Did you know that asphalt pavement is one of America’s most recycled materials? Pavement conditions can be significantly improved when recycling processes like Cold in Place Recycling (CIR), Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR), and Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) are applied at the right time. Recycling can successfully mitigate cracking in existing asphalt pavement structures with the application of up-front pavement investigation and training on the specific recycling technique.
Our very own Megan Yount from Heritage Research Group (HRG) was able to speak about Pavement Recycling and its benefits in a recent conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, as a co-presentation with a local agency. This presentation highlighted a successful recycling workshop which partnered with local associations and led to a strong recycling program in Lake County, Indiana.
Electricity is widely recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, burns, fire, and explosions. It is known that the human body conducts electricity and if direct body contact is made with an electrically charged part, serious injury can occur.
Rapid penetrating emulsions (RPE) are used to fill asphalt pavement voids and reduce air and water intrusion. Asphalt Materials Inc.’s (AMI) AMIGUARD™ RPE is specially formulated to penetrate pavement quickly and thoroughly. Its reduced surface tension allows it to seep into the pavement voids quickly, and the penetrating nature of RPE means the asphalt residue gets “in” the pavement rather than “on” the pavement. Air voids adversely affect pavement life, and proactively reducing pavement permeability extends pavement life.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. The average risk of a woman to develop breast cancer in her lifetime is about 13%, meaning there is a 1 in 8 chance of development. No matter what the percentage is, women who have been affected by cancer are more than a statistic. They are a mother, daughter, grandmother and a friend.
The month of October is a time to bring awareness to breast cancer and those who have been affected by it. We know awareness alone isn’t enough, so it is important to get involved, get screened and take action.
The first void reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) project was completed in the state of Kentucky, marking 24 states and the District of Columbia that use VRAM to save infrastructure funds. VRAM is applied at the location of the longitudinal joint prior to paving to fill a portion of the voids. This greatly reduces permeability and protects the joint area, resulting in longer pavement life.
This project was completed on July 28, 2023, at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Madison County, Kentucky.
This year, Asphalt Materials Inc. and Heritage Research group attended the National Pavement Preservation Conference (NPPC) hosted by the National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP). Sessions were held to further knowledge, development, and research regarding the preservation of pavement. The poor condition of our roads results in $130 billion dollars added to vehicle repairs and operating costs per year (Alabama DOT). To avoid such situations, we must establish an effective preservation program and protect infrastructure investment.
DAY 1
On day one, we heard from several presenters that traveled near and far to share their advice, best practices and research. Below we highlight some of the speakers and key topics they discussed.
Mike Smith: Commissioner of Indiana (INDOT)
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has owned and maintained more than 5,700 bridges and has nearly 30,000 roadway lane miles. INDOT has created a long term, fully funded plan to improve Indiana’s roadways and bridges that consists of fixing what they currently have, finishing what they have started, planning for the future, and impacting the surrounding cities, towns and counties.
Mike shared that at the highest level it is important to invest in our infrastructure, keep roads in good condition longer, use taxpayer dollars wisely and be environmentally sensitive. Looking ahead, INDOT plans to focus on the quality of the pavement life including preservation techniques, economic development, resiliency, and sustainability.
George Connor: Deputy Director, Operations (Alabama DOT)
George Connor discussed the preservation challenge and how important it is that we create longer lasting pavements. It is a challenging undertaking because the road system has 4.2 million centerline miles. The nation’s infrastructure is valued at $8.3 trillion, and in 2019 federal state governments spent $3.6 billion on highways.
Pavement preservation is important because of the people and communities it impacts. Roadway networks connect about 7.9 million business establishments with customers, suppliers and workers. In 2018, roadway networks served about 327 million residents and 80 million international visitors. Transportation infrastructure has a major economic impact, so we must work together to share pavement preservation techniques that are working well.
DAY 2
On day two of the conference, several of our own were able to speak about advancements in asphalt emulsions, workforce development strategies, and cold recycled pavements.
Dan Swiertz: Asphalt Materials Inc. | Lab Manager
Latest Advancements in Emulsions
The use of asphalt emulsions is ubiquitous throughout the lifecycle of an asphalt pavement. From new construction to recycling and reclamation, emulsions are formulated to deliver performance across a range of climatic regions and construction variables. New and innovative advancements in emulsion technology have created valuable opportunities for contractors and road owners alike. This presentation examined several advancements including penetrating emulsion and micro surfacing that offer unique opportunities to extend the pavement lifecycle.
