Asphalt Contractor June/July 2020

JUNE/JULY 2020

CAUSES & CURES

+

FOR SEGREGATION IN ASPHALT PAVEMENTS

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HOW

DATA & TECHNOLOGY

CAN IMPROVE YOUR CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

SEND US A PICTURE USING A PQI NON-NUCLEAR ASPHALT DENSITY GAUGE AND WIN LUNCH FOR YOUR CREW! We’re traveling to jobsites across the United States, giving attention to the hardworking crews using PQI Non-Nuclear density gauges!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS |

JUNE/JULY 2020

COVER STORY Causes & Cures for Segregation in Asphalt Pavements By identifying where segregation can occur, asphalt producers and paving professionals can work to prevent this problem. | 36 TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

10 Three Keys to Technology Adoption in the Construction Industry Construction contractors who are hesitant to implement new technologies into their business will fall behind.

Want to lead the pack?

Start here.

14 Technology Helps Asphalt Contractors Rethink How They Work Integrating technology into an asphalt paving job can increase your productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.

20 Fleet Management Solutions Can Reduce Soft & Hidden Trucking Costs How an automated jobtracking system can reduce the five main costs in your trucking operation.

PRODUCTION NOTES

24 How to Leverage Data at Your Asphalt Plant for More Efficient Production Automation helps track what’s happening in real time to improve operations.

30 Production Products Plants, baghouses, mixers, dryers, automation systems & more to measure the quality of their asphalt.

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32 Cliff’s Notes This month, Cliff examines reclaimed fuel oil as a burner fuel and rates other burner fuel options.

PRESERVATION UPDATE

58 Update on OSHA’s Silica Dust Rule In 2020, OSHA intends to target roadway construction activities, specifically milling activities, to identify and reduce worker exposure to silica dust; here’s how to comply.

JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

44 Why the Asphalt Industry Should Move to a Balanced Mix Design Using a holistic approach when developing asphalt mixtures will improve pavement performance considerably.

62 Preservation Products Milling machines, reclaimers, infrared equipment & more.

50 Apex Racetrack Construction a “Flat-out” Winner To complete this project, Sunland Asphalt & Construction utilized three pavers, three MTVs, 20 rollers, 50 dump trucks, and a crew of 47 employee owners.

56 Jobsite Products Pavers, rollers, MTVs & more.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8

Editor’s Perspective

66 The Last Exit

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DIGITAL CONNECTION www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

How Dwindling Gas Tax Revenues are Impacting State Transportation Projects

[VIDEO] How Negative Will Construction Fall in 2020?

With the nation driving less due to the Coronavirus pandemic, states are facing significant funding shortfalls. Experts say a Federal bailout is needed.

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The construction industry has taken a hit thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, and the outlook continues to trend negative for the second half of 2020.

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Why a $2 Trillion Federal Infrastructure Package Just Isn’t Enough To truly drive the U.S. economy forward postpandemic, far more than $2 trillion is needed, CG/LA Infrastructure argues. But a change in perception as to what infrastructure really entails must come first.

FAA Awards $1 Billion in Safety and Infrastructure Grants to 439 Airports in 50 States

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A list of grants and interactive map of airports receiving funding details where the $731M in Airport Improvement Program funds and $455M in Supplemental Discretionary grants go.

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

Get social with us! Share pictures of what you’re working with over 27,000 other asphalt contractors on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/ Asphalt.Contractor/

CONTRACTOR LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS LATEST

ASPHALT ASPHALT

JUNE/JULY 2020 Vol. 34, No. 5

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

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

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Published and copyrighted 2020 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 Street, Fifth Floor, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538.

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POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to ASPHALT CONTRACTOR, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, Illinois 60065-3605.

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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CONTRACTOR

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS LATEST LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

JUNE/JULY 2020 • Vol. 34, No. 5

Jessica Lombardo, Editor

Published by AC Business Media

5 Data-Driven Tools to Boost Productivity Knowing more about your construction operations can improve daily operations and business profitability

E

1. AUTOMATION SOFTWARE Things are happening very quickly at your asphalt plant and automated processes and controls are helping to keep everything under control. This also means that data regarding your plant operations is being collected hundreds of times each minute. Forward thinking asphalt producers know there is value to be found in analyzing this data and should invest in their internal data collection, analytics and decision-making processes to act upon data insights in a timely and effective manner.

2. BIM In order to advance our current way of building roads we need to improve innovation, reduce construction risks and map out the entire life cycle of the roadway and Built Information Modeling (BIM) can help: • Provide a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of an infrastructure asset • Aid in developing a precise. data rich, virtual 3D representation of existing and proposed elements belonging to programmed construction projects • Serve as a shared knowledge resource for information about the infrastructure asset • Provides collaboration for various stakeholders at different phases of the life cycle of an infrastructure asset

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Asphalt CONTRACTOR

201 N. Main Street | Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 800.538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS LATEST PROFESSIONALS LATEST www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

Publication Staff Associate Publisher

Cathy Somers csomers@ACBusinessMedia.com

3. TELEMATICS Telematics systems and GPS technologies are not new to the industry, but their widespread a-doption is. Telematics help improve fleet operations in many ways but none more important than helping to eliminate machine downtime.

4. IOT The Internet of Things (IoT) in construction helps keep devices connected and constantly feeding information, not just to stakeholders and workers but also to other devices and objects needed for the completion of any project. Project stakeholders can use that info to make better, more informed decisions about the likelihood to impact project success and meet key performance indicators.

5. AUTOMATION & ROBOTS In 2020, the story will not be technology replacing the workforce but technology empowering the workforce to do their jobs better. Contractors will continue to search for solutions that are employee-friendly and unobtrusive. With the skilled labor shortage showing no signs of slowing down, companies will turn to technology to do more with fewer resources and will hire and train employees to incorporate technology into their work.

Has your company dipped a toe in the new data-driven waters? Let me know at jlombardo@acbusinessmedia.com

ASPHALT CONTRACTOR JUNE/JULY 2020

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CONTRACTOR LATEST PROFESSIONALS LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALTPROFESSIONALS LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT

jLombardo@ACBusinessMedia.com 920.542.1247

ach year, the June/July issue of Asphalt Contractor focuses on technology. While this can be a tough subject for a lot of construction business owners to come to grips with, it’s a conversation they ultimately need to get familiar with if they want to be successful.

Here are five data-driven tools asphalt contractors should look into for 2020 and beyond:

ASPHALT

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Jessica Lombardo jlombardo@ACBusinessMedia.com

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Denise Singsime

dsingsime@ACBusinessMedia.com

ForConstructionPros.com Editor

Larry Stewart

Managing Editor

Kimberly Hegeman

Change of Address & Subscriptions PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 • Fax: 847-291-4816 circ.AsphaltContractor@omeda.com

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At cus cha eve by wh

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At ALmix, we offer a full line of asphalt mixing plants, products and components designed from our customers’ perspective. We take the time to understand your operation—including your goals and unique challeneges—and work with you to customize the optimal solution for your business. Then, we build everything in-house the right way, deliver and assist in the setup of your equipment and continue to stand by your side to provide service and support whenever you need it. Start a conversation with us and find out what you’ve been missing.

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS |

BY JESSICA LOMBARDO, EDITOR

THREE KEYS TO

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Construction contractors who are hesitant to implement new technologies into their business will fall behind. Want to lead the pack? Start here.

I

n our traditionally slow-to-adapt construction industry, many organizations are either unprepared for or overwhelmed by the magnitude of new and emerging technologies.

However, a 2018 report from FMI found that 55% of engineering and construction firms were “actively seeking new technology solutions” at that time,

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while also using technology to more strategically manage organizational risks in areas like resource allocation, productivity and efficiency and also safety. Yet Dodge Data & Analytics in its 2019 study, "Using Technology to Improve Risk Management in Construction," found that 90% of the contractors surveyed “do not specifically budget for innovation.”

This under investment, and let’s face it, lack of interest in technology, is responsible for the slow growth in productivity for our industry. To overcome that, we need to break out of our comfort zones and work towards adapting our workers to embrace these changes.

Once construction contractors are tuned in to the issues their companies

face and are provided with effective solutions, there is no turning back.

Contractors who aren’t interested in falling behind their competition know this and are continually seeking ways to get ahead. For those that aren’t there yet, here are ways to start:

1

IDENTIFY INEFFICIENCIES According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the productivity gap in construction costs the global economy $1.6 trillion annually. That’s number might feel huge and abstract, but the lack of productivity growth affects almost all construction companies and technology adoption will help us be better.

Construction business owners know that time is money and project overruns

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might put better processes in place for communication on jobsites, rethink their design or engineering processes and address labor shortages that often slow projects down.

While all those things can lead to productivity improvements, more advanced technology will continue to play a large role. The right tech and software solutions can make a huge difference in many aspects of a project.

Y

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Most companies who see the highest rates of technology adoption at their company start with a bottom-up approach that engages day-to-day users and builds upon their experiences and insights to create operational shortcuts while fixing broken processes. sturti/ E+

cost them both time and money. And since only 25 percent of construction projects are completed on time, the industry needs to investigate the reasons why overruns occur and find solutions.

Companies can use a variety of approaches and technology to identify areas where they are inefficient and focus on increasing productivity to reduce delays. For example, companies

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DESIGN YOUR IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Once you identify inefficiencies, you may want to go all in on using technology to eliminate them, However, it's important not to let the pressure and need to boost productivity allow you to handle implementation poorly. It may be tempting to introduce several new programs as a means of cycling through technologies to find the right one, but taking commitment away from new technology integration can cause your entire process to fail. If you don't have a full program in place it will be difficult for employees to commit as well.

