AASHTO re:source Q & A Podcast

The digital revolution has reached the world of construction materials testing, and it's happening faster than many of us realize. In this eye-opening conversation with Mike Copeland, Quality Program Manager at the Idaho Department of Transportation, we explore the remarkable ways artificial intelligence is transforming how state DOTs handle testing data, quality assurance, and technical decision-making.

Mike shares h...

Steve Read, retiring after 20 years with the City of Seattle, shares his experience as a materials engineer and insights on leadership, quality management, and cross-agency coordination. He discusses his journey from heavy-equipment operator to materials lab supervisor and the importance of developing communication skills in technical professionals.

Whether you work in construction, engineering, public administration, or simply driv...

Season five wraps up with hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson reflecting on the season and the ever-evolving podcast itself. This shorter season marked a shift from weekly to biweekly episodes, prompting honest conversations about the sustainability and future direction of AASHTO re:source Q&A podcast.

The hosts highlight memorable conversations with industry experts, including beloved guest Bryce Hanlon from Oklahoma ...

Dive into our latest episode as we explore the critical need for laboratories to evolve from mere compliance to a thriving culture of continual improvement. Brian Johnson shares valuable insights from the recent Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop, highlighting a new strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing operational practices within laboratories. 

Throughout the episode, we address the pivotal role that AASHTO plays in ...

We dive into the 2025 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange with insights from key planners Bob Lutz and Tracy Barnhart.  This episode focuses on the event's unique structure, networking opportunities, and targeted sessions for various professional roles. Attendees can expect valuable insights, interactive experiences, and assurance of fresh content during the event on March 17-20, 2025 in Bellevue, WA. Learn more on our website...

Oklahoma DOT's Bryce Hanlon brings his proactive approach to geotechnical engineering processes. In this follow-up episode to S4 E07, he discusses the importance of effective communication, data management modernization, and how a unified team approach enhances project delivery and efficiency.

Related information:
S4 E07: Geotechnical Investigations at Oklahoma DOT

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Have you heard about the new AASHTO Accreditation Program policy on masonry unit and prism testing? Discover the historical context beginning with the 2019 updates to the ASTM C1716 standard for compression testing machines that left some labs wondering if their compression machines are compliant. This discussion reveals how labs are now categorized based on their capacity to test full-size versus reduced-size specimens. Our explor...

In the final part of this series, uncover the essential subsections of Section 3.5 of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual. Our exploration reveals the significance of independence of judgment, the importance of transparency in conflict scenarios, and how demonstrated job performance can outweigh formal education in personnel qualifications. Discover the historical context and evolution of temperature guidelines and learn how...

Unlock the secrets of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual with us as we dissect Section 3.5. Navigate the critical responsibilities of accredited laboratories in reporting significant changes within 60 days, per section 3.5.1. We break down what constitutes a 'major change’ and highlight our role and the potential sanctions for non-compliance. Learn more as we go through the first half of Section 3.5, in part one of thi...

What if the dreaded corrective action process could be transformed into a beacon of opportunity? Join us as we introduce and explore the "Four I's of the Corrective Action Process" concept. This fresh approach transforms common sense ideas into a memorable strategy that enhances the understanding of the process while keeping continual improvement as its focus. 

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This episode explores the development and significance of the new AASHTO R 119 standard, officially titled “Standard Practice for Grinding the Ends of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.” 

Brian shares his firsthand experience in creating this standard, highlighting the collaborative efforts with various state DOTs and the importance of standardizing concrete practices. Listeners will learn why AASHTO R 119 is crucial for those working ...

This burning question is at the heart of our latest episode, where we unravel the complexities of choosing the right organization for aggregate and rebar evaluations. We navigate the nuanced scopes of CCRL and AASHTO re:source, addressing why each offers these services and how customer demand has fostered an overlap.

Explore the essentials of proficiency sample programs and the critical distinctions in assessment services—CCRL’s foc...

Unlock the secrets of effective laboratory monitoring with insights from Greg Uherek, Manager of Business Development and Technical Services. Greg sheds light on the specifier feature of the AASHTO re:source website, a game-changer for agencies that require AASHTO Accreditation like DOTs and California's Division of the State Architect. Journey through the evolution of laboratory monitoring from outdated methods to the cutting...

What's the secret to engaging volunteers and fostering a supportive, inclusive committee environment? Find out as we welcome Matt Linneman, Chief Engineer for North Dakota DOT and Chair of the Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP), along with AASHTO liaison Casey Soneira. We discuss effective volunteer engagement, from creating psychological safety to micro-engagements that encourage wider participation. They share thoug...

Ever wondered how and why a new proficiency sample scheme was created? Special guests John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay join hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson to reveal the meticulous planning process behind the Hamburg Wheel Tracking samples, a groundbreaking addition to AASHTO re:source's Proficiency Sample Program. Hear firsthand accounts of the logistical challenges faced during its development, the steps taken to prevent seg...

Transform your organization's approach to quality with Benjamin's strategies for engaging and empowering the workforce. Empowering employees with responsibility and capability at the ground level can operationalize quality, ensuring that processes like equipment maintenance and accurate data reporting are meticulously followed. Benjamin shares how transparency and stakeholder involvement can shift the mindset from viewing...

This episode reveals laboratories' most common pitfalls with implementing AASHTO R 18, such as calibration record-keeping, training and competency evaluation, and internal audits. Learn how to sidestep these issues by implementing robust quality management practices. Listen in to transform your laboratory practices and get tips to move beyond standard compliance.

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What if your organization could lead a quality management revolution? Join us as we explore AASHTO re:source's roadmap for 2024 to 2027 with Bob Lutz, the Director of AASHTO re:source. Bob shares the inspiration and process behind this ambitious strategy, which aims to transform the construction materials, testing, and inspection industry. Learn how identifying key stakeholders and understanding their needs laid the foundation...

Curious about what’s in store for this season? Get ready for an array of compelling topics covering common findings in standards like R18, new proficiency sample programs, and essential equipment maintenance tips. This episode kicks off with a promise of enriched content quality, a new bi-weekly release schedule, and a sneak peek into potential video episodes. With over 160 episodes in our archive, we're dedicated to making th...