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TTI research has resulted in groundbreaking findings concerning asphalt concrete performance at the molecular level.

International Center for Aggregates Research (ICAR)

Description

The International Center for Aggregates Research (ICAR) is a joint effort of the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station. The center combines the research expertise of some of the world's top engineers and scientists, state-of-the-art research laboratory facilities, and two of the highest ranked engineering universities in the United States.

ICAR serves the industry as a forum for research and discussion where aggregates stakeholders can together seek answers to industry concerns. In addition, ICAR is the voice of the aggregates industry in the research community and serves as a facilitator for determining the most effective use of aggregates in design, specification, and construction. Financial support for the center comes primarily from the interest generated by an endowment from the Aggregates Foundation for Technology, Research, and Education (AFTRE), which was organized by the National Stone Association (NSA) and the National Aggregates Association (NAA). Additionally, contributions from the industry and funds from UT and TAMU help support the center.

Mission

The mission of ICAR is to

  • conduct, for public and private organizations, scientific and technical research related to aggregates;
  • develop educational activities including conferences, symposia, engineering course materials, and continuing education and training programs related to aggregates research; and
  • establish a central information clearinghouse on aggregates technology and coordinate technology transfer activities in order to put research results into practice.

Eight task forces organized around issues of concern to the industry advise and direct ICAR's research. Representatives from industry, academia, professional associations, and governmental agencies compose the membership of the following eight task forces:

  • Uses for New Product Fines;
  • Fine Aggregates Properties and Their Influence on End Products;
  • Alkali-Silica/Alkali-Carbonate Reaction in Portland Cement Concrete;
  • Criteria for Use of Recycled Materials with Natural Aggregates in Mixtures and Unbound Applications;
  • Pavement Design and Performance;
  • Remineralization;
  • Aggregates as Railroad Ballast; and
  • Communications.

Expertise

Both UT and TAMU have well-established transportation research centers. The two universities have more than 60 years of combined research experience. ICAR includes research professionals from academic backgrounds such as civil, electrical, and chemical engineering, computer science, and soil science. These professionals have extensive experience in areas such as:

  • materials engineering and materials science;
  • materials characterization;
  • physical and chemical characteristics of asphalt and Portland cement;
  • flexible and rigid pavement design, construction, maintenance, and life-cycle cost analysis;
  • computer modeling software design and development;
  • fracture mechanics;
  • soil mechanics and dynamics; and
  • development of training materials and coordinating training schools.

Research Initiatives

During 2004, a committee representing the aggregates industry, state and federal agencies, and ICAR staff from The University of Texas and Texas A&M University met in Austin to complete a research plan to guide the ICAR program. The contents of this plan respond to needs identified by the aggregates industry. The plan is organized by three major applications of aggregates (asphalt, concrete, bases). For each application, major research areas are listed: Design, Performance, and Characterization. Pertinent previous and ongoing research projects for each area are identified, and key findings are listed. On the basis of these findings and recommendations from previous projects, new topics are proposed. The overall goal of this plan is to support advances in product knowledge that will facilitate superior performance of aggregates and lead to improved quality and durability of the application, widespread use of greater amounts of minus #200 fines, thicker base courses, significantly increased usage of local materials, and increased percent aggregates in the various applications.

Cooperative Relationships/Sponsors

Through annual conferences and training seminars, ICAR works with private industry and state and national organizations to provide aggregates industry professionals with the latest techniques and information. Recognized by state, federal, and international agencies as a leading research center on aggregate-related problems, ICAR researchers regularly make presentations at seminars, workshops, symposia, and conferences all over the world. ICAR serves as the focal point for technical aspects of aggregates, and researchers represent the center on committees in numerous national and international organizations. Additionally, the industry considers the center's annual symposium the most important conference dedicated to aggregates.

ICAR also works with the industry to conduct seminars on specialized topics such as new environmental regulations, production of high-strength concrete, and prevention of alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates. Additionally, ICAR is preparing future aggregates industry professionals through graduate and undergraduate programs offered at UT and TAMU.

For More Information

Dallas Little
International Center for Aggregates Research
Texas Transportation Institute
Texas A&M University System
3135 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843
ph. (979) 845-9847 · fax (979) 845-9761
d-little@tamu.edu

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