Asphalt Contractor October 2022

IOWA’S

SOLAR POWERED MARVEL

+

OCTOBER 2022

ASPHALT ADDITIVES:

The Plant Based Revolution

SPECIAL REPORT: EXCLUSIVE TRAINING GUIDE FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

ENTER THE SIMULATION WITH

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CUTTING EDGE TRAINING SOLUTIONS

GENCOR, YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE!

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS |

OCTOBER 2022

COVER STORY Solar-Powered Asphalt Production Norris Asphalt converts their Ottumwa plant operations to solar, saving them money and setting them up for future sustainability goals. | 16 TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING

JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

PRESERVATION UPDATE

10 Does Training in a Simulation Translate to RealWorld Skills?

24 2022-2023 Asphalt Industry Training Guide

38 Construction Heats Up on S.T. Wooten’s I-40 Overhaul

42 Asphalt Additives: The Plant Based Revolution

Simulation training has broad benefits for workers and employers who need skilled people on the job quickly. See how it can help you meet labor demands.

A full schedule of in-person and remote training and education opportunities for contractors & employees to grow their skills and value to your clients and your company.

WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/ASPHALT

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

CONTRACTOR LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS

LATEST INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS FOR FOR ASPHALT ASPHALT PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS LATEST

ASPHALT ASPHALT

OCTOBER 2022 Vol. 36, No. 8

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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Crews are tackling an expansive road widening and redesign project in North Carolina.

Out in the farmlands of Iowa, business and science team up to deliver innovative RAP additives derived from the versatile soy bean.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8

Editor’s Perspective

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Last Exit

Published and copyrighted 2022 by AC Business Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

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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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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ON TRACK PERFORMANCE

The new Blaw-Knox PF-7110B tracked paver combines all-around visibility and ease of operation with powerful precision and performance for the ultimate in paving. Boasting the highest contact surface area in the paving industry, the PF7110B is equipped with a durable track footprint and automatic track tensioning system to ensure smooth and consistent paving power on any terrain.

With over 75 years of proven Blaw-Knox paving technology, the PF-7110B delivers industry-leading mat quality, uniformity and smoothness that you’ve come to expect from an industry leader.

DIGITAL CONNECTION www.ForConstructionPros.com/Asphalt

Premier Educational Event Announced for Paving & Pavement Maintenance Professionals Education and Training Root Causes for Labor Shortage According to 2022 Survey

Asphalt Contractor and Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction magazines have opened registration for the IGNITE Construction Summit, an in-person event designed to bring together business owners and high-level managers who are dedicated to “lighting a fire” within their company.

Read more at: http://asphalt.com/74eych

The AGC’s 2022 construction workforce analysis cites a lack of adequately prepared or skilled candidates as lead issue in filling available positions, compounded by material costs and supply chain disruptions.

7 Asphalt-Related Funding Opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act Billions of dollars are about the flood the asphalt pavement industry in the form of grants, programs and investments in new and improved technologies. How can your business participate and take advantage of all the newly available funds?

Read more at: http://asphalt. com/eh9z8i

Read more at: http://asphalt.com/z5mmdm

California’s Ban on Gas-Powered Cars Exposes DOT Funding Problem

Tools to Extend the Season for Pavement Maintenance Contractors Adding a hot box recycler and infrared unit to your fleet expands your service offerings and allows you to be profitable for more months of the year.

The state legislature in California approved a firstof-its-kind bill in the United States that bans the sale of traditional vehicles by 2035. What does it mean for DOT road building and transportation project funding if the move sees broader acceptance?

Read more at: http://asphalt. com/7blmmh

Read more at: http://asphalt. com/keqavm

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE EDITORIAL

Brandon Noel, Editor

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

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

bNoel@ACBusinessMedia.com 234-600-8983

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

Steep Learning Curve

A

t the time of production on this issue, I am in my third month acclimating to my position as editor of Asphalt Contractor, and my crash-course education in this awesome industry. One of the most surprising things, so far, is how at every turn there is a new depth of knowledge to learn. It can be overwhelming sometimes for someone like me, so green to it all. Despite those moments where I feel uncertain, two things have propped me up, and helped me keep pushing through.

The first is the openness and willingness of the experts, professionals and contractors to sit on a call with me, sharing the wealth of knowledge they have. Without a doubt I bet I've asked some questions that are considered basic, but not a single person has patronized or made me feel bad for not knowing. The second thing has been the incredible support I have with the team of coworkers and managers.

In early August, at our annual all-company meeting, I saw first hand the culture comes from the top. Everyone knows when the culture of a company isn't supportive, and it can mean all the difference when onboarding or retaining new personnel, a key issue in today's labor economy.

In the 14 years I spent in a steel factory, I saw dozens of people "wash out.” I was just 22 years-old and didn't have a clue. I had a newborn daughter, the economy was in recession, and I desperately needed a job. It was overwhelming, at first. So many types of products, variations in the methods of production, safety concerns, and the list goes on. Most of the time, it felt like you either had to sink or swim on your own. I did not have choice. I had to swim. If not for a handful of "old-timers" who took me under their wing, my chances weren’t great.

As I reflect on it now, I see there was a significant gap in leadership structure when it came to training. The plan was that there

Technology Editor............................................... Charles Rathmann crathmann@acbusinessmedia.com AUDIENCE Audience Development Manager......................... Angela Franks PRODUCTION

was no plan. I don't make these comments to be ruefully critical or resentful of the people in charge, but to draw out an important point about the differences these sorts of approaches have on outcomes. Today, worker shortages have impacted every corner of industry.

