AsphaltPro - August 2026

PRODUCTION – PROFESSIONALS – PRODUCTS

Patriotic Supplier • Building USA's tallest asphalt dam • Tensioning aggregate screens • Manage material supply • Asphalt e-commerce • The Pro answers

AUGUST 2026 THEASPHALTPRO.COM

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INDUSTRIES INC.

CONTENTS

asphaltPRO August 2026

DEPARTMENTS

34

EDITOR’S LETTER 8 – Add Your Voice

By Sandy Lender

SAFETY SPOTLIGHT

10 – Overdose Prevention Update Progress in the construction industry isn’t a signal to slow down

By Cal Beyer

MIX IT UP

12 – Dangers of Reheating Asphalt Mix The importance of proper sample handling for accurate lab results

By Jayanth Kumar Rayapeddi Kumar, P.E.

STREET SMARTS

14 – This Isn’t Your Grandfather’s Asphalt

By Bill Stanley

26

TRAINING

18 – Ask The Pro: Putting 20 Years of Asphalt Expertise at Your Fingertips

By Sarah Redohl

56

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

22 – Beyond the Stockpile: Why material visibility matters more than ever

By Maria McNeil

WOMEN OF ASPHALT

26 – Women of Asphalt Partner for Leadership, Development

By Sandy Lender

INTERNATIONAL SNAPSHOT 30 – International Wellbeing From Lion PR

PRODUCT GALLERY

48 – Canadian News from Sakai Opens Paving Product Gallery From Sakai

OFF THE MAT

56 – ROB Shares Tips for Asphalt E-Commerce When it comes to online communitybuilding, savvy businesses ensure the message is more than a brand

By Sandy Lender

NEW TECH

58 – Haulotte Offers Digital Safety & Support

By The Asphalt Pro Staff

FEATURES PRODUCTION – PROFESSIONALS – PRODUCTS

32 – Patriotic Supplier

By The Asphalt Pro Staff 34 – Building the USA’s Tallest Asphalt Core Dam

By Sandy Lender 40 – European Show Crushes Production

By The Asphalt Pro Staff 44 – Engine Collab Helps Reduce Emissions for Underground Mining Applications From Volvo Penta 46 – Select End Tension or Side Tension Screens

By David Gentilini

Patriotic Supplier • Building USA's tallest asphalt dam • Tensioning aggregate screens • Manage material supply • Asphalt e-commerce • The Pro answers

AUGUST 2026 THEASPHALTPRO.COM

ON THE COVER Marathon Petroleum’s Catlettsburg, Kentucky, refinery processes sweet and sour crudes into multiple products including those needed in the asphalt paving industry, all under the patriotic symbol of our nation. See related article on page 32. Photo courtesy of Marathon Petroleum

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E D I TO R ' S L E T T E R Add Your Voice

A

s I write this note, Congress is on yet another vacation. While I find that infuriating, I also see it as an opportunity to let my local representatives know they’re supposed to represent my interests, which include passing a new, fully funded highway bill before the IIJA expires Sept. 30. A nice facet of our current government is we don’t have to wait for representatives to be stationed in their home offices to reach out to them.

We can write to or call our representatives in D.C. at any time, and I’d like to encourage that regarding the BUILD America 250 Act. That stands for Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th and is a five-year, $580 billion, bipartisan transportation reauthorization bill intended to modernize U.S. roads, bridges, transit and rail systems while introducing new funding and regulatory frameworks.

The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved this surface transportation act back in May, thus advancing H.R. 8870. By mid-June, the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) reported, “During and after the bill markup, members of Congress highlighted the need for reliable federal funding to modernize the nation’s transportation network, improve safety, and drive economic growth.”

TCC listed 28 members from both sides of the aisle who had positive, energetic statements about the bill.

August 2026 • Vol. 19 No. 10

I think we all recognize that it takes more than 28 members of Congress to accomplish anything these days.

The construction industry must rally to convince Congressional leaders that H.R. 8870 is vital to their constituents as well as our shared economy. We know how to do that. We’ve done it before. It’s time to do it again...on an individual basis. At the grassroots level.

If you’ve seen the updates at The Asphalt Pro, you’re aware that TCC and its member organizations like NAPA and NSSGA have written letters, put CEOs in Congressional hearings and on podcasts, and assisted with plant tours for various state representatives.

Let’s not leave all the heavy lifting to the national organizations. Congress hears from the usual lobbyists all the time. It’s time to take our destiny into our own hands.

I urge you to call your representatives today. Send an email tonight after work. Type a letter, print it out and mail it tomorrow. In fact, if you’re the foreman of a sealcoating crew, print out the letter and ask the members of your crew if they’re willing to sign it with you. Apply that concept wherever you fit into the industry.

The time you invest by adding your voice helps secure your future.

Stay Safe,

asphaltPRO 602 W. Morrison, Box 6a Fayette, MO 65248 (660) 728-5007 • www.theasphaltpro.com GROUP PUBLISHER Chris Harrison chris@theasphaltpro.com EDITOR Sandy Lender sandy@theasphaltpro.com (239) 272-8613 DIGITAL EDITOR Sarah Redohl sarah@theasphaltpro.com (573) 355-9775 MEDIA SALES Cara Owings cara@theasphaltpro.com (660) 537-0778 ART DIRECTOR Kristin Branscom BUSINESS MANAGER Susan Campbell (660) 728-5007 OPERATIONS Natasha Nivens natasha@theasphaltpro.com The Asphalt Pro is published 11 times per year.

Sandy Lender

Writers expressing views in The Asphalt Pro or on the website are professionals with sound, professional advice. Views expressed herein are not necessarily the same as the views of The Asphalt Pro, thus producers/ contractors are still encouraged to use best practices when implementing new advice.

SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the United States, Canada and Mexico to qualified individuals.

One year subscription to non-qualifying Individuals: United States $90, Canada and Mexico $125.00. For the international digital edition, visit theasphaltpro.com/subscribe/.

8 | AUGUST 2026

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S A F E T Y S P OT L I G H T

Overdose Prevention Update Progress in the construction industry isn’t a signal to slow down

BY CAL BEYER

T

here’s real progress to acknowledge. Overdose deaths among construction workers are going down. According to The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), drug-related overdose deaths among construction workers ages 16-64 dropped 28.8% from 2023 to 2024, falling from 15,900 to 11,300. The rate declined from 135.0 to 94.8 per 100,000 workers.

That kind of decrease matters. It reflects lives saved and families kept whole. But the same report points to something important that should shape how the industry responds next: The reduction in construction mirrors the broader decline in overdose deaths across the United States population. Construction is improving, but it is largely keeping pace rather than pulling ahead.

That is both encouraging and a reality check.

Progress like this can be misread. When numbers start to improve, it is tempting to assume the problem is easing on its own or that current efforts are enough. In reality, the opposite is true. This drop is happening because of sustained, coordinated action. If that effort slows, the progress can stall or reverse.

The recent decline likely reflects several factors working together. Increased education around opioid risks has helped workers and employers better understand how misuse can begin and escalate. Prescribing practices have shifted, with fewer opioids being issued unnecessarily.

Based on available data, this is more evident in workers’ compensation than in group health benefits programs. Treatment and recovery supports have become more visible and more accessible. Stigma, while still present, has started to loosen its grip, making it easier for people to speak up and seek help.

One of the most tangible changes has been the growing availability of naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan.

Not long ago, the idea of stocking naloxone on a job site was uncommon. Some employers hesitated due to liability concerns or uncertainty about how it would be perceived. That mindset is changing. More organizations are treating naloxone as a standard safety measure, similar to first aid supplies or automated external defibrillators. These organizations approach naloxone from the lens of emergency preparedness and safety, meaning being prepared for every type of emergency.

This shift is grounded in a simple reality. Overdoses can happen anywhere, including on job sites, in company vehicles or during breaks. When they happen, timing is critical. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes and restore breathing. Having it available and having workers trained to use it can be the difference between life and death.

The increased presence of naloxone in the construction industry is not just symbolic; it is a direct contributor to the decline in fatalities. It also reflects a broader cultural shift toward preparedness and responsibility rather than avoidance.

At the same time, the data makes clear that there is still a long way to go. Even after the decline, the overdose death rate in construction remains significantly high at 94.8 per 100,000 workers. This is not a level the industry can accept as stable or safe.

10 | AUGUST 2026

The current moment is a test of how the industry interprets success. If the decline is seen as a reason to scale back, progress will likely stall. If it is seen as proof that prevention strategies work, it becomes a foundation to build on.

Doubling down means focusing on what is already working and expanding it across more workplaces, more job sites and more communities: 1. Make naloxone standard, not optional Every job site, company vehicle and office should have naloxone readily available. Just as important, workers need to be trained and feel confident using it in an emergency.

2. Keep education consistent and practical One-time trainings are not enough. Ongoing conversations about opioid risks and safety practices, mental health and job site realities help reinforce awareness and keep safety top of mind.

3. Support recovery as part of workforce strategy Recovery-friendly workplaces are not just supportive, they are effective.

When workers have access to treatment and feel supported, retention improves and risk decreases.

4. Reduce stigma through action, not just messaging Policies, leadership behavior and everyday language all shape workplace culture. When stigma is reduced, workers are more likely to seek help early.

5. Strengthen clear pathways to care Employee Assistance Programs, union supports, peer recovery specialists and community partnerships all need to be visible, accessible, and easy to navigate.

This continued push is exactly why organizations like SAFE Project remain focused on expanding education, reducing stigma and helping workplaces build practical overdose prevention and recovery support strategies. Through workplace initiatives, naloxone education, community partnerships and accessible resources, SAFE Project works to help employers move from awareness to action, because progress only continues when prevention efforts do, too.

The latest data offers something the construction industry has not had enough of in this space: evidence that targeted efforts are working. The combination of education, internal policy changes, cultural shifts and tools like naloxone is producing measurable results.

That is not a signal to slow down. It is a signal to push further and harder. The goal is not just to keep pace with national trends. It is to lead them downward.

Cal Beyer, CWP, NAC, is the senior director of SAFE Workplaces for national nonprofit SAFE Project. Beyer has more than 30 years of experience as a risk management and safety professional. He has been dedicated to construction and manufacturing since 1996 and has been a longtime advocate for workplace mental health and well-being. Reach Beyer at cal@safeproject.us

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MIX IT UP

Dangers of Reheating Asphalt Mix The importance of proper sample handling for accurate lab results

BY JAYANTH KUMAR RAYAPEDDI KUMAR, P.E.

I

n an asphalt laboratory, ensuring accurate test results on reheated mix comes down to a lesson we can learn from a batch of leftover French fries: moisture migration over time.

Consider that the humble French fry is beautifully engineered: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, nicely salted, and just hot enough to make anyone forget about the will-start-eating-healthy resolutions they made. Now, think about what happens when you take the leftover fries, put them in a container, let them go cold and soggy, and reheat them the next morning. The magic is gone. Technically, they are the same potatoes, but because of time, moisture has migrated, fundamentally changing the product quality.

Asphalt mixes also go through metamorphosis. Fresh asphalt mix that comes out of the plant is hot, the binder viscosity is low, aggregates are nicely coated, and the mix is highly workable. But if the sample is stored in a cardboard box and cooled to ambient temperature, the properties of the mix change.

This happens because aggregates have natural pores. While the mix is hot and the binder viscosity is low, the binder slowly travels through those pores. Technically, this is known as asphalt binder absorption (Pba).

Because this absorption is a one-way street, reheating the cold mix will never force the binder back to the surface. This means Pba directly steals from effective asphalt content (Pbe), which is the actual binder left on the outside coating aggregates. Mathematically, when Pba goes up, Pbe goes down, triggering a domino effect across several volumetric properties.

The severity of this metamorphosis depends on the percent of asphalt binder absorption, which depends on the aggregate type used in the mix. A low-absorption aggregate like granite isn’t as “thirsty” as a high-absorption aggregate like the volcanic basalt used in Hawaii.

Reheating a sample that uses low-absorptive aggregates might only cause a minor nudge in the test results. On the other hand, reheating a sample with high-absorptive aggregates can be the difference between the mix passing or failing. To make matters worse, the number of times a sample is allowed to cool to ambient temperature and reheated to test temperature only compounds the problem.

This means two different labs could test the exact same split-sample of a mix produced using highly absorptive aggregates and get wildly different results, simply because one lab let the sample cool down completely and reheated the sample prior to testing.

Because the reheated sample has absorbed some of the binder, lowering the effective asphalt content, the mix is harsher to compact, leaving extra pockets of empty space known as air voids. To make matters worse, the reheating cycle also affects the maximum specific gravity, also known as the Rice value.

This is exactly where reheating of mixes strikes a project where it hurts. Typically, cores drilled from the project are compared against the Rice value to compute the percent density, which feeds the pay 12 | AUGUST 2026

factor calculation. When the Rice value is calculated using a reheated sample, the value is skewed compared to the Rice value calculated using a fresh sample. This can easily lead to erroneous density values, making a good project in the field look like it failed on paper.

