Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI) is proud to support the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) and its Leadership Education and Advancement Program (LEAP), an initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in the asphalt emulsion and pavement preservation industry.
Topical (“spray-on”) asphalt rejuvenators are an effective preservation solution to mitigate the effects of asphalt binder aging. Effectiveness of these treatments is determined by how the rejuvenator interacts and impacts mechanical behavior of the existing asphalt in response to traffic, climate and time. Rheological testing of the asphalt binder therefore provides the most practical and objective framework for evaluating rejuvenator performance.
Asphalt rejuvenation has been used for decades as a pavement preservation tool, but advancements in the category are not reflected in today’s spray-on asphalt rejuvenator (SOR) conversations. As a result, performance is often measured using outdated and sometimes proprietary frameworks, creating a disconnect in what’s being measured and what actually drives pavement performance. The challenge is not that rejuvenators lack supporting data, but that success metrics have not been reassessed as new technologies and research have emerged.
Pavements rarely decline from well-maintained to failing in performance overnight. They tend to deteriorate gradually through small cracks, small deformations, moisture intrusion and surface aging that can go unnoticed until the damage is unmistakable. Across the industry, this pattern raises a larger question: why wait to preserve pavements until deterioration is visible, costly and disruptive?
As road networks continue to age and maintenance budgets face increasing constraints, agencies are tasked with building both safe and long-lasting pavements that result in long-term budget health. Rumble strips are one example of a necessary, widely adopted safety countermeasure.
Every road tells a story. Some roads have visible signs of structural distress while others show early signs of fatigue that can grow into costly failures if ignored. The challenge for any road manager is knowing when to act and how to make the most out of limited resources. That’s where pavement condition assessments come in.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced a significant change in asphalt binder specifications in 2024, transitioning from PG 64-22 to PG 58-28. This change, effective for contracts let on or after September 1, 2024, affects all base grade liquid asphalt binder in Indiana as well as the testing requirements (from AASHTO M320 to AASHTO M332, incorporating AASHTO R92 requirements). In addition, the terminology of which liquid asphalt binders are referred to will be updated to align with these changes.
Agencies face significant challenges when pursuing a pavement preservation program. Equipment and material costs continue to rise, and local talent recruitment and retention are difficult. Yet, the Sheboygan County Transportation Department – Highway Division provides an excellent example of how to navigate these challenges and boldly steward public transportation infrastructure with remarkable success.
The Sorenson Award
In memory of beloved champion of pavement preservation, Jim Sorenson, FP2 Inc.’s James B. Sorenson Award for Excellence in Pavement Preservation recognizes superior pavement preservation practices of a local government agency, usually a city, township, county or state agency.
The new year brings a brand-new LEAP (Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation) class for 2024-2025. The LEAP program is intended for AEMA (Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association) members looking to increase their knowledge of the asphalt emulsion industry. It is a 12-month immersive program that allows members to immerse themselves in the asphalt industry through facility/jobsite tours and other key learning opportunities. The classes kick off during the annual AEMA, ARRA and ISSA meetings and conclude at the meeting the following calendar year.
Asphalt Materials’ very own Kim Gessner was named Class Dean for this year’s LEAP program. Zach Robinson and Jordan Vaughn, members from our division of companies under The Heritage Group, are also participants in this year’s program.
Are frequent accidents happening due to the deteriorating condition of your roads? There are funds for you, your county and state to utilize to enhance road conditions and reduce fatalities. These funds are called Highway Safety Improvement Program funds (HSIP).
The Highway Safety Improvement Program is a Federal-aid program to reduce traffic fatalities on all public roads, including non-state-owned roads and roads on tribal land. HSIP funds are eligible for any highway safety improvement project on any public road or publicly owned pedestrian/bicycle pathway or trail.
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