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GDOT, Keeping Georgia on the Move Georgia Department of Transportation


Welcome to the OMR


 

The main task of the Office of Materials and Research (OMR) is to conduct sampling, testing, and inspection of highway construction materials to assure the quality of GDOT construction projects for the people of Georgia. The OMR administers the GDOT research program, which is geared toward the implementation of new technology, including improved highway materials and processes that will be more economical and environmentally friendly. The OMR also provides geotechnical engineering services to GDOT including bridge and retaining wall foundation studies, soil surveys, dike designs, lake siltation and scour, and river migration studies.

The OMR has a staff of 400 employees who work in the Central Laboratory (Metro Atlanta) located in Forest Park, Georgia, or in one of six branch laboratories located throughout the state.

Georgene Geary is the State Materials and Research Engineer. She directs the daily activities of the Office of Materials and Research and its four bureaus: Quality Administration, Technical Assistance, Testing, and Geotechnical.

In keeping with its on-going commitment to quality, the OMR, in conjunction with Georgia Tech, has developed the Georgia Loaded Wheel Tester to help predict the rutting susceptibility of asphaltic concrete mixtures; Stone Matrix Asphalt to improve rut resistance and increase service life; and Modified Open-Graded Friction Course to improve drainage and skid characteristics of surface mixes.

In order to more effectively monitor quality, the OMR employs statistically based Rating Systems to evaluate all major construction items. Rating systems are presently in place for asphaltic concrete plants, ready mix concrete plants, aggregate sources, erosion control, pavement smoothness, asphalt surface treatment construction, bridge deck steel cover, and concrete pipe and miscellaneous precast products. Products which meet GDOT specifications are placed on the GDOT Qualified Products List. Only products included on this list or those which have been uniquely certified by this laboratory may be used in GDOT construction projects.

Free tours of the Office of Materials and Research are available to the public. Our Guidelines for Tours are available for your information.

                      

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OMR text

Updated December 13, 2007. 17:59

© 2003-2007 Georgia Department of Transportation