Why Study / Key Benefits

• Gain an introduction to the materials and technical specifications used in chipseal road surfacing in New Zealand.

• Develop an understanding of bituminous binders, binder additives and mineral aggregates.

• Learn about the specifications and testing requirements used for road-surfacing materials.

• Understand how material properties influence chipseal performance on roads.

• Build foundational technical knowledge before progressing to NZIHT's Chipseal Design course.

• Suitable for people involved in supervising chipseal construction or working in chipseal design, whether representing a contractor or a client.

• Particularly useful for people who have not previously received formal or detailed training in chipseal materials.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The official course description identifies the following technical topics:

- Bitumen production:

• Bitumen production processes.

• NZTA M01 specification.

• Bitumen Performance Grade specification developments.

- Bitumen properties and testing:

• Penetration.

• Viscosity.

• Flash point.

• Durability.

• Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) testing.

• Pumping, mixing and spraying temperatures.

- Bitumen additives:

• Cutters and fluxes.

• Adhesion agents and antifoam products.

• Polymers, natural rubber and fibres.

- Adhesion and stripping:

• Water stripping.

• Active adhesion.

• Vialit testing.

- Aggregate preparation:

• Aggregate precoating.

• Primers, including bitumen and emulsion primers.

• Production of sealing chip.

• Source testing of rock used for sealing chip.

- Bitumen emulsions:

• Emulsion classification.

• On-road behaviour.

• Sampling hot bitumen and emulsion.

- Aggregate specifications and testing:

• NZTA M06 specification properties and tests.

• ALD chip shape concepts.

• Sieve analysis and grading.

• Aggregate sampling.

- Application of chip:

• Understanding the application of chip in road-sealing work.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The course falls within the following technical disciplines:

• Civil engineering.

• Highway and road infrastructure.

• Road construction and maintenance.

• Pavement materials.

• Asphalt and chipseal surfacing.

• Bituminous materials and aggregates.

• Road-surfacing quality and testing.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The course falls within the following technical disciplines:

• Civil engineering.

• Highway and road infrastructure.

• Road construction and maintenance.

• Pavement materials.

• Asphalt and chipseal surfacing.

• Bituminous materials and aggregates.

• Road-surfacing quality and testing.

Career Outcomes

This course is designed to improve technical knowledge for people already working in or connected with road construction and infrastructure.

It may be useful for people in roles such as:

• Road construction and maintenance personnel.

• Chipseal construction supervisors.

• Civil engineering technicians.

• Road-surfacing contractors.

• Pavement and materials technicians.

• Infrastructure project personnel.

• Staff involved in road-surfacing quality control.

• People supporting chipseal design and material selection.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current course page displays 2026 sessions only; all listed dates have passed as of 2 November 2026.

• No 2027 schedule is currently published on the course page.

• Minimum participant numbers are required before a course is confirmed.

• NZIHT identifies Chipseal Materials as essential background knowledge for those wishing to attend the Chipseal Design course.

• The Chipseal Design course page states that prior detailed knowledge of chipsealing materials is an essential requirement. It also identifies Chipseal Materials as a preparatory course for participants who need to update their knowledge.

• Applicants should confirm the next available date, venue, registration deadline and whether the session will proceed before arranging travel.

• International applicants should confirm with NZIHT whether they can enrol directly from overseas and whether the course can be attended under their intended immigration status.

International Student Visa Requirements

This is a half-day course, so it is important to distinguish its visa requirements from those for a one-year or multi-year qualification.

For a course lasting no more than three months:

• Immigration New Zealand allows visitors to study one or more short courses for a total of up to three months, subject to the conditions of their visitor visa or visa-waiver status.

• A visitor visa does not provide permission to work in New Zealand.

• The visitor must meet the relevant entry, health, character, genuine-visitor and financial requirements.

• International tuition fees may apply and should be confirmed with the provider.

For an applicant travelling on an Indian passport:

• India is not included in New Zealand's visa-waiver country list.

• An Indian citizen generally needs to obtain an appropriate Visitor Visa before travelling to New Zealand for this short course.

• The applicant should provide evidence of the purpose of the visit, course registration or confirmation, sufficient funds, and plans to leave New Zealand at the end of the visit.

• A visitor visa does not grant permission to work in New Zealand.

Student visa consideration:

• Immigration New Zealand generally requires a student visa when a person intends to study in New Zealand for more than three months.

• The Fee Paying Student Visa is intended for full-time study with an approved education provider and can be issued for up to four years, depending on the course and circumstances.

• This half-day course does not, by itself, establish a need or eligibility for a Fee Paying Student Visa.

• Applicants planning to combine this course with other study should consider the total period of study and their visa conditions.

Post-study work rights:

• This short course is not presented as an eligible full-time academic qualification for a Post Study Work Visa.

• Completing Chipseal Materials alone should not be treated as providing post-study work rights in New Zealand.