So, the question is, how do we prevent our lab results from turning into yesterday’s soggy fries? Here are some rules to ensure what’s paved is actually what’s tested: Test the mix fresh whenever possible: This is perhaps the best defense against binder absorption. Remove the cooling phase to obtain the volumetric test results. However, this is easier said than done. Acceptance testing labs have their own challenges to test samples before they cool down to ambient temperature.

LEAVING THE SAMPLE INSIDE THE OVEN FOR A FEW EXTRA HOURS COULD ALLOW THE AGGREGATES TO ABSORB MORE BINDER. Establish a correlation factor: If you know samples will be cooled and reheated for independent testing, establishing a correlation factor early in the project to account for the data shift is a good idea.

Watch the clock: When a sample goes into the oven for reheating, it is critical to ensure the sample doesn’t stay inside the oven longer than it needs to after reaching testing temperature. Leaving the sample inside the oven for a few extra hours could allow the aggregates to absorb more binder.

Avoid multiple reheatings: To avoid compounding the problem, it’s best to avoid putting a sample through the vicious cycle of reheating-cooling-reheating.

At the end of the day, it’s important to make sure the lab results reflect the true quality of the pavement on the road. After all, nobody wins when a perfectly good paving job gets penalized over how the sample was handled. Just like nobody wants to be served yesterday's soggy fries.

Jayanth Kumar Rayapeddi Kumar is a quality control engineer at Jas. W. Glover Ltd. in Hawaii and a licensed professional engineer in the state of Hawaii. He has over 14 years of experience in the asphalt industry and is an active member of ASTM Committees D04 (Road and Paving Materials) and E36 (Accreditation and Certification)

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STREET SMARTS Hard-won know-how for the next generation

This Isn’t Your Grandfather’s Asphalt RAP has made our industry more sustainable, helped us keep up with demand, and kept costs from climbing even higher—but it’s also changed the way today’s mixes behave. After 50 years of laying asphalt, Bill Stanley has seen both sides.

Here, he shares what he’s seeing in the field and how contractors can adapt.

BY BILL STANLEY

I

’ve been laying asphalt for more than 50 years, and I can tell you one thing: today’s material isn’t the same as it was 20 or 30 years ago.

There are a few reasons for that, but a lot of it comes back to reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). It’s one of the biggest conversations in our industry. The truth is, it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

For me, it’s a bittersweet conversation. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know RAP has made our industry more sustainable, helped us keep up with the demand for material, and that without it, I think asphalt prices would probably be double what they are today.

But I also know it’s changed how the material behaves, and that has disappointed some people who don’t understand why the industry has gone this direction—or what it means for the way we pave today.

So, let’s rap about RAP.

Milling does more than prepare a pavement for resurfacing—it creates the RAP that keeps today's asphalt industry supplied with valuable aggregate and binder.

RAP IS HERE BECAUSE WE NEED IT

When RAP first started showing up in asphalt mixes 25 or 30 years ago, it was a pretty small percentage—2%, maybe three. Then, over the years, 5%, 10%, 20%. Today, depending on where you are in the country, it’s not unusual to see much higher percentages.

On one hand, RAP has been one of the best things to happen to our industry. Asphalt is the most recycled product on the planet, and that’s something we should all be proud of. Every time we mill a road or parking lot, we’re recovering valuable material instead of sending it to a landfill.

And the reality is, we need it. In many parts of the country, quality aggregate and natural sand are getting harder to find. Florida is a perfect example. They don’t have enough native aggregate, so RAP has become an extremely valuable commodity. Without it, some regions would struggle just to produce enough mix to keep up with demand.

14 | AUGUST 2026

Every load of RAP starts here; the cleaner the milling operation and the better the material is handled, the better chance the plant has of producing a quality asphalt mix.

STREET SMARTS

That’s why this is such a bittersweet conversation.

In many ways, today’s asphalt has solved yesterday’s problems. Years ago, on our highways, you’d see asphalt rutting and shoving under traffic because the asphalt was softer.

Not anymore. Today’s material is much harder than it used to be.

On the DOT side, I think that’s been a good thing. But the other side of that coin is the material doesn’t have the same flexibility it had years ago. From the private contractor’s side, we’re seeing more reflective cracking. For our private customers, it’s leading to a lot more callbacks than before.

Before the lab techs bite my head off, I’m not talking about every mix. Some mixes perform just fine, and that’s why the quality of the recycled material going into the plant makes a big difference. But from my perspective as a laydown contractor, we’re still learning.

THERE'S RAP, AND THEN THERE'S RAP

Before we blame every problem on RAP, there’s something important to understand: there’s RAP, and then there’s RAP. In my opinion, the quality of the RAP going into the plant has everything to do with the quality of the mix coming out.

Material that comes off a fairly recent interstate or airport pavement is a whole lot different than material that comes off a 30-yearold back road or an old parking lot. If you’re taking clean, quality material and blending it the right way, you’re starting with a much better product and you’re ending up with a much better product.

16 | AUGUST 2026

But if that pile is dirty, has moisture, and who knows what else mixed in, you’re asking that material to do something it was never designed to do.

Some plants do a much better job than others. They know where their RAP came from.

They test it, they process it and they handle it the right way. As a contractor, you learn pretty quickly which plants pay attention to those details, and when I have a choice, that’s where I want to buy my asphalt.

If we’re going to keep increasing RAP percentages—and I think we will—then every plant needs to treat that recycled material like the valuable raw material it is. Otherwise, the whole industry suffers for it.

CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

I’d love to see every plant treat their RAP right. But I don’t own an asphalt plant. I don’t decide the mix design. I don’t know exactly where every load of RAP came from. My job is to take the material I’m given and put down the best pavement I can.

That means the little things matter more than ever. Today’s material is less forgiving than it used to be, so there’s less room for error. We put a lot of focus on our joints. We try to keep our cold joints as short as possible.

We pay attention to joint placement. We stay on top of segregation. We make sure we’re getting good compaction.

Truth be told, my approach to material with higher RAP percentages starts well before the first truck ever arrives on the job site.

I spend a lot of time talking with my customers about how today’s asphalt is different than it used to be. I explain that some amount of

RAP is just part of the mix now. Around here, there are only a couple of plants still making virgin mix, and even then, it may not make sense for their project. I explain how RAP has helped keep material available and costs from climbing even higher.

But I also tell them straight out that today’s pavement may not behave like the asphalt they put down 20 years ago. They may see some reflective cracking sooner than they expect. They may see a seam open up.

That doesn’t mean the pavement failed. If the pavement is still smooth, draining, plowable and not potholing, it’s still doing its job.

Once they understand that, we can have a much better conversation about pavement preservation. We start talking earlier about crack sealing, rejuvenators, fog seals, chip seals—whatever makes sense for that property—because if you want to get the most life out of today’s asphalt, you have to stay ahead of it.

Bill’s Field Observation: We’ve started selling more one-thick-lift projects over a quality foundation instead of two thinner lifts. When we’ve gone back and looked at those jobs a few years later, the binder course was often still in good shape—it was the surface course that had cracked and started separating. In my experience, one thicker lift has held up better.

THE BOTTOM LINE

I’m not a lab engineer. I’m not a mix designer.

I’m a paving contractor. The reason I care so much about RAP is because I’ve spent my career putting asphalt on the ground, and when a customer calls me two or three years later asking what’s going on with their pavement, I have to have an answer.

Look, I understand the benefits of RAP. I know it’s not going away, and I don’t think it should. It’s become an important part of our industry, and I believe we’re going to keep getting better at it. Balanced mix designs, higher material management standards and a better understanding of how RAP behaves are all steps in the right direction, and I think the industry is heading that way.

Until we get there, my job is simple: put down the best pavement I can with the material I’m given, keep learning, and make sure my customers understand how to get the longest life possible out of their investment.

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TRAINING

Ask The Pro: Putting 20 Years of Asphalt Expertise at Your Fingertips

BY SARAH REDOHL

F

or nearly two decades, asphalt professionals have turned to The Asphalt Pro for technical guidance, best practices, project insights and expert perspectives.

Beginning Aug. 1, they’ll have a new way to access that knowledge.

The Pro is a new AI-powered assistant built exclusively on The Asphalt Pro’s published content, allowing users to ask questions in plain language and receive answers drawn from the magazine’s extensive library of articles, archives and industry resources. Available through both an embedded website widget and a dedicated fullscreen experience, The Pro is designed to help contractors, producers and pavement professionals find information faster while maintaining the trust and credibility that have defined The Asphalt Pro for 20 years.

Whether the goal is understanding a new technology, troubleshooting a plant issue, researching a specialty paving project or training the next generation of workers, The Pro transforms decades of vetted industry expertise into an interactive resource that is available whenever questions arise.

WHY WE BUILT THE PRO

Since 1993, The Asphalt Pro staff has worked alongside contractors, producers, consultants, engineers and industry experts to document best practices, showcase innovative projects and share technical knowledge with asphalt professionals. Since 2007, the magazine has built an extensive library of articles, digital magazine archives and educational resources covering nearly every aspect of asphalt production and paving.

That depth of knowledge has always been one of The Asphalt Pro’s greatest strengths. But as the library continued to grow, finding the right information at the right moment became increasingly challenging. Valuable answers often existed within the archive—they just weren’t always easy to locate when a contractor needed them.

“The Asphalt Pro has been committed to bringing the latest innovations to the asphalt industry for the last 20 years,” said Chris Harrison, publisher of The Asphalt Pro. “Investing in The Pro continues that tradition by positioning the magazine as a technology leader with the mission of helping our readers run their businesses better.”

The opportunity, Harrison explained, wasn’t simply to organize information differently, but to make decades of proven industry knowledge immediately accessible. Rather than spending time searching through articles, professionals can ask a question and quickly find answers, best practices, equipment insights and business guidance drawn directly from The Asphalt Pro’s trusted editorial archive.

“The Pro transforms decades of trusted industry knowledge into an instant, interactive resource that will help contractors, business owners and industry professionals get answers faster, discover relevant content and make better decisions,” Harrison said. “It’s a strategic investment in delivering the next generation of industry expertise.”

18 | AUGUST 2026

HOW IT WORKS

Using The Pro is designed to be as simple as asking a question.

Users can access the tool through an embedded widget on The Asphalt Pro website or through a dedicated full-screen experience, available both on desktop and mobile devices. From there, they can ask questions in plain language, whether they’re looking for information on a new technology, troubleshooting a plant or paving issue, researching a project or helping train a new employee.

The Pro then provides an answer based exclusively on information from The Asphalt Pro’s published content and includes links to the source material used to generate the response. Users can review the original articles, explore related resources and continue asking follow-up questions to dig deeper into a topic.

Early users have already found practical applications for the tool.

During testing, paver operator Dusty Bailey (@asphalt_space_ranger) asked The Pro to calculate trucking logistics on a project.

“I asked [The Pro] to calculate how many trucks I would need to put down 1,500 tons of asphalt within 10 hours being 35 minutes away from the plant, and it gave me a full breakdown of the logistics of that,” Bailey said. “That's a huge time saver.”

Whether users are searching for best practices, learning about emerging technologies or looking for information buried within two decades of archives, The Pro is designed to make finding answers faster and more intuitive.

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TRAINING BUILT ON TRUSTED INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

One of the most important distinctions between The Pro and general-purpose AI tools is the information it relies on to generate answers.

Rather than searching the broader internet, The Pro draws exclusively from The Asphalt Pro’s published content, ensuring responses are grounded in information that has been developed, reviewed and shared by industry professionals over the past two decades.

“It’s important to us that we created The Pro to pull exclusively from The Asphalt Pro content because we know we’ve vetted this information over the years,” said Sandy Lender, editor of The Asphalt Pro. “We’ve worked with industry experts to create, fact-check and present the content in the most accurate format possible for the education of an industry.”

The distinction is especially important in a technical industry where decisions are often based on specialized knowledge, established best practices and real-world experience. By limiting responses to The Asphalt Pro’s vetted content, The Pro is designed to provide users with answers that are both relevant and traceable to original source material.

“Our audience already trusts what they find in our pages and on our site; now they can apply that trust to what our chatbot is providing to them,” Lender said.

That approach resonated with early users who compared The Pro’s responses with those generated by other AI platforms.

“I did some trials against ChatGPT and found [The Pro] to be more accurate, due to the fact that The Asphalt Pro team is more knowledgeable in this field,” said Rod Stephens, president and CEO of All Roads Construction. “ChatGPT just cross-references the internet, and with some inaccurate information out there, its results are not as reliable.”

Industry consultant, technologist and Pavewise CEO Bryce Wuori reached a similar conclusion after testing the tool with a series of challenging questions.

“Overall, I put a series of difficult questions through [The Pro] and was pleasantly surprised with its accuracy and references,” Wuori said.

“I even tried to stump it a bit and get biased answers, and it passed.”

For asphalt professionals making decisions in the field, the trust and transparency behind The Pro may be just as valuable as the speed of the answer.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE ACROSS GENERATIONS

While The Pro can help experienced professionals find information more quickly, it may have an even greater impact on those who are newer to the industry.