Keep in mind that technology doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many platforms enable a layered approach to implementation, where the end user can be up and running very quickly. The best technology companies create plans that start with creating a platform that addresses the most painful challenges construction companies face. These are the inefficiencies you identified above. A good tech platform will then proceed with a staged implementation of features that continually build and will eventually allow for ongoing innovations in the field or office.

Companies that successfully implement technology first identify their existing system’s most significant deficiencies, and what’s not working with their current approach, and then layer the introduction of new technology over a period of three to nine months.

3

MAKE SURE TO HAVE EMPLOYEE BUY-IN The technology you purchase is only going to be as good as the employees

that use it. User acceptance is always one of the most difficult challenges to overcome when implementing a new solution, despite the promised benefits and efficiency upgrades. Few people really like change, especially when it disrupts accepted, workable practices and accompanies any measure of downtime or new training procedures.

Most users do not enjoy being forced to move from their comfort zones after years of trial and error with present systems.

Today, the most comp anies who see the highest rates of technology adoption at their company start with a bottom-up approach that engages day-to-day users and builds upon their experiences and insights to create operational shortcuts while fixing broken processes.

This starts with the development of a planning team that thoroughly understands organizational needs and generates company-wide excitement, while dealing with any concerns or disruptions along the way.

Finally, always offer continued training and education. You do not want employees learning something new and then not using the new system for months at a time. Conduct just-in-time training so employees are learning what they need to know, when they need to know it. Make sure your company is also conducting training refresher courses on new technologies and procedures so your employees always know what the latest advancements are that can make their job easier.

Technology implementation in the construction industry should not be painful, time-consuming and disruptive undertaking. Most of today’s applications readily merge with legacy systems to provide widespread information and instant access to accurate, up-to-date client, project and management information from a single, digitized location.

For more information on technology, visit ForConstructionPros. com/21065655.

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS |

BY SHELDON ALLEN

TECHNOLO

Helps Asphalt Contractors Re

Integrating technology into an asphalt paving job can increase your productivity, efficiency and competitiveness

T

he basic components of asphalt paving have not changed much in the past few decades, and still involves the use

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of durable, specialized machines. But with the emergence of technology to improve productivity and quality of results, it is transforming operations, creating greater efficiencies and having a real-time effect on each stage of the operational chain.

Technology is also helping to shape the future of the paving industry, from telematics, process monitoring systems, 3D paving control technology

to thermal mapping and intelligent compaction - all contributing to getting the work done faster, smarter and safer.

EFFICIENT MATERIAL PLANNING & DELIVERY Eliminating paver stops is dependent on the ability to balance laydown with delivery, and it is key to smooth, consistent paving and keeping jobs on track.

Previously, this involved planning, using a paper ticket system with little communication between the plant and jobsite, as a result, visibility and estimated delivery time were a guessing game.

Telematics and process monitoring solutions are allowing material to be delivered

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LOGY

rs Rethink How They Work exactly when it is needed and allows contractors to see the real-time delivery from plant to site along with tonnage.

These new technologies can be linked with apps where site managers can view each cycle time of the truck, whether it’s waiting for pick up, what route it’s taking and if any delays are expected so they can proactively make changes to the paving rate when required.

3D PAVING GETS IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME 3D paving control is the next step in technology and can help achieve the highest smoothness and accuracy levels.

For years this technology has been commonplace on many construction sites and utilized for larger paving jobs such as airports, highways and race tracks, given the tighter tolerances required for these types of jobs. For the rest of the industry it has been a slower adoption rate.

Basic 2D technology

has been a standard for decades and provides a guidance system to achieve the right grade and slope for asphalt pavers. The equipment requires extreme accuracy, ensuring each asphalt layer is paved with the right amount of material. Errors are not an option.

While 2D grade control continues to be used for most work, customers are starting to demand more.

3D technology is continuing to evolve and is starting to see greater adoption in the industry, driving improved machine control at each stage of the construction process. Instead of traditional paint marks on the road surface to indicate the grade and slope on a proposed site, paving control systems use a 3D design to guide the screed from the start of a project to the designed elevation and slope. Enabling paving operators to not only improve efficiency and productivity by eliminating string lines, but resulting in a smoother

surface and greater accuracy, particularly on larger and more complex designs.

UTILIZING INTELLIGENT PAVING SYSTEMS Thermal mapping monitors the surface temperatures of the asphalt using an infra-red camera and a global navigation satellite system. Viewing real-time temperatures, contractors can use devices to identify variations and take action to manage the plant to paver delivery process, fine-tuning their work for more uniform lay-down temperatures.

Thermal mapping uses an infrared camera mounted directly to the machine to monitor pavement temperatures behind the screed and provide real-time information on temperature, which can be stored as data for documentation and future analysis. Material with large temperature variations across the surface, will not yield consistent

density after

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

compaction. Monitoring lay-down temperatures in real-time gives contractors the ability to address thermal segregation issues by changing their paving practices or making necessary adjustments to the equipment.

Paving at the wrong temperature doesn’t just lead to bad results but can impact driving safety and road durability. As a result, this technology is continuing to improve, helping to build durable, longer lasting roads that can properly handle heavy loads and high traffic volumes. Regulations vary depending on geographical region but the industry is starting to see thermal regulation and mapping becoming standard on many projects.

KEEP WORKERS SAFE & MANAGE DISTRACTIONS Paving remains one of the more dangerous professions in the construction industry. There are many factors to consider on a project, from various pieces of equipment operating all at once, to live traffic and often

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small working areas, they all need to be managed to keep workers safe on site.

Machines are now coming equipped with 360 degree vision systems for a bird’s-eye view of the equipment’s surrounding. The transmitted view is put together by stitching multiple camera images into an all-round view for the operator. This can be helpful in reducing blind spots and displaying obstacles that may not usually be in direct vision.

Object detection cameras are now available on equipment direct from the factory, providing operators with a view of what’s happening around their equipment and alerting them of any potentially hazards with proximity warnings and avoidance zone notifications.

Another option for detecting ground personnel are proximity systems. They have high accuracy and repeatability and alert the operator with a visual and audible alarm. Proximity detection systems for personnel work through radio frequency identification technology (RFID) and RFID tags can placed in protective equipment such as hard hats

Embracing technology results in successful project execution, improved customer satisfaction and in many cases, more business wins.

and safety vests and communicate via an antenna on the equipment.

Smart Bands are also becoming more common, used to track employee sleep, syncing to a software program as soon an employee begins their job. It can help model and predict upcoming fatigue risks at the start of a shift, ensuring site managers are aware of individuals operating machines on insufficient sleep.

Safety training can also be customized for paving applications in a controlled and safe environment through virtual reality (VR). These solutions immerse the trainee into a virtual construction site, so the employee learns to interact with coworkers and identify hazards before working on the jobsite.

VR provides a proactive approach as a safe alternative to real world training.

ASPHALT CONTRACTOR JUNE/JULY 2020 www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS Training and technology go handin-hand. It is the key to smooth and safe operations on a paving site, and contractors who see it as an investment in both training and safety will experience greater success in the long run. With the long downtime between seasons, there are plenty of opportunities for operators to tighten their skills, gain confidence, and test new technologies they may have previously been reluctant to try.

Having the right equipment partner is also key. Not only can they help you get the right training for your operators but they can also provide you with insights on the best technology to get the job done.

ELIMINATE PRODUCTIVITY CONCERNS Despite its benefits, many paving contractors are still reluctant to use the technology available to them. But things are slowly starting to shift. Real-time data and telematics are enabling contractors to successfully complete projects using greater accuracy. There is also starting to be more of a focus on ways to attract a younger generation of workers, those who understand that technology can serve as a tool to help them become a better, more efficient operator.

Advancements in GPS, telematics and automation have resulted in projects being built safer, faster, more efficient, with less cost and less risk. Embracing technology

results in successful project execution, improved customer satisfaction and in many cases, more business wins.

Sheldon Allen is the paving and compaction product manager at Finning CAT.

For more information on plant technology, visit ForConstructionPros. com/21104503.

Despite its benefits, many paving contractors are still reluctant to use the technology available to them. But things are slowly starting to shift. Realtime data and telematics are enabling contractors to successfully complete projects using greater accuracy.

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS |

BY TOM BURLINGTON

Fleet Management Solutions Can Reduce Soft & Hidden Trucking Costs

EAS

How an automated job-tracking system can reduce the five main costs in your trucking operation

E

very job is a source of useful information, but what is that information worth? Your bookkeeper can generate a job-costing report that shows whether any specific job made money. But does that report tell you whether or not your next job will be productive? The answer is usually no, and that can be a big problem.

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How can you accurately bid, schedule, and plan jobs without vital productivity and performance data? Job costing reports only on income and expense data, not the costs associated with all operational variables. If you don't have a way to understand those costs, how can you be able to control them?

What you need instead is an automated job tracking system that includes smart quoting, dispatching, and billing functions. Because job tracking software measures and reports on all the quoteto-cash variables in real-time, you have total visibility into jobs costs and progress daily, easy access and understanding of performance trends and averages, and

Driver productivity can be tracked by bringing everything back to a dollar per hour that the driver is generating for the company - for tonnage or per load hauls.

complete digital control of freight and material quoting, truck scheduling and dispatch, sub-hauler management, automated dispatch delivery, billing, driver settlements, driver compliance, and profitability reporting.

