The Materials section is responsible for establishing the procedures and tests required to control the quality of materials used in highways. This unit is involved in maintaining quality control through the selection of tests, providing the expertise to support those tests, establishing testing frequency, calibration of test equipment and monitoring practices used for independently checking testing procedures. The section also provides consultative services for the department in the areas of design, construction and maintenance.   Jeff Miles, P.E. (208) 334-8440  We provide quality analysis of aggregates used in the construction of Idaho’s highways. This involves the testing of fine and coarse aggregates..    Supervisor: Monte Tish (208) 334-8456 Specification Compliance Testing of Asphalt Products including Performance Graded Binder, and Emulsified Asphalt.  Supervisor: Ray Baker (208) 334-8454    The Asphalt Mix Lab. is responsible for the quality analysis of bituminous mixtures submitted for use in state of Idaho highway projects. We are AASHTO accredited.   Supervisor: Monte Tish, (208) 334-8456    Conduct Research and Develop Specifications for Bridge Coatings, Chemical Deicers, Pavement Markings, and Wood Products. Analyze materials for Quality Assurance Acceptance in Construction and Maintenance Projects such as cement, fly ash, bridge coatings, traffic line paint and glass beads, curing compounds, thermoplastics, fencing, and chemical deicers. Founding Member with Pacific Northwest Snowfighters regarding chemical deicer specifications. Manage the Departments Preventative Maintenance Engine Oil Analysis Program Serve as the Departments Technical Experts for Chemical Evaluations and Investigations.   Supervisor: Ron Wright, (208) 334-8453 Supervisor: Jeff Yunker, (208) 334-4490   Tests conducted on state routes to be used in the construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of pavements. Most of this data is collected yearly or every other year. The FWD (Falling Weight Deflectometer) is used typically on routes that are scheduled for an upcoming rehabilitation or where subgrade failure is suspected. Also conducts surface friction tests on 100 percent of the state route system. Soils- Idaho T-8 'R' Value where soil is tested for resistance to pressure, Moisture densities, Unified classifications, gradations of soils, LL&PI, pH & resistivity of soils, Hydrometer test to determine percentages of minus # 200 soil particles, specific gravity of minus # 4 material…. Soil Mechanics- Consolidations, Direct shears, Triaxial shears, Rock point testing, Unconfined compressive strength of soils and rock cores.....Geosynthetic materials- test silt fencing, geotextiles, geogrids….. Basically: Tear it down, build it back, break it, squeeze it, pull it apart, wet it, dry it, roll it and see what its made of.   Supervisor: Mike Sprague, (208) 334-8297    Structures Lab conducts girder fabrication inspection. We monitor the use and license for the Nuclear Gages Statewide. All steel products used within the State are tested, i.e. rebar, strand, bolts, DTI's, couplers, welded wire mesh, etc. Concrete products are tested for compressive strength: i.e. cylinders, cubes, beams, block, brick etc, and perform the physical testing of cements. Concrete test specimens are prepared for special tests such as curing compounds and ASR study and tests. Supervisor: David Turner, (208) 334-8847