Whether someone is learning the basics of asphalt production, stepping into a new role on a paving crew or trying to understand a

Need Some Prompting Help?

Check out this article online to see a graphic with eight great examples of ways to put The Pro to work for you. From training to project planning, we offer phrasing and ideas on how to use The Pro efficiently right off the bat!

20 | AUGUST 2026

“I DID SOME TRIALS AGAINST CHATGPT AND FOUND [THE PRO] TO BE MORE ACCURATE, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ASPHALT PRO TEAM IS MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THIS FIELD.”— ROD STEPHENS, PRESIDENT & CEO, ALL ROADS CONSTRUCTION

technical concept for the first time, access to reliable information can help shorten the learning curve while building confidence.

“I see The Pro helping all levels of the asphalt industry,” Lender said.

“From filling in training gaps to helping an operator get best practices sorted out to reminding techs about lab procedures, this is a niche tool that gathers multiple decades of industry experts’ knowledge from The Asphalt Pro data and hands specific answers to the new guy; or to the veteran worker who wants to double-check a technique.”

Lender believes one of the industry’s greatest opportunities is making technical knowledge easier to access and share.

“Since I began covering the asphalt industry, I’ve noticed that some veteran operators tend to gatekeep knowledge, and some company owners tend to gatekeep information,” Lender said. “By providing a chatbot like The Pro where decades of knowledge can be called on to answer specific questions for the user, The Asphalt Pro has made it possible for everyone to learn and use technical, how-to information more easily.”

That idea resonated with Bailey, who sees The Pro as a way to help newer workers gain access to knowledge that might otherwise take years to acquire.

“It’s nice because I see a lot of older generations gatekeeping knowledge and tricks of the trade out of fear of being replaced, so I see younger people struggle to get established in this industry,” Bailey said.

“But [The Pro] gives people of all ages access to knowledge and shatters the barriers that prevent them from being successful.”

By putting decades of best practices, technical guidance and industry experience within reach of anyone willing to ask a question, The Pro has the potential to make learning easier for both the next generation of asphalt professionals and the people helping train them.

THE BIGGER OPPORTUNITY

For Wuori, one of the most compelling aspects of The Pro is its ability to make The Asphalt Pro’s vast library of knowledge easier to access and apply.

“Having access to fast and reliable paving knowledge through the AI chatbot is transformative when seeking insights on best practices or relevant information through The Asphalt Pro’s vast resources,” Wuori said. “Combining this wealth of shared experience, articles, knowledge and resources into a chatbot is revolutionary for those looking to enhance their daily paving practices or expand their expertise.”

By bringing together decades of trusted industry expertise in a single conversational tool, The Pro creates new opportunities for asphalt professionals to learn, solve problems and build on the collective knowledge that continues to drive the industry forward.

MEET YOUR AI-POWERED ASPHALT EXPERT. Built exclusively on The Asphalt Pro’s archive of vetted industry content, The Pro gives contractors, producers and pavement professionals a faster way to access two decades of technical knowledge, best practices and project experience.

YOUR ASPHALT EXPERT 24/7 It's important to us that we created The Pro to pull exclusively from The Asphalt Pro content because we know we've vetted this information over the years.”

— Sandy Lender, Editor, The Asphalt Pro I did some trials against ChatGPT and found [The Pro] to be more accurate, due to the fact that The Asphalt Pro team is more knowledgeable in this field.”

— Rod Stephens, President & CEO, All Roads Construction

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P R OJ E C T M A N AG E M E N T

Beyond the Stockpile Why material visibility matters more than ever

BY MARIA MCNEIL

E

very aggregate producer has experienced an inventory management nightmare. The schedule is set. Customer orders are lined up. Trucks are moving. Then someone realizes the material everyone thought was available is not where it needs to be. Instead of focusing on production, the operations, plant and inventory managers are under pressure to find and transfer inventory.

This kind of uncertainty affects plant flow, truck movement, customer service, month-end reconciliation and operating cost. The inventory problem may show up when a stockpile runs low. But it usually starts earlier, when the information that teams rely on no longer matches what is happening in the field.

THE HIDDEN COST OF UNCERTAINTY

In many aggregate operations, inventory management still depends on a mix of physical measurements, spreadsheets, manual updates, periodic reconciliations and team knowledge. Those methods have supported producers for years. But they can become harder to manage as material moves across more sites, more products, more customers and more operational handoffs. Every movement changes the inventory picture. The challenge is making sure those changes are visible soon enough to support decisions in the moment.

When visibility lags, uncertainty spreads across the operation. Operations teams lose confidence in the numbers. Plant teams make decisions based on what they believe is available. Inventory teams spend more time investigating discrepancies. Transfers happen at the last minute. Purchasing decisions get delayed because no one is fully confident in current stock levels.

For many teams, the biggest frustration is not simply the shortage itself. It is the time spent reacting to a problem that could have been easier to manage with earlier visibility.

22 | AUGUST 2026

The operations team has access to the whole picture of inventory availability and management with Command Alkon's Material Supply.

Inventory visibility is not just about knowing how much material is on the ground. It is about knowing what is available, where it is available, how quickly it is moving and what action may be needed next.

Material visibility matters differently depending on the role.

• For an operations manager, visibility supports better coordination across plants, trucks, materials, and customer demand.

It helps reduce last-minute scrambling and gives teams a clearer view of bottlenecks before they disrupt the day.

• For a plant manager, visibility helps keep the site moving. When material availability is unclear, the plant may lose time waiting for answers, adjusting loads or working around issues that should have been caught earlier.

• For an inventory manager, visibility supports accuracy, reconciliation and confidence. Inventory teams need to know what material has moved, what has been consumed, what remains available and where discrepancies need attention.

These roles may look at the problem from different angles, but they are connected by the same need: reliable material information that reflects operational reality.

FROM RECONCILIATION TO OPERATIONAL CONTROL ACROSS THE MATERIAL SUPPLY CHAIN

Historically, inventory management has often centered on reconciliation. Teams measure stockpiles, compare numbers against records, investigate discrepancies and work backward to understand what changed. Reconciliation still matters, but it is no longer enough on its own.

Aggregate producers are operating in an environment where labor is tight, material costs are under pressure and customer expectations continue to rise. Waiting until the end of a cycle to discover a discrepancy can leave teams with fewer options and higher costs. That is why many producers are shifting their focus from simply reconciling inventory to improving material visibility throughout the operation.

Visibility means understanding how material is moving across sites, plants, tickets, transfers and consumption points. It means giving teams a clearer view of what is happening sooner, so they can act before a shortage or discrepancy becomes a larger operational issue.

CONSTRUCTION AT WORK · THE CONNECTED OPERATING MODEL FOR HEAVY CIVIL CONTRACTORS

CREW DATA › EQUIPMENT ACTIVITY › PRODUCTION › JOB COSTS › FINANCIAL VISIBILITY

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Heavy civil contractors generate critical project data every day. rews are working.

Equipment is running. Production is happening. osts are changing.

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Real-Time Job Cost Visibility Faster, More Accurate WIP Earlier Margin Insight Better Forecasting One Version of the Truth

Yet many contractors still rely on disconnected systems, spreadsheets, paper processes, and delayed reporting. When field activity and financial management operate separately, leaders are forced to make decisions with incomplete information.

WHEN THE FIELD AND FINANCE ARE DISCONNECTED: Job cost visibility is delayed WIP becomes difficult to trust Billing slows down Forecasting becomes reactive Margin risk stays hidden until it is too late

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P R OJ E C T M A N AG E M E N T

LEFT: Capture and feed information to gain stronger visibility.. RIGHT: This screen capture shows an inventory overview in the Material Supply platform.

One of the biggest challenges aggregate producers face is that material data often lives in different places. Aggregate shipments may be tracked in one system. Asphalt consumption may be tracked somewhere else. Purchasing, production, scale operations, dispatch and inventory teams may each have a different view of material movement.

When information stays disconnected, no one has a complete picture. That creates friction for the people closest to the work. Command Alkon’s Material Supply is designed to help organizations gain a clearer view of inventory movement, consumption and availability across operations. Rather than relying only on manual updates and periodic reconciliation, Material Supply can help teams better understand how materials are flowing through the business, so inventory information is more aligned with operational activity.

The goal is not to create more administrative work for plant or inventory teams. It is to help reduce the time spent chasing numbers, checking disconnected records and reacting to surprises.

A REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE: HEIDELBERG MATERIALS

The value of connected material visibility becomes clear when aggregate and asphalt operations depend on each other.

Heidelberg Materials is currently using Material Supply within its New York and Pennsylvania markets to support the flow of ticket data between aggregate and asphalt operations. By connecting information across both sides of the business, teams can gain a more complete understanding of material movement and consumption. Instead of relying 24 | AUGUST 2026

only on separate inventory records, operational data can help provide a clearer picture of how materials are being used and where replenishment decisions may be needed.

For operations, that can support better planning. For plant teams, it can reduce uncertainty around material availability. For inventory teams, it can create a more connected trail of material movement.

As producers look for ways to improve efficiency, examples like Heidelberg Materials point to a larger shift: inventory can no longer be managed as a standalone function. It is part of the broader material supply chain, and the teams responsible for production, plant performance, and inventory accuracy all need a shared view.

MOVING FROM REACTIVE TO PREDICTABLE

Every producer knows some challenges are unavoidable.

The weather changes. Equipment breaks down. Customer demand shifts. Job sites get delayed.

But inventory shortages often provide warning signs before they become emergencies.

The problem is not that operations lack data. Most aggregate producers generate large amounts of information every day through tickets, transfers, sales, production, consumption and purchasing activity. The challenge is turning that information into visibility that teams can use while there is still time to act.

When visibility improves, operations become more predictable. That predictability matters because many costly inventory problems start with a simple lack of awareness. By

the time a shortage becomes obvious, options may be limited. Earlier visibility changes the conversation.

The producers that perform best are not always the ones with the largest stockpiles.

They are often the ones with the clearest understanding of what material is available, how quickly it is moving and what decisions need to happen next. That level of visibility helps teams operate with more confidence. In an industry where every ton matters, knowing what is available—and knowing it with confidence—can make all the difference.

Maria McNeil is the solutions specialist at Command Alkon. For more information, visit www.commandalkon.com/products/ material-supply/.

Stronger Visibility Gives the Aggregate Producer an Edge • Purchasing decisions can happen before inventory reaches a critical point.

• Transfers can be planned before they become urgent.

• Plant teams can adjust with more confidence.

• Inventory teams can identify discrepancies earlier.

• Operations leaders can make decisions based on current activity instead of assumptions.

The result of better material visibility and management is not just cleaner inventory data. It is a more predictable operation.

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WO M E N O F A S P H A LT

Women of Asphalt Partner for Leadership, Development

BY SANDY LENDER

T

he national organization of Women of Asphalt (WofA) held its third leadership summit at the Astec Industries facilities in Chattanooga May 19-20, 2026. This event is an expanding networking and career development opportunity for women in the asphalt industry. Next on the docket is an educational partnership with the Asphalt Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, Dec. 9-10.

Since the WofA x Astec Leadership Summit's inception two years ago, the attendee list more than doubled with 113 registrants in the 2026 session. The Astec auditorium at the Jerome Avenue location was packed with women ready to take notes, ask questions and exchange information.

During the first day, van der Merwe spoke to the group of career moves and personal growth. One of the priorities he suggested for the audience involved setting fear aside.

“Don’t be afraid to take on new roles, even if you think you aren’t ready,” he said.

He also spoke of the here-and-now. “Do your current job very well,” he stressed. He reminded the group that by performing a current role to the best of their abilities, without worrying about the next role, new opportunities will naturally present themselves.

Throughout the event, women with different career paths spoke to educate and inspire the group, offering their stories as encouragement.

“As a proud Women of Asphalt board member and Astec executive, I’m deeply honored to stand alongside a community of women who are not only shaping their own paths but creating space for others to rise with them,” said Aletheia Silcott, chief human resources officer of Astec. “When women support women, we don’t just move forward. We transform industries.”

As host, Astec offered a number of opportunities to network and learn. Greg Renegar, 26 | AUGUST 2026

From left, presenters Aletheia Silcott, Jennifer Long, Catherine Sutton-Choate, Jana Eichel, Brittyn Heisler and Ally Glover field questions from Cassidy Glatzer during a panel discussion on the second day of the Women of Asphalt Leadership Summit held at Astec's Jerome Avenue facility.

During Jana Eichel’s presentation, attendees gathered into small groups for an exercise in remodeling responses to problematic situations in the workplace.

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LEFT: During the first day of the event, a meet-and-greet session allowed attendees to try out Astec Digital virtual reality. RIGHT: On the second day of the event, attendees divided into groups to tour the Astec facility, getting a close-up look at the manufacture of components and development of technology.

