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Seeking to become the aggregate industry's "right arm" for research, the Center for Aggregates Research officially launched in August of 1992 as a joint operation of The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University .

In 1996, the Center for Aggregates Research expanded to become the International Center for Aggregates Research (ICAR). Today ICAR remains committed to the vision that led to that expansion and to its goal of finding the most efficient and effective use of the aggregates industry's resources through research, education, and information exchange.

ICAR serves the industry as a forum for research and discussion where aggregates stakeholders can seek answers to industry concerns. In addition, the center provides the industry with the knowledge to put the latest aggregates technology into practice. ICAR is the voice of the aggregates industry in the research community and serves as a facilitator for determining the most effective use of aggregates in design, specification, and construction. Our mission is enhanced by the active participation of state DOT and federal agency representatives in formulating our research program and overseeing its accomplishment. An advisory board of directors, representing the industry and the two universities, provides day-to-day guidance for the total program.

ICAR's research efforts are directed by seven task forces, consisting of representatives from industry, academia, government, and professional organizations. The task forces are organized around areas of concern to the industry and are chaired by an expert from industry. They meet once or twice a year to recommend research topics.

Through symposia, research reports and summaries, and newsletters, ICAR is putting the most up-to-date technology into the hands of private industry and state and federal agencies, ensuring that aggregates resources are used in the most efficient and economical manner. The center was established in 1992 by the Aggregates Foundation for Technology, Research, and Education (AFTRE). Financial support comes primarily from the interest generated by an AFTRE endowment; contributions from the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA, formerly the National Stone Association - National Aggregates Association) and their member companies; and funds from UT and TAMU. The center also actively seeks additional funding for research projects.

The Center's mission is threefold, encompassing research, education, and information exchange:

• to conduct scientific and technical research related to aggregates; 
  
• to develop undergraduate and graduate engineering courses and continuing education and training   programs on aggregate topics;
  
• to establish a central information clearinghouse on aggregates technology; 
  
• to provide technology transfer to translate research results into practice, thus facilitating implementation of such results; 
  
• to cooperate and do cooperative aggregate research with other universities when appropriate; 
  
• to establish appropriate business school or marketing input to improve the application of programs and results in the construction industry.

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