Job-tracking data is essential for creating realistic estimates, bids, schedules, and budgets. Running trucks is a complicated business. Integrating a custom telematics solution enables you to make the most of all your assets.

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS Fleet management solutions can digitally transform contractors by improving efficiencies within logistics and boosting the productivity of drivers, dispatchers, and managers.

Most soft costs are hidden costs until they get quantified. These costs can include safety, productivity, downtime, and more. It is essential that these costs get identified and controlled in a trucking company.

5 SOFT OR HIDDEN TRUCKING COSTS There are five main soft or hidden costs that can be a challenge in a trucking operation: • Excess idling is expensive; it wastes fuel and can shorten the life of the equipment. Drivers are happy to idle their trucks to keep warm in the winter or cool in the summer.

To control excess idling, you can set alerts so that the driver and dispatcher are alerted when a driver has idled over a certain period.

• Controlling driver behavior is essential. Alerts and a driver scoring system can grade drivers on things like arriving later than the scheduled time, hard braking, hard accelerating, hard cornering, excess idling, taking longer than allowed at the load or delivery site, stopping between the load and delivery sites. Most of these behaviors waste fuel and decrease the safety of the fleet.

• Driver productivity can be challenging to gauge. It is done by bringing everything back to a dollar per hour that the driver is generating for the company - for tonnage or per load hauls. The drivers' loop times can be assessed in real-time

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and compared with other drivers on the same job. Alerting the driver when they are in excess loading or unloading times will also increase their productivity.

• The beginning and end of the driver's day can be a high hidden cost.

Drivers may arrive early, check-in, and then have a conversation in the shop. Or, after their shift, they may linger in the driver's room before checking out. You can control the beginning and ending of their day by sending a schedule from dispatch to the truck. The device in the truck becomes the driver's timecard. Once the driver logs in, you can begin tracking them as they do their pretrip and head out of the yard. At the end of the day, once the driver arrives back at the yard, you can allow a specific amount of time for their posttrip inspection and fueling, and then you can auto-log them out.

• Helping drivers to be more productive helps them make more money. It is also important that drivers are paid accurately and on-time. By tracking all this information electronically, as it happens, the driver's settlements are correct and timely.

• Most of these problems are solved by using a good telematics system integrated into the dispatch and back office. Getting the scale tickets or bills of lading from the suppliers integrated into the system is fundamental too. Having a fully integrated supply chain helps identify

and control soft and hidden costs.

If a delivery of products and equipment needs to be re-routed or rescheduled, telematics systems have tracking capabilities, allowing them to find alternative routes. Many fleet management systems like these have live map technology that can reduce transit time and fuel usage by providing accurate, more optimal routing based on traffic, weather, road conditions, construction zones, and restricted roads.

Construction equipment is costly and must follow a strict maintenance schedule. Telematics devices help contractors proactively maintain their vehicles by tracking mileage and engine hours. Fleet management software can be set up to monitor maintenance schedules with service reminders, which will reduce vehicle downtime and ensure job schedules can be met.

Some construction equipment is subject to government mandates.

Electronic logging devices measure drivers' time and mileage to ensure truck drivers are staying within their Hours of Service (HoS) requirements.

Relieve drivers from the burden of paperwork, allowing them more time in the field.

Fleet management solutions can digitally transform contractors by improving efficiencies within logistics and boosting the productivity of drivers, dispatchers, and managers.

Construction projects are better managed from beginning to end, providing a competitive advantage while improving bottom line profits.

Tom Burlington is in technical sales at Command Alkon (www.commandalkon. com).

For more information on fleet management, visit ForConstructionPros. com/21083860.

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PRODUCTION NOTES |

BY JESSICA LOMBARDO, EDITOR

How to

LEVERAGE D

at Your Asphalt Plant for More Efficient Production

At the end of the day, the more time you put in to understanding the data your asphalt plant can provide you, the more you will end up getting out of it. Work with software companies to find out where your plant should start investing and obtain onsite training for your data packages to get the most out of your investment.

Astec, Inc.

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5/19/20 3:06 PM

E DATA

Automation helps track what’s happening in real time to improve operations

I

t’s no secret: Data is today’s most valuable commodity. Recent reports have shown we have created 90% of the world’s data in the past year, but we are only using 1% of that data effectively.

And that percentage is probably even less in the construction industry.

The construction industry is an industry notorious for lagging years behind in terms of technology. However, making use of data and the solutions it provides will start to separate industry leaders from the rest of the pact. At the asphalt plant especially, efficiently monitoring data can help save asphalt producers time and money daily while also helping prevent catastrophic shutdowns.

The problem, however, is where do asphalt producers even begin to get their arms around data management.

“Often you hear everybody's getting pounded with data,” Ted Christian, strategic account manager with WEM Automation says. “Everybody will tell you that they've got an access to an enormous amount of data at their fingertips now but they don't know what to do with it. What they need to know is how they can gather meaningful data that can change how they operate their plant from the reports that are available to them and that starts with looking at what problems you’re trying to solve at the plant and then analyzing the data based on that.”

n

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PRODUCTION NOTES

To get the most out of the data available to you at your asphalt plant, automation companies suggest asphalt producers start looking at their operations day to day and looking at their pain points to seeing how can data kind of help them sort through and overcome those challenges.

“Monitoring data allows operations to run their plants for peak performance, profitability and safety,” Ken Cardy, president of Libra Systems says.

“The plant’s Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) can also be calculated to help management visualize and eliminate equipment losses and waste.”

DATA TARGETS WHERE WASTE IS HAPPENING Reducing waste at your asphalt plant is paramount to saving your company time and money. Reductions in raw materials used (whether it is aggregate and asphalt, burner fuel or equipment fuel) means plant owners can buy less to produce the same amount of material.

These savings should go directly to the bottom line for any producer. Accurate orders, limiting the number of mix changes and knowing plant timing will all reduce waste generated every day you produce asphalt mixtures.

Data management can help with all those things.

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“With automated processes, on site inventories become much easier and much more quantifiable,” Christian says. “Data management tools can then help bring greater reconciliation to inventory management.”

Another data point that can help identify and reduce waste is in monitoring energy usage.

“These asphalt plants run a lot of horsepower so if you measure how much you're spending on fuel by monitoring fuel consumption, you can track your input costs,” Christian adds. “More and more data can help determine where fuel costs increase and why.”

Christian says that many software manufacturers generate reports for their clients that specifically focus on reducing and eliminating waste by drilling down to the specifics. That means asphalt plants can use data to measure their moisture contents in relation to fuel consumption and use the reports to find other areas where their plant may be generating unnecessary waste.

IMPROVE SAFETY & REDUCE DOWNTIME While reducing waste is a huge opportunity for producers to save money, data provided by plant automation can help improve operational efficiencies which will also positively impact your bottom line.

Software manufacturers know their systems inside and out and can help producers create data dashboards to help them get the most out of the data coming in and to help them generate the most meaningful reports.

“One of the things data tries to do is create process enhancement and behavioral change,” Christian says. “What data does, is it creates trends surrounding your asphalt plant and those trends can give you the ability to spot performance issues and the ability to plan scheduled maintenance before a bigger problem occurs.”

In addition, Christian says the Internet of Things, coupled with the increase to the remote access of data, is improving how producers get data into the hands of people that need it quicker, allowing for faster troubleshooting. This not only prevents catastrophic breakdowns, but also allows producers to schedule around their maintenance needs.

“By tracking the run-time of each piece of equipment, maintenance or calibration can be performed proactively, rather than reactively,” Cardy says. “Plant downtime can then be scheduled; not forced.”

UNDERSTAND THE DATA While all the data in the world is great, it means nothing if no one is tasked with interpreting it. Asphalt producers

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PRODUCTION NOTES Reducing waste at your asphalt plant is paramount to saving your company time and money. Accurate orders, limiting the number of mix changes and knowing plant timing will all reduce waste generated every day you produce asphalt mixtures. Data management can help with all those things.

need to take the time to invest in understanding the data that is available to them and how it can improve their operations.

“Whatever control system it is that you're using, the first thing you need to do is have a good depth in depth understanding of the functional capabilities of your reporting package,” Christian says. “Producers need to have full functional knowledge and understanding of what they have available to them, what other data they may have access to and how to extract it.”

Software manufacturers know their systems inside and out and can help producers create data dashboards to help them get the most out of the data coming in and to help them generate the most meaningful reports.

“Dashboards help to make the data more digestible by showing it in more manageable ways, but that means nothing without a full understanding of your package capabilities,” Christian adds.

At the end of the day, the more time you put in to understanding the data

your asphalt plant can provide you, the more you will end up getting out of it.

Work with software companies to find out where your plant should start investing and obtain on site training for your data packages to get the most out of your investment. If all you see are dollar signs laid out before you when you look at automation packages and are unable to get past the investment expense, your plant may not be ready to make the leap. However, those that do will continue to be ahead of their competition.

“By using automation tools and assessing data, many asphalt producers have reduced their material margins to a bare minimum,” Cardy says. “Some producers question the return on investment,

however for those that implement data management solutions, you could never take it away from them. They rely heavily on the data to run their daily operations at peak production and efficiency.”

However Cardy says there is still potential for producers to learn more about their asphalt plants to improve operations.

