
Contact: Kevin Ledford 404-363-7619
PIT AND QUARRY BRANCH

The Pit and Quarry Branch ensures that aggregate products used in Departmental construction meet Departmental specifications and are of the highest quality.

Specific functions include:

1.

Maintains Qualified Products Lists (QPL) 1 and 2 of approved sources of fine and coarse aggregate,

respectively.

2.

Evaluates new aggregate sources wishing to be included on QPL 1 and/or 2.

3.

Establishes the quality control programs for all aggregate sources on QPL 1 and 2.

4.

Monitors the quality control programs at all aggregate sources on QPL 1 and 2. This includes monthly

or quarterly verification sampling.

5.

Monitors lime rock and soil cement base construction.

6.

Investigates aggregate-related construction problems.

7.

Conducts quarterly ratings of aggregate sources.

8.

Certifies laboratories and quality control personnel at all approved aggregate sources.

9.

Conducts aggregate sampling classes and training workshops for Departmental, contractor, and local

government personnel.

10. Maintains Standard Operating Procedures 1, 15, and 29 pertaining to Aggregate, Certified Public

Weighers, and Soil Cement Base Construction, respectively.

Contact: Jerry German, PG 404-363-7667

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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
Testing Bureau
Bureau Chief: Rick Douds
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TESTING BRANCH
A. Physical Testing Unit: Soil and Base Design - The Soil and Base Design Unit performs physical tests on soil and soil aggregates used in highway construction. The compilation of these tests is used to determine whether the soils comply with specification requirements. The Soil and Base Design Unit is responsible for conducting designs on soil and soil aggregate bases using Portland cement, hydrated lime, and fly ash.
Miscellaneous Physical Testing - Performs physical tests on a large variety of materials used in Department work. These include, but are not limited to, concrete, metals, pipes, adhesives, fabrics, sealers, electrical components, and anchor systems. This section handles field evaluations of related products.
Qualified Products Committee - Oversees the operations of the new products evaluation committee. The committee handles requests from various sources for consideration of new products developed for use in road and bridge construction or maintenance. The committee evaluates new products which have a potential to fulfill a real need, economically provide a satisfactory level of service and are not covered by existing specifications. The Branch maintains 40 of the Department's 82 Qualified Products Lists
B. Chemical Testing Unit - Performs qualitative and quantitative analysis on sign materials, Portland cement, metals, wastewater, structural steel, traffic paints, and related construction materials used on both maintenance and construction projects.
Miscellaneous Chemical Testing - This Unit also assists the Environmental Testing Branch and the Department's Preconstruction Division by performing chemical analysis on soils and water from proposed rights-of-way and Department Maintenance sites to determine if there are any potential liabilities present which adversely affect the proposed purchase
Cement Testing - All physical testing of Portland cement used in the manufacture of Portland Cement Concrete is performed in this Unit. Tests are also performed on fly ash, grouts, and rapid setting patching materials. The results from these tests are used to produce and monitor Department Qualified Products Lists for these items.
Contact: Brad Young, PE 404 363-7560
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
TESTING MANAGEMENT BRANCH
The Testing Management Branch of OMR consists of six District Branch Labs and a Field Testing Unit located in District 7 at OMR (Metro-Atlanta). Each District Lab consists of a Laboratory and a Field unit except District 7(Field Only). All the Branch laboratories consist of a Soil, Concrete, Aggregate, and Asphalt sections. The Field Unit performs acceptance and quality assurance testing on airport, bridge and roadway construction materials within their respective Districts. The Testing Management Branch is also responsible for monitoring contractor acceptance testing of asphaltic concrete on all GDOT projects. The Testing Management Branch also oversees the Roadway Testing Technician and Quality Control Technician Level 1 certification programs.
Laboratory: The laboratory purpose is to test various materials used in roadway construction to ensure the quality of material being used meets standard specifications. The materials tested are preliminary, Classification, Comparison, AMRL and Cooperative type samples. The Lab determines the classification of various soils used in roadway construction. Soils and aggregates are tested to determine gradation analysis, maximum densification, optimum moisture, and volume changes. Asphalt is tested to determine AC content and gradation analysis, and concrete to determine the PSI.
Soils Test to determine the Classification, Clay content, Liquid Limits, Plastic Limits, Plasticity Index, Density and Volume Change on soils used in highway construction.
Concrete Receive and test concrete cylinder and bricks to determine if the PSI meets Department Specifications.
Aggregate - Determine the gradation analysis on aggregate and the theoretical density and optimum moisture on graded aggregate base and lime rock used in roadway construction.
Asphalt Perform tests on various asphalt plant produced mixtures to determine the gradation analysis and asphalt content for comparison. Design asphalt mixtures, test asphalt design field verification and bituminous materials.
Field: The Field Unit purpose is to sample and test roadway construction material to insure acceptability of material used in construction meets the Department Standard specification. This will ensure that the highest quality of material used will be incorporated into the work and construction achieves the specified end.
Roadway Sampling and Testing Field Testing Technicians are responsible for sampling and testing material used in roadway construction to verify that specifications are being met. Sampling and Testing materials are sometimes preliminary, acceptance and Quality assurance.