Compared to 2008, the proverbial "shoe" is on the other "foot.” Every employee is more essential, which means that the hours invested in them is doubly as valuable to employers.

Who can afford to let them go to waste? Who had that sort of luxury at their disposal? No one I know wants to spend resources on someone that doesn't pan out, and then have to start over from the beginning. A cycle like that can be crippling to production and efficiency, resulting in crucial financial losses.

One way to combat these situations is by raising wages and improving working conditions. However, even then, more money can't account for being on the job and not feeling confident or safe. People want the sense of satisfaction from doing a job well. Absolutely no one welcomes the sense not knowing what to do or how to do it, while feeling their coworkers bare the weight of their inexperience.

A large majority of these situations can be avoided by having clear training periods, established goals for new employees, necessary skill checklists to chart gains, and positive reinforcement measures as achievements are made.

This is our annual training issue. We aim to highlight available training programs and initiatives to help your employees grow in their skills. More than ever before, the platforms for training are customizable to specific needs. There's something for whatever gap you're looking to bridge, which means workers won't wonder if they'll have to sinkor-swim all on their own. Their success, is your success.

Senior Production Manger......................................... Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com

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

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

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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DESIGN, DETAILS, AND DURABILITY.

10106 SMITH ROAD, FORT WAYNE, IN 46809 | (260) 672-3004 | ALmix.com

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS |

BRANDON NOEL, EDITOR Provided by CM-Labs

Does Simulation Training Translate to Real-World Results?

The ROI for simulation training shows broad benefits to both workers and employers who need skilled people on the job quickly. CM-Labs uses cutting-edge technology to level-up your business

T

he integration of personal computers into the normalcy of daily work and life is so ubiquitously intertwined now, that we hardly notice or pay much attention to it. It is everywhere. Smart technology is in every corner of our homes, our cars and even our job sites. While this can be a shock and a challenge, at times, as some struggle to adapt to these digitalchanges, the truth is that ultimately the benefits outweigh the growing pains.

This is especially relevant at a time like the one we are living through.

Worker shortages are something every industry is currently facing, and this is an even more critical problem

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

where the know-how for the job traditionally required hundreds of hours of hands-on experience to do them. In the past, perhaps, a new employee would start on a construction style job as a general laborer, and slowly work their way up over a number of years, operating more complex machines and more precise tasks. It took a long time to earn the kind of experience needed.

That kind of process was gradual, and it allowed employers and production managers to test and select candidates at a relatively slow pace. It allowed for job-seekers time to size-up the work expected of them in those roles too, and decide if continuing on that path was right for them. Just as an example, some crane operators had to log 400 hours of experience before being considered fully certified. To speak in very broad and general terms, this is no longer a viable option in the post-pandemic reality.

Now emerges an increasingly large gap between the previous paradigm, and the one faced today by companies eager and, in some places, desperate for people who can do the job both safely and skillfully. If you're going to stay competitive, not only in the terms

of labor, but also in terms of overall business success, a new approach must be adapted. Thankfully, there are a host of new solutions for employers in order to radically and safely change the way new-hires are trained, properly tested and made real-world ready.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? According to the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, older adults (aged 55 and up) left the labor force and stopped looking for new work in record numbers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020. The American Association of Retired Persons reports that more than 2 million workers were forced into an early retirement due to either health or economic reasons, or in a lot of cases, due to a combination of both.

A whole generation's worth of technical skill and know-how has disappeared from the labor force much more rapidly than normal. Skilled laborers, heavy machine operators, and the varying array of support workers that make infrastructure jobs like asphalt paving and road-building functional aren't there to do the jobs anymore, and they

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A decidedly human touch to plant automation.

Designed around real people.

“The plant control system that MINDS designed for us has worked very well.

The graphics depict the plant almost identically as built and are very easy to follow from the control room. Each value is shown with its position indicated by colours that make identifying issues, such as a stuck valve, extremely easy.

The materials that we have produced with the system have been very consistent from the first production run.”

Allen Hendricks, Vise President, Asphalt Divisions Manager Blythe Construction, Inc.

For the past 25 years, MINDS has built a reputation for user-friendly, advanced, customizable plant automation control systems. As of April 2022, we became part of the Astec family to add to their Rock to Road solution for asphalt road building. MINDS provides award-winning desktop software, mobile apps, and hardware for many applications:  Drums, Batches, Combo/hybrid hot mix plants, Emulsion plants, Liquid Terminals.  Silo load-out, Ticketing, and Cloud-based data management for the Rock to Road industry.

Better data.

Increased control.

Higher profits.

S A L E S I N Q U I R I E S :  8 6 6 - 9 7 1 -2 9 8 0

 contac t@mindsusa.com  mindsusa.com

Adobestock/Wirestock Creators

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS middle of. They offer customizable solutions for infrastructure based companies, and they back them up with measurable results.

Provided by CM-Labs

aren't there in as great a numbers to pass on the knowledge that they have.

Last year, an analysis by the Nation League of Cities (NLC) reported that 3 out of every 10 infrastructure jobs (those related to design, construction or maintenance) were have more difficulty finding someone to fill the open position, compared to other industries.

NLC determined while 19 days was estimated as the median time between job posting and hiring a candidate, in the case of infrastructure, it was taking 23 days 30% of the time.

“Labor shortages, misalignment between workforce systems and industry needs, a large wave of retirements and lack of education...creates significant employment challenges for the infrastructure industry.

Moreover, many workers do not have access to the skills training and development programs necessary to build experience for higher-level positions, limiting career pathways to higher and more stable employment and pay.”

-NLC Press Release

When we put these realities together, a clear picture of the problems faced by businesses emerges. Large losses of established labor. A void in personnel qualified to train others on-the-job.