“There is a yet-untapped area that can be optimized for greater profitability – fleet management & asset tracking,” he says. “Asset management solutions that integrate with the rest of your product suite can help producers realize these additional revenues.”

If you’re at a loss for how to reach any data-focused goals, maybe a move you make in 2020 is to dedicate time to the task or maybe hire someone equipped to build and oversee your company’s technology initiatives. As an industry, we’ve seen the changes that can happen in a few short years. Don’t wait until the next big changes comes around to try to catch up. You may not be able to.

For more information on asphalt plant efficiency, visit ForConstructionPros. com/10305570.

While reducing waste is a huge opportunity for producers to save money, data provided by plant automation can help improve operational efficiencies which will also positively impact your bottom line.

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Tessera e-Ticketing Job Ticketing & Management Software In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the need for a digital ticketing solution has emerged to help social distancing compliance for weighmasters, truck drivers, job foreman, and inspectors.

PRODUCTION NOTES B2W Software Upgrades Schedule’s Trucking Management Capabilities B2W Software has added new capabilities within its B2W Schedule application to assist contractors in managing trucking orders and assignments with online visibility and real-time agility. • Schedulers and dispatchers can assign, view and modify truck requirements and deliveries being fulfilled by their own fleets and by outside, third-party contractors • Provides a centralized view of resource needs and assignments, equipment moves, material orders and trucking requirements • Users access the system from desktop, laptop or mobile tablet devices and customize one-day, multi-day or multi-week views • Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts • Map View uses GPS and telematics data to validate the location of resources www.ForConstructionPros.com/21130790

Tessera e-Ticketing is an add-on to Tessera available in two formats: email ticketing and a mobile app (coming summer 2020).

e-Ticketing Highlights A PDF version of each ticket is emailed to the truck driver, job foreman, and job inspector The truck driver can sign off the ticket when arriving on the job site by just clicking on a link in the email A load dumped notification email can optionally be sent to the job foreman and/or inspector The job foreman and the inspector can also sign off the ticket Ticket status and reports are available locally at the plant showing which tickets have been signed off and by who The mobile app will provide a dedicated interface, cloud access, GPS tracking, comprehensive reporting, & notification features

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Astec Inc. Versa Jet Burner

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Ideal for retrofit applications or anytime versatility is required, the Astec Inc. Versa Jet Burner features an adaptable design is compatible with virtually all drum designs without complicated drum modifications. • One versatile platform can be quickly configured to fire at 25, 35 or 50MM BTU/hr • Highly adaptable burner combines three burner packages in one platform which can be easily adapted for the system at the install site • The unique platform of the Astec Versa Jet burner permits quick delivery and setup which minimizes downtime while maximizing profitability • Streamlined design ensures that these burners are ready to ship to your site quickly and can be installed with minimal modifications needed • 25, 35, and 50MM BTU/hr • Low power – All 3 models are 25 hp

Asphalt Drum Mixers (ADM) redesigned the EX 120 asphalt plant as a solution for producers who need a portable counterflow plant that can process high percentages of RAP. • Single-drum counterflow technology with separate drying and mixing zones • 120-tph unit meets all federal/state emission regs • Can process as much as 50% RAP • Shorter length makes the plant even easier to transport, while taking up even less space on the job site, making it the ideal asphalt plant for remote and demanding locations worldwide • One-person operation • Customized components include cold feed bins, hot oil asphalt cement tanks (both horizontal and vertical), direct-fired horizontal cement tanks, portable and stationary baghouses, mineral filler systems, RAP systems, more

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PRODUCTION NOTES |

BY CLIFF MANSFIELD

Cliff ’s Notes

RFO

RFO condensables stream down an exhaust stack at a new facility.

AS A BURNER FUEL?

Aside from initial cost, are there any reasons to use reclaimed fuel oil as burner fuel?

A

s I travel around our great country visiting asphalt plants some very important questions arise. One question I am often asked is, “What is the best burner fuel to use in my plant?” In reality, the answer to this question is complex. So I will rate the fuels "Best to Worst" in each category:

EMISSIONS

Reason

Result

1- Natural Gas

Very Clean Burning

Easy to be DEQ Compliant

2- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Very Clean Burning

Easy to be DEQ Compliant

3- Propane

Very Clean Burning

Easy to be DEQ Compliant

4- Diesel

Not Clean Burning

Harder to be DEQ Compliant

5- Reclaimed Fuel Oil (RFO)

Very Dirty Burning

Very Hard to be DEQ Compliant*

COST per TON

Reason

Result

1- Reclaimed Fuel Oil (RFO)

Cheapest Fuel to acquire.

Fuel of Choice for Bean Counters*

2- Natural Gas

Cheap & Clean

Best Choice for Owners

3- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Cheap & Clean

Choice of Owners who can’t get NG

4- Propane

Cheap & Clean

Choice of Owners who can’t get NG

5- Diesel

Expensive & Dirty

Choice of almost no one

COST LONG TERM

Includes Maintenance

1- Natural Gas

Very LOW Long Term Operational Costs

2- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Very LOW Long Term Operational Costs

3- Propane

Very LOW Long Term Operational Costs

4- Diesel

Higher Long Term Operational Costs

5- Reclaimed Fuel Oil (RFO)

Highest Long Term Operational Costs*

* RFO is a very dirty fuel. It is composed of re-refined motor oils, transformer oils, gear oils, literally any oil that the refiners can put into it. Sometimes this can include components that simply can’t be burned. Things like antifreeze often get included.

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c t b

s an k at a

*

s* NG NG

So you ask, what problems are associated with RFO? 1. Very dirty fuel. Sulfur content is high.

A. High sulfur content causes bags to rot in baghouse.

B. Sulfur also corrodes the tube-sheet and walls in your baghouse.

2. Almost impossible to pass an EPA Method 202 test during a stack test.

A. High particulate content readings in Method 202 test for Condensable.

B. Dirty components in fuel are read as particulate emissions in the "back half." If the emissions limit for particulate is .02 and your baghouse emissions are .015, a high reading on the "back half" will cause you to fail a Stack Test.

Not good!

3. Every plant operator who’s used RFO has stories about when they couldn’t light the burner.

A. Contaminated fuel is common.

Many hours of production is lost due to bad fuel.

B. Ancillary equipment like fuel oil heaters occasionally cause failures.

C. Life of fuel pump and regulator is shortened due to heat and contamination.

4. Burner maintenance is also increased.

Dirty fuel eats filters and plugs nozzles in the burner.

If you take these issues into consideration, initial cost is the only reason to use RFO. Personally I have never been a fan of RFO, but it takes a lot more than my opinion to get companies to move away from it. Especially in portable plants. Cost drives everything in asphalt production. Following this train of thought, I would ask that plant managers consider the long-term costs of RFO. Maintenance costs. Air quality costs in terms our kids’ future.

Our future.

These things are why I really believe that after critical analysis, plant owners should move away from RFO and on to cleaner burner fuels. Portable plants have options these days that weren’t available to me when I was running plants on a daily basis. Now LNG is available, and propane. These fuels were much more difficult to get just fifteen years ago. But now those options are easily attainable.

It is my opinion that the best over-all fuel for any asphalt plant is natural gas, LNG or propane. These fuels are the cleanest operating and require the least maintenance to operate over the long term.

Cliff Mansfield operates C.M. Consulting, an asphalt repairing, upgrading and operational training company that regularly converts plants from RFO. For a cost analysis on converting a plant to LNG or propane, feel free to call or text 541490-4269. Visit hotplantconsulting.com for more information.

For more information on burner tuning, visit ForConstructionPros. com/12297733.

Portable LNG and propane tanks are readily available.

RFO condensables on the inside clean air side of a new baghouse. Less than 2,000 tons from start-up. The burner is properly tuned.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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AND YOU KNOW WE DO THIS...

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS |

BY JESSICA LOMBARDO, EDITOR

for Segregation in Asphalt Pavements By identifying where segregation can occur, asphalt producers and paving professionals can work to prevent this problem

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H

ot mix asphalt mixtures that are properly designed, produced and placed provide a durable, long lasting pavement that requires very little maintenance. However, there are several potentially damaging problems that can occur in the design, production and placement of hot mix paving mixtures.

One of these issues that will eventually lead to a faster deterioration of the

Segregation in asphalt has detrimental effects on the final performance of a roadway. The pavement will have reduced fatigue life, rutting, raveling and moisture damage. These effects can cause a severe reduction in pavement life.

While there are many of causes for segregation, there are also many ways to avoid it.

ASPHALT CONTRACTOR JUNE/JULY 2020 www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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roadway is segregation. Segregation is a frequently recurring problem that has caused concern within the paving industry for decades and receives widespread attention by contractors, state highway departments and equipment manufacturers.

While there are many reasons that segregation of asphalt mixtures can occur, there are also many ways to prevent them. Identifying problem areas that can lead to mat segregation will help you prevent the problem from happening down the road.

production process. As with segregation at the quarry, keeping stockpiles at the asphalt plant in good condition will help reduce segregation during the paving process.

Segregation in stockpiles can also occur for these reasons: 1. Poor Loader Management: When loading from a segregated stockpile, the loader operator will attempt to blend material from the fine and coarse portions. This is best

SEGREGATION AT THE QUARRY Since segregation is caused by aggregates breaking from the binder prior to laydown, it makes sense that segregation issues can start at the quarry. Aggregates that are meant to be all one size can be altered based on how the materials are handled. There are four main areas at the quarry that can be the cause of segregation: 1. Aggregate Piles: The outside edges of these piles can be coarser than the inside which tends to be finer as it contains material that has been built by the stacker. For this reason, piles should be blended to mix the outside edge material with the material in the middle prior to loading trucks.