LEFT: From left, Sheila Barkevich and Emilie Simoneau discussed the importance of finding and championing a work-life balance during the WofA x Astec Leadership Summit. RIGHT: At the end of the first day of presentations, Astec hosted a reception for additional networking opportunities. From left, Greg Renegar and Hilda Flores, prep to mix and mingle with attendees.

Astec's vice president of customer success, explained, the Astec team discovered quickly that training schools populated with mostly female students require more time for networking than those populated with mostly male students. He shared that meals and breaks for the WofA events are busy with discussions and information exchange, and event planners decided right away they should build extra time into the Q&A sessions and breaks.

To that end, organizers included a meet & greet mid-morning of the 2026 summit where attendees were encouraged to complete an activity card for winning prizes. Personnel from the marketing, human resources, parts, service, construction, engineering, procurement, sustainability and digital departments joined the event for this activity. More than a chance to visit the Astec booths set up in the Jerome Cafe, it was an opportunity to hear addition28 | AUGUST 2026

al career stories and learn about various career paths across the asphalt and construction industry. Some of the “suggested questions” for attendees to break the ice included: “What [marketing] projects or campaigns are you most proud of?” and “What types of problems do engineers help solve?”

Astec provided ample opportunity for networking during breakfasts, lunches, an evening reception and guided tours of the facilities. Throughout the presentations, interaction, engagement and problem-solving was encouraged.

Up next for the WofA national organization is a technical exchange partnership with the Asphalt Institute. This professional development opportunity is a two-day training course offering 10 PDHs titled "Inside the Mix: Understanding Asphalt Materials." It will allow up to 30 WofA members to learn

directly from Asphalt Institute experts in a small-group, highly interactive environment.

The training is designed for engineers, quality and lab professionals, asphalt producers, contractors, project managers, suppliers, and emerging industry professionals. It will be a hands-on program providing a practical introduction to the materials, testing methods, and performance factors that influence pavement performance using classroom instruction, lab demonstrations, and discussions with industry experts. Participants will explore asphalt binders, emulsions, aggregates, mixes and performance testing while gaining a stronger understanding of how material decisions impact real-world results.

Learn more here: Inside the Mix: Understanding Asphalt Materials - Women of Asphalt

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S N A P S H OT

International Wellbeing Associated Asphalt tops UK’s Best Places to Work list with wellbeing and employee engagement FROM LION PR

A

ssociated Asphalt Contracting Ltd., Heathrow, United Kingdom, was named again in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, praised for its progressive approach to workplace wellbeing and employee engagement. Associated Asphalt continues its rapid upward trajectory having been recognized for the second year running as one of the UK’s top medium-sized companies to work for in the 2026 list.

Published in May by The Sunday Times in partnership with WorkL, the nationwide survey celebrates over 500 of the UK’s top employers across all sectors and sizes. The survey honors organizations that excel in creating outstanding workplaces for women, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers, and those offering exceptional wellbeing support.

Founded in 2014, Associated Asphalt, which has over 130 staff nationwide, continues to see rapid growth having established a reputation for operational excellence, reliability and assured performance in complex environments.

Key working sectors in which they operate include airfield surfacing, highway surfacing, rail and retail carpark maintenance.

The business secured its place on the list following an independent survey assessing employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort.

Among the key findings, the results highlighted Associated Asphalt’s progressive leadership culture and strong commitment to employee wellbeing, with the business achieving a 90% happiness score. In addition, 94% of employees said they are proud to work for the company, while 94% said the business genuinely cares about their wellbeing.

Against the backdrop of a growing skills gap and increasing competition for talent across the construction sector, the survey also highlighted an exceptionally low employee flight risk score of just 2%, compared with an industry average of 41%.

30 | AUGUST 2026

Associated Asphalt Contracting Ltd., Heathrow, UK, tops UK’s Best Places to Work list with wellbeing and employee engagement. Founded in 2014, the company has an established reputation for its performance in high-risk environments, with clients including National Highways, Heathrow Airport, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and the Ministry of Defence. Services include contracting teams, material design and material manufacture using bespoke asphalt mixing plants. The company is certified to ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and Pas2080 and is underpinned by a skilled and competent workforce.

It constitutes the second year in a row that the business has received the highly coveted Sunday Times Best Places to Work accolade.

Nick Denning, managing director at Associated Asphalt said, “We are thrilled to once again be recognized as one of The Sunday Times’ best places to work. With a turnover of £135m and a team now of over 130 people, we’ve worked hard to build a supportive and collaborative culture where people from all backgrounds and stages feel valued, listened to, and empowered to grow and do truly groundbreaking things.

“That’s why it’s fantastic to see that recognized. Our people are at the heart of our business, and this award is a credit to them all.”

Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, said, “In an evolving world of work, Britain’s leading employers are helping staff forge careers that count to-

day, and in the future. In turn, the best places to work have the resilience to weather the current economic storms baked in, thanks to engaged workers who go above and beyond with a smile. Our winning employers span sizes and sectors—from tiny charities and specialist law firms, to multinational fast-food chains and utility giants, and everywhere in between. The thread joining them is the belief that a happy workforce is a steppingstone to better performance, faster growth and bigger profits. More than that, there’s a collective instinct that a contented rank-and-file is a worthwhile business goal in and of itself.”

Associated Asphalt Contracting Ltd. is a civil engineering company specializing in highways, airfield and road construction.

For more information, visit https:// associatedasphalt.biz/

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32 | AUGUST 2026

In honor of the United States of America’s 250th celebration, The Asphalt Pro is highlighting asphalt professionals who proudly display symbols of our nation. For this edition featuring the building blocks of asphalt mixture, it is an honor to bring breathtaking pictures of Marathon Petroleum’s refinery in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, with Old Glory waving at the top. This refinery produces 307,000 barrels per day.

It processes sweet and sour crude oils into gasoline, distillates, asphalt, natural gas liquids and petrochemicals, propane, and heavy fuel oil.

Marathon has a refinery-based asphalt production capacity of 143,000 barrels per calendar day throughout seven of its 13-refinery system and markets over 100 asphalt products at 27 locations throughout the United States. The customer base includes asphalt paving contractors and roofing shingle manufacturers.

BUILDING THE USA'S TALLEST ASPHALT CORE DAM

BY SANDY LENDER

A

At peak production between 2021 and 2025, an on-site rock quarry supplied an average of 62,000 tons of material per day for the construction of the Chimney Hollow Reservoir main dam, making it one of the largest mining operations in Colorado. On Friday, July 18, 2025, crews had completed paving the core of the rockfill gravity dam, thus completing the largest asphalt dam in the United States.

In a video produced for the Chimney Hollow Reservoir website, Joe Donnelly, who is the principal project engineer for Northern Water, Berthoud, Colorado, shared the purpose of this monumental undertaking.

“We have eight of the ten fastest growing cities in northern Colorado in our service area, and Chimney Hollow is part of our regional solution to our water supply gap,” Donnelly explained on camera. “We have the Windy Gap Reservoir and Windy Gap water rights on the West Slope.

34 | AUGUST 2026

Those are existing water rights that have been in place since 1967. To make the most out of our Windy Gap water rights and to ultimately see the yield that we need from those water rights, we needed dedicated storage. The Chimney Hollow Reservoir project provides that dedicated storage for those Windy Gap water rights so that we can reliably provide 30,000 acre-feet per year to people in northern Colorado.”

To that end, Northern Water facilitated the construction of a reservoir with 90,000-acre-feet capacity covering 740 acres and its attendant infrastructure. While the main feature of the Chimney Hollow Reservoir project is the 350-foot-tall asphalt core dam, Barnard Construction Company Inc., Bozeman, Montana, which served as the general contractor, and the other teams tracked many moving parts over the four years of active construction.

Of the 14.5 million cubic yards hauled from the on-site quarry, 12.5 million were used in the main dam embankment for the Chimney Hollow Reservoir project in Colorado. RIGHT: WALO set up its batch plant on-site.

large-diameter steel pipeline to transfer water, a valve house structure that consisted of over 50 valves to control the water movement in/out of the reservoir along with other BOR facilities, and a clay core Saddle Dam at the Southern point of the property.”

Every detail required on-site expertise and equipment, starting with the quarry operation.

STONES FOR ZONES

Barnard set up and operated the rock quarry operation while their subcontractor Fred Weber set up a material processing plant, both south of the main dam, yet still within the reservoir footprint. The material processing plant included a jaw crusher, cone crusher, vertical shaft impactor (VSI) and wash plant. The sized material was used in the mix design for the asphalt core, in hydraulic filters and aggregates for the structural concrete, and in different zones of the main dam.

We can identify the zones by placement. Zone 1 was the vertical asphalt core in the center of the dam, which we’ll discuss in detail later.

Five-foot-wide zone 2 filters were built against either side of zone 1, using a 1.5-inch minus to 2-inch minus stone all the way from the bottom of the dam to the crest. Thirteen-foot-wide zone 3 filters were built on either side of zone 2, using a 6-inch minus well-graded product. The two zone 4 sections were the buttress of rockfill material and the largest amount of material placed on the main dam. The downstream bedrock was covered with blanket filters that featured a coarse and fine filter of zones 5a and 5b. Zone 6 consisted of riprap placed on the upstream face from elevation 5790' up to the top of the embankment. (See Figure 1.)

The quarry equipment was also used to produce 2-foot and smaller material that was distributed in two ways: some went to the crushers to become aggregate, and some was hauled to the zone 4 rockfill portions of the main and saddle dams to surround and support the cores.

The Teams General contractor = Barnard Construction Company Engineering team = Stantec Construction management team = Black & Veatch Owner = Northern Water

R.J. Roos, Barnard operations manager and vice president, told The Asphalt Pro of those moving parts. “The dam gets a lot of recognition, as it should, but the complexity of this project and other work associated with it should not be understated,” Roos shared. “We constructed a tunnel to transfer water in and out of the reservoir, over 2 miles of

For the construction of the main dam, crews dumped a 100-ton load every two minutes, 20 hours a day, six days a week, for twoand-a-half years.

Considering the workers were moving so much material per day, the wisdom of having an on-site quarry is clear. It not only minimized construction traffic and disturbances to the local community, but also minimized hauling emissions and fuel use that would otherwise have stacked up over the course of the project if material had to be brought from any distance. And now that the project is complete, the quarry site serves as a portion of the reservoir.

Of course, completing the project took more than blasting and moving rock. Multiple thousands of tons went into asphalt.

WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 35

Each day that a 9-inch lift of asphalt was placed in zone 1 and stone placed in zones 2, the teams also brought up the rock embankment at the same time. In total, there were 512 lifts of asphalt to complete the main dam.

Material was blasted from the on-site quarry and processed on-site via cone, jaw and VSI crushers. The last quarry blast took place in April 2025. By July 2025, final testing wrapped up and the crusher was demobilized.

VERTICAL ASPHALT DESIGN AND CREATIVITY

This was no ordinary asphalt mix design. Instead of the typical paving mix readers are familiar with, the project required a hydraulic asphaltic concrete (HAC) that could adhere to the concrete plinth at the base of the dam, flex to accommodate settling and deformation, and create an impermeable barrier. To that end, Barnard’s Roos said the aggregate gradation included a dense, ¾-inch nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) and a high proportion of fines passing 0.075 mm.

36 | AUGUST 2026

The asphalt binder made up 6.7% to ensure full coating of the aggregate and near-zero air voids. The binder type, a PG58-28, was selected for temperature stability, resistance to aging and ductility at low temperatures.

To produce and place the mix, Barnard subcontracted this work to Walo Bertschinger (WALO), Dietikon, Switzerland. With 21 locations in three countries, the contractor offers a variety of engineering specialties, including hydraulic asphalt engineering, and has constructed asphalt-core dams worldwide. The WALO team set up its asphalt batch plant on-site and used the aggregate produced from the quarry and crushing facilities to make the HAC for the main dam’s core.

Figure 1. Cross Section of Chimney Hollow Main Dam

2ft

RESERVOIR ▼

NOTES: 1. All dimensions are horizontal.

2. Drawing not to scale.

6

DOWNSTREAM 4

3

2

1

2

3

4 5A 5B

13ft

5ft 3.3ft 5ft

13ft

TOTAL DAM WIDTH (approximately 1,100 feet) ZONE 1

HYDRAULIC ASPHALTIC CONCRETE (HAC) CORE Tapers from 3.3ft at the base to 2ft at the top.

ZONE 2

FILTER 1.5-inch minus to 2-inch minus stone.

Two, 5-foot-wide filters.

ZONE 3 FILTER 6-inch minus well-graded product.

Two, 13-foot-wide filters.

ZONE 4

ROCKFILL BUTTRESS 2-foot (and smaller) rockfill material.

ZONE 5A

COARSE BLANKET FILTER Covers downstream bedrock.

ZONE 5B

FINE BLANKET FILTER Covers downstream bedrock.

ZONE 6

RIPRAP On upstream face.

This illustration offers a slice of the rockfill gravity dam at the heart of the Chimney Hollow Reservoir project to help the reader understand how the zones lined up to form the tallest asphalt core dam in the United States.

