Every mile of pavement carries more than just vehicles. It reflects careful planning, meticulous testing and precise execution.
Chris Strickland, the Tuscaloosa Area Materials Engineer for ALDOT’s West Central Region, has spent decades ensuring roads are built to stand the test of time. With 25 years in state service, including 16 with ALDOT, Strickland brings a commitment to quality in every project.
He began his career with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, but it was in materials engineering that he found his calling. Today, his responsibilities include analyzing lab reports, reviewing material tests, visiting active job sites and participating in preconstruction meetings and safety inspections.
Strickland leads the materials and testing section, which plays a critical role in ensuring that projects throughout the area meet the department’s rigorous standards.
“We look at what’s already there and figure out exactly what’s needed for the new surface,” Strickland said. “Every project is different. We have to understand what condition it’s in underneath before we can make the right call on what materials and thicknesses to use.”
His team tests everything from asphalt and concrete to soil and aggregates. Their goal is to confirm that each material meets exact specifications before it is used on a project. Some testing takes place on-site, while other samples are brought back to the lab. For example, concrete cylinders are carefully cured for up to 28 days before being crushed to test their strength. Air content, density and temperature are also measured during placement to confirm long-term performance.
“We make sure our materials meet specifications so that the roads last and our money’s well spent,” Strickland said.
He oversees about 10 technicians and inspectors who rotate between asphalt plants, construction sites and the lab. Each member plays a key role in making sure projects meet ALDOT’s expectations for safety and durability.
What keeps Strickland motivated is the visible impact of his team’s work.
“Seeing a finished road and knowing our team helped build it properly is what I enjoy most,” he said. “I take pride in doing things the right way.”