2. Pile Height: Materials that are being stacked too high with the loader will become even more coarse as the material is constantly rolling down the pile to the outside edge. Keep piles small.

3. Avoid Ramps: Building ramps can cause the materials to “ribbon segregate” as it’s pushed off the end of the ramp and hits the ground which can lead to coarser material.

4. Storage Silos: Depending on the silo diameter, outside edge material can become coarse as the silo is filled.

When the silo is emptied, gradations change and become coarser.

There is a tendency for material to be deposited in a single pile when loading.

This causes coarse material to accumulate in the front, back and to the sides of the truck. Therefore, do not load in one continuous drop and instead use the threedump method to avoid large particle run-off.

Stockpiling material is a vital part of the asphalt production process and materials need to be handled appropriately to avoid segregation down the road.

SEGREGATION IN STOCKPILES Although placing product in a stockpile can endanger its quality, stockpiling material is a vital part of the asphalt

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accomplished by drawing the material evenly from the edge of the pile perpendicular to the belt, thereby loading material from both the front and back face. Loading exclusively from either the front or back face of the stockpile will result in loads that are overly fine or overly coarse.

Careful and even loading can prevent further overrun segregation.

Aggregate piles should also not be driven on as to avoid contamination and degradation.

2. Uneven Stockpile Layering: The formation of a continuous layered stockpile will reduce the effects of segregation and eliminate the need to reblend the base before shipment.

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Stockpiles can be built manually or using stackers and each method has their advantages. Manual loading requires no special equipment, but there are more changes for segregation to occur while stackers and conveyors can reduce segregation but are also much more expensive.

3. Moisture Management: Keeping stockpiles clean and dry are two important steps to avoiding segregation. Stockpiles should be sloped to allow for proper drainage from the pile. If it is not possible to cover stockpiles, loader operators need to be sure to pull from the drier end of the pile and never from the top.

Keeping stockpiles clean and dry are two important steps to avoiding segregation. Stockpiles should also be sloped to allow for proper drainage from the pile.

SEGREGATION AT THE ASPHALT PLANT Besides the stockpile, there are several other places at the plant where segregation can occur.

1. In the Feed Bins Cold feed bins may not be feeding uniformly which can lead to segregation. Consider blending or mixing the face of the bin before filling the load bucket. Any minor amount of stockpile segregation in

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

the bin is usually eliminated with this approach.

Care should also be taken to make sure the right material is fed into the bin. Since loader operators are completing repetitive movements all day, there is a higher chance for them to put the wrong material in the bin.

2. In the Drum Mixer The drum is paramount to the result of the mixture being consistent and any buildup on mixing flights can interfere with the tumbling action in the drum. This creates segregation as large stones will consistently roll to one side in the mixing chamber.

Feed from the drum to the slat should be at 90° to assist with the remixing of the materials. If feeding occurs in line with the drum, the mix

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can become coarser or finer on one side depending on the effectiveness of the mixing chamber.

3. At the Slat Conveyor There can be also segregation at the slat conveyor if material is not being fed in a consistent manner. As mentioned above, be sure the feed is at 90° at the transfer feed as to avoid larger materials rolling to the outside at transfer points.

You also want to make sure slats are tall enough and moving fast enough to keep up with the production rate. Slats that run to fast can cause segregation as larger stones flip to the outside of the transfer point. Finally make sure material is not rolling over the top of the slat.

Finally, be sure there is no mixing flight or tips that can create dams and spots where segregation can occur.

4. At the Batcher The batcher is paramount to avoiding segregation. To help mitigate segregation at the batcher, always ensure there are no holes in the batcher gates or walls and that the batcher gates are closed all the way so that mix cannot trickle into the silo.

When loading from a segregated stockpile, the loader operator will attempt to blend material from the fine and coarse portions. This is best accomplished by drawing the material evenly from the edge of the pile perpendicular to the belt, thereby loading material from both the front and back face. Loading exclusively from either the front or back face of the stockpile will result in loads that are overly fine or overly coarse.

ASPHALT CONTRACTOR JUNE/JULY 2020 www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

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•I If you have a timed batcher, it should be adjusted so that the batcher fills up completely regardless of the production rate so that the batch will be as large as possible. Volumetric batchers should have paddles adjusted to collect as large of a mass of material as possible.

When loading from the drag conveyor into the batcher it is best to load directly into the center in a downward drop. If the mixture has a horizontal trajectory component, segregation will occur in the batcher itself as coarse particles tend to be slung to the far side of the batcher. The resulting pattern of segregation will appear as a coarse line of segregation on one side of the mat.

Finally, storage silos should generally be kept at least one-third full to keep the mix hot and to avoid segregation.

SEGREGATION DURING LOADOUT Loading trucks incorrectly will undoubtedly lead to segregation in the mat. When loading, be sure you’re not emptying the cone of the silo as this will inevitably result in a coarse mix.

There is a tendency for material to be deposited in a single pile when loading. This causes coarse material to

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accumulate in the front, back and to the sides of the truck. Therefore, do not load in one continuous drop and instead use the three-dump method to avoid large particle run-off. First, load against the bulkhead then the tailgate and finally the middle. When the load is then deposited in the paver after this loadout method, the coarse material is the first and last to be deposited in the paver.

The truck should also not creep forward during loading which can cause running segregation in the truck bed.

SEGREGATION DURING PAVING Segregation during paving occurs as a result of hopper operation, auger speed and disruptions in paver movement.

Here’s how to avoid them.

1. At the Hopper: Failure to fold the hopper wings in frequently during the paving operation can cause both gradation problems and temperature segregation.

2. At the Auger: Failure to keep the ends of the cross screws full during paving causes larger rock to fall along the longitudinal edges of the mat

Segregation is a frequently recurring problem that has caused concern within the paving industry for decades and receives widespread attention by contractors, state highway departments and equipment manufacturers.

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3. Inconsistent Operation: Keep the paver speed consistent and do not allow the hopper to run empty between truck loads; always try to keep the hopper at least 1/3 of the way full.

Segregation in asphalt has detrimental effects on the final performance of a roadway. The pavement will have reduced fatigue life, rutting, raveling and moisture damage. These effects can cause a severe reduction in pavement life. While there are a lot of causes for segregation, there are also a lot of cures. Keep this article handy to help ensure a high-quality pavement that’s free from the effects of segregation.

F

For more information on mix segregation, visit ForConstructionPros. com/10300321.

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ALL THINGS CONSTRUCTION, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. • Digital issues • Spec guides • Construction news • Industry directories • Video network • Featured articles • And more!

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS |

BY JESSICA LOMBARDO, EDITOR

Why the Asphalt Industry Should Move to a

Balanced Mix Design

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Using a holistic approach when developing asphalt mixtures will improve pavement performance considerably

T

he history of asphalt mix design has changed significantly over the years with the goal always to create stable and durable pavements.

Today, asphalt mixtures are primarily designed under the Superpave system,

but since its implementation many state DOTs have indicated that distresses such as cracking and raveling have become the primary factor controlling the service lives of asphalt pavements.

Mixtures designed with too much asphalt may be susceptible to rutting, while those with too little asphalt are prone to cracking, raveling and other durability related pavement distresses.

Consequently, DOTs adjust their mix design requirements from the AASHTO Superpave mix design standards to improve the durability

of their mixes. However, a growing awareness of the shortcomings of the Superpave mix design system has led to many people from all parts of the asphalt pavement community to seek a new approach to asphalt mix design.

As a result, there has been more of a shift to using a balanced mix design (BMD) approach that focuses on designing asphalt for performance and not just meeting the specified volumetric recipe. And because achieving balanced mixture performance is key to a longlasting pavement, it’s crucial to know what these mixes are and how they will benefit the industry moving forward.

WHY DOES BMD MATTER? This new era of mix design promises to result in longer lasting asphalt pavements, something all asset owners can agree is needed. The catalyst for change started with the recognition that some asphalt pavements have not performed to expectations even though they met the project’s specifications.

The word “balanced” in balanced mix design infers that the mixture will have good resistance to rutting and cracking. The end goal is to produce a mix performance test simple enough so that every asphalt lab can perform them, but also one where the results are demonstrably related to the mixture’s resistance to the distress. Just because we can measure a mix characteristic does not mean that characteristic is a good indication of performance.

Momentum for BMD is evident by the number of workshops, webinars,

Mixtures designed with too much asphalt may be susceptible to rutting, while those with too little asphalt are prone to cracking, raveling and other durability related pavement distresses.

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training classes, research projects and pilot projects that now have a focus on BMD. Day to day conversations among asphalt technologists in labs and offices across the country now center on how to implement BMD tests in mix design and quality control and quality assurance testing.

BMD DEFINED To move the BMD conversation forward, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) initiated Project NCHRP 20-07/ Task 406 to assist in the Development of a Framework for Balanced Mix Design. According to the report, the objective of this research was to develop a framework that addresses alternate approaches to devise and implement balanced mix design procedures incorporating performance testing and criteria. The framework was to be presented in the format

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of an AASHTO specification and recommended practice and shall encompass a wide variety of testing procedures and criteria.

Over the past few decades, numerous performance tests have been developed by different researchers to evaluate the rutting resistance, cracking resistance and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. From all this data, the Task Force identified three potential approaches to the use of BMD: 1. Volumetric Design with Performance Verification: This approach starts with the current Superpave mix design method for determining the optimum asphalt binder content.

