Asphalt Contractor May 2023

EXCLUSIVE:

MAY 2023

THE TOP 30 Editor’s Choice Awards

CONTRACTORS DISCUSS THEIR

EPD EXPERIENCE How to Adopt 3D Asphalt Paving Controls www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt ACON0523_01_Cover_BN.indd 1

5/8/23 9:38 AM

Anova warm mix additive Lower cost. Improved safety.

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4/25/23 8:49 AM

GENCOR, YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE!

At Gencor, we’ve led the industry with the most fuel-efficient, environmentally clean and lowest-maintenance design available to the hot mix industry. Gencor Industries remains focused on proactively serving and satisfying its customers from all aspects.

Through improved cost-effectiveness, and quality of its products and services, Gencor’s personnel are dedicated to the principle of providing the highest quality to the industry to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage for Gencor.

LEADER IN PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY Call 407-290-6000 or visit www.gencor.com

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4/25/23 8:50 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS | MAY 2023

COVER STORY EPD Follow-Up: What Contractors Are Saying

Some asphalt producers have completed their first Environmental Product Declarations.

In an effort to gauge the process and its benefits, we spoke with them about their experience. | 18 TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

SPECIAL REPORT

JOBSITE INNOVATION

PRESERVATION UPDATE

10 Future Proofed Excavation

22 The Editor’s Choice Top 30 Products

36 No Strings Attached: Adopting 3D Control for Asphalt Paving

42 Rejuvenation Station

Whether they’re loved or hated by the industry, electric excavator offerings continue to progress rapidly as manufacturers strive to drastically decrease emissions.

WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT

The industry is in a period of rapid change, possibly one of the fastest in its history. Along with the most cutting edge tech, there are those tried and true products that continue to distinguish themselves. Checkout our award winning products for 2023!

CONTRACTOR WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT

CONTRACTOR LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS LATEST

ASPHALT ASPHALT

MAY 2023 Vol. 37, No. 4

CONTRACTOR CONTRACTOR LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

Published by AC Business Media.

Asphalt

Asphalt CONTRACTOR

CONTRACTOR

LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS 201 N. Main Street Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, WIFOR 53538 LATEST PROFESSIONALS (800) 538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

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Ajax Paving Industries relies on 3D control from Trimble to meet requirements on mission critical paving projects.

Asphalt rejuvenators, how they can help push RAP usage higher, extending the life of your pavements, reduce costs, and boost efficiency.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8

Editor’s Perspective

50 Last Exit Published and copyrighted 2023 by AC Business Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Asphalt Contractor (ISSN 1055-9205, USPS 0020-688): is published ten times per year: January, February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September, October, November, December, with an additional Buyer’s Guide issue published in August by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main St. Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538.

Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to ASPHALT CONTRACTOR, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, Illinois 600653605. Printed in the U.S.A. SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Individual subscriptions are available without charge only in the USA. The Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualifying subscribers. One-year subscription to nonqualifying individuals: U.S. $45.00, Canada & Mexico $65.00, and $95.00 all other countries (payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International).

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4/26/23 8:44 AM

DIGITAL CONNECTION www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

New Event Experience for Pavement Professionals PAVE/X, The Pavement Experience, will be held January 30th - February 1st in San Antonio and will feature live equipment demonstrations, an in-depth educational program and deeper connection opportunities on an expansive trade show floor.

Read more at: https://asph.link/rkxt91

VIDEO: A Full Tour of BOMAG’s New Road Building Lineup VP of sales and marketing Jonathan Stringham takes us on a walk around of all the latest innovative solutions from BOMAG for road building and pavement professionals.

Dynapac Announces Seismic Technology Available on Tandem Asphalt Rollers Seby Joseph walks us through the features and benefits of the new CC2200 VI.

Read more at: https://asph. link/k40d6o

Read more at: https://asph. link/9ainlt

Hiring Solutions for Asphalt Pavement Contractors

45 Grants Awarded for Historic Reconnecting Communities Program

The competition for workers is steep, but what is the solution if you can’t attract the talent necessary to grow your business, or at a minimum, meet your existing business needs?

The Department of Transportation announced the winners of $185 million in total grants, selected from reconnection projects submitted all across the country.

Read more at: https://asph.link/ yawgrq

Read more at: https://asph.link/ r5j39d

Get social with us! Share pictures of what you’re working with over 29,000 other asphalt contractors on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/Asphalt.Contractor

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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Sustainable Innovation As a decades-long leader for asphalt plant innovation, Astec has introduced numerous products contributing to sustainability. From the Double Barrel® dryer/mixer introduced in 1988 to the debut of the high RAP Double Barrel XHR in 2016. In addition to these industry-changing products, Astec also leads in sustainability with our warm mix system, the V-PAC stack temperature control system, low emission burners, and blue smoke systems.

Astec is well-equipped to carry our culture of innovation into the future.

Our dedication to sustainability includes new product development teams and an on-staff product manager for sustainability.

Reach out to learn more about how we can help you meet your asphalt plant sustainability goals.

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4/25/23 8:52 AM

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE EDITORIAL

Brandon Noel, Editor

Editor ............................................................................. Brandon Noel bnoel@acbusinessmedia.com

Contributing Editor .............................................Jessica Lombardo Jlombardo@acbusinessmedia.com

bnoel@ACBusinessMedia.com 234-600-8983

Digital Content Director, IRONPROS .............. Wayne Grayson

Back to Business As the winter winds down, contractors are ramping up, kicking off the dust and getting ready for the busy season.

I

have a confession to make. Las Vegas isn't for me. If I'm being honest, it kind of felt as if an entire city were one giant Applebee’s. Why would I bring that up in May? Well, this is the first issue of the magazine since I went to "Sin City" for my very first CONEXPO. What I did enjoy was meeting, face-to-face, so many of you out on the tradeshow floor. I want to shout-out Rick Rahn from Joliet Asphalt who came by the AC Business Media booth to shake my hand and talk with me!

One of the very first articles that I wrote here as editor was covering a union strike in the Chicago area, and Rick emailed me, critiquing my perspective on the story. He left his phone number at the bottom of the email, and I couldn't dial it fast enough. I was genuinely curious about how he could enlighten me more on the situation. To make a long story short, I learned quite a bit from our chat, and it was a little surreal to finally meet him in person at the show.

That interaction and several others that I had during the week-long excursion to the desert, were the real highlights of my experiences.

There's truly no substitute for that level of personal interaction. In addition to meeting lots of contractors, I was able to see some of the most cutting-edge tools and products that are either on the market already, or soon to be, and the next generation is shaping up to be something very different, but seemingly very special.

Of all the "buzz" words you might have heard while traversing the 2-million-plus square footage of show space, it was the words "sustainable," "electric," and "efficient" that were on the lips of every OEM. Now, some are cautious in their approach to all this new technology, and for good reason. The first generations of these kinds of advancements might

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still have a few kinks or bugs to work out, but, if this is the "start," then your confidence should be high in what is to come.

The latest machines you can buy, traditionally fueled, electric or otherwise, are doing more with less. That is something every business owner and contractor is struggling to accomplish these days. The manufacturers are trying to adapt to that reality, and, moving forward, it's safe to say that things will continue to improve.

IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE Speaking of the latest and greatest products, we have our annual Top 30 Editor’s Choice Awards! I say, “latest and greatest,” because while this list does feature a number of the newest products, we also take into consideration products that have stood the test of time, showing their longevity to be a vote of confidence among contractors.

In our cover story, we follow up on last issue’s EPD explainer, by interviewing five different companies that have filed their first EPDs already. After the previous story was published, what felt most important to me was finding some voices from the front lines of all these changes. It’s great talking to organizations and their experts, but asking a business, “how did this work for you?” and getting their feedback, to me, seems incredibly valuable.

In fact, I’d like to make my way out to a few plants this season and see first-hand the work you all do every day, and write about it for the magazine. If that sounds interesting to you, shoot me an email at bnoel@acbusinessmedia.com

wgrayson@acbusinessmedia.com

Managing Editor ............................................................... Gigi Wood gwood@acbusinessmedia.com

Technology Editor.............................................. Charles Rathmann crathmann@acbusinessmedia.com Workwear and Product Editor....................................Michael Cheng mcheng@acbusinessmedia.com AUDIENCE Audience Development Manager ........................ Angela Franks PRODUCTION Senior Production Manger ........................................ Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com

Art Director ............................................................... April Van Etten ADVERTISING/SALES Brand Director ........................................................... Amy Schwandt aschwandt@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative .................................................... Sean Dunphy sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com

Sales Representative ..................................................... Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com

Sales Representative .................................................... Tadashi Soma tsoma@acbusinessmedia.com

AC BUSINESS MEDIA Chief Executive Officer....................................................Ron Spink Chief Financial Officer .......................................... JoAnn Breuchel Chief Revenue Officer ............................................. Amy Schwandt Chief Digital Officer ................................................. Kris Heineman Brand Director, Supply Chain & Green Industry ..Jason DeSarle Brand Director, Construction ..................................Sean Dunphy VP, Audience Development ................................... Ronda Hughes VP, Operations & IT ..................................................... Nick Raether Content Director ....................................................... Marina Mayer Director, Online & Marketing Services ...... Bethany Chambers Content Director, Marketing Services ...............Jess Lombardo Director, Demand Generation & Education ............. Jim Bagan CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 (877) 201-3915 | Fax: (847)-291-4816 circ.pavement@omeda.com

LIST RENTAL Sr. Account Manager ....................................Bart Piccirillo | Data Axle (518) 339 4511 | bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com

REPRINT SERVICES Tadashi Soma (800) 538-5544 ext. 1267 | tsoma@ACBusinessMedia.com Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

@ASPHALTCONTRACTOR @ASPHALTCONTRCTR @ASPHALTCONTRACTOR @ASPHALT-CONTRACTOR-MAGAZINE

Published by AC BUSINESS MEDIA 201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS JCB

New Excavator Fuel Options

REDUCE COSTS AND CARBON FOOTPRINTS

O

ne of the hottest online topics lately regarding the construction industry is whether electric excavators are worth the time, money and commitment to change. Battery charging times may slow down a day's work, some argue. Ohers proclaim that a small electric excavator would not run for eight continuous hours on a jobsite anyway, as a construction project typically requires multiple pieces of equipment for different parts of the work. For example, as operators run dozers or wheel loaders, their small electric excavator battery packs could charge. Despite wide-ranging opinions, more manufacturers are focused on achieving two primary goals as they release new electric excavators: sustainability and fuel efficiency. And whether they're loved or hated by the industry, excavator engineering and product development, which currently prioritize electric and alternative fuels, is progressing rapidly on the road toward drastically lowered emissions.

