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"The ability to profile the mat is imperative. A good working core rig to take samples to test back in the lab for QCQA. A form of communication, a radio or cell phone, so the tech can communicate with the plant and the paving crew/superintendent.

"The ability to have a profiler run at various points in the asphalt production is also imperative. This can be owned or rented as needed. We should be profiling each course of the pavement before a top is placed to prevent reflective cracking from the lower course."

Collins, Pavement Technology: "The APA and APA Jr. are loaded wheel testers that are successfully being used to predict the rutting, fatigue, and moisture susceptibility characteristics of asphalt mixes in an environmentally controlled chamber wet or dry.

"One advantage the APA and APA Jr. offer contractors is they can perform two different types of rut testing (Rut Testing with Hoses and Hamburg Type Testing) and moisture testing.

"This equipment also has frequency drives which allow user to test mixes at multiple speeds and multiple rates of loading. This equipment also has controls to adjust the load. This is important as traffic volume and type may change during the warranty period."