Laboratory Testing Procedures For Asphalt Materials Training

Learning Outcomes

• Apply standard sampling and preparation methods for asphalt materials in accordance with SABS and TMH specifications.
• Demonstrate proficiency in performing key laboratory tests such as Marshall stability, flow, density, and binder content analysis.
• Analyze test results to evaluate asphalt mix compliance with design specifications and identify potential deviations.
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable test outcomes.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and records in compliance with health and safety regulations and quality management systems.

Target Audience

Laboratory technicians, quality controllers, and civil engineering professionals involved in asphalt testing and road construction projects. This course is also suitable for individuals seeking formal recognition of their skills in asphalt materials testing.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Hands-on practical sessions are integral to this course, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in a laboratory setting. Learners will perform key tests on aggregates and bitumen, conduct Marshall mix design, and execute performance tests, ensuring proficiency in standard methods and equipment operation.

Practical Activities

• Practical 1: Aggregate Sampling and Basic Tests — Learners sample aggregates from stockpiles, perform sieve analysis, flakiness index, and sand equivalent tests, and record results. (16h)
• Practical 2: Bitumen Testing — Learners conduct penetration, softening point, viscosity, and ductility tests on bitumen samples, adhering to temperature controls. (16h)
• Practical 3: Marshall Mix Design and Volumetrics — Learners prepare Marshall specimens, perform stability and flow tests, measure bulk specific gravity, and calculate volumetric properties. (20h)
• Practical 4: Binder Content and Performance Tests — Learners perform binder extraction via ignition oven, conduct indirect tensile strength test for moisture susceptibility, and analyze results. (16h)
• Practical 5: Integrated Quality Control Exercise — Learners work in teams to test a full set of materials, produce a mix design report, and apply statistical process control to test results. (12h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.