FULL STEAM AHEAD Although JCB produces roughly 400 diesel engines every day for its agricultural and construction machinery, the company is currently considering alternative ways to power its machines.

After all, governments around the world are striving to end the usage of diesel and gas in passenger cars, along with light goods vehicles. However, JCB has encountered one significant issue: batteries aren’t usually a viable power option for the agricultural and construction industries, as heavy machinery requires massive batteries. Not to mention, the batteries wouldn’t be charged in an easy manner, as the machines are often used in remote areas.

With zero-emission technology as its ultimate goal, JCB doesn’t provide hybriddiesel electric technology as a solution either.

Nonetheless, in July

JCB is committed to exploring and manufacturing hydrogen-powered excavators and other equipment in the quest for reduced emissions and quieter jobsites.

2020, JCB engineers began to design an engine for a backhoe that runs completely on hydrogen. Six months later, the first working prototype was tested, as the engineers successfully developed a high-performance, purpose-engineered, zero-carbon dioxide hydrogen fuel engine from the ground up.

Bobcat Company recently released a lineup of all-electric excavators.

E125 Bobcat Company

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LEADING THE WAY Weiler Material Transfer Vehicles lead the way with proven innovations to provide the lowest cost per ton of operation.

Variable speed elevator and conveyors meet production requirements while minimizing wear.

Innovative and reliable operator friendly features such as paver hopper management system with distance to paver, storage hopper management and auto chain tensioning.

Clam shell doors and full width drop down floors provide unmatched access for cleanout and maintenance.

E1250C

E1650A

The multiple, incremental improvements to the 4th generation of chains, sprockets and augers are retrofittable to all machines and provide increased wear life.

E2850C

E2860C weilerproducts.com

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS “Hydrogen engines solve all of the problems that are associated with battery charging on busy, remote sites, as OEMs work on the internal combustion principle,” said Chris Giorgianni, vice president of government and defense, product and marketing, JCB. “They’ll feel familiar to anyone who is used to diesel or gas engines.”

Of equal importance, the costs of using hydrogen-powered excavators are roughly the same as utilizing excavators that are powered by traditional engines, which run on fossil fuels. Furthermore, unlike batteries, hydrogen engines aren’t inflationary. And, above all else, hydrogen engines don’t release any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as they’re completely carbon neutral.

Bobcat Company

“Now that hydrogen-powered excavators are here and proven, global governments need to be encouraged to adopt hydrogen engines and incentivize investment in hydrogen energy infrastructure,” Giorgianni emphasized.

“While the benefits of hydrogen power are hopefully clear for everyone to see, it is still a relatively new technology. So, it is crucial that we start to take the lead in getting the message out.”

To help ensure that hydrogen power begins to be viewed as a genuinely viable alternative to electric and battery-powered machinery within the construction industry, JCB is investing $130 million to create super-efficient hydrogen engines for a wide array of machines—from backhoe loaders and

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telescopic handlers, to larger, heavier equipment.

The company is striving to offer its first hydrogen-powered excavators to customers as soon as possible.

“This commitment reinforces our conviction—as a company—that hydrogen power will be a key part of the solution, in response to climate change’s ongoing threat,” said Giorgianni. “As a result, JCB is looking forward to being firmly at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution.”

MAINTENANCE-FREE ELECTRIC EXCAVATORS QUIETER, CHEAPER On the other hand, KATO-CES has two models of battery-electric miniexcavators: the 9VXB, which has a 5-foot, 2-inch digging depth, along with a bucket force of 2,360 pounds, and the 17VXB, which has a 7-foot digging depth, as well as a bucket force of 3,687 pounds. Since they each utilize a standard hydraulic system, users can run the same attachments with them as the diesel versions that the company has previously released.

“There is definitely a growing demand and a market for these miniexcavators,” said Bart DeHaven, director of sales, North America, KATO-CES. “The electric units are a little heavier than the diesel units, but they still have the same dig depth. The only drawback is run times, as the diesel miniexcavators can be filled at any time, yet the battery-electric mini-excavators need to be charged for eight to 12 hours to ensure they’ll run for eight hours.”

The battery-electric mini-excavators release fewer emissions, are less noisy and have less vibrations than diesel mini-excavators, thereby improving operators’ comfort, while also reducing their fatigue. Completely maintenancefree, the mini-excavators’ lithium-ion batteries and electric motors have lifespans that are just as long as a diesel engine’s lifetime, if not longer.

“Battery-electric mini-excavators do have higher purchase prices than their diesel equivalents, but the total cost of ownership should be considered when evaluating them too though,”

DeHaven added. “This total cost of ownership includes the fuel savings and extended component life of not having an engine, which decreases users’ overall maintenance costs as well.”

ZERO EMISSIONS AND HIGH PERFORMANCE: ELECTRIC EXCAVATORS' SWEET SPOTS Focused on minimizing its environmental impacts, while also helping its customers achieve the same goals, Bobcat Company is currently leveraging technology to become more productive and utilize resources more efficiently. As an example, the company is now using alternative-energy products that aren’t only environmentally conscious, but also ensure customers can continue their business operations as government mandates are steadily established, regarding zero emissions and clean energy.

So far, the company has advanced its commitment to environmental sustainability through the launch of the T7X, which is the world’s first-ever all-electric compact track loader. And it’s also producing a range of battery-electric excavators, as well as a variety of electric products that offer users viable alternatives to diesel-powered equipment.

“While significantly reducing their carbon footprints and producing much less noise than diesel-powered offerings, the battery-electric excavators will also expand users’ jobsite versatility,” said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation, Bobcat Company.

“Producing no emissions, the batteryelectric excavators can tackle tough jobs—outdoors and indoors—as they also require less maintenance than their diesel counterparts.”

The Bobcat Company revealed its latest electric excavator, the E19e compact excavator, which joins the E10e and the E32e as the product lineup’s third member. Each of the battery-electric excavators have compact footprints, quiet operations and zero emissions.

Their electrical motors deliver full torque, regardless of rpm, leading to high productivity, on-demand, multifunctioning performance (without any

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS noticeable decline in power) and smooth hydraulic control.

Providing users a run time of roughly four hours of continuous operation on its lithium-ion battery pack, each of the battery-electric excavators can be fully recharged overnight. The E10e and the E19e have standard 120-volt outlets, whereas the E32e has a 240-volt outlet.

“Although applications vary, each of the excavators’ charges can support common, daily work operations and a full day of operation during intermittent use or a typical contractor workday,” said Mike Wetzel, director of product management, excavators, Bobcat Company.

“With the introduction of our all-electric compact track loader, the Bobcat T7X, as well as our batteryelectric excavator lineup, which is, again, comprised of the E10e, E19e and E32e, we’re reaffirming our commitment to offering more environmentallysustainable products,” Honeyman said.

“And we’re doing so without sacrificing performance.”

He added, “We have many customers who have their own Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, and our battery-electric excavators support environmentally conscious customers, while still delivering dieselequivalent machines’ performance and power too.”

KEYS TO PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING Earlier this year, Takeuchi announced that the first 100 units of its TB20e, an electric compact excavator, will be available at various United Rentals locations across North America. Built

by Takeuchi itself, the battery-powered excavator is the first product to be released in the company’s anticipated full lineup of electric products, which will be created to meet its ESG goals.

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Bobcat Company

Offering the same performance that Takeuchi’s diesel-powered TB216 compact excavator does, the TB20e is 100% battery powered, enabling it to provide lower noise and vibration levels than the diesel-powered compact excavator, while also emitting no exhaust emissions. And when it’s completely charged, the TB20e provides a continuous working time, which ranges from four to eight hours, fully dependent on the application and environment in which it’s utilized in.

The electric compact excavator has a bucket capacity of 1.34 cubic feet, along with a primary auxiliary flow of 9.0 gpm. Furthermore, it has a reach of up to 13 feet and 4 inches, as well as a digging depth of 7 feet and 10 inches, at most. To ensure its operators remain as comfortable as possible, the TB20e also has a spacious station that features a high-definition, multi-informational color display.

“United Rentals and Takeuchi have a long history together, [so] we’re pleased to be the first to offer the environmentally-friendly TB20e excavator,” said TJ Mahoney, vice president, supply chain, United Rentals. “Not only does [the excavator] provide our customers a more sustainable equipment option, it’s also more cost efficient to operate.”

“The product and market development for the TB20e took place in North America, so it made sense to debut the machine here as well,” added Clay Eubanks, director of global sales, Takeuchi. “We’re excited to see how [United Rentals’] customers react to

this new environmentally friendly excavator.”

Meanwhile, Caterpillar—which has been dedicated to working on electrification for the last 30 years—is focused on increasing the power of some of its high-volume loader and excavator product lines. As an example of this dedication, in October, the company showcased a variety of fully electric prototype machines at bauma 2022. From a sustainability standpoint, one excavator especially stood out: the Cat 301.9 electric mini-excavator.

Providing users a Cat 48V, 32kWh battery, the excavator has a run time of up to eight hours on one charge; this run time declines to five hours during continuous trenching though.

“Each machine will also include an onboard AC charger, which will enable it to be charged overnight,” said Corne Timmermans, vice president, sales and marketing, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Caterpillar. “We’re also planning on providing DC fast charging options that customers can utilize during their break times.”

Both of the excavators are anticipated to be available for customers in regions of Europe and North America within the coming years, as the Cat 301.9 electric mini-excavator is expected to be the first commercially available electric excavator offering.

At the same time, Caterpillar has also issued seven sustainability goals that it’s striving to achieve by 2030. The goals will vary considerably in their focal points over the next eight years, ranging from reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 30%, to decreasing its landfill intensity by 50%.

“We have set a goal to have 100% of the new products that are released through 2030 be more sustainable than the previous generation,” stressed Jason Conklin, senior vice president, global construction and infrastructure, Caterpillar. “To achieve this goal, we will

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS Caterpillar

Caterpillar has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by significant percentages through the development, manufacturing, marketing and selling of electric and hybrid-powered equipment, including excavators.

collaborate with customers, decrease waste, enhance the design for rebuilding and remanufacturing, lower emissions and improve our efficiency.”

As an example of Caterpillar’s sustainability initiatives’ results, he added that “100% of [the] new products introduced in 2021 were more sustainable than previous generations.”

