| Quality Control |
King Asphalt has two SCDOT certified testing laboratories at each of our asphalt plants. Our Liberty facility has a SCDOT certified mix design laboratory as well. King Asphalt was one of the first asphalt companies in the upstate to completely switch to gyratory testing methods from the antiquated Marshall testing methods. Our Quality Control personnel led by Scott Reece are some of the most qualified individuals in the upstate. King Asphalt strives on training individuals to reach their highest potential. We have 6 SCDOT Certified Level 3 Quality Control Managers on staff in various positions within the company.
 King Asphalt tests asphalt according to SCDOT specifications. A full laboratory workup involves a total of 4 laboratory tests. A representative sample of asphalt is obtained from a loaded truck. The asphalt is brought into the lab where the tests are performed.Asphalt “pills” are created to simulate compaction of asphalt on the roadway. Asphalt mix is placed in gyratory molds. A cap is put on the mix and it is put into the gyratory compactor and compacted for a set number of rotations. We also have the ability to make pills using the Marshall method if needed. The “pills” are used to calculate a theoretical bulk specific gravity of compacted asphalt. The next test that is performed is an asphalt burn test to determine the percentage of liquid asphalt in the mix. A sample of asphalt is put into an ignition oven. The ignition oven burns off all of the liquid asphalt. The result in weight loss allows us to accurately determine how much liquid asphalt is in the mix. The burned material is then tested for gradation. It is placed into a number of sieves and shaken for a set amount of time. The resulting gradations are compared to SCDOT specifications. A “rice” test is performed to determine the maximum specific gravity of the asphalt mix. In this test the asphalt is broken down by hand to its smallest pieces. The “rice” material is placed into a container and covered with water. A vacuum is place on the container to withdraw all air from the mix. Calculations with the associated weights can then be done to determine the maximum specific gravity of the mix. |
