|
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.

|