Asphalt Plant Sampling and Testing Field Testing Technician are required to inspect, sample and test material produced at an asphalt plant. The tests performed are quality assurance, comparison and sometimes acceptance. Quality assurance testing insures uniformity of testing between the Department and the Producer. Comparison testing helps determine if the test methods and equipment used are in accordance with Department policies.
Contact: Daniel Mann 404-363-7621
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
Quality Administrative Bureau
Bureau Chief: JT Rabun, PE
The Quality Administration Bureau includes the engineering branches of Pavement Management, Quality Assurance, and Research and Development. The Bureau also includes the support branches of Administrative, and Building and Equipment Maintenance.
ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH
The Administrative Branch provides numerous administrative and supports functions to the Office of Materials & Research in its pursuit to reach and maintain the goals set by Georgia Department of Transportation. The disciplines of Budget, Human Resources, Training, Procurement, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Expense Vouchers, Mail Distribution and Warehouse operations are located within this branch. The Administrative Branch Vision is "Providing Customer Service Beyond Your Expectations!"
Contact: Hattie Nixon 404-363-7556
BUILDING MAINTENANCE BRANCH
The Building and Equipment Maintenance Branch maintains OMR and six branch laboratory building facilities, and operates the automotive and equipment repair shop. The machine shop prepares samples for lab testing. Equipment Maintenance repairs and maintains the almost three hundred vehicles assigned to OMR lab and the six branch labs. Equipment maintenance staff also repair and maintain vehicles from locations which do not have a maintenance shop such as Environment/Location and Traffic Operations.
Contact: Anthony Poindexter 404-363-7504
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT BRANCH
The Pavement Management Branch (PMB) at the Office of Materials and Research provides support, information, and technical services to several internal customers within the Department.
Pavement Testing Unit This unit is responsible to perform the following: Provides coordination and technical services to the statewide pavement smoothness testing program. Provides coordination and technical services to the statewide pavement friction testing program. Conducts studies of new pavement evaluation equipment and procedures. Conducts statewide pavement structural adequacy investigations. Operates the pipe inspection camera for GDOT.
Pavement Design Unit This unit is responsible to perform the following: Review all pavement designs submitted by District and Preconstruction design offices. Provides support on the latest pavement design methods and training relating to pavement design and
evaluation. Coordinates Pavement Design Committee meetings for the Department.
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
Performs pavements evaluations and recommends pavements for reconstruction projects. Performs Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Pavement Type Selection recommendations for the Department.
Contact: A. J. Jubran, PE 404-363-7582
QUALITY ASSURANCE BRANCH
This branch contains three work units: A. Materials Audit Unit: Performs audits on all projects and issues Materials Certificates, as required by the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), to verify the quality of materials and that the necessary sampling and testing was performed. B. Independent Assurance Unit: Evaluates the qualified sampling and testing personnel and the testing equipment. The program covers sampling procedures, testing procedures, and testing equipment as required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Performs comparison testing to verify that the acceptance testing is accurate. Performs comparison tests on at least 10% of the number of tests performed by acceptance testing personnel. C. Nuclear Lab Inspection Unit: Maintains the Department's Radioactive Materials License and complies with all requirements of the licensing agency. This includes current inventory and required leak tests, and maintenance of radiation survey meters. This unit performs annual calibration and maintenance on the nuclear gauges owned by the Department. Coordinates the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP). The AAP utilizes laboratory assessment and proficiency sample services provided by the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) and the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) and performs inspections on all branch labs. Contact: David Duffey 404-363-7572
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
The Research and Development Branch Administers the Department's research and development program and GDOT Library functions. The program covers all areas of the Department and is primarily funded by an 80/20 match of federal/state funds. Contact: Rick Deaver, PE 404-363-7584
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Department of Transportation State of Georgia
Office of Materials and Research FY 2008 GPTQ Report
SUMMARY
8.7 million tons of Asphaltic Concrete Produced 127 million gallons of liquid bituminous materials used 1,150,512 cubic yards of concrete placed 14,224,723 tons of aggregate used in Departmental projects 10, 025 feet of soil and rock drilled and sampled 28,727 tests were performed on 21,706 samples. These tests were performed on
aggregates, Portland Cement, soil, metals, paints, and a variety of other materials 91 geotechnical reports were generated for Bridge Foundation Investigations,
Soil Surveys, Retaining Walls, and Environmental reports, which includes 269 Consultant Report reviews Smoothness Testing: During 2008, the seven field units tested for acceptance: New Construction: 456.48 lane miles. Resurfacing Construction: 1581.97 lane miles 11,505 feet of pipe were checked with the camera to locate areas of concern for Maintenance 35 Pavement Evaluations/Designs were reviewed 775 Materials Certificates were processed 13 Current R&D projects of which 3 are listed below:
o Safe Routes to School Demonstration Project o Test Methods for Self-Consolidating Concrete o Development of Weather Map for Contract Time Determination
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