As Ray Gallant, vice president, product management and productivity, Volvo Construction Equipment, looks ahead to the evolution of zero-emission heavy construction equipment, he believes manufacturers need to realize a crucial fact. The key response to electrification or sustainable power isn’t just a single technical solution, but a variety of solutions that manufacturers will need to develop and then “bring into play.”

“Volvo Construction Equipment is working with technologies such as battery-electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells and alternate fuels like hydrogen combustion, as a result,” Gallant said. “Simply stated, we’re interested in any energy source that can provide the energy we need in a sustainable process.”

Small excavators are great fits for battery-electric drives. So, Volvo Construction Equipment has placed a 48-volt battery pack in each of its compact excavators. The battery pack can store enough energy for the excavators to conduct their daily work tasks on a general duty cycle basis. And, in order to recharge them, the company offers an assortment of charging solutions.

“Even heavier machines that use up to 120 kilowatts can be powered with a battery pack,” he added. “The difference is that the battery pack goes up to a much higher voltage (600 volts for our excavators, in fact), so that we not only have faster recharge times, but also acquire the power we need—all with a reasonable weight and power balance.”

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Once manufacturers’ customers require 120 to 150 kilowatts of power, along with longer duty cycles, they’ll need to consider other types of technologies as well. The primary reasons? For these types of requirements, excavators’ batteries are too heavy to supply the power that such customers need, especially if they have applications in which their excavators are utilized continuously for 24 hours. And very large battery packs tend to have very long recharge times.

“Therefore, we’re looking at different technologies like hybrids and alternative fuels that can power these systems in the future,” he said. “And we’re considering cable electric excavators that can connect directly to the grid and draw power while they’re being used, which are especially excellent options if customers have stationary excavators or applications.”

If customers are using larger excavators that require 200 kilowatts of power or more, they will need to purchase equipment that utilizes exotic fuels like gaseous or liquid hydrogen. As an example, they could obtain a hydrogen-powered direct combustion engine (a modification of a standard diesel block) or they could acquire electric energy from a fuel cell, which would power each of their excavators through a battery pack. Both options can be used for very high power ranges, especially those that are required in mining or quarry sites.

“One of the considerations for all power ranges and different technologies is that we’ll need to be much more efficient as OEMs, in order to recapture

as much of this energy as possible while the excavators are being used,” Gallant emphasized. “Customers can’t afford to waste or lose power through an inefficient system if they have a battery pack with limited capacity.”

He continued, “That’s why, as manufacturers, we need to be more efficient in how we use the power, recover it in the non-work cycles and ensure the excavators and battery packs last as long as possible.”

With these goals in mind, Volvo Construction Equipment, which currently offers two compact electric excavators, is preparing to develop other options, as well. In addition, the company is expanding electromobility to larger excavators, such as the mid-size EC230E Electric, a prototype that will be available in North America in 2023 for customer pilot projects.

“Volvo Construction Equipment was the first construction equipment manufacturer to commit to an electric future for its compact machine range, as we stopped the development of new diesel engines for mini-excavator models globally—from the EC15 to the EC27—as well as compact front end loaders, from the L20 to L28,” Gallant added. “That’s a bold decision, made in step with a challenge from our president, Melker Jernberg, to stir the market by providing compact, zero exhaust emission excavators.”

Chris Lewis is a freelance writer for Asphalt Contractor.

For more information visit https://asph.link/9setfs

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4/25/23 9:26 AM

YOUR PARTNER ON THE ROAD AHEAD What does that mean? It means that we are determined to support you in your journey towards greater profitability, safety and environmental stewardship. It means that we will help you forge new paths, shape key trends and offer new solutions to support you on that journey. And it means we will be with you for every step of that journey through application consultancy, personalized trainings; across numerous geographic territories and around the clock.

Tell us where you’re going and we will help you get there.

Follow Dynapac North America

dynapac.us | 800-651-0033

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4/25/23 9:26 AM

PRODUCTION NOTES | by Brandon Noel, Editor, Asphalt Contractor

EPDs:

Feedback from the Front Lines

We spoke to five producers who have already completed Environmental Product Declarations, in an effort to gauge the truth about the process, benefits, and what it looks like from the other side.

I

n our last issue, we spoke with the head of NAPA's sustainability efforts, Joseph Shacat, about all the new paradigms that the age of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) bring about. If you missed that article, and aren't sure what EPDs are or what they do, you should scan the QR code at the end of this article, and

18 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2023 ACON0523_18-21_Production_BN.indd 18

go read about it on our website. That's a good place to start.

As a follow-up to that story, we spoke with contractors and business owners who have initiated and/or completed the process of filing EPDs using NAPA's Eco-Emerald Label tool. Five different asphalt producers responded to our questions, and the general consensus appears to be a positive one.

WHY START NOW? The first thing that we wanted to know from the contractors themselves, was why they decided that this was the time to get started and initiate the EPD process at their facility. Obviously, with the impending changes and demands on the industry, that would be a widely acknowledged reason, but, as the process is still in such a nascent phase, what caused them to bite the bullet.

Jeff Austin, Director of Asphalt Production, Brooks Construction (Fort Wayne, IN) Brooks Construction has always been at the forefront of developing and encouraging environmentally innovative practices. We have pushed beyond industry standards and instead adopted carbon reducing solutions, such as: using methane gas, from local landfill, for burner fuel and developing an asphalt plant that can produce a 100% recycled asphalt mix. At Brooks Construction, how we treat the environment today and in the future is very important to us. When NAPA started the Net Zero campaign, we knew it was time for us to join the industry and lead our state with development of EPDs and the publication of them to continue our commitment to environmental stewardship.

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Provided by Holcim, Mid-Atlantic Region

m

CJ Hoy, Plant Engineer, Wiregrass Construction Inc (Dothan, AL) Internally, we started looking into EPDs in December 2021. The focus was to train staff on what an EPD is, the data required, and how to analyze the results. However, we did not decide to publish until later, recognizing there would be a new, updated EPD tool available. We officially published in January of 2023.

The Huntsville area is a rapidly expanding city with vast amounts of engineering and sustainable technology.

Given the close proximity to the Redstone Arsenal, there is a large quantity of federal contracts. With the introduction of more and more environmental related federal policy, such as the Federal Buy Clean Initiative, it is inevitable that green house gasses (GHG) will be a deciding factor for federal contracts.

In preparation for these policies, we wanted to understand the energy,

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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the carbon footprint of our products and strategies for improvement. We particularly found the Emerald Eco Label Optimizer useful for this purpose.

With the Optimizer we can then look at the effects of changing various variables within the overall manufacturing processes. For example, different fuel types, different materials, different transport options. These variables can be changed and adjusted to show both different GHG emissions as well as the difference in price. For instance, if a company is debating switching from a liquid fuel, such as RFO, or a No. 2 fuel to natural gas, the Optimizer will show the difference in price for that 12-month sample period as well as the change in GHG emissions.

Kerianne Melillo, P.E. Chief Marketing Officer, Green Asphalt (Long Island City [Queens], NY) We first heard about EPDs in October of 2022. We worked through our EPD data over the winter and published them in February of 2023. Our motivation came from one our company’s core values: being Green and Lean. As a 100% recycled asphalt producer, we had always assumed that our product, by virtue of not utilizing virgin materials, was as eco-friendly as it could be. Before the introduction of EPDs, we didn’t have a good way of confirming that assumption. Since we wanted to “walk the walk,” we jumped on the opportunity to create EPDs for our asphalt mixes as soon as we became aware of it.

Pam Ballantine, Asphalt Sales Manager, Holcim, Mid-Atlantic Region (Greenbelt, MD) EPDs are an important tool. We have to show the actual CO2 impact of our products. For asphalt, we started gathering the data last summer and published the asphalt EPD late summer/early fall of 2022. Holcim has a strong commitment to sustainable and innovative building. EPDs are like nutrition labels that help us be transparent about the CO2 impact our products have for our customers. We are committed to providing sustainable products and working towards Net Zero.

TRUST THE PROCESS Deciding that now was the right time to get started on their EPDs was only the first step. Not a lot of people are familiar with what happens once you make that decision, because all of this is so new.

For that reason, we wanted to know how the contractors would describe the process itself, and would they recommend, or not, the process for other companies who are, perhaps, still on the fence?

Andrew Kowalski, Manager of Sustainability, Rogers Group Inc. (Nashville, TN) Internal Benchmarking was the biggest motivator for our team. We were trying to get an understanding of where each of our asphalt plants scores were, so that we could look for areas of improvement and implement them. Additionally, we wanted to be prepared for when upcoming regulations hit, and we are required to submit EPDs as part of the bidding process.

Brooks Construction Overall, the process was not too difficult. We do a great job at tracking all our fuel and energy usage, so it was simply compiling all the data and inputting into the EPD software.

We would definitely recommend others the go through the process. It is important for everyone in our industry to compile their data and develop EPDs so policy and lawmakers can make informed decisions for our future.

Wiregrass Construction Inc The most difficult and time-consuming part of the EPD process is collecting the data all in one location. All of the data required are things that are already

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AdobeStock/Molnia

PRODUCTION NOTES collected but most often not organized in one location. Once the data is collected the actual EPD process takes minutes.

I would say to anyone who already keeps track of the information needed, it is a very simple process and should be used even if it is just used internally. To anyone who does not collect the data, the goal of publishing an EPD is a great way to collect and determine trends related to plant efficiencies.

Furthermore, with the recent release of the GSA IRA Low Carbon Materials Standard, which sets a national threshold for asphalt materials, yet only considers a small set of data to create these thresholds, there is an increased urgency for industry to set benchmarks.

Thus, our industry needs to begin publishing EPDs to be sure a large data set is used to create thresholds that are more representative of the industry.

Holcim, Mid-Atlantic Region The hardest part of the EPD process is gathering the data. Once you have the data, using the EPD tool is easy.

When I did have questions, the NAPA office was very helpful. EPDs are a valuable tool, both for our customers and for us. I recommend this to other plant operators/owners, because it can highlight where improvements can be made to make your product/plant more environmentally friendly.

Rogers Group Inc. NAPA did a great job of making the EPD process very easy. The hardest and most time-consuming part is completing the first EPD. Getting to know where all of your data is stored, validating the data, and making sure you are including the correct information takes time, at first, but once you get it down, it is a very straightforward process. Now that I understand all of this information, I am able to quickly turnaround an EPD for a new asphalt plant. Finally, creating different mixes is very easy to do once the more time-consuming part of collecting your baseline data is completed.

