Understanding the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) plant is absolutely critical for any inspector or engineer responsible for pavement quality and material acceptance. The quality of the final roadway pavement—its strength, durability, and rideability—is directly dependent on the quality and consistency of the asphalt mix produced. As the final gatekeepers of material compliance, inspectors and engineers must possess the essential knowledge to audit plant operations, identify potential issues before they become defects, and ensure that production adheres to rigorous standards. This course provides the framework for performing effective oversight, thereby mitigating the risk of costly failures, non-compliance penalties, and premature pavement deterioration.

This course provides a comprehensive, systematic review of the hot mix asphalt production process, designed specifically for personnel responsible for material acceptance and quality assurance. The content is grounded in industry best practices and aligned with TxDOT standards and specifications. We will begin with an Introduction and Terminology to establish a consistent technical foundation. The core of the course focuses on the Plant Layout to help engineers and inspectors precisely locate and identify all Asphalt Plant Systems. A detailed section covers the Aggregate Systems, including the function and operation of the Cold Feed Bins and Dryer Drum. We will then explore the crucial role of the Bag House and Dust Collector in process control and environmental compliance. Next, we will cover the actual mixing process with the Drum Dryer, Asphalt Oil, Anti-Stripping Liquid, and Mineral Filler. The course will detail the Elevator or Slat Conveyor system, focusing on the proper Movement of Hot Mix. Finally, we will dedicate significant attention to the Control Tower or Booth and Testing Controls section, which is vital for quality assurance, covering the necessary Controls and Certification of Controls for material acceptance.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, inspectors and engineers will be able to:

1. Define key HMA terminology and plant components critical for inspection reports.
2. Identify Asphalt Plant Systems: Distinguish between batch and drum plant layouts and explain the mechanical function of each system component.
3. Verify Plant Equipment: Implement the requirements of TxDOT Item 320 (Equipment for Asphalt Concrete Pavement) and TxDOT Item 520 (Weighing and Measuring Equipment).
4. Evaluate Material Handling: Inspect the aggregate systems, including cold feed bins, and monitor the drum dryer and mineral filler systems.
5. Analyze Environmental Controls: Assess the performance of the bag house and dust collector to ensure the plant operates within required limits.
6. Inspect the Elevator or Slat Conveyor system for efficient and compliant handling of the finished hot mix.
7. Execute Quality Control Tests: Perform and document Test Tex-921-K to evaluate the properties of the asphalt mixture accurately.
8. Certify Production Outputs: Audit the control tower operations to verify the movement of hot mix and ensure all controls are properly certified for production.

You Get

• Self-Paced, Online, On-Demand 3-hour Course.
• Access to an Easy navigation Learning Management System.
• Learning Management System Login.
• The course is broken into video presentations lasting 5 -20 minutes.
• Quizzes ending every class module/Final Exam.
• Certificate of Completion that qualifies you to get inspector level I Certificate.
• Reference Library.
• Downloadable Inspector Aides.
• Online VRX Institute support.
• Stop, start, rewind, retake classes.

Click below to see an example of the course content.