Kierstin Janik: Heritage Construction + Materials | Chief Talent Officer
Workforce Development Strategies
As construction companies face lower workforce participation and an ageing workforce. The U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects potentially creating 3.2 million new jobs across the non-residential construction value chain, and 300,000-600,000 new construction workers are needed to fill the gap with projected peak needs around 2027-2028. As a result, companies must develop holistic strategies to engage potential new employees and increase workforce development.
Kierstin discussed some approaches HC+M has taken recently including highlighting its employer brand through social media and emphasizing the industry’s meaningful work, safety, support and good wages. She also shared more about HC+M’s talent acquisition strategy that prioritizes investing in the future though programs with middle schools, high schools and universities.
Megan Yount: Heritage Research Group | Pvmt. Mat Engineering Manager
Characterizing Cold Recycled Pavements from Field-Sampled Cores
Replicating field-placed Cold In-place Recycled (CIR) and Cold Central Plant Recycled (CCPR) pavements with lab-produced mixtures may not accurately capture field conditions during construction, exact material proportions, or compaction effort. These factors often influence the resulting mixture properties, causing uncertainty that lab-produced mixtures reflect that of the in-situ pavement mixture. Examples from two State DOT projects were reviewed, followed by a discussion of results from tests including Dynamic Modulus, Marshall Stability, and Indirect Tensile Strength Testing.
DAY 3
On day three, conference attendees visited the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where they could see INDOT evaluation equipment and research posters, static displays, and field demonstrations. Several contractors showcased their equipment including a diamond grinder, greens broom scrubber, pavement evaluation van and more.
The live demonstrations listed below followed the static displays.
Treatment
Contractor
Hot in Place Recycling
Gallagher Asphalt
Rapid Set Concrete Patch
CTS/Rapid Set
Concrete Patch Materials
FPT Infrastructure
RMV Robotic Crack Sealer
RMV/Sealmaster Robotic Crack Sealer
Treatment
Contractor
Mastic and Crack Seal
CRAFCO
Pavement Retexturing
Skidabrader
Maltene Based Rejuvenator
Pavement Technology Inc.
Microsurface
Pavement Solutions
Scrub Seal
Pavement Maintenance Systems/Etnyre
Hot in Place RecyclingHIR performed by Gallagher AsphaltRobotic Crack SealerCTS Rapid Set Concrete PatchMicro-surfacing performed by Pavement SolutionsScrub Seal performed by Pavement Maintenance Systems
Asphalt Materials Inc. and Heritage Research Group had an amazing time attending NPPC and learning pavement preservation best practices from agencies and industry thought leaders. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and for sharing your ideas about how to take care of our infrastructure!
Story provided by Ashlyn Halstead (Milestone Contractors)
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This is an important time and reminder to recognize those who have been affected by suicide, to create awareness, and build a support system for those in need. It’s essential to remember that there are resources available to help you or someone you know when it comes to understanding the signs of suicide and how to handle them.
Mental health organizations across the country provide resources, support groups, and hotlines for anyone seeking help and guidance in this difficult time. In our industry, physical health and safety are often valued and promoted but we realize that being healthy starts first with being well mentally.
An excerpt from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)’s July/August 2023 Transportation Builder issue.
Have you ever heard the expression, “A chain is no stronger than its weakest link?” The adage can be applied to road construction. No matter how strong and durable your materials, if one component is breakable, the rest are compromised as well.
Registration is now open for the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA)’s 2024-2025 LEAP program. LEAP is a 12-month immersive program aimed at developing members of the asphalt emulsion industry and is intended for AEMA Members looking to increase their knowledge of the asphalt emulsion industry. The program includes general education requirements through the University of Arkansas, various jobsite and facility tours, and a report at the AEMA Annual Meeting upon program graduation.
National Tradesmen Day is celebrated on the third Friday of September each year. A tradesman is someone who has acquired skills through an apprenticeship, vocational training, and/or education. Such people can be found in the construction industry, carpentry, maintenance, plumbing, electricity, and so much more. Skilled trades are the foundation of life as we all know it.
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