Bitumen course delivered by Total Bitumen a success.
Total Bitumen recently hosted nine technicians studying on The Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT), NVQ Level 2 Course in Asphalt Laboratory Testing.
The course is run over five days covering aspects of laboratory asphalt analysis and on-site testing being hosted by the material test laboratory PTS and Total Bitumen in Preston. This was the second batch of students to attend the course. Completion of the course qualifies technicians to then apply for CSCS card examination and qualification which is vital for access to road construction sites and any testing or sampling required on construction sites. The Technicians attending come from various companies within the highways sector. The course covers five key areas over five days…
- Aggregates Testing
- Bitumen Testing
- Asphalt Production and Mixing
- Compaction and on site tests
- Quality Assurance and certification
The one day Bitumen module of the NVQ allowed the nine technicians to learn about bitumen production methods, bitumen behavior and modification, health and safety aspects of bitumen and Emulsion production, modification and its applications. A key part of the visit was a tour of Total Bitumen’s Preston Technical Centre to see the various test resources available used in bitumen R&D such as the Texas Overlay Machine (TOT), BBR, DSR and industrial bitumen production.
The students witnessed the characteristic bitumen tests for penetration analysis, softening point and viscosity testing being performed. Total Bitumen are proud to support the industry and address skills gaps by sharing best practice to develop a modern innovative workforce therefore strengthening the asphalt industry supply chain.
The bitumen course was delivered by Total’s Rick Ashton (IAT Pennine Branch Chairman) Rebecca Haigh with practical testing demonstrated by Stephen Stewart.