Topic outline

  • Aggregate Base and Subbase - Design Sampling and Compaction

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Aggregate base and subbase typically provide the first layer of the structural pavement section. These are manufactured aggregate products that may be produced from mining or quarrying naturally occurring rock deposits or as a by-product of other manufacturing processes such as slag.

    This course covers the selection, testing, sampling, and placement of aggregate base and subbase layers (the structural foundation of the pavement). It will examine how to assess aggregate quality at the source, design sampling procedures for different production scenarios, and verify field compaction. The course draws from the Federal Lands Highway Field Materials Manual by the FHWA U. S. Department of Transport (2021) and is part of a series on highway materials acceptance and testing.

    Topics:

    By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Evaluate aggregate quality using standard test methods (LA Abrasion, Soundness, Durability).
    • Design proper sampling procedures for aggregate from stockpiles, flowing streams, and conveyor belts.
    • Understand base stabilization techniques (cement, lime, fly ash, asphalt).
    • Verify compaction of aggregate base and recognize deficiencies in the fiel
    • Accept or reject aggregate base materials based on test results and contract requirements

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for highway engineers, asphalt and materials engineers, as well as construction managers, field inspectors, and quality assurance personnel responsible for aggregate base materials on highway projects. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE and Jeelan Moghraby, PhD, MBA

    • Topic 1