Minnesota Chapter of ASM – September 2026 Meeting
MN-DOT Materials Lab Tour
1400 Gervais Avenue; Maplewood, MN 55109
2:00-3:00PM Lab Tour
3:00-3:30PM Snowplow Tour
Thursday, September 17th
Abstract
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Materials Laboratory tests standard practices, aggregate, sand, soil, cement, concrete products, curing materials, metallic materials, joint materials, bearing pads, electrical cable, geotextiles, clay pipe, drain tile, pavement marking tapes, glass beads, bituminous mix designs, field testing equipment calibration, rock salt, and alternative winter chemicals. We provide timely specialized expertise, testing, leadership, guidance and direction in geotechnical, materials, pavement and research engineering to improve performance and cost effectiveness. We also provide tools to practice the most efficient pavement designs, maintenance and construction procedures, and provide technical training to our transportation partners. In addition to the many labs the facility hosts equipment and vehicles used to perform field testing as well as the newly added Technical Certification Center (TCC). The TCC is a facility used by the Technical Certification Program (TCP) to train and certify people who test and inspect the materials used on Minnesota roadways and bridges.
About the Tour Leader
Materials Testing Manager, Ron Mulvaney, loves guiding Materials Lab tours! He worked his way through Civil Engineering school and began working in the private sector. Then, he found MnDOT. His favorite days are when weather and work allow the Materials Lab team to grill in the courtyard for lunch. He can talk about experience during the tumultuous time after the 35W bridge collapse and how other cities and states have reached out after similar tragedies. Ron is thoughtful, fun, and funny.