North Dakota Department of Transportation

The North Dakota DOT Bismarck District monitors and maintains the south-central area of the state’s bridges, highways and state roadways with the mission of safely moving people and goods. In support of this mission, the district’s Materials & Research Building & Laboratory is currently under a remodel to update lab and research spaces and provide modern office space for the district’s more than 50 employees.

HERA is developing new materials testing laboratory concepts for the renovation that will consolidate the Materials and Research department and the district’s administration functions. The materials testing laboratories will be updated to more efficient layouts and to meet current and future testing needs. Lab and research spaces will include:

• Concrete lab containing testing, cure, mixing, powder storage, cement and saw rooms.
• Soils lab containing soil classification, geo-tech and foundation (tri-axial testing) labs as well as a proctor testing room.
• Aggregate/prospecting lab containing testing and equipment/noise labs.
• Bituminous and hot mix lab containing mix design (liquid) and PG asphalt/emulsion labs as well as a storage room.
• Chemistry lab for testing samples and material composition.
• Support spaces including drying ovens & prep, sample storage, equipment storage/tooling rooms and a receiving/accessioning area.

A mix of current and new laboratory equipment will be used to outfit each laboratory.

The project will occur in phased construction to allow for continuity of operations. The project also includes the demolition of the existing Bismarck District Administration Building.