Oh I absolutely love this job. A good combination of math, science &amp; physical labor. And the mix designing, albeit frustrating at times, is the most rewarding part.

Also to clarify what I said in the last comment, the QA still dishes out penalties for anything that's greater than .4% AC tolerance. But I, specifically, don't get penalties. When I run 6 or 7 full bit samples every day I'm pretty in tune with my mixes. I learned early on that the biggest variables are in the stockpiles so I overly test the materials during crushing so I know what's there. My biggest variables, other than the RAP, is the heavy taconite rock we use from the mines. Something like 3.3 SpG is a killer in the rice tests &amp; gyratory pucks if you segregate your split even a little bit.

So I'm guessing the messy test you mean on the SMA is actually the drain down?

Sorry for all the questions, I am always interested in the methods &amp; specs of different regions around the country. I don't get to talk to too many people who have done this stuff.