I would highly recommend for others to start creating EPDs. It has helped to drive a larger conversation

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around energy usage and efficiency at our asphalt plants. This has led to us looking into best practices that will reduce energy consumption, save money, and improve our EPD scores.

Green Asphalt Like any program, EPDs have a learning curve. Gathering the information required by the program took a bit of effort, but was fairly straightforward.

Green Asphalt’s mix designs are unique in that they contain no virgin aggregates, we did hit a few bumps in the road while inputting our data.

However, utilizing the webinars and the resources available to us through the Asphalt EPD program, as well as NAPA’s staff, the input of our information went rather quickly.

We highly recommend the EPD process for other asphalt plant operators and owners. The first benefit is clear from the get-go – plants are immediately able to see where they are being inefficient and how it is affecting them, not only from an emissions perspective, but also an economic perspective.

The second benefit is that the EPD information from your plant will be added to the data pool the government agencies may eventually utilize to set benchmarks. The more EPDs that your plant contributes to the data pool, the more reflective the benchmarks will be of your own asphalt production processes.

THE TAKEAWAYS From the collection of all this data, which for some was kind of new, we asked if there was anything significant they learned about their plant operations while conducting these new EPD processes. In the interview with Shacat, he described anecdotes of contractors finding some surprising results, and we wanted to know about any first-hand accounts.

Sometimes hard data can fly in the face of traditional thinking or "common sense" understanding, so the opportunities here are looming fairly large.

Brooks Construction We learned more about how every aspect of our operation can affect our

carbon output. It has put a focus on on our processes, how we can improve, lower our carbon footprint, and operate more efficiently at the same time.

P

Wiregrass Construction Inc We always had a gut feeling which of our plants were most efficient. Emerald Eco Label allowed us to put data to those gut feelings by comparing the A3 production stage of the EPD. In some cases, we were spot on, and in some cases, we were wrong.

Holcim, Mid-Atlantic Region Not only did EPDs help our customers see exactly what the impact of our products are, but through the development process, we learned where most of our emissions were coming from so that we knew what areas to look at for improvement in the future.

Rogers Group Inc. We learned a lot about our operations throughout the process. Some of our plants we believed to be very energy efficient did not score as well as we expected. This led to internal reviews of our operating practices to determine our inefficiencies. Additionally, it led to increased awareness of energy usage and best practices to reduce energy usage to become more sustainable as a company.

Green Asphalt Although our 100% recycled mixes have very low impact from a materials and transport perspective, we learned we had opportunities to maximize the efficiency of our processes. EPDs helped us pinpoint where our emissions were coming from and make an action plan to reduce our carbon footprint, while also looking into greater long-term changes that affect our EPD number significantly.

For more information visit http://asphalt.com/kk3fi1

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4/25/23 9:29 AM

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SPECIAL REPORT

The 2023 TOP 30 Editor’s Choice Products A

sphalt Contractor’s 2023 Top 30 Editor’s Choice Products award highlights the Top 30 innovations, tools and technologies available to help asphalt contractors and producers work more profitably, efficiently, and sustainably. While these awards are editorially driven, for the first time ever this year, manufacturers were able to nominate their products for award consideration.

This year was especially crowded with new and interesting products for the asphalt industry, in the wake of the 2023 CONEXPO/ CON-AGG tradeshow. Every product selected was done so based on either an innovative feature, process or mechanism, or whether the product has shown a lasting, consistent impact upon the marketplace. While it is important to highlight what is new and cutting edge, it is also important to recognize the tried-and-true tools that continue to perform and assist asphalt pavement professionals year-after-year.

Without further ado, here are our 2023 selected award winners:

R

A as in • •

•

•

Astec: Roadtec RP-195 Asphalt Paver

ALmix: Split-Level, Portable Control House The ALmix Split-Level Control House is designed to provide a safe, refined, and fully mobile environment for your asphalt plant operators, plant automation systems, and load-out.

These larger, two-room control houses feature a full operators room with 270-degree views as well as UL-Approved Motor Control Centers (MCC) complete with manual backups for each bucket. Hurricane-rated windows and double entry doors, rubberized flooring, and industrial-coated roofing materials are standard. Outdoor-rated transfer switches allow switching between power sources and outdoor main disconnects are offered to greatly reduce arc-flash risk potential.

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•

The upgraded model feature a new cooling system, which makes the paver run quieter and more efficiently. Controls have easy-to-use switches, joysticks and touchscreens, each designed to put all the control at the operator’s fingertips.

The comfort and safety features do not impede the robustness of the new design. The new F-model series has a State V engine, meeting the most stringent emission limitation required in the global market. A redesigned track system for improved durability and ease of maintenance.

When it comes to hydraulics, the new track pavers have fewer connection points, easing maintenance tasks. As with all Astec pavers, the RP-195 is offered with your choice of three Astec industry-leading Carlson screeds, each providing unmatched mat quality.

• Paving class: Highway • Standard Paving Width:10 ft to 19 ft 6 in • Maximum Paving Width: 30 ft • Engine:230 hp Stage V / T4F Cummins® B6.7

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For more information visit https://asph.link/ym54wt

Gencor: Ultrafoam GX2 System Gencor introduces its latest development in warm mix technology with the Ultrafoam GX2 .

• Can achieve consistent foaming at varying production rates without the use of a powered mixing device • AC and water can be introduced at widely different flow rates and pressures • Compressed Air Purge releases remaining water in the piping and hose between the unit mounted on the drum when temperatures approach freezing • Water Flow Alarm senses water and transmits alert to the operator if loss of water flow to the unit occurs • Pump heater features a convective heat bulb used inside the pump enclosure to prevent pump and internal components from freezing • Weatherproof enclosure provides freeze and dust protection to the pump and electronic parts

Cargill: Anova Asphalt Rejuvenators Anova rejuvenators have demonstrated desirable impact on asphalt pavements containing highly aged RAP and RAS binder in documented results in the laboratory and in the field.

• Successfully used in pavements with up to 100% RAP usage • In addition to shifting the PG grade of virgin bitumen, Anova modifiers also rejuvenate RAP and RAS restoring properties of the aged bitumen, allowing for more versatility in mix designs • Has been shown to reduce required compaction temperature by as much as 20° C in high RAP pavements • Does not negatively impact rutting resistance of rejuvenated RAP mixture • Enhances low temperature cracking resistance of asphalt mixture, even at high RAP content • High flash point (in excess of 240°C/460°F) compared to petroleum-based bitumen rejuvenators, allowing safer handling without changing current processes

Earthwave: FleetWatcher Construction Management Solution The FleetWatcher collects data from all equipment assets, regardless of class or manufacturer, and presents the maintenance due report with color-coded entries for “at a glance” status.

• Shows equipment within 36 hours of required maintenance in yellow and any at or past due date in red • Works across entire fleet with a single login and data can be shared via cell phone, tablet or computer • Specific and customized data delivered through a Daily Snapshot in the specific data and format users select • Reports available online or in MS Excel format with over 20 reports and hundreds of filtering options available

ADM: SPL Asphalt Plants Asphalt Drum Mixers Inc. offers its line of SPL hot-mix asphalt plants as an affordable option for contractors with low production requirements.

• Includes all necessary components for drum-mixing asphalt production yet fits on a single trailer frame • Available in 60-, 100- and 160-tph production rates and come standard with a drying/mixing drum, wet wash, cold feed bin and surge system • Portable or stationary configurations with the option of automated or manual operation • Customized components include cold feed bins, hot oil asphalt cement tanks (both horizontal and vertical), direct-fired horizontal cement tanks, portable and stationary bag houses, mineral filler systems, RAP systems, self-erect and stationary silos, weigh and drag conveyors, weigh batchers and fuel oil tanks

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SPECIAL REPORT BOMAG: BOMAP Connect

Elgin: Broom Badger Sweeper

BOMAG has taken compaction even further down the digital road with the launch of BOMAP Connect.

With the help of planning data and up-to-date information from online map services, this subscription-based cloud solution makes it possible to specify all relevant core parameters for the site and plan the compaction process in detail. Respective job areas can be defined and compaction specs set according to task (number of passes or soil compaction value or material stiffness). Machines can be assigned to projects and tasks for optimal results. Roller operators, project supervisor and site managers can monitor and track all compaction values in real time.

All data relevant to compaction (e.g., material stiffness or temperature) is automatically recorded and transmitted through the cloud to BOMAP Connect.

Third-party machines also interconnect and can transmit their passes, helping to generate a pass map for the entire site.

Operators can readily see areas that have already achieved target material densities, the current degree of compaction in a specific area and their position on the asphalt mat or soil section. Information on compaction progress and any plan changes can be transmitted in real time, keeping assigned users up to date on project status.

The Elginmanufactured "Broom Badger" represents the company's dedication and attention to the demands of today's evershifting industry needs. The new model incorporates several enhancements based directly on the feedback from consumers. The result? A more highly compact platform with gains in both maneuverability and job site flexibility.

• 19,500 lb. GVWR Class 5 cab-over chassis, non-CDL requirement to operate, with 120-in. sweep path, a 58-in. main broom and dual 42-in. side brooms • 4 yd³ side-hopper capable of dumping its 9,400 lb. capacity at variable heights (18-120 in.) with 2 stage scissor lift • Redesigned hydraulic system boosts overall platform efficiency, reduces waste and shortens servicing times • 65-hp Kabuto T4 final engine, variable speed broom controls, up to 2700 rpm • Compact 109 in. wheelbase and tight 16 ft., 9 in. turning radius results in exceptional maneuverability for a wide range of situations

CASE: E-series The new models of E-series excavators focus on operator performance and control, as well as total cost of ownership. They include OEM-fit 2D and 3D machine control systems. A major enhancement in the cab is the 10-in. LCD display that provides access and visibility to cameras, machine data and controls. This includes the optional CASE Max View display, which provides 270° of visibility. CASE has added new FPT Industrial engines throughout the product line, along with new enhancements to the hydraulic systems for power and performance. The CASE E-series excavators feature a combination of diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and particulate matter catalyst technologies, as well as no lifetime after-treatment replacement or mechanical service over time. The system has 13 patents that supports emissions compliance and performance in working environments.

Ammann: eARX 26-2 Ammann has unveiled the eARX 26-2 Light Tandem Roller for construction projects. The roller features a fully electric drive that can operate for 18 hours or longer without recharging.