Difficulties finding and placing new workers in available employment opportunities. This is the domino effect that CM-Labs, a software and simulations development company, steps into the

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

ENTER THE SIMULATION Originally founded as Lateral Logic in 1994, then CM-Labs in 2001, the company was focused on ground vehicle simulations. Christa Fairchild, product marketing manager from CM-Labs insists that, despite the outer appearance looking very similar to an arcade video game, these are very serious machines.

"It was a very academically founded company," she said, "Lots of patents and research, academic research that was invested in developing the secret sauce, shall we say, in our systems."

The "secret sauce" she refers to is the company's proprietary software and physics engine that makes the simulations possible. It's the unique code that sets the "rules" for the simulation’s gravity, space, lighting and more. They call the engine "Vortex" and it is the essential component to the success of their training modules. A collaboration with Trimble GPS means high fidelity, realistic earth-moving physics and accurate immersion.

Fairchild continued, "Objects are simulated in a realistic manner. When you sit in the simulators, they react in a way that would reflect what would happen in real life. That's really important, because if you're going to train on a piece of equipment that doesn't reflect what happens in the real world, you're setting yourself up for some surprises, both efficiency wise and safety wise."

to these machines early on. Then when they see them in real life, when they hop on the real machine, they have the confidence and it's much safer."

According to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA), the construction industry suffers from one of the highest incident rates among high-risk industries.

Statistics from the Department of Labor indicate that, in a single year, construction workers accounted for 1,008 or 21.1% of work-related fatalities. In the simulation, these incidents can be better trained for and avoided, as a new or novice operator can get hands-on experience in realistic environments and situations. Instructors can trigger weather conditions and randomized events to test how the trainee handles them.

Using simulators is also a huge savings, over the long-term, considering all the metrics previously involved with traditional training methods. If you needed to train someone on a piece of heavy machinery, you needed access, fuel, good weather, proper insurances, instructor time, and more. It starts to add up. With the simulation platforms like what CM-Labs created, it doesn't matter what the weather is like. You don't need to waste costly fuel, and you don't have to stage a setting for them to practice in. It's all self contained.

So, the simulation addresses two of the current problems, but what about the staffing shortages? The best training in the world isn't any good if there's no one to train, right? Well, the CM-Labs platforms are beneficial here, as well.

A DANGEROUS GAME Alan Limoges, product manager at CM-Labs, added to this sentiment, explaining more about the benefits of creating custom training scenarios, "We look at vehicles that have a lot of accidents. What role can simulation play to help prevent these accidents? And where is there a need in training? These are heavy pieces of equipment that are not the first piece of equipment a new, green operator would sit on. Simulation comes into play so they can get exposed

READY, PLAYER ONE? Even though CM-Labs didn't start out in the video game industry, the video game industry has grown so ubiquitous that it is having a positive side-effect on the use of their training platforms. That is because of the general familiarity that people, especially younger generations, have with similar hardware and software as they are exposed to it when they play video games. They share certain commonalities, and it has an impact.

Limoges said, "with regards to

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recruitment and targeting younger workers, those people are much more familiar with interfaces like screens and joysticks, which are part of the actual equipment that's being used.

They're learning very quickly, but it is also attractive to them, because the simulation and the simulators are just awesome to look at. They can create the tone of what you are going to expect working for the company, and can be a symbol for the recruitment process.

They're also very mobile, which means you can bring them to schools and job fairs and actually get people started on them right away. It's a great way to connect with the next generation."

However, it isn't exclusive to young people.

A demographic report on video game usage

by Newzoo, a market research group for game companies, found that time spent playing video games is higher across the board. Even the Baby Boomers are getting in some screen time. Here's a breakdown by generational group that shows what percentage of those surveyed play any video games, and how many hours they play on average per week: • 42% of Baby Boomers / 2.5 hrs • 60% of Gen X / 4.5 hrs • 77% of Millennials / 7 hrs • 81% of Gen Z / 7.5 hrs Even though these numbers aren't directly tied to the way employment interests will play out, it is significant to see just how invested the contemporary work-force is in spending time each week in simulated environments. No matter what demographic you’re targeting, the CM-Labs platforms have a high ceiling when it comes to their training potential.

THE HARDWARE We discussed a lot of things so far: the market conditions, as well as the software that makes the CM-Labs’ simulators tick behind the scenes.

Now, let's take a moment to look at the

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

three off-the-shelf physical simulator platforms that CM-Labs offers, how they are different, and which situations they are individually suited for.

Vortex: Edge Plus

The Vortex Edge Plus simulator is a complete training solution that can run CM Labs’ full fleet of earthmoving, lifting and forestry equipment training packs. It's an off-the-shelf platform, meaning you can buy and use it with a minimal amount of set-up. This version is literally a "desktop" piece of equipment, with a giant screen, laptop computer, table mountable joy-sticks and steering wheel, as well as a variety of foot pedals that rest on the floor.

It also comes with a carrying case for all the pieces, making it a truly idea option when space is at a premium, or if the training location needs to be relocated frequently. This iteration is great for the beginner as it contains the same proprietary simulation software and realistic physics, but it does not include the chair motions or feedbacks that can tilt or shift weight, providing that great depth of immersion and realism. Edge Plus is helpful in gauging interest, teaching skill and testing basic competencies.

Vortex: Edge Max

With a rugged, stripped-down design that minimizes simulator costs, the Vortex Edge Max includes the same heavy-duty controls an operator would use on the actual equipment. The single, large forward screen rotates to provide an optimal field of view for every piece of equipment. This unit is its own space.

