Course Announcement

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), through the National Highway Institute (NHI), is sponsoring the annual presentation of a 6-week course of study in Highway Materials Engineering. The curriculum was developed by national experts in the various materials areas, under the guidance of State Department of Transportation (DOT) materials engineers and the FHWA materials specialists. Presentation of the course is scheduled for January 29 through March 16, 2007 at the University of Nevada, Reno. There will be a 1-week break in the course, February 19-23, 2007.

The purpose of this announcement is to describe the program and set forth eligibility requirements.

PARTICIPANTS: The typical prospective participant will have an undergraduate degree in engineering or equivalent engineering experience in the highway field. The course was developed primarily for the State DOT engineers who require a basic knowledge of highway materials. These individuals typically will be staff professionals, who either have been assigned or have the potential to be assigned to responsible positions in the highway materials field, such as a district or regional materials engineer or an engineer in the materials central office operation.

PREREQUISITES: A prospective participant must have a good academic background in mathematics and science.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This program of study has been designed to provide an intensive 6-week course in Highway Materials Engineering. The subject areas to be covered are: (1) Materials Control and Acceptance - Quality Assurance; (2) Soils and Foundations; (3) Steels, Welding, and Coatings; (4) Aggregates and Unbound Bases; (5) Asphalt Materials and Paving Mixtures; and (6) Concrete. The course will include approximately 150 hours of classroom contact, 50 hours of laboratory work, reading and problem-solving assignments, and examinations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the characteristics and engineering properties of the materials used in highways.

2. Identify and describe the selection criteria and important design properties of highway materials.

3. Describe the important steps and considerations in mix design procedures.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of materials quality assurance and be able to develop an effective materials acceptance plan.

5. Describe the field and laboratory testing procedures and the significance of test results, along with their relationship to laboratory designs.

6. Describe the issues and trends of importance to the State DOT materials engineering personnel.

ELIGIBILITY: First Priority will be given to employees of State, local and Federal agencies involved in highway construction. Applicants are responsible for negotiations with their employers concerning conditions of reinstatement and the applicants'' commitments to return to work. The FHWA employees will be required to sign the standard continued service agreement.

COST: The participant''s employing agency will be charged a fee of $6,100. FHWA will bill the employing agencies once the candidates are selected. Travel and per diem allowances for participants must be funded by their own agencies.

SELECTION: All applicants will be rated by a selection panel. The major factors to be considered by the panel are:

• Strength of endorsement from employing agency.

• Applicant''s potential to contribute to the employing agency''s highway materials program.

• Highway engineering experience.

• Academic and professional achievements.

The Director of the NHI will select candidates and designate alternates to attend the session. The NHI may limit the number of awards made to employees of any one agency.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: All applicants must comply with the following procedures:

Submit one copy of Attachment 1, National Highway Institute Course Application, completely filled out. All applications and supporting information must be received by Michael Rafalowski in the Office of Pavement Technology by November 1, 2006 and must provide the following in a separate email or fax:

Employer''s Statement of Endorsement. This statement is a very significant factor in the overall selection process. It should provide information concerning the relevancy of the applicant''s study to agency requirements and should indicate the agency''s plan for utilizing the applicant upon completion of the program. The statement should also include a commitment to pay the tuition if the applicant is selected.

The application will not be considered complete until the endorsement is received

In addition to the application requirements stated above, a FHWA employee should be nominated as part of the office training plan.

EVALUATING AND NOTIFYING CANDIDATES: NHI may assemble a panel to rate eligible candidates from State and local agencies according to established criteria. The Director of the NHI will select candidates and alternates from State and local agencies based on established criteria. Designation of the successful FHWA employee applicants for the program will be made with input from the Office of Pavement Technology. All applicants will be notified by December 1, 2006.

ACTIONS BY THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO (UNR): UNR will provide information packets to selectees in preparation for their arrival and enrollment. UNR will reserve housing and assist participants with housing arrangements.

Participants who successfully complete the course will be awarded Continuing Education Units (CEU) of credit.