The absence of a combustion engine makes the eARX 26-2 quiet during operation. Sound levels reaching the operation station are 46% less compared to the diesel version. The powertrain concept eliminates almost all hydraulic components. Standard features, in addition to the electric drive, are the roller’s design, drum construction, operator platform and engine compartment.

24 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2023 ACON0523_22-35_SpecialReport_BN.indd 24

Lear www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

4/25/23 10:09 AM

Learn more at www.LeeBoy.com

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THE POWER T

Donnie & T.J. Reed, Madison Asphalt

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R TO CHOOSE With ADM’s standard components, the choice is yours. We can customize any plant we make to your specific production needs.

“ADM helped with everything we needed to get the right plant for our business. From zoning ordinance restrictions to environmental testing, ADM was with us every step of the way.”

T.J. Reed, Madison Asphalt Madison County, NC

sphalt

260-637-5729 admasphaltplants.com Plants available from 60-425 TPH

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SPECIAL REPORT

A

Astec: PTSC2818VM Portable High Frequency Screen Plant Astec’s PTSC plant is equipped with an 8-ft. x 18-ft. top deck and an 8-ft. x 12-ft. bottom deck.

• Patent-pending screen design features externally-mounted vibrators at the ends of the tappets for a more aggressive screening action which creates a higher G-force and reduces heat load from material to motors as compared to single, center-mounted vibrators • Screen also allows for easier maintenance and adjustments and is equipped with hydraulic operating angle adjustment, a fines collection hopper, top- and bottom-deck discharge chutes and an aggregate spreader • Features a 54-in. x 38-ft. delivery conveyor, hydraulic drive and full-length skirtboards • Manually-operating support legs, outriggers for additional support and folding walkways • The portable plant is available with a variety of options, including: steel screen cloth, vinyl dust cover, hydraulic leveling jacks, immersion heaters for hydraulic reservoirs, starters for three off-plant conveyors and more

HCSS: Forms HCSS Forms is a digital forms builder that minimizes paperwork in projects. Crews can answer questions online, add photos, generate smart forms and sign off on forms – all digitally – without manually filling out forms on paper.

HCSS Forms is available in the HCSS Field app as an update to both HCSS HeavyJob and HCSS Safety. HCSS Forms: • Create forms from scratch with customization to enable branded forms.

• Answer questions digitally, sign off on forms and submit directly to management without having to touch paperwork physically.

• Share branded daily reports, HR requests and document field updates.

• Create custom owner-specific time and material reports.

• Manage form access with password protection, QR codes or email notifications.

• Access on tablets or mobile phones when in the field.

• Assign forms to one, a few, or all jobs so field members know which forms are associated with specific jobs.

Crafco: Patcher 4 Built to the highest quality standards, Crafco Patchers provide the ultimate in performance, reliability, and productivity. Built using innovative construction: • Large 395-gallon capacity material tank.

• Additional material loading door on the driver side, offering two intake areas for greater efficiency.

• Optional powered auger chute to dispense material extends outside the wheel path for safer and efficient application.

• Integrated digital control system ensures mastic temperatures are always kept within specifications.

• Angled and staggered agitation blades provide superior material agitation and aggregate suspension, ensuring a consistent material blend through to the discharge gate.

• A 6:1 gearbox delivers high torque to eliminate agitation stall using high-density material. Innovative anti-splash lids with automatic safety shut-offs protect your crew from hot sealant splashes.

• The versatility to simultaneously melt and prepare Mastic One, Matrix, and TechCrete to repair wide cracks and distresses in bituminous and PCC pavements.

F

CL

Weiler: P385C Paver Weiler’s P385C paver continues to raise the standard for commercial class pavers with improvements to provide performance, reliability and outstanding mat quality in a wide range of applications. It features a Cat C3.6 Tier 4F/Stage V engine with an increase to 120 hp (90 kw) for unmatched power and performance. The best-in-class undercarriage features 90-in. (2286 mm) track length, 68-in. (1727 mm) of ground contact and 140 mm track chain pitch provides smooth ride and excellent flotation with automatic track tensioning.

The improved conveyor drive system features a sealed chain case, hydraulic motor with heavy duty bearings and splined shaft for increased reliability. An updated hydraulic system with proportional valving provides variable speed and reversible conveyors and augers. The larger tunnel height allows for lower conveyor speeds without loss of material output. The Weiler designed 3,700 lb (1678 kg) screed features a paving range of 8 ft. to 15 ft., 8 in. (2.2 m to 4.8 m) with industry leading mat quality. The redesigned heating system eliminates GFCI breakers and utilizes insulation monitoring for increased reliability and performance. Three different operating positions allow for optimal visibility and control with the adjustable, magnetic-resistance steering system. Optional screed mounted control panels give additional function control from screed level.

Weiler equipment is sold and serviced exclusively at Cat dealers, readily available for unmatched service and support.

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4/26/23 11:10 AM

SPECIAL REPORT Superior Industries: Portable Sentry HSI Closed Circuit Plant

Meeker: Patriot-E Electric Hot Oil Heater

The Portable Sentry HSI Closed Circuit Plant for material processing can process recycled concrete, reclaimed asphalt and pit run materials into valuable salable products. From a single feed, owners and operators will be able to produce up to four unique products. The closed circuit crushing and screening arrangement includes a 4250 Superior brand Sentry Horizontal Shaft Impactor (HSI). It is fed by a 48 x18 Intrepid Vibrating Grizzly Feeder, which is equipped with interchangeable grizzly cassettes (bars, fingers or punch plates) to accommodate multiple applications. Additionally, a 2-deck Anthem Inclined Screen screens up to three material sizes: • Process recycled concrete, reclaimed asphalt, and pitrun into valuable products • Produce up to four unique products from a single feed • Recirculating conveyor centralizes feed, which extends life of HSI blow bars • Rotate universally designed, interchangeable crossconveyors throughout the plant • Accommodates line power, can be outfitted with adiesel drive genset unit

Meeker Equipment has recently released the Patriot-E Electrically heated hot oil heater. This heater is a compliment to the company's hot oil heater product line.

Features of this heater are: • No emissions. Since the heater is powered by electricity, there are no gaseous emissions coming from the heater.

• SCR Control of electric heat allows heat generated to match the load on the system. This means the heater only provides enough heat to the demand it is seeing. It is not overheating the system.

• PLC Controls allow the heater to operate the way you want it to. Optional phone app allows you to change settings remotely plus operators get notified of heater status.

• Removable Expansion Tank provides way for customers to mount the expansion tank remotely if they so desire.

• Low Expansion Tank Limit, high oil temperature limit and no flow limits provide safety to the heater and to the heat transfer oil.

• High Flow centrifugal pump provides hi velocity flow through the heater assuring good heat transfer of energy into the oil

Caterpillar: 3D Asphalt Screed Plate System

E

The Axenox screed plate design is a significant departure from industry standard.

Whereas traditional plates are flat, these plates utilize a three-dimensional, angular design. This added dimension delivers lateral compaction confinement to asphalt material. The kneading action helps aggregate to interlock more efficiently than with flat screeds, increasing mat and joint density along with improving mat smoothness.

Densities reaching 91% have been measured behind pavers equipped with the three-dimensional screed plates, so there is less of a chance for material shoving and cracking with the roller. These high densities can reduce the number of passes, lowering compaction cost. At the longitudinal joint, higher densities result in improved material containment during compaction to increase final density.

LeeBoy: 8520C Electric Paver Their very first prototype electric paver. It was created in a collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Powertrain Control Systems (PCS).

The new electric machine takes direct aim at the current high demands of the heavycommercial paving market, combined with the kind of performance that contractors have come to rely on from LeeBoy, the company says it has the ability to meet the future needs of the asphalt industry: • 150 kW Max Electric Drive Motor and 48 kWh Battery Pack • 120VAC or 240VAC Onboard Charger; Rapid Charging Available • Legend HD Screed Variable up to 15 and LeeBoy Proven Hydraulic System • 9 ton Hopper • 12-in.wwuw Diameter Quick Change Auger Assemblies • Heavy Duty Conveyor Chains and Flight Bars

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4/25/23 10:10 AM

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SPECIAL REPORT Wacker Neuson: ST27 Compact Track Loader Weighing only 7,350 pounds, this machine is easily towable and with a Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) of 1,890 pounds (@35% of tip), it can do more than many of its heavier competitors. The ST27 comes with a 74-horsepower Kohler KDI 2504 turbocharged engine. The compact design, measuring 60-inches wide and under 80-inches in height, makes it a good fit for working in tight spaces with low overhead clearance. The design also maximizes the ROC of 1,890 pounds, while offering best-in-class reach at dump height of 36.5 inches. This extra reach at max height means it is easier to dump material into the center of a dump box and keeps the loader farther away from the vehicle or trailer being loaded. The vertical lift offers a hinge pin height of 120 inches and dump height of 94.3 inches. A 2-speed standard travel drive that offers an impressive 9.1 miles per hour resulting in faster cycle times. Enhancing the driving experience is a standard auto-shifting two-speed drive system which can be active or disabled based on the application. It automatically senses the operators need to shift. The auto feature engages in and out of the two speeds based on joystick input and eliminates the need for the operator to make manual shifts.

Volvo: DD25 Electric Compactor A zero-emissions solution for smallcompaction projects.

The battery-electric, double-drum machine has 30% more available power than its diesel counterpart, providing improved on-grade performance and operation at high altitudes where diesel engines lose power. The DD25 Electric battery charges from zero to full in as little as three hours, and an off-board DC fast charger can do the job in 1 hour.

• Operating weight: 6,195 lbs. (for 47.2 in. drum) • Drum widths: 39.3 in. and 47.2 in.

• Battery: 48-volt, 20 kWh • Electric drivetrain rating (net): 32.2 hp • Vibration frequency: 3,300 vpm/55 Hz to 4,000 vpm/67 Hz • Amplitude: 0.021 in.

• Overall length: 7 ft. 11 in.

• Overall width: 4 ft. 3 in.

• Overall height: 8 ft. 8 in.

• Water tank capacity: 68.7 gal.

CMI: Magnum Bullet 150 Super-Portable The Magnum Bullet series has been designed with many upgrades including high efficiency drying & mixing zone, railroad bearing trunnion roller assemblies, direct drive gear motors, and drum insulation & cladding as standard.

Designed with an emphasis on substantially reduced installation time to provide a market leading set up time within 2 days when combined with a portable self-erecting hot mix storage system.