In this method, the mixture is sometimes tested using selected performance tests to assess its resistance to rutting, cracking and moisture damage. If the mix design meets the performance test criteria,

the job mix formula (JMF) is established and production begins; otherwise, the entire mix design process is repeated using different materials (e.g., aggregate or asphalt binder) or mix proportions until all of the performance criteria are satisfied. This is the most common approach currently in use by state highway agencies.

2. Performance-Modified Volumetric Mix Design: This approach begins with the Superpave mix design method to establish a preliminary aggregate structure and binder content.

The performance test results are then used to adjust either the binder content or mix component properties and proportions (e.g., aggregates, asphalt binders, recycled materials and additives) until the performance criteria are satisfied. For this approach, the

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final design is primarily focused on meeting performance test criteria and may not be required to meet all of the Superpave volumetric criteria.

3. Performance Design: This approach establishes and adjusts mixture components and proportions based on performance analysis of cracking and rutting tests, with limited or no requirements for volumetric properties. Minimum requirements may be set for asphalt binder and aggregate properties.

Once the laboratory test results meet the performance criteria, the mixture volumetrics maybe checked for use in production. This approach is not used by state highway agencies at this time but could be a viable option.

In short, a BMD will incorporate two or more performance tests such a rutting test and a cracking test to assess how well the mixture resists common forms of

distress and makes sure the right mix is used for each job, every time.

Based on the survey results and a literature review, NCAT developed a framework for BMD in the form of a draft AASHTO standard practice and standard specification. Agencies may select the performance tests of their choice for rutting resistance, cracking resistance and moisture susceptibility.

HOW ARE STATES IMPLEMENTING BMD? As a result of this research, a number of highway agencies have started to either explore or adopt approaches to BMD and others are investigating cracking tests for integration into their mix design requirements. Some of the states that have significant experience with BMD are Louisiana, New Jersey, California and Texas. These locations are moving from a volumetric mix design methodology to a BMD.

“Contractors need options to innovate and remain competitive, and a balanced mix design approach gives them that.�

Over the past few years, the Louisiana DOT has worked to improve conventional asphalt mixtures with the development of a BMD specification.

Louisiana asphalt mixtures are typically rut resistant and the balanced approach commonly results in increased asphalt contents.

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Research found that mixes that were designed and tested using the Hamburg Rutting Test (HWTT) based on 2013 BMD specs showed equivalent or better HWTT results compared to previous mix designs, indicating that the modification did not appear to affect the rutting resistance of the mixtures.

In addition, mixtures that contained polymer-modified binders showed better results as compared to those with unmodified binders.

As a part of this testing, 11 mixtures were evaluated for rutting performance using HWTT per AASHTO T 324.

Tests were conducted at 50°C for a total of 20,000 passes. Fracture resistance potential was assessed with the SCB-Jc test at 25°C. The researchers indicated that most mixtures designed according to the 2006 and 2013 specifications performed well in the HWTT. A 10 mm HWTT criterion at 20,000 passes was used for mixtures containing

Mixtures that contained polymermodified binders showed better results as compared to those with unmodified binders.

unmodified PG 64-22 binder, while a 6 mm criterion was used for modified binders. The 11 mixtures designed according to the 2013 specification showed equivalent or better HWTT results, indicating that the modification did not appear to affect the rutting resistance of the mixtures. In addition, mixtures that contained polymermodified binders showed better results as compared to those with unmodified binders.

New Jersey, faced with a deteriorating transportation infrastructure, decreasing transportation funding and increasing traffic conditions began to implement a performance-based asphalt mixture design system for their “special asphalt mixtures” in 2006. Each of

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s

these performance-based mixtures is required to undergo performance testing during mix design, test strip and project construction phase to ensure the produced mixture achieves the desired performance for the specific pavement structure.

Three asphalt mixture performance test methods were utilized to test the New Jersey performance-based specification: • Asphalt Pavement Analyzer, AASHTO T 340: Determining Rutting Susceptibility of Hot-Mix Asphalt Using the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer; • Flexural Beam Fatigue, AASHTO T 321: Determining the Fatigue Life of Compacted Hot-Mix Asphalt Subjected to Repeated Flexural Bending; and • Overlay Tester, Tex-248-F: Test Method for the Overlay Test.

Field performance data since then

indicates that all mixtures performed exceptionally well, and in some cases performed better than conventional NJDOT asphalt mixtures. As the performance-based mixtures have become more widely accepted and the methodology of design and production becomes more efficient, NJDOT plans to implement some form of performance-based specifications for all asphalt mixtures.

THE FUTURE OF BMD LOOKS BRIGHT With research leaning towards the use of BMD growing by the day, the industry should look to implement this mix approach in the near future. Contractors need options to innovate and remain competitive and a BMD approach gives them that. By removing volumetric limitations and allowing for innovation instead of sticking to outdated specs, pavement can be designed to last

W H AT ’ S YO U R

longer, be more sustainable and even cost less. BMD allows for the agency and contractor to partner in pavement design innovations to further the life of asphalt pavements and extend our infrastructure funding throughout the country.

Recognizing this, many DOTs and contractors are realizing the benefits of BMD and are working toward implementation. Contractors who are stakeholders in the world of asphalt pavements should be involved in process to fill in the gaps of the BMD framework and continue the work to make our roads more durable and sustainable.

For more information on mix design impact on mat life, visit ForConstructionPros. com/10658939.

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS |

BY ALLAN HEYDORN, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Apex Racetrack Construction a “Flat Out” To complete this project, Sunland Asphalt & Construction utilized three pavers, three material transfer vehicles, 20 rollers, 50 dump trucks and a crew of 47 Sunland employee owners running continuously

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D

espite its 40 year tenure in business and growing list of maintenance and construction services, Sunland Asphalt & Construction has only begun pursuing what Michael Baer, Sunland’s national accounts division manager, terms “specialty” work.

If the job constructing a racetrack at Apex Motor Club is any indication, the move into specialty work is paying off because construction of the racetrack – Sunland’s first effort at building a track from the ground up – has won Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction magazine’s Paving: Non-Parking Lot Award for 2020.

To complete this project, Sunland utilized three pavers, three material transfer vehicles, 20 rollers, 50 dump trucks and a crew of 47 Sunland employee owners running continuously.

THE APEX TRACK The Apex Motor Club in Maricopa, AZ is a unique social environment for auto enthusiasts where members have exclusive access to the private race track to drive at their leisure. Created for drivers of all experience levels and vehicle types, this project was designed by award winning race track designers from Motorsports Service International and was built

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SAVE THE DATE Join National Pavement Expo as we return to the Music City Center in Nashville, TN January 20-23, 2021. NPE brings vendors and contractors together who make their living from asphalt and concrete paving, sealcoating, striping, sweeping, crack repair, pavement repair, and snow removal to network with other paving professionals. Don’t miss the perfect opportunity to check out the latest products and make valuable connections through fun events and networking opportunities at National Pavement Expo.

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Sunland Asphalt & Construction celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019. As an ESOP company, its 580 employee owners work throughout the country with a focus on Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

to world-class racing standards, otherwise known as the FIA standards.

The project scope included a 2.3-mile circuit with a 3,400-ft. straightaway, as well as a helicopter landing pad. Solterra Materials, Sunland’s sister materials company, designed and supplied over 16,000 tons of specially formulated asphalt, specifically for the Apex track.

Eventually the Maricopa site will have condo garages, a shooting range and plans are already underway to build a two additional tracks on site.

“Our team did an amazing job.

It was an all-hands-on-deck project approach and we had crews from various disciplines in our Phoenix, Public Works, Civil Tucson, Colorado, Nevada, and our New Mexico divisions come together to make this successful,” Baer says. “We pride ourselves on partnering with our customers and our partnership with Apex was no exception. We were involved from the beginning to provide feedback of the design, what the crosssections were going to be and the materials for construction.”

The track was paved in two lifts: a 2-in. base and a 1-in. surface lift. Surface tolerance for the project was 1/8 in. on a 16-ft. straightedge.

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GOOD SUBGRADE & ECHELON PAVING Construction of the base, fine grading, and placement of 45,000 tons of recycled concrete base course was meticulously groomed

by Sunland’s Civil Division. “We really made sure the subgrade for this project was solid and graded properly. We spend a lot of time perfecting the subgrade because whatever material you lay on top of it will follow the subgrade. So, for good paving in general, the better the subgrade, the better the paving,” Baer says.

Once the subgrade was in place, Sunland utilized a technique called echelon paving, which is the practice of paving multiple lanes of an asphalt roadway, side by side with the adjacent paving machines offset. Baer says the echelon paving technique ensures the smoothest possible surface used for race tracks and is not often used for typical roadway, street or highway projects. The track was paved

Sunland completed the entire racetrack project in 25 working days over a three-month period.

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in two lifts: a 2-in. base and a 1-in. surface lift. Surface tolerance for the project was 1/8 in. on a 16-ft. straightedge.

“Due to the track specifications, we used three pavers to cover the 40-ft. width of the track to maintain tolerance to meet the specifications,” Baer says.

In order to achieve the seamless surface that Apex desired, production had to

be executed without stopping, or pausing.

“On the final day of paving, the pavers never stopped. Sunland executed a continuous circuit of paving all day long from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

We just kept moving around the track without stopping,” Baer says. “This had to be a continuous pave. If at any point the paving stopped, we would have had

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to mill the entire top layer of asphalt off of the track and start all over.”

