Expanding Possibilities: How BATT Lab’s new capabilities are powering Better Asphalt Today and Tomorrow
Big things are happening at the BATT Lab—and they’re all designed with our customers in mind. With our recent expansion, we have space to add more equipment to increase our capacity and variety for binder testing.
One exciting addition is our ductilometer, which enhances our ability to measure binder elasticity and flexibility. The new space also allows us to duplicate existing test equipment, such as a second rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and a second pressure aging vessel. For dedicated 40-hour PAV.
These upgrades mean faster turnaround times, more robust testing capabilities, and even more ways to support the development of high-performing asphalt materials tailored to our customers’ project needs. Our lab expansion allows us to offer minimal wait times, more responsive service, and the ability to handle more complex testing and still meet deadlines. All these benefits add up to a reduced project time frame for our clients.
The expanded binder lab operates under the purview of Callie Shiferawe, MPH, NBTC, asphalt technologist. As an active member of Women of Asphalt, Callie jokingly suggested painting the walls pink in honor of women like her who work in the asphalt industry. Little did she expect, upon returning from her honeymoon, to see the back wall of the lab painted in pink and emblazoned with the Women of Asphalt logo.
Although Callie admits she likes to make the lab “as girlie as possible,” there’s nothing frilly about her approach to providing the binder testing services BATT clients depend on.
“Binder samples come in from all over the U.S., and it’s our job to ensure that they pass all the necessary parameters. Each state has its own PG grading specification, and local environmental factors also play a big role in how well binder will perform. Every crude source is different, and the same PG spec can test completely different depending on where the sample was taken.”
Callie understands the importance of maintaining standardized procedures, using properly calibrated ovens and aging devices, and documenting the sample origin and condition upon arrival. For her, Job One is maintaining rigorous lab discipline to ensure any difference observed in test results reflect the material’s true properties, not procedural variation.
Her commitment to precision and consistency reflects the high standards that define our entire team. Calllie’s work in the lab sets the tone for the quality and reliability our clients expect — and it’s that same level of dedication that inspired our recent expansion.
At BATT, growth is always driven by purpose — and that purpose is delivering unmatched value to our clients. This expansion is more than just added space and new equipment; it’s a reflection of our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and industry leadership. With enhanced capabilities, a dedicated team, and a touch of personality (thanks to Callie’s unexpected pink wall!), we’re better equipped than ever to help our clients solve challenges, meet specs, and keep projects moving. We’re excited for what’s ahead — and ready to put our expanded resources to work for you.