• Field proven counterflow technology • 30% + RAP with low maintenance costs and a single shell design • Tuneable performance provided by indexing slingers • Longest mixing zone in the industry • SuperPortable, Portable, Relocatable and Stationary configurations • Magnum "Bullet" Super-Portable series have hydraulic erect systems which provide unrivaled set up times

Wirtgen: Kleemann Wireless Line Coupling Wirtgen Group's Kleemann crushing plants can be coupled with one another using radio technology. The wireless line coupling feature helps prevent overload situations and damage during use. Wireless line coupling is currently available as an option for the following jaw crushers: MOBICAT MC 110(i) EVO2 and MC 120(i) PRO, cone crushers MOBICONE MCO 90(i) EVO2 and MCO 110(i) PRO, as well as the following impact crushers: MOBIREX MR 110(i) EVO2, MR 130(i) EVO2 and MR 130(i) PRO. The crushing process of the Kleemann crushing plants is optimized automatically by the innovative feed control CFS (Continuous Feed System) so that material is conveyed through the machines. At the same time, the filling level of the plant's crushing chamber is monitored. When the filling level reaches a height that can be defined in advance, the material feed of the machine is adjusted.

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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Sc

With web impo time fix b avail solut weig Apex Com

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• 14 • Fr • Tr • W al • Lo • A op • A • M • FO

Command Alkon: Apex Scale Watcher Cloud With Scale Watcher Cloud, ata is shifted to a web-based portal providing visual displays of important site events that is updated in real time, enabling Plant Managers to identify and fix bottlenecks. Scale Watcher Cloud is readily available and can be purchased as a standalone solution. Capture ironclad proof of vehicle weighing and ticketing without signatures using Apex’s integrated Scale Watcher functionality.

Complete accounting of any incident.

• Record single images or full video footage • Compatible with Apex scale ticket software • Ticket Information Superimposed on Images • Easy retrieval of photos by ticket number • Ticket information stored on video • Ticket information can be moved to central office using • Apex data replication • Ability to print or email photos to customers dashboards & reporting • Dashboards & Reporting • Web portal for viewing truck transactions • Real-time efficiency reports • AI-based anomaly reports identify safety

Put all that RAP to work.

Colorbiotics® asphalt solutions are ready to change

the asphalt industry as much as they change the molecules inside asphalt. That’s because our solutions attack the effects of aging at the molecular level and transform recycled material from the inside out.

Low bid? Best value? Win contracts either way with the first technology that truly reacts and restores asphalt.

SANY: SMG200AWD Standard features: • 8.9L Cummins engine • 14 ft. blades • Front auxiliary hydraulics • Transmission and rear brake line guards • Wet disc brakes for improved handling with all-wheel drive • Low-maintenance circle bearing • Adjustable independent control positions for operators • AM/FM Radio with Bluetooth capabilities • Multifunctional LCD • FOPS- and ROPS-certified cab

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You can take RAP content beyond the 50% threshold and make pavement that’s good for the planet — but even better for your bottom line.

Give us a call to use more of your RAP than ever before.

888-663-6980 asphalt@colorbiotics.com colorbioticsasphalt.com

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SPECIAL REPORT Vertigraph: BidScreen XL

Etnyre: BIG ChipSpreader

Gives you the power to takeoff your electronic plans directly in Microsoft Excel. BidScreen XL provides an outstanding audit trail while automating and speeding up the time consuming takeoff process. Takeoffs are a snap, just click on a spreadsheet cell and measure and identify areas, lengths and counts from your digital drawing files.

• Measure on-screen from PDF, DWG, DXF, TIF and other types • Works with PDF and DWG vector files; isolate layers and snap to the object to obtain exact measurements • Use with any Excel workbook; no exporting data to Excel; the takeoff is made directly in Excel • Work with the original drawing file; no conversions required • Open multiple quantity takeoff files or multiple pages • Takeoff volumes from cross-sections by simply measuring the cut and fill areas for each station • Accurately and easily measure cross sections that have different vertical and horizontal scales • Edit measurement by adding, deleting and moving points • Round length measurements to a specified value • Drawing Manager feature clearly organizes, annotates and describes the drawings • Store info to the cloud by saving the files to any cloud drive

The variable width hopper hydraulically extends and retracts while spreading to cover the entire road and shoulder in one pass. Width is adjusted with a switch. Controls are located at both the driver’s seat and in a mobile control panel located at the right front station.

Two independent spread hoppers. Width is variable on the left side, right side, or both sides at once. The hoppers retract with the flip of a switch. Ready for transport only seconds after finishing a job. No need to empty hoppers or remove parts. Available in four sizes: 9’/18’ System, spreads 1’ to 18’ 10’/20’ System, spreads 1’ to 20’ 11’/22’ System, spreads 1’ to 22’ 12’/24’ System, spreads 1’ to 24’ Variable Width spread hopper • 4 wheel drive • 310 HP Cummins QSB • 30" conveyor belts • 5" gate openings • Front hopper raise and lower system standard • 14" auger • 425/65R22.5-L tires

The one is se easil with emu is he effic qual 2100 D area repa asph intac Th mois asph reso A redu • St • Ex • Th • Sp • Th

FAMC: GS18 T Rover The GNSS RTK, Leica GS18 T, is the world’s fastest and easiest-to-use rover for road construction work. Save up to 20% of labor costs over conventional surveying practices by eliminating wasted time that results from needing to vertically level the pole.

The GS18 T is the first true tilt compensations solution that is immune to magnetic disturbances, calibration-free and that works right out of the box.

This rover from Leica Geosystems is built to provide maximum durability and performance at road construction sites. It boasts 555 channels for more signals, faster acquisition, and improved sensitivity. The unit is IP68-rated, with a working temperature of 40°C to +65°C and features a rugged and lightweight aluminum body.

The GS18 T allows you to avoid time-consuming auxiliary methods with true tilt compensated surveying. You will stake out more efficiently and conveniently than ever before with increased speed, safety, and comfort.

Trimble: Siteworks Machine Guidance Module Trimble introduced the Trimble Siteworks Machine Guidance Module, extending the capabilities of Trimble Siteworks Software from surveying and layout to support on-machine excavator guidance and operator assistance. With the addition of the new software module, contractors can use the same rugged Site Positioning Systems hardware and software to perform a variety of tasks on the job site, including surveying, machine guidance, in-field design and reporting. Designed specifically for small site and utility contractors, the Siteworks Machine Guidance module gives users the ability to move the system between multiple excavators and jobsites as an accessible and entry-level combination machine guidance and construction surveying solution. Current Siteworks users can utilize their existing technology on-machine quickly and easily, with the addition of a simple-to-install machine kit and the software module.

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Dynapac: SD2500CS PROTAC The PROTAC brings two processes together in one machine: paving and spraying. Everything is seamlessly integrated into the system and easily activated. The sliding bar concept with symmetric hoses ensures a uniform emulsion mat. The emulsion is heated up in a gentle and efficient way for the highest quality. From 100l up to 2100l.

Designed for two application areas. The first is for the application of thin asphalt surface layers. The second is for road repair, as well as for new road construction and everyday asphalting tasks. The use of thin asphalt surface layers, especially for maintenance construction, is ideal for weathered, but intact substrates.

Thanks to the sealing via a binder film, it provides a permanent protection layer against moisture as well as offering more grip. The SD2500CS PROTAC sprays emulsion and applies asphalt in a single operation. In doing so, it increases operational efficiency while saving resources. What’s more, the road can also be opened faster traffic.

Additionally, numerous measurements have confirmed that DSH-V surfaces have a noise reduction potential of about 5 dB(A).

• Stay safe with great overview • Extend your paving season with the Dynapac THE screed • The PROTAC can spray 200g/m² with a uniform and even spray pattern • Spray up to 6.5m wide roads – stepless • The slidable spray bars automatically follow the screed movement

HAMM: Pneumatic-tire HP 100i The new HP 100i pneumatic-tire roller is optimally equipped for the requirements of chipseal.

Good visibility For optimum visibility, the seat operating unit can be rotated 90° to the left and right. In addition, there is a good view of the tire edges from the cab. For operation on public roads, HAMM offers a lighting package that is adapted to national specifications. Intelligent driving control and safe steering. The working speed of the roller can be steplessly increased up to 11.8 mph (19 km/h), while an intelligent travel control system supports smooth and precise reversing behind the paver. Anti-slip control (ASC) is also available as an option for improved traction.

Thanks to a steering angle sensor and the associated speed control depending on the steering angle, the speed is automatically reduced during fast cornering. The operator can then conveniently return to the preset speed at any time via a rocker switch on the driving lever. Fuel savings as standard The HAMMTRONIC machine control system also guarantees energy efficiency in the on-board load management. It reduces the engine speeds in such a way that maximum power is always called up while fuel consumption remains low. The optionally available engine stop system, which automatically shuts down the engine during prolonged inactivity, also ensures low fuel consumption and low operating hours. Easy service For maintenance, all service points are quickly and easily accessible. The scrapers on the pneumatic tires are also easy to change. HAMM has developed an innovative solution for changing the center tire: This can be quickly replaced via a folding and sliding mechanism without dismantling the other tires.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS | by Charles Rathmann, Technology Editor

Trimble/Ajax Paving

a NO STRINGS ATTACHED: Adopting 3D Control for Asphalt Paving Ajax Paving Industries relies on 3D control from Trimble to meet demanding requirements on mission critical paving projects.

F

lint, Mich.-based Ajax Paving handles both government highway and demanding private asphalt and concrete paving duties from its headquarters and asphalt jobs from a subsidiary in Fort Myers, Fla. The company employs 500, and operates aggregates and aggregate, concrete and asphalt mixes in Michigan and aggregates and asphalt plants in Florida.

Ajax Paving has been involved in marquee projects, ranging from the repair of the Sanibel Causeway following Hurricane Ian, reconstruction of North Port, Fla. roads to pass the coffee cup challenge, the I-275 near Detroit and the Florida I-75 Mega Project. Ajax Paving

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has been named a 2021 Best Contractor to Work For by ForConstructionPros. com. The company has taken a leadership position on environmental stewardship, partnering with Road Forward, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) net zero carbon emission asphalt initiative.

But the company also lead as an early adopter of 3D paving technology, and has since built a program deploying it strategically over a period of what had been, at the time of our December 2022 debriefing with Ajax Paving 3D Paving Manager Jeff Robinson, more than nine years.

