Co-authors: Andrew Eicher & Naarah Holloway
Road managers know that the longitudinal joint is the first part of the pavement to fail. As a road’s most permeable part, this joint is susceptible to the elements. Air and water work down through this gap causing the joint to deteriorate, crack and pothole. And when the longitudinal joint fails, the rest of the road soon follows—triggering the need for even more maintenance.
(Featured Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash)
The holiday season is upon us, which means sitting for prolonged periods in the car. Whether it is traveling to visit loved ones or attend a festive event, safety behind the wheel should be a priority. During the holiday season, adverse weather conditions, heightened traffic, and various distractions can call for challenges on the road. Holiday events and celebrations should be a joyous time for friends and family, but these celebrations can quickly turn into a tragic event if we are not being mindful. AAA predicts there will be 55.4 million people traveling (including more than 49 million Americans driving) between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 23) and the Sunday after the holiday — making this the third-busiest Thanksgiving travel period in more than two decades. This season lets us make a commitment to road safety, the wellbeing of ourselves, our passengers, our hard-working road crews and fellow motorists.
Here are simple ways you can stay safe on the roads this holiday season:
Happy holidays, and safe travels from the AMI team!
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.
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.
At AMI we are driven to be the best team in asphalt, and we use each day to grow and reinforce our reputation for exceeding expectations. Our greatest asset is our hardworking team who works together to make a real difference in the world. The asphalt industry may be a fit for you if you strive to build things that matter and enjoy learning and problem-solving as a team. Trade jobs offer great career potential and provide good pay and stability. The asphalt industry needs skilled workers interested in opportunities to grow.
Students across the country are heading back to school now, which often brings changes in traffic patterns and additional considerations on the road. Millions of students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), less than 1 percent of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. Buses are designed with special safety features like large mirrors and flashing lights to keep students safe, but students can still be at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. It is incredibly important for drivers, parents, and students to understand bus safety to keep everyone safe.
Pavement sustainability continues to be one of the most crucial areas of research in the asphalt industry. While it is common to understand sustainability in a purely environmental context, truly sustainable products and innovations also have positive economic and social implications.
Below, industry sustainability thought leader and Sustainability Engineer at the Asphalt Institute, Dr. Chait Bhat, details the appropriate scope for comparing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) per the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards language in Asphalt Magazine. His article follows a previous article from Dr. Mark Buncher covering the appropriateness of comparing material EPDs.
Many highway agencies recognize the benefits of using modified asphalts to reduce pavement distress and increase service life. A recent study from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) found that asphalt pavements with polymer-modified binders (PMBs) perform better than pavements with unmodified asphalt binders. They also found that modified binders are more cost-effective, even for local low-volume roads. While pavements with PMBs may cost more initially, performance is improved in the long run.
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