To complete this project, Sunland utilized three pavers, three material transfer vehicles, 20 rollers, 50 dump trucks and a crew of 47 Sunland employee owners running continuously.

SUNLAND’S SAFETY FOCUS Baer says the Apex project was challenging from a safety standpoint due to the complexity of echelon paving, the utilization of equipment and the number of employees and bystanders on site. During production, tours of the project site were being given to potential members of the Apex Motor Club, which added a level of safety awareness for the crews. Baer says that to ensure crew safety, pre-task planning was completed and revisited multiple times a day to forecast potential safety concerns and to plan safe operations.

Sunland provided additional spotters and radios to ensure communication.

“Safety is the foundation of Sunland’s core values. We begin every project with safety in mind,” Baer says.

PURSUING SPECIALTY WORK Sunland has grown over the last 40 years from a private asphalt maintenance contractor to a full-service national contractor with disciplines in public works maintenance and highway and bridge construction.

“We like the racetrack world,” Baer says. “In the past, Sunland has completed quite a bit of maintenance, repairs and even overlays on other racetracks (including GM, Ford and Nissan proving grounds), but Apex is the first track we have constructed from the ground up.”

Baer says it’s Sunland’s employee owners that enable the contractor to work in the specialty market doing work on airports, bridges and racetracks.

“The quality, the workmanship of what our guys are doing has enabled us to move into the specialty paving market where not a lot of people can participate.”

For more information on MTVs, visit ForConstructionPros. com/11429567.

SA $

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS Dynapac CC1400VI Asphalt Roller The CC1400VI roller follows the same great concept as the previous generation VI rollers to provide a robust, comfortable and modern machine with a unique design, cross-mounted engine and excellent drum edge visibility.

• 9,480 Ibs. class with 54-in. drum width • Cross-mounted engine provides excellent visibility over the drums, engine hood is designed for optimal view over the front drum to provide outstanding visibility and to maximize operator control • Increased drum diameter ensures the asphalt is not shoveled in front of the drum creating transversal cracks www.ForConstructionPros.com/21120729

BPM500 Cracksealing Machine TICAB’s BPM500 is designed for heating and pouring sealant for repair and construction work on highways, airfields, parking lots and bridges.

• 130 gal.

• Thermal oil jacket • Electrically heated hose • Temperature controller • Self-propelled • With or without trailer www.ForConstructionPros. com/21118447

XL Power Tail Trailer XL Specialized Trailers XL Power Tail trailer features a hydraulic tail to help transport hard-to-load equipment.

• With a load angle of only 10°, the hydraulic tail is equipped to easily load rollers and paving equipment • Rated at 80,000 lbs. overall and 50,000 lbs. concentrated in 10 ft., this model is ideal for heavy and medium-sized equipment • The tail also features a lifting capacity of 25,000 lbs. for loads centered on the main platform • The unique hydraulic tail design includes two sections: an 8-ft., 8-in. platform ramp and 60-in. flip tail • 48 ft. with a 30-ft., 4 in. main deck or 53 ft., with a 35-ft., 4-in. main deck • Loaded deck height of 36 in.

• The Power Tail includes a 9-ft. hydraulic pop-up ramp connecting the deck to the gooseneck www.ForConstructionPros.com/21126279

CrewStrong Offers Real-time Employee Tracking Partnered with OEM Data Delivery, CrewStrong lets you to track the movement and interactions of employees across all jobsites in real time, managing the risk of potential COVID-19 infections being spread.

• Easily track movement history of a COVID-19 positive employee or crew member and view every employee that came in contact in any selected time period • Allows for accurate and timely decisions at an individual or group level • Uses mobile-geofence technology to monitor “passthrough” ranges configured to your organization’s needs • Map View of Fleet Intelligence platform lets user see live employee locations as they are actively within the jobsite, building or designed areas www.ForConstructionPros.com/21126279

Trimble Paving Control for Asphalt Pavers Trimble Roadworks 2D Paving Control Platform for asphalt pavers is an automatic screed control system applies the intuitive Trimble machine control interface to pavers, making it easy for operators of all skill levels to use and learn.

• Built on the Android operating system • Improve paving accuracy and productivity using a multitude of 2D references to pave with a fixed thickness, reducing cost for the paving control on roads that have been graded or milled using 3D machine control • Minimize waste of asphalt material and achieve optimal rideability in production paving of highways, state roads, airports and large commercial surfaces. www.ForConstructionPros.com/21131471

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5/20/20 7:59 AM

PRESERVATION UPDATE |

BY JESSICA LOMBARDO, EDITOR

How Milling Contractors Can Comply with OSHA’s

SILICA DUST RULE

In 2020, OSHA intends to target roadway construction activities, specifically milling activities, to identify and reduce worker exposure to silica dust; Here’s how to comply

I

n early 2020, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) revised its National Emphasis Program to identify and reduce worker exposure to silica dust. According to the program, asphalt plant operations will not be targeted unless local

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knowledge or data supports a focused effort. However, OSHA does intend to target roadway construction activities, specifically milling activities.

“In the road construction, paving and asphalt production industries, the primary source of airborne crystalline silica exposure occurs from fracturing aggregate or rock,” Kat Murray, marketing director at Chemtek said. “This occurs during milling, sawing, crushing and transporting of asphalt, concrete and rock.”

With OSHA's new Silica Rule for roadway construction activities now being enforced, companies engaged in roadway construction must be aware of the potential for exposure to silica associated with common roadway

With OSHA's new Silica Rule for roadway construction activities now being enforced, companies engaged in roadway construction must be aware of the potential for exposure to silica associated with common roadway construction activities, mitigation strategies and technologies, and reporting, monitoring and other regulatory obligations.

Paul Licon/Facebook

construction activities, mitigation strategies and technologies, and reporting, monitoring and other regulatory obligations.

There are two primary ways of limiting exposure – vacuuming up the dust or suppressing it with spray down

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

5/20/20 8:05 AM

There are two primary ways of limiting exposure – vacuuming up the dust or suppressing it with spray down system that utilizes a surfactant.

Matt Cook/Facebook

system that utilizes a surfactant. The asphalt industry has been discussing limiting silica exposure since 2003, when the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) led the formation of a Silica/Milling Machine Partnership to evaluate milling machines and silica exposure hazards to protect workers surrounding these operations. This led to a redesign of the water system in the machines. Some time was spent trying to figure out how to redesign the nozzle systems internal to the machines to get at the source of the dust.

BEYOND MACHINE INNOVATION While machine innovations will help limit you and your workers’ exposure to silica dust, there are still more steps you can take to reduce silica dust.

1. Recognize the hazard: Milling, cutting, or otherwise disturbing asphalt pavement can create airborne dust containing silica. Pay attention to wind direction and any visible

dust emissions.

2. Use ventilation and water-spray controls on asphalt pavement milling machines: Water-spray plus ventilation controls are collectively considered to be the best practice approach to asphalt pavement milling dust control and can reduce exposures below the NIOSH REL. Typical ventilation controls designed to reduce silica exposures on asphalt pavement milling machines include a collection

hood, fan and duct work. Milling machines should also be designed to allow the operator to temporarily turn the ventilation control off when milling into the wind.

If the ventilation control can be shut off, however, then a feature should be in place to automatically turn the ventilation control back on when it has been off for longer than 60 minutes.

3. Water-spray controls should always remain ON regardless of wind direction: Always use water-spray controls on asphalt pavement milling machines that do not have ventilation controls.

When ventilation controls are unavailable, water-spray systems that are properly designed, operated, and maintained can provide a

The BOMAG Ion Dust Shield technology for effective removal of fine dust and particulate matter generated by the milling process.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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PRESERVATION UPDATE

While machine innovations will help limit you and your workers’ exposure to silica dust, there are still more steps you can take to reduce silica dust.

Cameron Rutherford/Facebook

significant reduction in the milling machine’s dust generation.

4. Other best practice water spray recommendations were developed for contractors that are not using ventilation controls on their asphalt milling machines. The two best methods are: a. Spray water on the pavement being milled to suppress any dust b. Knock down airborne dust by spraying the dust cloud Many in the industry feel that since a key component of milling machines is

the water spray system used for cooling cutter bits on the cutter drum, the same spray system can also be used for silica dust control. To maximize the effectiveness of water spray systems, several alterations may need to be made to optimize the flow, pressure and nozzle locations.

SURFACTANTS OFFER ADDED SAFETY While some new equipment is already set up with a vacuum system, most existing equipment will need to be up-fitted or have a dust suppressing surfactant added to a water spray down system. Upfitting dozens of pieces of existing road

Stay on top of current issues with NAPA’s 2020 webinars

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PaveXpress Series:

Engineering Series:

• An Overview of Major Enhancements • How to Evaluate Pavement Alternatives Using LCCA • How to Perform a Mechanistic - Empirical Pavement Design in 3 Simple Steps

• Prepare & Protect A Risk Management Series: Little Things, BIG Results (a multi-episode series for NAPA Members only)

WEBINARS • Archived webinars available now • Each 90-minute NAPA webinar can earn attendees 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

5/20/20 8:05 AM

construction equipment with a vacuum system however is unrealistic and costly for most companies so going the dust suppressant route makes the most sense in the short-term.

TRAINING IS KEY Just like any safety standard, your crew

will be paramount to your company remaining compliant.

