The MN Chapter of ASM International invites you to our September Event:

MN-DOT Tour and Talk

Thursday, September 17^th at 2:00 PM

Concrete Testing & Snowplow Blade Repair

Materials Lab Testing & Inspection

MnDOT performs laboratory testing of materials for construction and maintenance projects, and research.

Registration opens August 17, 2026 and closes 5pm Monday, September 14, 2026/MnDOT Labs consist of ten District labs located in greater Minnesota, and a central facility that is part of the MnDOT Office of Materials and Road Research in Maplewood, Minnesota.

All MnDOT labs are accredited by AASHTO re:source.

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 preform 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 allows the Materials Lab team to grill in the courtyard for lunch. He can tell 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.

Tour and Talk with be held at MN-DOT Central Office Materials Lab, 1400 Gervais Ave, Maplewood, MN 554109

Please choose the 2nd ticket to indicate that you will be joining us for an early dinner at the Olive Garden, 1749 Beam Ave, Maplewood, MN

Schedule:

2-3PM Materials Labs Tour followed by 

3-3:30PM viewing snowplow

Meet at the door by the flagpole.  

*Please note that closed toed shoes are required.