Instead of needing the desk or table, the chair and the display are built as a single piece of equipment. The chair is a fully functional motion platform, its biggest upgrade over the Edge Plus, and is capable of meeting a large percentage of a contractor's training needs.

Vortex: Advantage

This version of the CM-Labs hardware is fully immersive, and it is designed to scale and grow with a company's potential or changing needs. It has

options for one, three, or five screens, and added motion-platform to reproduce the feel of real machinery, including vibration, impact, acceleration and overload conditions. It also features equipment-specific swappable control sets and pedals, so that it can be retooled in as little as 30 seconds to another simulation pack. It's an adaptable piece of hardware that can mimic whatever is in your fleet.

In addition to these diverse off-theshelf, ready to use products, CM-Labs is capable of working directly with its clients to specifically design, fine-tune and customize the simulations used on any of the platforms to meet the needs of the client. Limoges goes on to say, "we have PhD qualified mechanical engineers that work at CM-Labs that create the models, tune the hydraulic systems, and even the transmissions of all these vehicles. We work with our customers until the specifications and the feel are exactly right. We do this to avoid any sort of 'negative training', where the real machine and the simulation don't behave in the same way."

In the face of staffing shortages and training gaps, one of the ways forward is certainly through immersive technologies. Whatever your needs as a company or contractor, if it involves the operation of heavy machinery in specific environments, a simulation platform like the ones offered by CM-Labs provides a lot of potential upside.

For more information visit http://asphalt.com/ p8pqe5

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PRODUCTION NOTES |

JESSICA LOMBARDO, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Norris Asphalt

Challenges & Opportunities Abound for

SOLAR-POWERED ASPHALT PRODUCTION

Norris Asphalt converts their Ottumwa plant operations to solar, saving them money and setting them up for future sustainability goals

S

mart business owners know that in order to future-proof your company, you have to invest in it. Invest in your people. Invest in your equipment. Invest in initiatives that will serve your business goals down the road.

Norris Asphalt Paving, located in Ottumwa, IA, has continually invested in their business to fuel their growth and support the needs of their customers. And recently, invested in the long term success of their business in a sustainable way.

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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Engineered Innovation.

From innovative designs to Caterpillar dealer service and support, Weiler is paving the way to success for contractors across North America. Weiler’s material transfer vehicles, commercial pavers, road wideners, windrow elevators, static split-drum compactors, soil stabilizers, rock drills, tack distributors and front mount screeds are engineered with innovative features to increase productivity while reducing operating costs.

Weiler equipment is sold and serviced exclusively at Caterpillar dealers throughout North America.

weilerproducts.com

PRODUCTION NOTES

Norris Asphalt owns five plants throughout the state of Iowa, producing 400,000 to 500,000 tons of hot mix each year.

Norris Asphalt

The company owns five asphalt plants, three of which are stationary throughout southeast Iowa, and two portables that service Iowa and Northern Missouri. Each year, the company produces 400,000 to 500,000 tons of hot mix asphalt. Their aggregate division, Douds Stone, has 15 locations dotted around southeast Iowa and sells 2-3 million tons of aggregates annually.

All that production requires a lot of energy. So when president Dan Roberts started researching ways to improve his bottom line in this area, a solar-power conversion got his attention.

“We are always looking for ways to be greener and more efficient and that also helps us to be more competitive,” Roberts says. “We talked about the possibility for years, but the conversation was usually about running the office and shop that are located here at the plant. It wasn’t until further discussion and looking into options that we realized we had the room here to install a solar field large enough to run

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

the electrical needs of the office, shop and asphalt plant.”

THE CHALLENGE: PERMITTING Building a solar farm isn’t like Field of Dreams. You can’t build it and have the energy magically come. A lot of planning and permitting is involved before strides are made and power starts flowing.

“The process took over a year and half from design to activation,” Roberts says. “We spent some time in the design and approval stage and there were some delays in getting the solar panels themselves. The contractor was also busy and had us down their list quite a ways. But the longest delays we experienced came from the power company. They have to approve everything before construction, then inspect and do the final activation.”

The power company was concerned that their grid could not handle the power coming from the solar field and recommended Norris complete a grid study before moving forward. They also

worried that if there was an outage, and lineman are working on the line, there would be a potential for them to be shocked. Norris worked with the engineers and Solar FX to install interlocks and breakers that would prevent that from happening if the grid goes down.

“Our electrician, Justin Klyn, really drove the whole boat on the solar field construction and asphalt plant,” Roberts says. “The process was under his supervision with Solar FX, the local solar company we hired to oversee the project. He worked with the energy company every day and we did not take ‘no’ for an answer until they approved our permits.”

The company used about two acres of land to build the solar field. Three separate groups feed three separate meters. Each is measured in Kilowatts (KW) and is as follows; Asphalt Plant 200KW, Shop 100KW, Office 60KW. After Norris had the solar field built and ready, the power company again caused a delay.

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PRODUCTION NOTES Norris Asphalt

“We had the grid completed and ready for a few months until we were able to have them activate it,” Roberts says. “They have to come and do the final approval because the field will be feeding electricity into their power grid. Finally, we had to go to the Iowa Utilities Board and have them work with the energy company to activate everything.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YEARS TO COME At the same time the company installed the solar field, they also upgraded their 1991 Cedar Rapids parallel flow plant to an Astec Dillman Unidrum.

“The old plant restricted us on production and recycled material usage and was getting pretty worn out so this upgrade was perfect timing,” Roberts says. “We were able to install the solar field and new asphalt plant and take them both live this spring.”

While making these upgrades may not seem financially possible for many companies, Norris knows that in the long run these investments will pay off.

