Round Robin Samples On The Way
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VAA is excited to offer an opportunity to participate in a lab testing Round Robin. This will include a gyratory sample, a rice, and a furnace with gradation. All each lab has to do is run the appropriate tests and send the results back to the specified facility. Once all the test results are received, VAA will let each participant know how their results compared to the other laboratories in Virginia.
VAA will begin distributing the Round Robin samples this month. To date we have 49 gyratory and rice samples that will be compared; and with the additional furnaces in some labs, we have ordered 64 furnace burn samples. One of the benefits of participating in this study is there are 3 main variables that can influence lab test results; the sample itself, lab equipment, and the technician. Due to the way the samples are being prepared the sample variability will be removed so once the data has been analyzed each participating lab will be able to see how their equipment and/or operator test results compare with the other participating labs' data.
The plan is for each lab to perform each test the same way they run samples daily. Even though we are all extremely busy this time of year, this is a great opportunity to see how your lab testing compares with all the other participating labs during the production season. Most lab equipment is calibrated in the off season but this Round Robin will give everyone a chance to compare their result in the middle of the paving season, when testing is at its peak.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mike Dudley at MDudley@VAAsphalt.com for registration and additional information.