The WALO team produced and placed 68,809.62 cubic yards of asphalt, which equaled about 200 miles (placed in 9-inch lifts), for the dam.

Placing an asphalt core took creativity, and WALO had the answer.

The crew brought a modified paving machine from Switzerland for the job. Northern Water Project Engineer Becky Brush described how it functioned.

“It’s a specialty machine that was custom-built to place zone 1 and zone 2 at the same time with two separate hoppers that are loaded from either side,” Brush explained. “It had blowers and an infrared heater on the front to clean off and heat up the previous lift of asphalt before paving on top.”

The first lift, 3.3-feet wide (1 meter), was placed by hand. Then, an operator drove the WALO paver back and forth along the site to build up the core that would become the dam. A spokesperson for Barnard explained, “WALO was able to change the width of the paver utilizing steel forms within the paver itself. In the past, WALO has utilized ‘machine control,’ coupled with their GPS guidance system, to automate the change in width. However, this process slows the machine...WALO and Barnard

worked together to identify elevations in which each form needed to be changed out to ensure the proper width was placed. Ultimately, the asphalt core is shaped like a stacked cake.”

Roos clarified that as the machine worked, a Cat 336 excavator delivered HAC mix from the beds of tandem haul trucks to one hopper while another Cat 336 excavator delivered the 2-inch minus stone from the back of Cat 740B haulers. The HAC paver placed the zone 1 and the two 5-footwide zone 2 sections concurrently in 9-inch lifts. Cat 740Bs and Cat 777s also delivered zones 3 and 4 material, respectively, to build up the dam as the paver traveled. Small rollers compacted behind the modified paver.

At the outset, moving equipment along the rising crest required building a simple crossover bridge over the zone 1 core to prevent dust and rock contamination from hauler tires transferring to the asphalt layer, but as the dam rose toward its 350-foot height, the crest became narrower and more difficult for equipment to traverse. The base or maximum section, according to Brush, is about 1,100 feet wide whereas the crest is only 30 feet wide.

Near the end of paving, haulers were reversing much of the time and finally the team switched from Cat haulers to Morooka tracked dumpers, which can “spin” in place. The Morooka operator could drive to the top, spin the chassis around, dump their zone 3 material where needed, spin around again, and drive back down.

WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 37

LEFT: About 22 million tons of embankment rock buttress the asphalt core. RIGHT: Small rollers compacted behind the modified paver.

WALO placed the first lift of asphalt on Oct. 15, 2022. It was 1,000 days (or 3.3 million work hours) later, when they completed lift number 512.

Roos stated all that paving came to 135,000 tons of the special asphalt mix. Next, the team topped the dam with a protective roadway built out of road base and lined with boulders.

While completing the main dam wasn’t the end of the whole project, it signified a huge milestone amid the many moving parts requiring so much advance planning and setup.

ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY INFRASTRUCTURE

An on-site materials testing lab provided real-time testing results for work. It was outfitted with all of the testing equipment necessary to test geotechnical, concrete and asphalt materials used during construction.

Barnard set up its own on-site concrete batch plant to eliminate the need for concrete deliveries by truck. Grant Jamison, the project closeout manager for Barnard, shared for a Chimney Hollow Reservoir video: “To make up all the structures and foundations on the job site, our batch plant has produced over 80,000 cubic yards of concrete.”

Another temporary structure during the project was the cofferdam, which was built in about five months, to prevent water from entering the reservoir before the main dam was complete. The Northern Water site states: “A temporary clay-core, earth embankment, 50-foot-tall, 1,000-foot-long cofferdam was constructed upstream of the main dam to block runoff and stormwater from entering the dam site during construction. It was sized to hold a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. In any other project, a dam this size would be a main component. To put it in perspective, the saddle dam at the south end of the reservoir is 10 feet shorter than the cofferdam.” Before the initial fill of approximately 488 million gallons in April 2026, the cofferdam was removed.

Northern Water and the Chimney Hollow Reservoir participants are working to finalize a uranium management plan. No water will be delivered from Chimney Hollow Reservoir until assessments are complete, and a management plan is developed to ensure a safe water supply for downstream water delivery. There is a list of frequently asked questions on the Chimney Hollow website. But another facet of safety to be celebrated is what took place over the course of the project.

The Chimney Hollow Reservoir website spelled out perfectly how the general contractor performed: “Barnard demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety throughout four years of construction on Chimney Hollow. With over 3.4 million work hours logged, the project achieved an average Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 1.4, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.6. Impressively, Barnard maintained a TRIR of less than 1.0 for the last two years, with no fatalities and only one lost-time injury during the entire project. These results reflect a culture where safety is not just a priority—it’s a core value.”

It’s easy to see the safety and quality culture at Barnard in the way Roos spoke of not only the project, but also of the people involved.

“The success of this project is a direct reflection of the men and women who worked in the field to construct it,” Roos shared. “As one of the first high hazard hydraulic asphalt core dams in the United States, the safety and quality of the construction activities were at the forefront of all the work completed. During the peak of construction season, we had the largest operating quarry in the state of Colorado. Once the foundation excavation and preparation were completed, the dam was constructed in 26 months, which is a major undertaking for such a project of this size.”

The team at Northern Water also spoke with pride about this monumental infrastructure development project.

“Being part of this world-class project is both an honor and a responsibility,” Brush shared. “It is incredibly rewarding to see our work positively affect the community I grew up in and still call my home today, while also laying the groundwork for the future. Knowing that our work will have a lasting impact is something I take great pride in.”

A PROUD SAFETY RECORD

The initial fill is being used to analyze and address a situation Northern Water discovered during construction. In July 2025, Northern Water teams found naturally occurring uranium in the granite rock that was quarried for the project, and all the appropriate scientists and engineers have been studying and monitoring the levels and implications since.

“After the discovery of naturally occurring uranium at Chimney Hollow Reservoir, many avenues of data collection have been initiated to learn more about this situation and inform management decisions,” Brush said. “Northern Water moved approximately 1,500 acre-feet of water into Chimney Hollow Reservoir in April [2026]. Water quality data is being collected and used to evaluate the performance of model simulations that have been used to predict uranium concentrations in the reservoir. We will not place more water into the reservoir until more data has been collected with the water in the reservoir now.”

38 | AUGUST 2026

Milestones Over the four years of construction, the project hit several milestones worth celebrating: • 14.5 million cubic yards of material from the quarry (that’s four times the volume for the Hoover Dam) • Over 2 miles of steel pipe installed and welded • 80,000 cubic yards of concrete produced at batch plant • 512 lifts of asphalt laid to create the main dam’s impermeable barrier • At peak production, over 500 employees on site per day • An average Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 1.4 over the 3.4 million work hours logged, which is significantly lower than the industry average of 2.6

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We build custom solutions, move fast, and do what it takes to keep your plant running right.

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WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 39

EUROPEAN SHOW CRUSHES PRODUCTION

H

BY THE ASPHALT PRO STAFF

Hillhead, which took place June 23-25, 2026, in Buxton, England, is the largest quarrying, construction and recycling equipment exhibition in the United Kingdom. It takes place every two years in a working Derbyshire quarry and brings together 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors for three days of demonstrations, big iron and new technology.

Some of those exhibitors are, naturally, based in the European Union and offer services to our European colleagues. Some of those exhibitors display and demonstrate innovations that cross the Atlantic. They all showcase advances in construction for the aggregates and asphalt industries’ edification.

New for 2026, Hillhead introduced a new way to experience the latest big kit in action at the Quarry Face demonstration area. Three each day, leading manufacturers showcased their machines as part of a dynamic curated live show hosted by broadcaster and technology presenter Nikki Dean. Combining live machine operation with expert commentary and manufacturer interviews, all the action was streamed onto a giant LED screen set against the dramatic quarry face backdrop.

Visitors were able to see exactly what the machines could do in real working conditions, while learning more about the latest product developments, technologies and innovations directly from the experts operating them. Curated live demonstration sessions took place with the following participants: JCB, Hitachi, LiuGong, Hyundai, CASE, McHale, Komatsu, SANY, Develon, XCMG, SBM and Corgin.

OEMs exhibiting at Hillhead 2026 included, but were not limited to, the following:

ASTEC Astec put customer performance, productivity and profitability at the center of its presence at Hillhead 2026, unveiling eight new innovations for the European market across crushing, screening, washing and material handling. Astec’s Hillhead showcase was focused on solving real operational challenges reducing downtime, improving throughput and lowering cost per tonne. Attendees experienced eight key launches and innovations, including:

• The global launch of the Kolberg® Eco-Scrub modular washing solution, delivering efficient wet processing with a design especially suited for semi mobile locations.

• The global launch of the Telestack® LF527 low feed hopper feeder, reducing double handling and ensuring smooth, controlled material flow.

• The European launch of the new Frontier™ tracked mobile crushing and screening range and the European launch of the patented Vari-Frequency Technology, designed to minimize blinding and maximize output, which was showcased on the Pioneer 6203LPV horizontal screen.

Eriez exhibited its 75BHC high-capacity electromagnetic vibratory feeder at Hillhead 2026, as well as a conveyor system equipped with an Eriez metal detector, along with a suspended magnet and additional material handling solutions.

ERIEZ

Eriez®, Caerphilly, United Kingdom, featured its latest material handling technology, including the BHC high-capacity electromagnetic vibratory feeder. Designed to extend the capabilities of the Eriez B-Series range, BHC feeders offer high-capacity electromagnetic feeders for demanding bulk material handling applications. The feeder incorporates a high-power electromagnetic drive with a rare earth armature, applying force in both forward and reverse directions of the tray to produce controlled, linear material flow.

EVOQUIP

Astec’s leadership team was on site throughout the event to work directly with customers and partners.

40 | AUGUST 2026

EvoQuip®, a Terex Corporation company, celebrated 10 years since the brand was officially launched at the show. EvoQuip made its debut at Hillhead 2016 with the introduction of the Bison 120 jaw crusher for smaller contractors and recycling applications. The EvoQuip stand included: • a new digital element, providing visitors with interactive access to product information, application insights and a snapshot of the brand’s global reach over the last 10 years • TRAC, a multi-sensor solution to improve screening equipment performance and durability

ASPHALT PLANTS AND

COMPONENTS

In 2016, EvoQuip made its debut at Hillhead with the introduction of the Bison 120 jaw crusher, a compact machine designed to simplify crushing operations for smaller contractors and recycling applications. Since that launch, EvoQuip has steadily expanded its portfolio from a single jaw crusher into a broad range of compact equipment covering crushing, screening, shredding and conveying.

• INNEX, a new digital brand to improve end user experience through consolidated tools and AI-driven capabilities • a fundraising effort for cystic fibrosis charities

FINLAY

Finlay®, a Terex brand, exhibited a wideranging lineup of crushers and screens at Hillhead 2026, including prototype previews and first public sightings of new impactors.

• The I130RS impact crusher made its first public showing, offering ease of transport and configuration across a wide range of applications.

• The C1540+ cone crusher prototype worked in the demonstration area as a preview ahead of its planned production launch in 2027, featuring an upgraded cone chamber.

• The J1170+ jaw crusher worked in the live demonstration area, delivering high production capacity with large reduction ratios and configurable operation for quarrying or construction and demolition recycling.

• The Finlay J1280 jaw crusher with independent pre-screen, extended feeder and jack leg options, was shown publicly in the UK for the first time since its launch in 2025.

• Additional machines and technologies such as Finlay’s telematics platform, Ask Finlay, were also on display.

Finlay's C-1540, in the foreground, and J-1170 were part of the live demonstrations.

www.tarmacinc.com contact tarmac at 816-220-0700 or info@tarmacinc.com WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 41

INTRAME

INTRAME, a Spanish manufacturer of asphalt plants with more than 60 years of experience, presented its latest asphalt plant technologies focused on efficient aggregate handling, accurate dosing, high RAP processing capacity and reliable production of high-quality asphalt mixes.

INTRAME personnel were available to discuss: • new asphalt plant projects, • retrofits, • RAP upgrades, • plant modernization, and • customized technical solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability in asphalt mix production.

MAGNA

MAGNA™, a Terex brand, made its Hillhead debut with the MT400C large cone crusher and MT6S heavyduty scalping screen. The MT400C cone crusher features: • cubical product shape for aggregates producers and contractors, • a large capacity 8m3 (10.4yds3) hopper and feeder, • an automated metal detection system and purge chute, • full hydraulic closed side setting adjustment with electronic monitoring, • a fuelefficient direct drive system through a wet clutch, and • a hydraulic tramp relief system with automatic reset.

MAJOR

Major exhibited its FLEX-MAT® screen media and woven wire screens at Hillhead. The samples of its screen media solutions on display included: • The FLEX-MAT® Modular Screen Media series, which offers a high open area, efficient stratification, no blinding and pegging; • The high-vibration FLEX-MAT® Tensioned Screen Media, which uses lime-green polyurethane strips that allow each wire to vibrate independently from hook to hook; and • Woven Wire Screens, which feature OPTIMUMWIRE® engineered with extremely tight crimps and a precise weave pattern.