Roberts says the company is now better able to serve their customers with the new plant, while the solar field will pay for itself in a few years time.

“This was a large capital expenditure but it should cover our electrical needs in a years’ time and at current rates it has around a 7 year payoff with a 25 year warranty,” Roberts says. “If electrical rates increase, it will pay for

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

Norris Asphalt

The company used about two acres of land to build the solar field. Three separate groups feed three separate meters. Each is measured in Kilowatts (KW) and is as follows; Asphalt Plant 200KW, Shop 100KW, Office 60KW. Norris Asphalt

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PRODUCTION NOTES At the same time the company installed the solar field, they also upgraded their 1991 Cedar Rapids parallel flow plant to an Astec Dillman Unidrum.

Norris Asphalt

Norris Asphalt

About Norris Asphalt Paving & Douds Stone Founded in 1947 by Merrill Norris, Norris Asphalt Paving has been serving the Southern Iowa area for over 75 years. In 1993, Brady Meldrem took over Norris and grew it into the company that it is today.

Their expansion was fueled by widening their service area, purchasing and installing new plant locations throughout the state and starting the aggregate side of business.

itself in a shorter timeframe. We are also expecting to get more than 25 years out of the system.”

The switch positions Norris as an industry leader in a space that is continually pushing sustainable initiatives.

“Sure this helps decrease some of our fixed costs in an economy when costs are getting out of control and difficult to manage, but it also helps decrease our carbon footprint,” Roberts says. “Asphalt contractors are already the largest recyclers with RAP, RAS and we also recycle waste oil into burner fuel at most locations. So I feel like this goes right with that green thinking and operating as efficiently as possible.”

For more information visit http://asphalt.com/2wp4nr

In 2018, Dan Roberts took over as president and helps lead the company and their 225 employees through innovative ideas and industry knowledge.

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE | BRANDON NOEL, EDITOR

Asphalt Contractor’s

2022-2023 Training Guide This guide contains training and education opportunities for contractors, a schedule of both in-person and remote sessions to expand employee skills and grow their value to your clients and your company.

M

uch of the world has fully returned to in-person conferences and education, but the post COVID-19 world has reshaped the paradigm when it comes to professional training. There are more online or remote opportunities for your employees, alongside the growing reemergence of more in-person and on-site education. The labor shortages and the competitive market for a skilled workforce means that training is more important than any time in the last two decades. These investments can mean the difference for your business and its success in the coming year.

The following are training opportunities available for the asphalt industry in fall of 2022 and all of 2023: *These dates and schedules were accurate as of press time but are subject to change. Please contact each company directly for up-to-date information.

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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ASTEC Website: https://www.astecindustries. com/service/training Phone: 423.827.1899 Space is limited. Seats are first come, first serve.

Asphalt Customer Schools The Asphalt Customer Schools cover more than any other asphalt plant training school in the industry. Expect to enhance your grasp of key aspects of plant maintenance and operation through a unique combination of lectures and extensive hands-on classes. Instructors include Asphalt and Industrial Heating Engineers and Service Technicians with decades of experience. Breaks offer the opportunity to network by exchanging information with fellow students, as well as with Astec service professionals and engineers.

Registration Opens Tuesday, October 4, 2022

ample time for questions and one-onone access to paving pros. 3 sessions are offered.

Dates: Option 1: January 12-13 Option 2: January 16-17 Option 3: January 18-19

Roadtec-Brand Asphalt Paver Technical School This three-day training school offers valuable experience to increase skills and machine uptime through classroom and hands-on instruction delivered by experienced factory specialists. Topics covered include safe operation, maintenance and service, troubleshooting, electrical systems and hydraulic systems of road-building paver equipment. Additionally, students will learn grade control and screed adjustment. Two sessions are offered.

Dates:

Training Dates

Option 1: January 24-26 Option 2: January 31-February 2

Week 1: Jan. 3 – Jan. 6

Cold Planers Technical School

Week 2: Jan. 9 – Jan. 12

The three-day milling training school offers students valuable experience through hands-on and classroom instruction on topics including proper cold planer maintenance, troubleshooting, electrical systems, and hydraulic systems to increase machine uptime. Additional courses also include grade control and wear component recognition. Two sessions are offered.

Week 3: Jan. 16 – Jan. 19 Week 4: Jan. 23 – Jan. 26 Week 5: Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 Week 6: Feb. 20 – Feb. 23 Cost per attendee is $2,000

Asphalt Road Construction Schools Enhance your understanding of key aspects of road building, asphalt paving and more through in-person training featuring a combination of lectures and hands-on classes.

All training schools are comprehensive and in-depth. Schedules are structured to include ample time for questions and one-on-one access to seasoned industry professionals.

Paving Professionals Workshop Paving Professionals Workshop (PPW) is the industry standard in asphalt paving education. Attendees receive detailed education from the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable paving professionals. PPW is a comprehensive, in depth 2-day training that includes

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Dates: Option 1: March 6-7 Option 2: March 8-9

Carlson-Brand Paver Technical School Option 1: March 13-14 Option 2: March 15-16

KPI-JCI & Astec Mobile Screens Rocky University Rocky University is an online resources to deliver training to you when and where it's convenient.

Learn more: https://kpijci.mrooms.net/

BOMAG Website: https://www.bomag.com/ us-en/services/support-and-training/ training Registration open for online school Email: marketing.ba@bomag.com BOMAG offers you the chance to learn from the experts! BOMAG provides technical and product training at our facility in Ridgeway, SC, on our website and on location as requested.

