As part of the CE452 Highway and Airport Pavement Materials course, our students conducted technical visits to İZBETON AŞ on April 29 and to the Research Chief Engineering Laboratories of the General Directorate of Highways 2nd Regional Directorate on May 6 in order to examine practical applications in the road materials sector on site.

During the technical visit to İZBETON AŞ, students had the opportunity to observe the production and operational processes of aggregate materials used in road construction. Within the scope of the visit, company representatives provided detailed information on aggregate crushing and screening stages, plant operations, and hot mix asphalt production techniques. In addition, students were informed about quality control practices in asphalt production and the technical criteria that should be considered during field operations.

During the technical visit to the Research Chief Engineering Laboratories of the General Directorate of Highways 2nd Regional Directorate, students examined the experimental and analytical methods applied to bituminous binders, aggregates, and asphalt mixtures used in highway pavements. Laboratory experts delivered practical presentations on the testing equipment, experimental standards, and quality control procedures employed in the performance evaluation of bitumen and asphalt mixtures. Students also gained insight into the effects of different testing methods on pavement performance, durability, and long-term service life.

Through these technical visits, students had the opportunity to reinforce the theoretical knowledge acquired in the course through field and laboratory applications, while also becoming familiar with current production, quality control, and research processes in the field of highway and airport pavement engineering. The visits are considered an important educational activity, contributing not only to the students’ professional development but also to their acquisition of sectoral knowledge and practical experience.