FLEX-MAT Tensioned Screen Media is available in both side-tensioned or end-tensioned configurations with optional side seals, overlaps and crown deck adapters.

MDS

MDS® returned to Hillhead with a live working demonstration of its flagship M515 trommel and a static display of the M300 scalping grid.

The M300 is a compact, heavy-duty scalping grid, built for challenging materials such as blasted rock and construction and demolition waste.

It features: 42 | AUGUST 2026

The latest iteration of the M515 trommel from MDS incorporates several design improvements focused on transportability, accessibility and output.

• a fully hydraulic setup, • a heavy-duty double-deck grid incorporating a T-Bar cassette top deck and mesh bottom deck, • 1,400-mm wide collection conveyor with variable speed, • 1,400-mm wide product conveyor, and • a compact footprint for ease of transport.

POWERSCREEN

Powerscreen®, a Terex brand, marked its 60th anniversary at Hillhead 2026 alongside long-standing UK distributor Blue Group. A focal point of the booth was the fully refurbished MK1 screening unit, the original machine that launched the Powerscreen story and helped establish the concept of mobile screening. Also on display was: • a prototype version of the 1000X Maxtrak cone crusher; • the Chieftain 2200 triple deck screen, the largest inclined screen in the Powerscreen range, featuring a patented configurable drive system and dual screenbox design; • the Premiertrak R450 jaw crusher, developed for quarrying, recycling, demolition and mining applications; • TRAC; and • INNEX.

The Chieftain 2200 triple deck screen is the largest inclined screen in the Powerscreen range.

TEREX MPS

Terex® MPS exhibited the TI4143 horizontal shaft impactor (HSI) at Hillhead 2026. The TI4143 is engineered to support quarrying and recycling applications. It features: • hydraulic assist system for quick apron adjustment; • four inspection doors, along with a hinged side door, that provide direct access to the rotor, blowbars and aprons;

Mounted on a single modular chassis, the AggreScrub P80 from Terex Washing Systems combines pre-screening, logwasher scrubbing, post-screening, contaminant removal and slurry management within one integrated system.

• hydraulically-opening crushing chamber; and • a quick-release wedge-lock system to simplify blowbar changes.

TEREX WASHING SYSTEMS

Terex® Washing Systems introduced the new AggreScrub™ P80 Logwasher with PreScreen at Hillhead 2026, where the new wet processing solution was shown publicly for the first time. The AggreScrub P80 is engineered for construction and demolition waste, excavation material and aggregate applications and features: • a compact layout for fast transport, installation and commissioning; • the PowerScrub™ twinshaft logwasher, which has spiralarranged blades to deliver stoneonstone attrition and continuous material movement; • postscrub sizing; • a 2.4-m x 1.2-m triple deck inclined aggregate screen; • a dedicated 1.8-m x 0.6-m trash screen; and • an integrated sump tank and pump.

The MOBICAT MC 110 EVO2 jaw crusher from Kleemann, which is designed to pre-crush almost all kinds of quarried stone and a whole range of recycling tasks, was on display in the Wirtgen Group booth.

• the MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO and MSS 802 EVO scalpers and the MOBISCREEN MSC 702 EVO classifying screen, with Dual-Power drive option, allowing them to be operated entirely with electric power.

For the road construction sector, Wirtgen displayed: • the Wirtgen cold milling machine W 50 Re; • the Vögele SUPER 1300-5e road paver; • the Hamm HX 70e tandem roller; • the new MULTI JET burner from Benninghoven, which the company stated is the world’s first burner for asphalt mixing plants that can also be fired with 100% green hydrogen, making the drying and heating process for virgin material and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) CO₂ emission-free; and • the new 2.7 t HD 12 G VV tandem roller and the HC 70i VIO compactor from Hamm for the rental market.

For added flexibility, an optional blowbar jib crane is available to assist with handling during maintenance of the TI4143 horizontal shaft impactor (HSI) from Terex MPS.

WIRTGEN

Under the motto “You’ll never crush alone,” the Wirtgen Group set its focus at Hillhead 2026 on end-to-end solutions for the materials processing sector with five Kleemann crushers and screens. Also appearing at the booth was a purely battery-electric production system for road rehabilitation with zero operating emissions.

For the materials processing sector, Wirtgen displayed: • the MOBICAT MC 110 EVO2 jaw crusher, which is suitable for pre-crushing almost all kinds of quarried stone and a whole range of recycling tasks; • the compact MOBIREX MR 100 NEOe impact crusher, which offers a wide range of potential applications in the processing of demolition material, concrete, reclaimed asphalt, and soft to medium-hardness quarried stone; and WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 43

ENGINE COLLAB HELPS REDUCE EMISSIONS FOR UNDERGROUND MINING APPLICATIONS

INNOVATION FOR MINING ENGINES

The synergy between Volvo Penta and Wajax has been key in helping customers like MacLean embrace new off-road engine technologies, such as Volvo Penta’s D5 Tier 3 and Stage V mining engines, with confidence.

“Mining equipment demands a certain level of safety, productivity and emissions performance, and we find that Volvo Penta and Wajax bring that with their product,” said John Botelho, product manager, MacLean Engineering. “They’ve proven to be strong technical partners. Their product fits well, and we’ve had great success with it.”

Volvo Penta’s mining engines complement MacLean’s focus on building highly customized, purpose-built underground mining equipment with lower emissions that could decrease ventilation needs for operators.

VOLVO PENTA’S MINING ENGINES COMPLEMENT MACLEAN’S FOCUS ON BUILDING HIGHLY CUSTOMIZED, PURPOSE-BUILT UNDERGROUND MINING EQUIPMENT WITH LOWER EMISSIONS THAT COULD DECREASE VENTILATION NEEDS FOR OPERATORS.

Volvo Penta and Wajax work closely together to deliver full-system solutions. MacLean Engineering is integrating Volvo Penta’s mining engines into its full equipment line-up. Photo courtesy of Volvo Penta

V

FROM VOLVO PENTA

Volvo Penta and Wajax Corporation, Toronto, Canada, started their own distribution partnership in 1988 and have since worked closely together on a mission to deliver Volvo Penta’s industrial power solutions, along with aftermarket service and integration expertise from Wajax, to a growing range of heavy-duty industrial equipment and commercial marine vessels. Then Wajax introduced Volvo Penta’s off-road eingines to MacLean Engineering, a designer and manufacturer of underground mining equipment.

Now, MacLean is integrating Volvo Penta’s mining engines into their full equipment line-up, with the first Volvo Penta-powered 44 | AUGUST 2026

machine arriving at a customer site in Quebec earlier in 2026.

Wajax was founded in 1858 and has expanded to more than 100 branches across Canada, serving diverse sectors with integrated sales, parts and service solutions. The partnership reflects the strength of Volvo Penta’s closely-knit distributor network.

“Volvo Penta and Wajax have enjoyed a partnership that spans decades,” said Joel Contreras, regional sales manager, Volvo Penta. “They are very experienced with our product. Distributors like Wajax are vital to Volvo Penta because they apply local expertise and talent, while we bring global knowledge and resources to support that.”

“We’re able to provide a solution that MacLean trusts will work, and that’s achieved through close engineering collaboration between Wajax and Volvo Penta,” said Duncan Finlayson, technical sales representative, Wajax. “Working with MacLean, we can ensure that what we’re proposing as a propulsion solution is going to fit for their end user.”

As industries like mining continue to evolve, the Volvo Penta–Wajax partnership is helping customers stay ahead of the curve with solutions that prioritize performance, efficiency and dedicated support with a personal touch.

“Having a strong partner relationship between Volvo Penta and Wajax is important because it’s a global network that supplies products across many markets,” said Finlayson. “It makes the end user more confident in ordering machines with Volvo Penta power.”

SHUTTLE BUGGY® SB-3000

PAVING REVOLUTIONIZED

Roadtec Shuttle Buggy® SB-3000 Astec revolutionized the paving industry with the introduction of the Shuttle Buggy, and now the SB-3000 sets a new standard in material transfer vehicles. Effortless maintenance, unmatched performance, and four steering modes for ultimate agility keep paving seamless.

Experience groundbreaking innovation with the patented Ground Crew Control Station for the ultimate user experience and protection.

The SB-3000 isn’t a machine, it’s a revolution in material transfer, built on Astec’s legacy of industry firsts.

BUILT TO CONNECT astecindustries.com

SELECT END TENSION OR SIDE TENSION SCREENS

E

BY DAVID GENTILINI

End tension and side tension screens serve the same purpose: to separate and classify material. However, the way they are mounted and tensioned makes all the difference in performance, maintenance and screen life.

Side tension screens are clamped along the side walls of the screen box, secured by tension rails and carriage bolts. This horizontal orientation distributes pressure evenly across the deck, allowing for greater surface contact and enhanced stability when processing heavy or abrasive materials.

End tension screens are clamped at the ends, running perpendicular to the side walls. The screen is anchored at the bottom with a fixed bar, while the top edge can be pulled tight and secured with bolts, allowing operators to adjust and tension the screen for a cleaner material flow path. With less frame contact, these screens allow lighter or finer materials to pass more efficiently.

The choice between the two often depends on the machine’s configuration, but it also has major implications for how material moves across the deck and how the screen holds up over time.

TENSIONING AFFECTS MATERIAL FLOW AND EFFICIENCY

While installation is important, the real determinant of screen performance is effective tensioning. A properly tensioned screen stays flat and taut, ensuring consistent vibration and even material movement across the surface. If a screen is too loose, it flexes and sags, causing material to settle into the openings instead of flowing through them. This leads to reduced throughput and premature wear. Overly tight tensioning can be just as problematic, potentially tearing the screen or damaging the frame.

Side tension screens, with their increased contact points along the deck frame, are particularly well suited for heavier, high impact materials such as crushed stone, gravel and aggregates. Their design helps absorb vibration and resist the abrasion that comes with handling coarse material.

End tension screens, on the other hand, create a smoother and faster material trajectory. With fewer obstructions in the flow path, they’re ideal for fine, lightweight or high-speed applications where precision and output consistency matter. Industries like food processing, mulch, topsoil and recycling benefit from this setup.

Two of the most common issues in screening are pegging and blinding, which can often be traced back to poor tensioning. Pegging occurs when larger particles wedge into the screen openings, while blinding happens when fine particles build up and clog the mesh.

When screens are loose, they flex under vibration, giving material a chance to settle and plug openings. A properly tensioned screen, however, vibrates uniformly, shaking loose lodged particles before they can build up. In this sense, good tension acts as a self-cleaning mechanism, keeping the screen surface open and extending the time between cleanings. Because tension plays such an important role in performance, regular maintenance is critical. After initial installation, operators should retighten bolts once the screen has run for a few hours, since new screens often loosen slightly during break-in. Doing so not 46 | AUGUST 2026

Side tension screens are clamped along the side walls of the screen box, secured by tension rails and carriage bolts. This horizontal orientation distributes pressure evenly across the deck, allowing for greater surface contact and enhanced stability when processing heavy or abrasive materials.

only improves throughput but also extends the life of the media, preventing both unnecessary wear and unplanned downtime.

MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT AND EASE OF HANDLING

Maintenance time and accessibility can heavily influence which tensioning method makes sense for a particular operation. With end tensioned screens, only one end needs to be unbolted during a changeout, allowing for faster turnaround. This simplicity is a key advantage in industries where production schedules demand frequent screen swaps to accommodate different material sizes or cleanliness requirements.

By contrast, side tension screens require disassembling the side rails.

While this is a more time-consuming process, the tradeoff is durability. The additional contact and clamping surface make them more secure in high impact environments, such as mining or aggregate plants.

These are typically stationary operations that prioritize long-term wear life and stability over changeout speed.

Selecting between side and end tension screens often comes down to the type of material and the operational goals. In heavy duty applications like aggregate or mining, where throughput and abrasion resistance are key, side tension screens provide sturdiness. These screens also tend to be used in larger, stationary units with extensive clamping area, ensuring stability under intense load.

In contrast, end tension systems thrive in setups that require speed, precision or compact design. Their smaller footprint allows for multiple decks to be stacked vertically, making them ideal for plants with limited space. They are common in portable or modular screening units that need frequent reconfiguration, as well as in industries where the material characteristics, lighter weight, finer particles or moisture content, favor smooth, uninterrupted flow.

MATERIAL, ALLOY AND HOOK STYLE OPTIONS

End tension systems thrive in setups that require speed, precision or compact design. Their smaller footprint allows for multiple decks to be stacked vertically, making them ideal for plants with limited space.

The choice of screen material and hook style further refines performance. In wet or corrosive environments, stainless steel offers superior resistance and promotes smoother material flow, while high carbon steel is preferred for its hardness and wear life.

Hook styles vary by machine type and manufacturer. The C-style hook is popular for both side and end tension configurations. The correct hook profile ensures proper fit, tension distribution and minimal risk of slippage during operation. For producers replacing screens in existing setups, matching hook type and alloy to the machine’s design and material stream ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Compass Wire Cloth has helped producers make these material and design decisions since 1982. From stainless and high-carbon wire cloths to specialty alloys such as Inconel and Monel, as well as synthetics, nylons, and polyurethane or rubber panels, Compass delivers tailored solutions for both end tension and side tension systems.

UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND UPTIME

Achieving consistent screening performance depends on more than choosing between end or side tension; it requires understanding how tensioning, material selection and maintenance work together to influence throughput and screen life. Both side tension systems and end tension designs can perform exceptionally when properly installed and regularly retightened to maintain uniform tension across the deck.

In practice, producers often refine these choices over time, balancing production speed, wear life and ease of maintenance according to their process needs. The most effective screening setups are those that pair the correct tensioning method with the right alloy, hook profile and vibration pattern for the material being processed.

This results-oriented approach ensures every customer gets the most out of their screen media investment, reducing unplanned downtime and increasing overall throughput.

Ultimately, optimizing a screening operation comes down to understanding how every variable, such as tensioning method, screen material, hook style and maintenance practice, interacts within the broader process. End tension and side tension screens serve distinct purposes, but both can deliver exceptional results when properly tensioned, correctly matched to the application and regularly maintained. Producers who approach these factors as an integrated system rather than isolated choices will see the greatest gains in efficiency, screen life and product consistency, turning precision tensioning into a long-term advantage for their operation.

David Gentilini is a national account executive for Compass Wire Cloth.

Take Screen Management Back to Basics

End tension and side tension screens serve distinct purposes, but both can deliver exceptional results when properly tensioned, correctly matched to the application and regularly maintained.

• Properly tension the screen to keep it flat and taut: This ensures consistent vibration and even material movement across the surface.

• After initial installation, and after the screen has run for a few hours, retighten bolts. New screens often loosen slightly during break-in.

• When replacing screens, match the hook type and alloy to the machine’s design and the material stream to get optimal performance.

WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 47

P R O D U C T GA L L E RY

Canadian News from Sakai Opens Paving Product Gallery FROM SAKAI

T

o open this month’s paving-related product gallery, we share news from Sakai America, headquartered in Adairsville, Georgia. The company announced at the end of April that Amaco Construction Equipment Inc. (Amaco), based in Mississauga, is an exclusive authorized dealer for the province of Ontario, Canada. This strategic partnership marks a significant expansion for Sakai, establishing its first dedicated distribution and support presence in the Ontario market.

“Ontario is a critical market for our North American growth strategy, and finding the right partner was essential,” said Brad Belvin, manager of sales and marketing for Sakai America. “Amaco has a long-standing reputation for technical excellence and deep-rooted relationships within the Ontario construction community. By bringing them into the Sakai family, we are ensuring that Canadian contractors have not only the best compaction technology available but also the local parts and service support they need to keep their jobsites running efficiently.”

Amaco Construction Equipment Inc. (Amaco), based in Mississauga, Ontario, joins the Sakai America family.

With this appointment, Amaco will offer the full range of Sakai products, including single drum soil compactors of all sizes and a complete line of asphalt rollers designed for high-production paving from driveways to highways. Amaco's facility will serve as the primary hub for Sakai sales, rentals, and factory-trained service throughout the province.

“We are excited to welcome Sakai to our curated portfolio of manufacturers,” said Jamie Armstrong, president of Amaco. “Our customers look to us for reliable, high-performance equipment that simplifies their operations. Sakai’s reputation for durability and compaction excellence aligns perfectly with our mission. This partnership allows us to fill a key need for our paving and roadbuilding clients across Ontario with a brand that is globally recognized for quality.”

For more information, visit www.sakaiamerica.com.

CAT

CAT announced in early March the Cat Detect—Collision Mitigation System, a technology designed to enhance situational awareness when operating the compactor. It features an integrated, intelligent sensor array to provide forward and reverse collision warnings, people detection, motion inhibit and automatic braking. Visible in real-time and recorded for future analysis, critical zone detection events transmitted to VisionLink™ enable organizations to proactively mitigate potential hazards, enhance operational safety and identify opportunities for improvement.

The Collision Warning radar system targets collision potentials in front of and behind the compactor using audible and visual alerts that allow the operator to see, manage and mitigate hazards that may otherwise go undetected. Leveraging smart cameras, People Detection alerts the operator when on-site personnel are detected to the front and rear of the compactor, providing alert levels that dynamically adjust travel speed based on the person’s proximity to the machine. With manual override capability, Motion Inhibit prevents compactor movement when the machine is stationary for at least two seconds and the detection system identifies a collision potential. When the compactor is in motion and critical zone detection occurs, Automatic Emergency Braking activates if the operator fails to act. When the critical zone detection clears, compactor control returns to the operator.

COJALI

Sakai celebrates 50 years of serving North America and 25 years of manufacturing in the United States in 2026.

48 | AUGUST 2026

Cojali, Campo de Criptana, is a Spanish multinational that specializes in the manufacture and development of technological solutions for commercial vehicles, agricultural equipment and machinery, and the company celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Since its foundation in 1991, the company has maintained a constant evolution, positioning itself as a major player in fields such as electronics, advanced diagnostics, connectivity and data analysis. Founded in Campo de Criptana as a company initially focused on the repair of components, Cojali has evolved and developed a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions aimed at optimising efficiency and competitiveness, with brands such as Cojali Parts, Jaltest Diagnostics, Jaltest Telematics or Jaltest Tools, internationally recognised and currently present in more than 100 countries.

A comprehensive assembly custom engineered to offer the advantages of accurately injecting water, other liquid additives or a combination of these materials.

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COMPETITIVE MARKET ADVANTAGE: Ability to blend multiple liquid products: Warm Mix, Anti-Strip, Rejuvenators, Cold Mix Products and #2 Fuel Oil. FINANCIAL SAVINGS: Lower expenses from reduced fuel consumption.

IMPROVES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Elimination of blue smoke emissions from plant, silos and from behind paver.

REDUCES PAVING CREW STRESS: From increased workability, reduction in roller passes and patterns, increased, longitudinal joint densities.

INCREASES PROFITABILITY: From increased RAP usage, silo storage time, and haul times in truck bed.

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ENHANCES REPUTATION: Improves company reputation from reduction of road degradation.

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P R O D U C T GA L L E RY CUMMINS

Cummins Inc., displayed its 12kW Tier 4 Final mobile generator set during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March. This model includes a heavy-duty trailer for use in a variety of industries that require mobile power. Manufactured in the United States and built for the North American market, the offering expands Cummins Power Generation Tier 4 Final Certified rental product portfolio, ranging from 12kW to 1MW of power. It includes a sound-attenuated enclosure for quiet operation.

DANIEL SCHROEDER

IOS Developer Daniel Schroeder, Bielefeld, Germany, launched a new iPhone app in May 2026. The Paving Yield Log is designed to keep track of each truckload as it is placed on the mat and report a running yield percentage per load and across the shift. The app is intended to notice yield drift early. If a load is running thick at load three, the foreman sees it at load three rather than at the end of the shift.

For every truckload, Paving Yield Log records tonnage, stationing, mat width, lift thickness, and mat temperature. The app uses a spread rate of 110 pounds per square inch as the default density baseline, and lets the user override it with the lab-measured value from the mix design report. The app can generate a per-shift PDF modeled after the Wisconsin DOT yield check sheet and a CSV export for quality control.

It runs completely offline with no account and supports US-customary and metric units. Paving Yield Log is a one-time purchase for iPhone, available in the Apple App Store.

EXODIGO

Exodigo, Palo Alto, California, shared that underground utility strikes cost the United States an estimated $30 billion each year in project delays, safety incidents and infrastructure damage, yet many agencies still rely on outdated records and manual methods to find out what’s buried. Exodigo announced March 26 it had been awarded a cooperative contract by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to offer technology through DIR’s Cooperative Contract Program, giving public agencies a direct path to access AI-powered underground mapping technology that can identify what’s underground before crews break ground, throughout Texas and nationwide.

Under Contract Number DIR-CPO-6009, Exodigo will provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Digital Land Surveying Products and Services to Texas state, regional, and local government agencies, as well as eligible out-of-state entities through the Interstate Cooperative Contract (ICC) program.

The DIR contract enables public sector organizations to more easily access Exodigo’s subsurface intelligence solutions through a pre-approved procurement vehicle, streamlining purchasing while ensuring competitive pricing and compliance with state requirements. Through the DIR contract, agencies can access Exodigo’s Composite Utility Map solutions, which are designed to provide a clear, consolidated view of underground infrastructure.

GEORGIA BOOT

Georgia Boot, Nelsonville, Ohio, which has integrated the BOA Fit System into its work and logger boots, announced new products were available online and at retail as of February 2026. The specific book a spokesperson recommended for work in hot asphalt paving conditions was the BOA Durablend Edge. It is a waterproof workboot. Built tough with heat, 50 | AUGUST 2026

chemical, abrasion and slip-resistant Carbo-Tec rubber outsoles and an ergonomic alloy safety toe that meets ASTM standards, the boot keeps feet protected and comfortable, according to the manufacturer.

Josh Nihiser, Marketing Manager at Georgia Boot, said, “By incorporating the BOA Fit System into some of our most trusted styles, we’re offering a more secure, personalized fit that enhances our all-day comfort. BOA Fit meets Georgia comfort—it's a natural match, and we’re already hearing great feedback from the field.”

HCSS

HCSS, Sugar Land, Texas, announced in April a strategic integration with Geotab Inc. The integration enables customers to import on-road vehicle data from Geotab’s telematics platform directly into HCSS Fleet, reducing manual data entry and improving the accuracy of critical fleet information.

By ingesting Geotab’s telematics data, HCSS Fleet can now automatically update and align equipment hours and mileage. Contractors can view Geotab-equipped trucks alongside OEM-connected assets and HCSS-tracked equipment on a single, unified map, giving operations teams a more complete picture of their mixed fleet. Near real-time engine data from Geotab can also be used to trigger maintenance alerts in HCSS Fleet Maintenance.

“The integration with Geotab brings critical vehicle data into HCSS Fleet, giving teams accurate hours, miles and maintenance triggers without manual work. It’s about turning connected equipment into better decisions,” said Phil Robinson, group product manager, HCSS Fleet.

The HCSS and Geotab integration is available now for all HCSS Fleet customers. Integration setup can be completed within the OEM Providers tab of HCSS Fleet | Telematics, allowing contractors to quickly connect their Geotab accounts and begin streaming vehicle data into their existing HCSS workflows.

TAKEUCHI

Takeuchi announced in March that Admar Construction Equipment & Supplies in Erie, Pennsylvania, will offer Takeuchi sales, rentals, parts and service from its location. Founded in 1972, Admar is one of the largest independently owned construction equipment providers in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. The company supplies contractors with a wide range of equipment and job site solutions. With more than 50 years in business and a strong presence across New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Admar is recognized for its product expertise, responsive customer support and comprehensive rental and sales offerings.

THUNDER CREEK

Thunder Creek Equipment, Pella, Iowa, launched two new job site solutions designed to support modern fueling and preventive maintenance workflows during CONEXPO-CON/AGG: the Diesel Pickup Skid (DPS) and Lube Pickup Skid (LPS). Across construction and infrastructure job sites, contractors and fleet managers continue to face labor constraints, growing compliance complexity, and increasing pressure to reduce downtime. Fueling, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) handling and routine maintenance are essential daily tasks, yet they often pull equipment and crews away from productive work. No HAZMAT, no CDL solutions remove barriers, allowing more flexibility in who can perform these tasks and where they can be completed. Both the DPS and LPS offer a total capacity of 230 gallons and are designed for flexible deployment, with inte-

TOPDON

The Lube Pickup Skid from Thunder Creek assists crews in performing necessary preventive maintenance more consistently in the field.

grated fork pockets and mounting options that include a standard pickup bed, a flatbed truck or trailer, or stationary placement.

This month, let’s look at the LPS, which supports preventive maintenance in the field with a total fluid capacity of 230 gallons. It is capable of housing up to four fluid systems in 55- or 115-gallon tanks. Compatible fluids include oils, coolant, reclaim and top-off diesel. By integrating routine preventive maintenance into the daily workflow, this solution helps crews: • Perform maintenance more consistently • Minimize avoidable delays • Reduce downtime tied to service logistics For more information, visit ThunderCreek.com

TOPDON USA, Rockaway, New Jersey, released in early April, the TC005 and TC004 thermal cameras with larger, upgraded screens: 3.5 inches. The upgraded screens offer enhanced image clarity and visualization of smaller targets, especially in dark or low-light conditions. According to the website, the TC005 has a temperature measurement range of -4°F to +1,022°F, making it suitable for monitoring the temperature of hot-mix asphalt. Additionally, its high-resolution infrared camera and pseudo-color display and picture-in-picture mode make it a practical tool for such applications.

The TC005 and TC004 each feature wireless connectivity through built-in Wi-Fi for fast data transfer and compatibility with the TopInfrared mobile app and cable-based connectivity with TopView PC software for analysis and reporting. Both are housed in a 2-meter drop-tested IP54-rated case and offer up to 8.5 hours of operation with a 2-hour recharge time.