For more information or to register for inperson classes please email: marketing. ba@bomag.com

Classes held in Ridgeway, SC: BC Landfill: Sept. 27-29 Asphalt Compaction (Heavy Tandem Roller): Oct. 4-6 Light Equipment / BMP8500: Oct. 26-27

Dates:

Single Drum Roller: Nov. 1-3

Option 1: February 14-16 Option 2: February 21-23

RS Recycler/Stabilizer Nov. 8-10

Shuttle Buggy® MTV Technical School The two-day Shuttle Buggy™ training school offers technicians and operators valuable experience and training in proper maintenance, troubleshooting, electrical systems and hydraulic systems to increase machine uptime.

Courses include best practices and wear component recognition, taught by industry experts. 2 sessions are offered.

Light Equipment / BMP8500: Nov. 15-16 CR Paver: Nov. 29-Dec. 1

CATERPILLAR, INC. Phone: 763.315.5510 Email: cat_mpls_training@cat.com Web: https://www.cat.com/en_US/ by-industry/paving/real-world-trainingsolution.html Caterpillar announces that the following customer training courses have been added to their exclusive Customer Course Catalog.

OCTOBER 2022 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR

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WE LISTEN TO YOUR COMPLEX NEEDS We’re large enough to understand that every producer’s needs are different. Small enough to personally answer your call, listen to your needs and help with sound solutions, like customizing just the right asphalt plant to meet your specific production goals, or troubleshooting when surprises happen. Tell us how we can help.

WE’RE LISTENING

260-637-5729 • admasphaltplants.com

SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE • Large Asphalt Pavers Service Training (Course #55285) This 4-day course provides theory and hands-on training. Upon completion, students will be able to trace the flow of oil through hydraulic systems, test and adjust hydraulic pressures, troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical systems, and explain ECM functions and calibration steps for the Cat® AP1000, AP1055, AP600, and AP655 asphalt pavers.

Course Fee: $1840 January 10-13, 2023 – Clayton, NC (Class Code: 152193). January 2427, 2023 – Clayton, NC (Class Code: 152194).

• Paving Operations Training (Course #52059) This course is designed for paving supervisors and paving crew members with one or more years of experience with the lay down of hot mix asphalt. Training is taught using Cat Asphalt Pavers with Cat Grade and Slope systems. The daily curriculum includes classroom and hands-on training.

Course Fee: $3900 Tinaja Hills Learning and Demonstration Center (Tucson, AZ) March 20-24, 2023 (Class Code: 151974). March 27-31, 2023 (Class Code: 151975). April 17-21, 2023 (Class Code: 151976). April 24-28, 2023 (Class Code: 151977).

Edward J. Rapp Customer & Training Center (Clayton, NC) January 30-February 3, 2023 (Class Code: 151924). February 6-10, 2023 (Class Code: 151925). February 13-17, 2023 (Class Code: 151926). February 20-24, 2023 (Class Code: 151927).

• Milling Operations Training (Course 55292) A 2-day course providing theory and hands-on training for Cat PM300, PM600 and PM800 series cold planers. Upon completion of the course, the attendees will be able to put the machine to work.

Course fee: $1,560 December 6-7, 2022 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152173). December 8-9, 2022 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152174).

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

• PM600 Series and PM800 Series Cold Planer Service Training (Course #55874) This 4-day course provides theory and hands-on training. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to trace the flow of oil through hydraulic systems, test and adjust hydraulic pressures, troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical systems, explain Electronic Control Module (ECM) functions and calibration steps, and set up automatic grade and slope control.

Course fee: $1840.

February 14-17, 2023 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152052). February 21-24, 2023 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152053).

• PM300 Series Cold Planer Service Training (Course #55873) This 3-day course provides theory and hands-on training. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to trace the flow of oil through hydraulic systems, test and adjust hydraulic pressures, troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical systems, explain ECM functions and calibration steps, and set up automatic grade and slope control.

Course fee: $1380.

March 28-30, 2023 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152059).

• Rotary Mixer Operator Training (Course 55293) This 3-day course provides theory and hands-on reclamation training using the Cat RM400 rotary mixer. Upon completion of the course, attendees will be able to put the machine to work.

Course fee: $2,340 October 25-27, 2022 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152180). November 1-3, 2022 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152181).

• RM400 Rotary Mixer Service Training (Course #53596) This 3-day course provides theory and hands-on training. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to trace the flow of oil through hydraulic systems, test and adjust hydraulic pressures, troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical systems, and explain ECM functions and calibration steps.

Course fee: $1380.

April 18-20, 2023 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152069). April 25-27, 2023 – San Antonio, TX (Class Code: 152071).

CLARENCE RICHARD COMPANY Clarence Richard used his Asphalt Plant Operation and Engineering expertise to train plant operators and personnel throughout the country for over 30 years.

Ten years ago, he kicked his training programs up a notch by designing an Online program. Due to the recent Covid19 virus, Clarence upgraded the program making it interactive with virtual training!

Email: carrie@clarencerichard.com Phone: 952.939.6000, Web: www.clarencerichard.com • Design your own training schedule!

• Classes fill on first come basis • Choose 1-6 Workshop Days in any order • Each Participant must be individually registered • If unable to make one day, Zoom in on another available day Dates: Feburary - March 2023 Times: Morning block: 9am-12pm CST Evening Block: 1pm-4pm CST Courses: Safety Training (AM/PM): 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14 Mix Quality 1 (AM): 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 Production 1 (PM): 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 Mix Qaulity 2 (AM/PM): 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16 Production 2 (AM/PM): 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 ElectroMech 1(AM/PM): 3/1, 3/15 ElectroMech 2 (AM/PM): 3/2, 3/16

COMMAND ALKON Website: https://commandalkon.com/ trainingdays/ Email: avines@commandalkon.com TRAININGDAYS are brought to regional settings each year to allow system users and administrators to master application skills, stay up-to-date on new software

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE features, and learn best practices from application experts and industry peers.