Milling machine operators should be trained on the control systems and be provided with the operating specifications (water quantity, water pressure, air velocity) that must be maintained in order for the control

systems to be effective.

Equipment mechanics responsible for maintaining the water-spray and ventilation control systems on asphalt pavement milling machines may require specialized training.

Operators should also be trained to temporarily disable the ventilation control system when milling directly into the wind.

Construction business owners who complete milling operations should review their Silica Rule compliance efforts with a focus on controls for milling machines and power brooms, as well as dusty asphalt plant activities. In some situations, respiratory protection may be needed.

For more information on protecting crews from silica dust, visit ForConstructionPros. com/21064418.

Technology Product Spotlight

Lo-Density® Electric Heat for Asphalt Producers: Simple Components, Unique Benefits eattle, WA – Process Heating Company Lo-Density® Unitized Storage Tank Heaters, Fuel-Oil Preheaters and Hot-Oil Heaters provide unique electric heat benefits for asphalt plants.

S

Reduced Operating Costs: Electric heat is always 100% efficient, compared to fossil-fuel-fired heat that operates at only 85% efficiency when new (and quickly drops to 50-65% efficiency).

Improved Asphalt/Emulsion Quality: Low-watt-density heaters dissipate controlled heat on the sheath for even distribution with no coking or damage – nor having to drain and clean the tank.

Reduced Maintenance: Drywell-style elements eliminate the need to drain tanks for service.

And compared to fossil-fuel burners, electric heat requires little maintenance, reducing downtime.

Increased Heater Life: Electric heaters typically last more than 30 years (compared to a lifespan of 8-10 years for fossil-fuel burners), reducing capital costs.

Enhanced Sustainability: No stacks, no emissions – and no expensive permits.

Process Heating Company has more than 70 years of experience in manufacturing 100%-efficient. Lo-Density® low-watt density electric heating systems, designed to spread heat over a larger surface area, eliminating high element temperatures that damage the product. Common products that benefit from electric heat include asphalt, light and heavy fuel oils, diesel, bio-diesel, glycerin, lube oils, hydraulic fluids, resins/epoxies, animal fats, molasses and other materials that are sensitive to high temperatures. For more information about Process Heating Company’s entire line of electric heating systems, call 866-682-1582 or visit www.processheating.com.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

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PRESERVATION UPDATE 2-Ton Hot Box & Recycler

Roadtec RX-505 Cold Planer The Roadtec RX-505e/ex is a light weight, maneuverable machine provides a high performance solution to a wide range of milling applications. Innovative safety features and enhanced operator controls provide a new level of comfort for the operator and crew.

• 610 horsepower half-lane cold planer • Capable of cutting 79-in. or 86-in. wide and up to 13-in. deep • Comfortable operator seats are height adjustable and easily stowed if additional standing room is desired • Rear object detection is designed to stop the mill if a person or object is detected behind the machine while it is in reverse

Falcon’s 2-Ton Hot Box & Recycler is available as a trailer-mounted machine or slip-in machine (truck-mounted/ hook lift). This versatile Hot Box, like all Falcon Hot Boxes, can keep cold mix asphalt workable all day and keep hot mix asphalt hot all day and keep it overnight.

• Reclaim and recycle asphalt chunks and millings • 4,000-lb. capacity • Single 105,000 BTU diesel burner with electronic spark ignite • Triple-wall insulated, air jacketed • Automatic temperature control • Heated shoveling platform • Options include hydraulic dump function, dual burner recycling package and 30-gal. tack tank with spray system and hose reel

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21121377

BOMAG BM 2500/75 Milling Machine

• • • • •

www.ForConstructionPros. com/21122609

The BM 2500/75 is a flexible half-lane mill that offers a range of standard, fine, micro and power drum designs to meet a variety of milling needs with cutting depths to 13.8 in.

Powered by a 771-hp diesel engine with a mechanical drum drive 98.4-in.-wide cutter Three milling speeds – ECO (100 rpm); Universal (112 rpm); and Speed (131 rpm) Inner 35.4-in. conveyor quickly channels material from the cutting drum to reduce wear and increase productivity 60° left/right swiveling outer conveyor offers up to a 16.4-ft. discharge height and efficiently transfers millings to a truck on either side of the machine

www.ForConstructionPros.com/21121851

Index Advertiser Index

PAGE

Advertiser Index

PAGE

Ahern Industries Inc.

63

Roadtec

57, 68

Almix

9

SealMaster

7

Ammann America

48

Systems Equipment

41

Asphalt Drum Mixers

17

Tarmac Int’l., Inc.

53

Astec Inc.

19, 23, 27, 31, 34-35

TransTech Systems, Inc.

2

Calculated Industries Inc.

56

Weiler Products

39

Carlson Paving Products Inc.

67

Wirtgen America Inc.

5, 12-13

Evans & Daniels Inc.

63

Fast Measure by KTP

64

Gencor

3

Heatec Inc.

47

IGNITE Construction Summit

55

LeeBoy, Inc.

21

Libra Systems Corp.

54

Minds

30

NAPA

46, 60

National Pavement Expo

51

Pegasus Vans & Trailers, Inc.

29

Process Heating Co.

49, 61

R & D Trench Paver

64

Reliable Asphalt Products

65

62

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Get fast, relevant product information in the Buyers Guide at

ForConstructionPros.com www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

5/20/20 8:07 AM

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is outselling all other The

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The Minds Control System is outselling all other name brand for retrofit to existing facilities.

The Minds Control is the only system demanded by many contractors on their new facilities.

• Office Toll Free (866) 647.1782 “The Minds Control System is perfect for our needs.”

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JUNE/JULY 2020 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR

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THE LAST EXIT |

BY ALLAN HEYDORN, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Push-to-talk Technology Gaining Ground in Construction The app stores recent and missed messages and alerts the user if there are unheard messages. A history button enables the user to retrieve and replay any messages for up to seven days.

“It provides instant communication.

You just have to push the button to talk and the connection is immediate,” Moore says.

The main difference between Zello and Zello Work, which offers a variety of options for larger organizations, is the ability to access an administration console to manage users and channels centrally.

66

Zello offers live voice communication app for contractors

I

n their day-to-day work, contractors oversee multiple job sites, crews, material drivers, estimators and salespeople. Recently, push-to-talk (PTT) solutions are available for any smartphone. A relatively new feature presented by Zello at ConExpo offers a way for contractors to tailor their PTT system to their company’s specific needs.

Based in Austin, TX, Zello offers both a free (Zello) and a subscription-based (Zello Work) PTT app. Once the app is downloaded, the user can either use Zello for free on the same network as millions of other Zello users, or they can set up their own private Zello Work network through their browser on a computer.

“It’s the same idea as Nextel pushto-talk, but it’s an app instead of a flip phone,” says Bill Moore, Zello CEO. “E-mails and texts have squeezed voice communication out of our lives.

Zello puts it back in, focusing on the live human voice, which is how we've evolved to communicate."

According to Moore, the Zello app requires virtually no training. The user taps on a contact name or channel, presses and holds the push-to-talk button, and releases the button when finished talking.

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ZELLO WORK SUBSCRIPTION The main difference between Zello and Zello Work is the ability to access an administration console to manage users and channels centrally.

Zello’s Dispatch Hub is a part of the paid subscription, intended for large companies who want to pool their driver dispatch. The Dispatch Hub enters incoming calls from drivers into a queue. Dispatchers can respond to any call from this shared queue, replaying or discarding them, as needed. The dispatcher can also select a specific driver to talk to, without talking over other drivers or creating distracting conversation on a channel for others.

The dispatcher also can send a message to all drivers at the same time. Photos and texts can be sent individually or to a group along with voice messages, and dispatchers can locate drivers on a map.

The Dispatch Hub feature places callers into a queue and records any calls so the dispatchers can listen back to what they missed or replay a message.

With Zello Work, contractors create a private network on a dedicated server.

Using a web-based management console, contractors configure the system to their needs, including showing user status and tracking drivers. Real-time mapping is included with the basic app, but for an additional fee, other services such as Google maps and traffic data are available.

CONSTRUCTION BIGGEST MARKET Moore says construction is the single biggest market, and the biggest users are driver dispatch and what Moore terms “work teams,” such as construction crews. Current users include hundreds of large ready mix and asphalt companies.

According to Moore, Zello Work is popular in the construction industry partly because users pay only per person and per day.

The Zello app also integrates with other systems. For example, it is used as part of Trimble Construction Logistics Division’s TrimFleet Suite.

THE VALUE OF VOICE “Voice is the most natural way to communicate,” Moore says. “In just a few seconds, you can learn a lot from someone’s voice including how old they are, their mood, tone, urgency of their message and more – all things you really can’t pick up from a text. And it happens in seconds with the voice.

“It’s an excellent way to coordinate people and breed trust and build relationships. It’s important socially, with teams of people and drivers on Zello channels who are really connected to their peers – otherwise they are isolated.

“Communication is the lifeblood of many businesses. You see traditional radios everywhere you look.This is a modern, more convenient and powerful version of that.”

For more information on construction technology trends, visit ForConstructionPros. com/12007565.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

5/20/20 8:32 AM

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5/20/20 8:32 AM

A NEW KIND OF POWER TOOL

OUR MOST POWERFUL PAVER The RP-250’s large tires and frame-raise provide ideal weight distribution and tractive effort. Steering is assisted by the rear wheels so you have precise control, especially in turning. With 250 horsepower, this paver provides the power you need.

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