TRAFFIX DEVICES

TrafFix Devices offers the Enviro-Cone® as a next-generation solution for contractors, traffic management professionals and agencies seeking durable, sustainable, channelizing devices. The Enviro-Cone is MUTCD-compliant and manufactured in the USA. Its low-density polyethylene (LDPE) cone stem is designed to provide superior performance in hot and cold temperatures, 100% UV resistance and color retention, and impact durability that outperforms traditional PVC cones, according to the manufacturer. Even in extreme conditions,

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR BUSINESS. LET’S TALK ABOUT BECOMING AN EZ STREET PRODUCER. WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 51

P R O D U C T GA L L E RY the Enviro-Cone resists shattering in low temperatures and remains upright and vertical in high heat, helping crews maintain safe, clearly defined work areas year-round.

A wide-body profile and larger surface area than slim-line cones of similar height improve target value for approaching drivers. Testing shows that this design delivers up to 42% greater target value in daylight and 34% greater target value at night compared to slim-line designs, giving motorists more time to recognize the work zone. With approximately 80% of its weight concentrated in the recyclable rubber base, the Enviro-Cone also offers a low center of gravity for improved stability in windy conditions.

The Enviro-Cone’s Easy Grip Groove handle allows for fast deployment and retrieval from a truck bed, even when workers are wearing gloves. The groove also simplifies tying off caution tape and is compatible with TrafFix retractable cone bars, helping crews quickly create temporary barriers and delineate pedestrian pathways or lane closures.

Available in standard 28-inch and 36-inch heights with multiple weight options.

TRIMBLE

Trimble, Westminster, Colorado, announced in March that Brooks Tractor will now sell Trimble® grade control, site positioning systems and correction services technology directly to customers using John Deere earthmoving equipment.

52 | AUGUST 2026

Trimble then announced in May that James River Equipment, as the latest Trimble Technology Outlet, will now sell TrimbleⓇ grade control, site positioning systems and correction services technology directly to customers using John Deere earthmoving equipment, including dozers, excavators, motor graders, mini-excavators and compact track loaders, as well as Deere and Level Best attachments.

As an authorized Trimble reseller, James River now sells Trimble technology directly to its customers in the mid-Atlantic region, including North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and parts of West Virginia, Delaware and South Carolina.

W.R. MEADOWS

W.R. Meadows, Hampshire, Illinois, announced in May its acquisition of Alcot Plastics Ltd., Guelph, Ontario. Founded in 1983, Alcot Plastics has built a strong reputation for developing advanced foam extrusion technologies. Their proprietary single-screw extrusion system offers advantages such as shorter startup times, the ability to efficiently run smaller orders, and precise automatic control systems.

This innovation has fueled Alcot’s success in producing high-quality foam products, including expansion joint fillers and specialty custom products. Under the acquisition, Alcot Plastics will continue to operate under its current name and management structure as an independent business unit.

For more information, visit www.wrmeadows.com.

WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 53

AD INDEX ALmix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7

Meeker Equipment Co.. . . . . . . . . 27

Astec, Inc. . . Inside Front Cover, 45

Motion Engineering, Inc. . . . . . . . 39

B & S Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Net At Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Blaw-Knox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Pavewise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Boom Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Pegasus Trailers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

BROCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Reliable Asphalt. . . . 59, Back Cover

Chattanooga Hotmix. . . . . . . . . . . 13

Stansteel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 49

CWMF Corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 31

Stollar Services LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Dampney Engineered Coatings . . 52

Systems Equipment. . . . . . . . . 15, 29

Delta Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Tarmac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

EZ STREET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Top Quality Paving. . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Fastmeasure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Weiler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Gencor Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Willow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

IW Tremont LabExact. . . . . . . . . . 43

Wirtgen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

AsphaltPro’s advertiser index is designed for you to have quick access to the manufacturers that can get you the information you need to run your business efficiently. Please support the advertisers that support this magazine and tell them you saw them in AsphaltPro magazine.

BETTER LIGHTING. BETTER RESULTS.

54 | AUGUST 2026

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O F F T H E M AT

ROB Shares Tips for Asphalt E-Commerce When it comes to online community-building, savvy businesses ensure the message is more than a brand

BY SANDY LENDER

I

n a landscape crowded with fleeting trends, substance is lasting. Those asphalt companies with the patience to build with integrity and intent, increasing their presence in their market year over year, not only expand profit margins, but also see loyalty from their widening base. Matt Stanley, the founder and CEO of Raised On Blacktop® (ROB), shares how e-commerce branding fits our industry when we take the time to connect with the asphalt community.

BRAND FOUNDATION

The Asphalt Pro audience members will recognize Stanley from his ROB brand and from his family’s successful paving company, American Pavement Specialists in Danbury, Connecticut. The measured growth his family’s company has experienced over the years formed his thinking as he built the ROB brand, and as he took an intentional break from product sales at the end of 2025/first quarter of 2026.

“I grew up in a family where the asphalt business wasn’t just work; it was everyday life,” Stanley said. “American Pavement Specialists was built over decades through real work, real relationships and reputation. Watching my family build the company shaped my mindset completely. APS represents the operational side of the industry: craftsmanship, innovation, professionalism and execution. The equipment, trucks and systems people see online represent years of discipline and investment behind the scenes.

People inside the industry understand how difficult it is to maintain that standard consistently. We’ve always believed the paving industry deserved to be represented at a higher level. Cleaner equipment. Better branding.

Better storytelling. Better presentation. APS became known not just for the work we do, but for the way we do it. Raised On Blacktop became the cultural extension of that world.

APS is the work itself. ROB became the identity and storytelling surrounding it.”

56 | AUGUST 2026

This Porsche GT3 racecar features the Raised On Blacktop logo. Car number 262 is driven by Joseph Viola. Founder Matt Stanley explained, "We wanted to align with excellence. Joseph Viola doesn't just race—he competes to win. As a sponsor, seeing the Raised On Blacktop logo running at the front of the field and standing on the podium week after week makes the partnership that much more rewarding."

What’s heartening to see is the APS team members continue to share knowledge and ideas to lift the industry as a whole. Through the Street Smarts department in this publication every month, in-person events at tradeshows and conferences, partnerships locally and nationally, and much more, the APS and ROB teams give of their time and expertise.

“We’ve always shared a tremendous amount of knowledge online—operations, equipment setups, branding, systems, technology and production methods,” Stanley said. “The goal was never to gatekeep information. It was to elevate the industry. At the same time, visibility creates imitation. As the brand grew, we began seeing people replicate branding styles, truck appearances, messaging, trademarks and overall presentation.

That’s the double-edged sword of building something recognizable. Ultimately, I still believe helping move the industry forward is the right long-term approach.”

The e-commerce side of that approach began six years ago.

“Raised On Blacktop launched in late 2019, with 2020 becoming our first full official year,” Stanley shared. “Looking back, the timing was a blessing. COVID unexpectedly became a powerful environment to launch an e-commerce brand. The recent break from product sales lasted from December through April 1. It wasn’t a break from the brand; it was a strategic reset.”

Stanley used those four months strategically: • He reimagined the direction of the company.

• He tightened operations.

• He brought distribution back to a local point.

• He let certain collaborations naturally expire.

• He sought ways to protect the long-term identity of the brand.

“Some of those decisions were difficult financially, but growth sometimes requires having the discipline to walk away from what’s comfortable in order to make room for what’s next,” Stanley said.

One thing he found inspiring and motivating was that the community ROB had built didn’t dissipate during the restructuring period.

“A lot has changed in the industry [since I started this in 2020],” Stanley said. “You wonder if the community will still be there if you take that kind of time away. It seems like you see those messages of ‘coming soon’ from everyone, but the Raised On Blacktop community showed up in a huge way when I relaunched April 1.

“The people who stayed engaged during the break are the core of the brand. They’re not impulse buyers or trend chasers. They value consistency, authenticity, long-term thinking and identity over hype. Even when there was nothing to purchase, they were still sharing content, supporting the brand and representing it. That says everything.”

He explained that the ROB brand did something he hasn’t seen other brands in the e-commerce space succeed at: ROB picked

up right where they left off after that fourmonth break. “Other brands have to stay in front of their community.”

Part of that success is entwined with the prosperity of the community. “We’re going on six years now and we’re seeing our supporters grow with us.”

connecting with the audience and building that identity is key.

“A lot of people can sell a t-shirt. What takes years is building something people genuinely see themselves in. We’re not convincing people to buy something. We’re representing something they already live.”

THE IDENTITY OF A COMMUNITY

SLOW GROWTH WITH LONG-TERM THINKING

The supporters of the ROB brand are doing more than buying a hat that they see online.

They’re putting their money behind a community they’re a part of.

“I’ve never looked at Raised On Blacktop as a clothing brand,” Stanley said. “Clothing is simply the physical product. What people are really buying into is the identity behind it.”

He defined the lifestyle his customers identify with as early mornings, long days, pride in workmanship, family, sacrifice and building something slowly over time. These are elements of the asphalt industry that workers recognize and connect with. When establishing an e-commerce site—in any industry—

“Most online culture moves fast and chases trends. Personally, I’ve always naturally moved away from that. I’ve never been interested in building something around hype. I’d rather create something original that lasts. In a lot of ways, we aren’t following trends inside the industry, we’re helping set them.”

That philosophy came directly from watching APS grow its reputation over decades.

“In asphalt paving, reputation is built slowly: one job at a time, one relationship at a time. Raised On Blacktop grew the same way. There was never one viral moment. It was years of consistently showing up and allowing people to grow alongside us.

“At the same time, I understand people naturally love the scrappy underdog, and that’s still very much where ROB exists today. As the brand grows, protecting the DNA of what made people connect with it in the first place becomes more important than ever. That weighs heavily on me, and it influences every decision I make moving forward.”

Metrics to Measure

You can better see the magnitude of what the Stanley family has built online when you look at the numbers.

As of press time: Raised On Blacktop Followers Shopify: Closing in on 8,000 orders.

(This doesn’t include sales at tradeshows, dealer events, etc.)

Facebook: 21,000 Instagram: 82, 958 Tik Tok: 6,758 American Pavement Followers Facebook: 20,000 Instagram: 200,000 Tik Tok: 41,200 Youtube: 29,700

WWW.THEASPHALTPRO.COM | 57

NEW TECH

Haulotte Offers Digital Safety & Support

BY THE ASPHALT PRO STAFF

H

aulotte of Lorette, France, used the APEX 2026 tradeshow to showcase its Drive Confidence system with a range of innovations, including the launch of its Obstacle Detection Assist (ODA). The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) displayed its HA20 E PRO articulated boom lift for the exclusive unveiling of ODA, which is a new manufacturer-certified solution designed to reduce collision risks and protect sensitive environments.

NEW SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

ODA focuses on the most exposed area of the machine: the upper structure, where collision risks are highest. Using a network of intelligently positioned ultrasonic sensors, the system continuously scans the surrounding environment to detect any nearby obstacle that could interfere with the machine’s movement.

ODA is now available as a factory-installed option on the HA20 E and the Sigma 16 and delivers 4 key benefits: • Minimized collision risks through continuous environment scanning • Enhanced situational awareness with clear visual and audible alerts • Maximum protection for both equipment & surrounding environment, with automatic movement cut-out before impact • Improved operational precision in confined or complex environments

THE WHOLE PACKAGE

The HA20 E PRO is in Haulotte’s PULSEO fleet, which is a 100% electric solution. It’s designed for indoor and outdoor applications. For The Asphalt Pro audience, outdoor uses around the plant should benefit from its rough-terrain performance and maneuverability, up to 40% gradeability, and enhanced versatility from the Extra Reach option.

The model showcased at APEX also highlighted several of Haulotte’s latest innovations designed to improve safety and operational efficiency, including: • FASTN, the harness anchorage detection system • Pedestrian Detection Assist to improve jobsite awareness • Advanced Access Management for controlled machine access and operation • Transport Handle, designed to support safer and more ergonomic loading and unloading operations, and • ODA

DRIVE CONFIDENCE APPROACH

Haulotte also highlighted its Drive Confidence approach to operations. It is designed to provide customers with greater visibility, confidence and control over their equipment lifecycle. Beyond supplying equipment, Haulotte Group is evolving its role to support its customers by providing them with greater visibility, consistency and control in their choices.

58 | AUGUST 2026

The HA20 E PRO articulated boom lift from Haulotte helped showcase the company’s new Obstacle Detection Assist technology.

Ludivine Beraud, Europe marketing manager, listed the Obstacle Detection Assist, Pedestrian Detection Assist and Advanced Access Management as solutions in which customers showed strong interest during the APEX 2026 outing. “This positive momentum reinforces the relevance of our ‘Drive Confidence’ approach and our commitment to supporting customers throughout the entire equipment lifecycle, far beyond the machine,” Beraud said.

INNOVATION FUEL EFFICIENT EASE OF MAINTENENCE

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