3D paving differs from 2D screed control in that it does not just control the elevation of the screed, but can accomplish variable depth paving, quickly changing the depth of the pavement and even the cross slope if needed, as is the case in a super-elevated curve.

In this environment, an array of total stations locks onto receivers on pavers, rollers and milling machines through a prism mounted on each machine. 3D

Ajax Paving relies exclusively on 3D paving for concrete and for mission critical asphalt projects.

paving controls on each machine contain a digital model of the job, enabling the equipment to deliver on the model automatically including slope, crossfall and even compaction density.

This enables a paving contractor to increase quality and increase margin while shrinking the budget, timeline and employee hours.

Some of the benefits come from automating the interaction between the flow of materials to the site, the paver and the compactor. By getting all of these steps to dovetail, the paving crew can achieve a consistent rate of production which in turn results in smoother pavement with less rework and grinding.

“You want to avoid stops as much as possible and changing speeds is nearly always better than stopping,” Trimble General Manager of Civil and Specialty Solutions Kevin Garcia told

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

3D paving differs from 2D screed control in that it does not just control the elevation of the screed, but can accomplish variable depth paving, quickly changing the depth of the pavement and even the cross slope if needed, as is the case in a superelevated curve. ©Kossmoss – stock.adobe.com

ForConstructionPros.com, describing the process for asphalt paving. “The screed floats but a stop lets it sink, driving out the air voids with the weight of the screed. Every time you stop there is a discernable bump in the road.

Oftentimes, you will have to come back and grind that bump—bring out the diamond grinder and grind a high spot, particularly if it is next to a low spot.

These are incurred costs that you may not have budgeted for and may cause you to exceed your buffer.”

The asphalt compactor’s job would seem simpler than that of the paver, but also benefits from 3D technology to monitor the number of passes, degree of compaction and temperature of the asphalt. Too little compaction and the asphalt will contain air pockets, which lead to premature erosion. Too much compaction, as can happen when an operator loses track of the number of passes, they have completed and completes more than is necessary in order to be thorough, and they can crush and break down the aggregate in the asphalt. Overcompaction of asphalt also, according to Garcia, can have a knock-on effect where the paver pulls further and further ahead of the compactor, which must do its job when

38 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2023 ACON0523_36-41_Jobsite_BN.indd 38

asphalt is at the correct temperature.

This causes the paver to stop, which again results in uneven spots that must be milled out.

In concrete, 3D paving leaves very little finishing work to be done. 3D concrete technology can typically control the pan of the machine to a certain elevation and steer the machine to align with the model. This engineers out the string, which is a barrier to operating equipment on the site, and yields results that can help meet conditions required for a smoothness bonus. It is still important for contractors to maintain a uniform delivery schedule for materials with consistent properties from one batch to the next to ensure continuous flow and results. Consistent batch-tobatch properties is important. State department of transportation (DOT) guidance says paver vibrators should be operated between 5,000-8,000 rpm and should run without stops.

ADOPTING 3D PAVING TECHNOLOGY “Nine years ago, maybe even 10 years ago, we started out in the machine control and paving world,” Robinson said. “We weren’t sure which way we were going to go between Trimble, Topcon or Leica. We did a demo between the systems, and at the time, concrete paving was not even something we were doing yet. We weren’t even thinking about it. We were doing asphalt. But then Trimble came to us and asked what we would think about doing some concrete paving—they were doing a beta test. I talked everybody into it at our company and told them we would learn a lot.”

Trimble came on site with Ajax Paving for base testing of the concrete paving and according to Robinson, “Day

3D paving controls on each machine contain a digital model of the job, enabling the equipment to deliver on the model automatically including slope, crossfall and even compaction density.

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4/25/23 1:37 PM

One, we put stringline up with engineers. On the second day, I didn’t put the stringline up and just told them if it worked on Day One, it better work on Day Two. From that day on, we have not put stringline up for a concrete paver. The next year, we went from one machine to 14 machines.

Ajax Paving does not use 3D asphalt paving much on highway projects where they are paid by the ton. On these projects, the asphalt is trimmed to grade.

“Most of it is airports, test tracks, NASCAR and things like that,” Robinson said. “It is more specialty things we do with 3D asphalt.”

The process for these demanding projects has changed radically thanks to 3D technology.

“Back in the day, even before me, when you did an airport runway job, we would put stringline up and trim to fine grade,” Robinson said. "Asphalt would come in and paint it black. Concrete would come in and put their own stringline in and there would be conflicts because the grade was too high or too low. Now we don’t have that. Everybody just kind of comes together in harmony.”

FLOW OF DATA TO BACK OFFICE Data flow should be a two-way street in construction, and just as project requirements go from the field to the back office, data on project and equipment performance can return from the field to drive functions like work in progress reporting, application for payment, quality management, corporate performance management and more.

Ajax Paving relies on the Trimble SCS900 Site Controller software. Using this application, an engineer in the field can quantify progress and manage machine operations. Performance data and as-built data are stored on the device and can be extracted as a .TXT or .DXF file.

©Kossmoss – stock.adobe.com

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS Trimble/Ajax Paving

“We are starting, with the 3D paving equipment, to get some of the quantities and other data off of it,” Robinson said. “The concrete paving equipment lets you download the as-built data, and it tells you the elevations and smoothness so you can calculate international

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roughness index (IRI). We use that quite a bit. We are starting to do a lot more mapping with this data, mapping for quantities. And we are trying to figure out with Trimble how to drive value for this for paving. It is a great tool for the earthworks and the dirt guys. We are still working on it to make it better for the paving world. The mapping part of it works—you can see where you paved and get some rough quantities. I am going to be seeing if we can correlate the paving with the earthworks data to correlate our trimming with our paving together.”

Trimble technology can also operate a multiple-machine production line including pavers and compactors, for optimal results.

“We know the Trimble technology will correlate machines together,” Robinson said. “I have not thought about machines talking, there may be some value to it. We have tried tracking

technologies on our trucks, but because our batch plants are on site, we don’t have very far to move the material.”

FINDING ROI The Ajax Paving 3D program has taken some capital and effort, and it has been up to Robinson to ensure the juice is worth the squeeze.

“It has been profitable,” Robinson said. “Jobs are built faster and quicker with less people. I started off with this from nothing, and now, we are one of the best in the nation with 3D concrete paving and asphalt paving. It has been challenging at moments, but we realize a profit because jobs are built faster, quicker, with fewer people.

This efficiency can help Ajax Paving win business, as can the simple fact that they are using 3D paving.

“The market is competitive, but material prices are the same for

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4/25/23 10:18 AM

everyone,” Robinson said. “Controlling your yield and getting off the job quicker does help you win business.

We are seeing 3D paving required in some RFPs from the big automotive OEMs like Ford, GM, Chrysler and Toyota. We do a lot of the test facilities for the major manufacturers—skid tests, straightaways. There are flatness specifications each manufacturer wants to achieve.”

THE AJAX 3D ARSENAL Across its two locations, Ajax Paving runs an armada of 3D printers to meet owner requirements.

The company runs a fleet of 24 Gomaco concrete pavers in various sizes, and one Gunner paver.

All of Ajax Paving’s asphalt pavers are CAT AP1055s, which are integrated with Cat Accugrade GPS. Asphalt paving machines are replaced or

traded every three years, according to Robinson.

Using this complement of equipment, Ajax Paving can achieve accuracy within a hundredth of an inch for airport projects and has achieved accuracy of about 1 millimeter to meet one test track project specification.

But success is not purchased from the dealer—there are still some skills and good decision making required to achieve optimal results.

DUPLICATING AJAX’S RESULTS “You have to make sure on an asphalt job that you are using a high-density screed to make sure pavement is 92 percent compacted,” Robinson said.

“If it is less compacted, you have rollers trying to achieve accuracy. With concrete we easily achieve that tolerance because it is a one lift application. But it

goes both ways. With an airport project, most runways are concrete and asphalt under that. For automotive pavement, it is most often asphalt. But for concrete, we have done alternative bids internally to determine what is the best strategy to get to the desired outcome.

But success has not come overnight for Ajax Paving, and Robinson advises being in 3D paving for the long haul.

“You want to be dedicated, Robinson said. “Have an individual to champion it. Build a staff. Having great owners that believe technology has also been a success factor for us. We started this endeavor and spent millions and millions of dollars, and they never told us no.”

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MAY 2023 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR 41

4/25/23 10:19 AM

PRESERVATION UPDATE | by Brandon Noel, Editor, Asphalt Contractor

C

Asphalt Drum Mixers (ADM), EX plants

REJUVENATION CONFLATION While the demand for stricter environmental standards grows, RAP piles do too. Policy changes are needed before state and federal projects can accept the higher mix percentages.

T

he road building and asphalt industry continue to feel the push for higher and higher sustainability standards. We want our roads to be made of less embodied carbon, we want to produce the asphalt in greener ways, we want to make the paving and transportation cleaner and more efficient, and, of course, we want our surfaces to last longer. Meanwhile,

42 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2023 ACON0523_42-49_Preservation_BN_BN.indd 42

ever larger piles of RAP sit around, and contractor's hands are tied when it comes to just how much they can include in their mixes for public sector projects. All this while the technology and the research seemingly indicates and supports the reality that mixes with even higher rates of RAP are still capable of meeting quality guidelines and longevity standards.

In a paper authored by current NAPA president Audrey Copeland, she states, "Recycling asphalt pavements became popular in the 1970s due to the high cost of crude oil during the Arab oil embargo. As a result, construction practices and technologies quickly evolved to handle RAP." She goes on to outline the steady and widespread use of increasing RAP in the mix designs for the FHWA

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PRESERVATION UPDATE

for nearly two decades, until the 1990s and the introduction of the Superpave mix design method. During this period, RAP usage in the mixes was largely kept below 15%, because it didn't require any extra testing. But the bell now swings back again, and maybe for good.

"Utilizing greater amounts of RAP [is] a priority in the HMA industry once again," said Copeland. "With changes in construction materials economics, stricter environmental regulations, and an emphasis on green technologies (e.g., warm mix asphalt) and sustainable pavements, the highway community is reassessing the economic and environmental benefits of allowing higher percentages of RAP in premium pavements and asphalt surfaces while also maintaining high-quality pavement infrastructures."

While Copeland's comments were originally directed to a different time period, they still ring true to our current situation. Some believe that it is long overdue for national standards to be implemented on the expanded use of RAP in mix designs. The technology already exists on the market to implement high RAP percentages, all the way up to 100%, theoretically.

WHAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE: SOFTENERS VS REJUVENATORS One of the types of products that make this possible has been in popular use since even before the oil crisis of the 1970s: asphalt additive rejuvenators. The

44 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2023 ACON0523_42-49_Preservation_BN_BN.indd 44

S

first topical rejuvenators, applied to the pavement surfaces came to market 20 years before that, during a time when resources were plentiful. In the mid 1950 the rejuvenator Reclamite was developed out of the work done by Dr. Fritz Rostler and Richard White.

This was a topical rejuvenator, but set itself apart at the time, where most of the surface treatments acted as a sort of "glue" to hold aging pavements together. This was in contrast to what hot mix rejuvenators do, reversing the chemical defects of aged binder and restoring its original properties. However, there are other methods of softening binder and recycling asphalt that work somewhat differently.

"Before the use of additives or rejuvenators, asphalt producers would typically use bump grades to include more RAP and RAS," said Austin Hohmann, Product Manager at Colorbiotics. "For example, if a 58-28 grade of asphalt in the ground is required by the spec, contractors would source a 52-34 and add RAP/ RAS to bring that grade back up to a 58-28. This is how you might traditionally save on costs. Currently, those 52-34 grades are synthetic, and the 58-28 grades are becoming less common. These softer binder grades are sometimes produced via rejuvenator dosing at the terminal and is more of a viscosity modification, or “softening” rather than a 'rejuvenating' process. A viscosity modifier is similar to adding vegetable oil to peanut butter. It makes

the substance softer but doesn’t change the chemistry of the substance."

These methods, though, aren't really capable of handling the higher degrees of RAP content - greater than about 30% - where the standards need to go.

"The idea that folks were using in the past was: if I put more recycled in, then I put in a binder softer and they should counteract each other," said Hassan Tabatabaee, Global R&D Leader for Cargill. "That works up to a certain amount of recycling, but when you go higher than that, it can destabilize the mix, which is where additives like the new generation of recycling agents really come in to stabilize the mix and enhance performance of higher recycled contents mixes."

But if the softeners are able to get close, how are rejuvenators that much different? The real answer to this question lies in the chemical science behind what goes on between the interplay of elements in your asphalt mix. It's a very complex process, and these rejuvenators are able to enact physical changes on the microscopic level. Like a time machine for asphalt binder, it reverses the impact of age. If higher RAP is the future, then chemical rejuvenators will need to be a part of the process.

"There's a degree of softening that is always going to be part of this. With petroleum based additives and oils, however, mix producers generally using a higher amount of the softner oils," Tabatabaee continued. "But with these newer bio-based recycling agents, they are effective at very low dosages, and they have a secondary mechanism in addition to softening, which acts differently."

As asphalt binder ages, molecular gelling occurs, which is the result of oxidation over time. The molecules associate into larger, stiffer, and more rigid structures internally. This makes the bitumen extremely brittle, and less able to be flexible and/or absorb stress without cracking or splitting. Rejuvenator's added ability is to be able to "disassociate" those rigid molecular structures, dealing directly with the issue of brittleness.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

4/26/23 10:44 AM

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PRESERVATION UPDATE

From a case study in Phoenix, laying down ANOVA treated mix.

Provided by Cargill

“Aged asphalt chemically has two interrelated problems,” said Tabatabaee.

“Imbalances in the chemical fractions that are essential to make it work. One of those important fractions concerns the resins that keep heavy polar molecules disassociated. When you age asphalt, you lose these molecular spacers.”

This is what leads to the brittle structuring. Rejuvenators rebalance those fractions with fresh chemical agents. One rough example of this process would be that of how you make a bowl of oatmeal.

If you add all the correct ingredients, but let it sit in the pot too long, everything will start to clump together as the milk evaporates. It will get thicker and thicker.

If you go back and add milk and stir the mixture up, you can achieve a proper and more appealing consistency again. It’s not a perfect example, but it helps illustrate the basic concept.

Rather than softening the entire mixture, these agents directly address the underlying problem, making it much more effective. How they achieve this is pretty incredible.

Hohmann explains how it works, "Colorbiotics products have an Oxirane that is stable up to most chemistry within the asphalt, but only when in contact with acid groups, which arise from oxidation. The oxirane groups react. These acid groups or oxidative sites are the actual cause of asphaltene agglomeration. As more and more of these aged sites arise, the aging speeds up. Rejuvenators chemically react with the oxidized sites to eliminate the asphaltenes from clumping together and reseparate (or redisperse)."

CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS? Rejuvenators are an incredibly useful technological solution in the fight to increase RAP usage and bring down material costs for the producers who can

46 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2023 ACON0523_42-49_Preservation_BN_BN.indd 46

utilize more recycled material in place of the virgin ones. However, not much has been said about their possible limitations, or the conditions under which the products are most effective. How many times can you go back and add milk to the oatmeal? Is there a certain point where the quality of the asphalt inherently breaks down? Are there certain environments where these types of products are more or less effective?

Nobody wants to buy-in on a new product, in this case bio-based rejuvenators, only to find out after the fact, that the region they're located in doesn't have a conducive climate for it. These types of questions are worth asking, and digging into, especially if you've never used bio-based rejuvenators on a first-hand basis. According to Hohmann and Tabatabaee, there's no known limit on how many times the base material can go through the process of rejuvenation.

But in what types of mix design is it best used in?

“The proper rejuvenator can actually work quite well in both HMA or WMA,” Tabatabaee answered. “The incorporation of the rejuvenator will perform in the same manner, and the performance criteria for cracking and rutting resistance are going to be essentially the same as well.”

"Where there is an advantage," he continued. "is where rejuvenators can

actually perform as a compaction aid.

So, they allow you to actually produce a warm mix while you're rejuvenating, you have the potential possibility to kind of hit two birds with one stone in that case."

Rejuvenators can also be successfully used any many different types of mixes from base layers to surface layers, open graded mix to SMA. When contractors are in the market to add these types of products to their production routines, there are a few things to consider, as well.

According to Hohmann, the incorporation of the rejuvenator is dependent on how much asphalt needs to be produced (ton/hour) and/or the mix designs approved for a set RAP usage.

This is based on the customer’s needs and wants. But here are three common ways customers can incorporate a rejuvenator or additive: • Specify at the terminal to add in this material before loading the tank (Done at large mix plants that are limited on production space).

• In-line blending of the rejuvenator in the asphalt before it hits the mix (Fairly common method but requires knowledge and constant monitoring of the mix and feed rates to verify).

• Dose the rejuvenator into the storage tank upon refill (common when a mix facility is looking to use, but doesn’t have the money or influence to do option A or B).

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4/26/23 10:44 AM

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4/26/23 10:44 AM

PRESERVATION UPDATE

HOW MUCH RAP? One of the most revealing things from the research for this article was learning that, in the private sector, RAP usage has already pushed into much higher percentages. States in the northeast, like New York, New Jersey, and even in Virginia, are running between 45-55% RAP mixes while maintaining a high quality criteria.

“The private asphalt industry has made great strides towards commercially implementing higher recycling and rejuvenation into pavements, I think the public sector and the governing regulations have lagged the industry in this case,” said Tabatabaee, “fortunately, the public sector can tap into the industry’s experience and knowledge as they’ve been doing this quite well for quite a while.”

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MAY 2023 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR 49

4/26/23 10:44 AM

THE LAST EXIT | by Sarah Webb, Contributing Editor

Recognizing Women in the Construction Industry Photo provided

by NCCER

I

n celebration of Women in Construction Week, The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) performed interviews with 176 tradeswomen in the U.S. and Canada and analyzed 770 responses to a survey directed to women in the industry. The results have been compiled into a white paper, In Her Own Words: Improving Project Outcomes, which will assist employers with recruiting, hiring and retaining women in craft positions.

“We’ve had an increase in the participation of women in the office and technical aspects, but the participation in the construction trades has been significantly less over the years," said Tim Taylor, director of research for NCCER. "Regarding women simply as a way to make up for the quantity gap in the construction workforce ignores the unique qualities they bring to the jobsite. We decided to go talk with women that are in the industry now and see what their experiences have been,

50 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR MAY 2022 ACON0523_50-52_LastExit_BN.indd 50

why they joined, what they like about the industry and what can be done to get more women involved.”

NCCER’s goal was to go beyond the numbers and statistics that are typically presented in research about women in construction. The white paper highlights the unique benefits women bring to the construction workforce, the obstacles they encounter getting in and staying in the industry and their advice on what contractors can do to recruit and retain more women.

Women also shared their recommendations on how to better recruit and retain women on project sites and, ultimately, in the industry.

They provided guidance on how to tackle obstacles that the industry has worked on for years and brought up other hurdles.

One such example is that many women don't view the construction industry as a viable career option growing up.

"Women are not as aware of the construction industry and the opportunities that are offered to women because it's not something that they're naturally exposed to when they're younger," Taylor said. “The biggest barrier was making women aware of this as a career opportunity at a young age, where they can begin to explore it.

Many of the women we talked with got into the construction industry because their family members were in the industry, and so they had that natural connection. We need to reach out to people whose families are not involved in the industry and talk with them not

only about the opportunities, but also how they can be involved in massive efforts that will be talked about for generations, like the decarbonization of energy sources, electric vehicles and reshoring manufacturing."

Taylor added that, like with any new hires, training is key.

“Providing training to women in the trades is really critical to not only getting them into the industry, but also helping them be successful within the industry," Taylor said. "It can be intimidating coming into an industry that you're not as familiar with. So, having a company that says it give you the training and the tools that you need to do this job as a big boost."

Finally, Taylor noted that while many people traditionally think of men when they think of the construction industry due to the heavy lifting, that isn't necessarily the case anymore.

"One of the project managers we talked with said it best: We did not design this project to be constructed using human muscle power. We designed this project to be constructed with pneumatic power, with hydraulic power, with electrical power, and we have equipment to lift this stuff and put it in place," Taylor said. "We’re doing that out of convenience. We're doing it because it's more productive, and it's safer.”

Women in Construction Week was March 5-11 this year.

For more information visit http://asphalt.com/kk3fi1

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

4/25/23 10:40 AM

© Studio Multiverse | illustration digital building | stock.adobe.com

The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) performed interviews with 176 tradeswomen and analyzed 770 responses to a survey directed to women in the industry to recruit, hire and retain more women in the industry.

2023

State of the Industry Construction Technology Report

© Studio Multiverse | illustration digital building | stock.adobe.com

Start Your Buyer Journey with Valuable Insights

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