August 2026

MN-DOT Materials Lab Tour

1400 Gervais Avenue; Maplewood, MN 55109

Thursday, September 17^th 

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.

TO REGISTER:

SCAN THE QR CODE

Or visit: MN ASM Sept 17th, 2026