Sessions benefit both new users as well as veteran users.

ELEVATE (Hollywood, FL): October 24 - 27

GENCOR INDUSTRIES Phone: 1-407-290-6000, ext. 342 GENCOR INDUSTRIES Gencor expert instructors provide stepby-step comprehensive and concentrated training on state-of-the-art control simulation and plant equipment. Benefit from our advanced knowledge and expertise in the science and technology of hot mix asphalt production.

Website: https://www.gencor.com/ training/ 2023 Dates: Week 1: January 6 – 9 Week 2: January 16 - 19 Week 3: January 23 - 26 Week 4: January 30 - February 2

BLAW-KNOX Through a proven method of mixed, classroom and hands-on training, BlawKnox University provides improved technical and problem-solving skills on a variety of paver operations and maintenance topics. Course instructors share decades of paving experience with attendees, including the latest DOT requirements.

Website: https://www.blawknox.com/ training/ 2023 Dates: Week 1: January 6 – 9 Week 2: January 16 - 19 Week 3: January 23 - 26 Week 4: January 30 - February 2

HCSS Contact: Lauren Hill Phone: 1-713-270-4000 E-mail: lauren.hill@hcss.com Website: ugm.hcss.com 2023 HCSS Users Group Meetings February 7–9 & February 21-23, 2023 Marriott Marquis Houston Downtown (HOUSTON, TX)

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

For more than 28 years, HCSS customers have gathered annually to learn the latest software features, network with peers, get help from the experts and provide feedback for future releases.

The HCSS Users Group Meetings are for users of any of the HCSS suite of software including estimating, project management, dispatching, fleet management, telematics, safety, trucking or cloud software.

The informative class sessions cover: HeavyBid, HeavyJob, Dispatcher, Equipment360, Telematics, Plans, Safety, FuelerPlus, Trucking, Intelligence, Cloud, Skills and Forms.

HCSS offers 250+ classes during 14 sessions across the three days of meetings.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR ASPHALT TECHNOLOGY (NCAT) Website: https://secure.touchnet. net/C20021_ustores/web/store_cat. jsp?STOREID=6&CATID=15 Email: slh0037@auburn.edu Performance Graded Binder Technician Course This four-and-a-half-day workshop provides the attendee with practical classroom sessions and hands-on laboratory testing that will reinforce the experienced technician’s skills, and develop the knowledge and testing ability necessary for new technicians.

The course will provide background information on the development of binder grading systems and test procedures and present step-by-step descriptions of test methods used in the Superpave binder system. (NOT AN ON-LINE COURSE) Option 1: October 17-21, 2022 Option 2: October 16-20, 2023 Course Fee: $1250 Advanced Mix Design Course (WMA, RAP, RAS) Option 1: January 31 - February 2 Course Fee: $1200 Asphalt Mix Design (Superpave) Course Option 1: March 27 - 31, 2023 Course Fee: $1200 Asphalt Technology Course Option 1: February 27 - March 3, 2023

Course Fee: $1100 Balanced Mix Design Course Option 1: November 15 - 17, 2022 Option 2: March 7 -9, 2023 Option 3: November 14 - 16, 2023 Course Fee: $850

ROAD INSTITUTE Now in its 58th season and dedicated to training paver operators and foremen on proper Paver Operation & Maintenance, Paver Hydraulic and Electrical Systems and applied Best Paving Practices through several classroom-style and hands-on application courses. The Road Institute has earned its reputation as the go to source for training and instruction on hot mix paving.

PAVER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE To utilize applied training techniques to instruct paving best practices to those people with responsibility for, or interest in, the operation/management of contemporary paving equipment. To correctly and safely utilize a paver to their fullest potential while achieving the highest quality work without sacrificing production or increasing costs. For any individual interested in, or responsible for the laydown of HMA, WMA, SMA, or Thinlays™.

Dates: All 2023 January 16 - 19 (Orlando, FL) January 23 - 26 (Orlando, FL) January 30 - Feb. 2 (Orlando, FL) February 6 - 9 (Orlando, FL) Course Fee: $1200

TRANSTECH SYSTEMS, INC. Phone: 1-800-724-6306 / 518-370-5558 Website: www.transtechsys.com Online Training Mobile friendly and at your convenience, you may review any number of TransTech Systems videos to assist with learning more about the PQI (non-nuclear asphalt density gauge) or the SDG (non-nuclear soil density gauge). The videos are great for new customers or as a refresher once your season gets under way.

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W! NE and ne iPho oid App r And ovides Pr ote Rem ss to e Acc ater He us Stat

MEEKER PATRIOT

Hot Oil Heater Features: • PLC Touchscreen Technology • “SABER” Stack Cuts Down Stack Temperatures and Saves $$$ • All Heaters Are Test Fired at Factory Before Shipping • Personal Service with Strong Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Your Preferred Asphalt Equipment Resource

888.333.0323 www.meekerequipment.com

SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE These videos are available at your fingertips anytime you are ready! It’s as easy as going to our website or searching for “TransTech Systems Inc” within YouTube.

Density Clinic TransTech Systems, Inc. offers FREE density clinics. The team provides a class that covers overall density, as well as operation and use of the non-nuclear density asphalt or soil gauge. Please call TransTech Systems if your company is interested in scheduling a date! The clinics are by appointment, and dependent upon social distancing protocol, may be in person or virtual. When your team completes the TransTech Density Clinic, each member will receive an Operator Training Certificate.

TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES Phone: 1-877-TROXLER (1-877-8769537)/1-919-549-8661 Email: training@troxlerlabs.com Website: www.troxlerlabs.com Online training site: www. troxlerlearningcenter.com ONLINE COURSES: The online courses allow to you to earn certifications and gain new skills/ refresh old ones when it suits your schedule. For more information or to register for a course, click Online Training - TLC on the Training menu at www.troxlerlabs.com.

Topics Covered: • Radiation safety fundamentals and principles • Regulatory requirements • Portable gauge theory and operation • Gauge maintenance • Gauge packaging, storage, and transport Radiation Safety Officer Training—NEW! This course teaches a radiation safety officer (RSO) the responsibilities of the job.

Topics Covered: • Radiation safety fundamentals and principles • License application and renewal • Regulatory requirements, recordkeeping, and other RSO responsibilities • Incidents and accidents • Inspections Hazmat Certification/ Recertification This course satisfies US Department of Transportation (DOT) Title 49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart H training requirements for individuals shipping or transporting hazardous materials. (Hazmat recertification is required every three years.)

Refresher Course for Nuclear Gauge Operators If you work in a state that requires gauge operators to renew their radiation safety training periodically, this course will fulfill that requirement.

(Please note, however, that it is not a hazmat recertification course.)

Topics Covered: • Radiation safety • New regulatory requirements • Operating and emergency procedures • Maintenance • Transportation procedures Compaction & Density Testing In this course, you will learn the basic principles of compaction and density testing methods (with an emphasis on nuclear testing methods).

IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL CLASSES: Due to limitations on in-person training needs we are scheduling these classes as they are requested. If you are interested in scheduling one of the classes below, please contact.

In-person, hands-on non-nuclear and nuclear gauge training is available at our headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and through our regional sales and service representatives by request.

Nuclear Gauge Safety Training plus Hazmat Every new nuclear gauge operator must undergo safety training and be certified to use nuclear gauges.

(Our in-person class is accepted for certification by all state agencies) Topics Covered: • Radiation safety fundamentals and principles

Troxler Nuclear Gauge User Training- 3400 Series Gauges This course trains nuclear gauge users on the Troxler Model 3400 series gauges. The technology used, proper procedures, maintenance, and safety tips are the focus of this new course.

This is the perfect course for new gauge users.

Nuclear Gauge Safety Training plus Hazmat Every new nuclear gauge operator must undergo safety training and be certified to use nuclear gauges.

(Our online course is accepted for certification by most state agencies.)

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

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• • • •

Regulatory requirements Portable gauge theory and operation Gauge maintenance Gauge packaging, storage, and transport

ASPHALT PLANTS AND

COMPONENTS

Radiation Safety Officer Training This course teaches an RSO the responsibilities of the job.

Topics Covered: • Radiation safety fundamentals and principles • License application and renewal • Regulatory requirements, record-keeping, and other RSO responsibilities • Incidents and accidents • Inspections Hazmat Certification/Recertification This course satisfies DOT Title 49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart H training requirements for individuals shipping or transporting hazardous materials. (Hazmat recertification is required every three years)

WIRTGEN AMERICA INC. Phone: 1-615-501-0600 Website: https://www.wirtgen-group.com/america/en-us/ customer-support/know-how/training-program/ The 40,000+ sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Antioch, TN houses eleven classrooms as well as four bays dedicated exclusively to training so hands on training can take place regardless of weather.

The CTT includes a 5-acre test track for equipment demonstrations and hands-on application training for the WIRTGEN GROUP products, as well as a gourmet cafeteria for meals and snacks during your sessions.

WIRTGEN W 200i Series Cold Milling Operation

www.tarmacinc.com

This course covers safe work practices on & around cold milling machines. Participants learn about Wirtgen cutting technology & operation/application best practices for the W200 series cold milling machine. Machine operator controls, Level Pro Plus & daily/ routine maintenance are covered in detail. Participants are provided the opportunity to apply what they learn hands-on preparing them for daily machine operation.

Course Fee: $790 W 200i Series Technical Service This course prepares you to troubleshoot & diagnose symptoms of W 200i milling machines. You learn to reference factoryrecommended procedures for electrical, hydraulic & mechanical service repairs. The curriculum includes practice & assessments on all objectives.

Course Fee: $1185 W 100CFi - W 150CFi Cold Milling Operation This course covers safe work practices on and around cold milling machines. You will learn about cutting technology, best practices of operating a Wirtgen compact cold-milling machine, operator controls, Level Pro Plus, and routine maintenance. This course

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contact tarmac at 816-220-0700 or info@tarmacinc.com OCTOBER 2022 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE prepares you for daily machine operation. IMPORTANT! This course covers operation of the 100-150 CFi series machines. However, the machine model(s) used in the class may not be the same exact machine model No. you use on the job.

However, the machine used for training will be from the Wirtgen compact mill family of machines.

Course Fee: $790 W 100CFi – W 150CFi Technical Service You will learn factory-recommended practices for maintenance of Wirtgen 100-150CFi cold milling machines.

After completing this course, you will be better prepared to diagnose machine problems and increase machine uptime. IMPORTANT! This course covers operation of the 100150 CFi series machines. However, the machine model(s) used in the class may not be the same exact machine model No. you use on the job.

However, the machine used for training will be from the Wirtgen compact mill family of machines.

Course Fee: $1185 W 200Fi Series Cold Milling Operation This course covers safe work practices on & around cold milling machines.

Participants learn about Wirtgen cutting technology & operation/application best practices for the W200Fi series cold milling machine.

Machine operator controls, Level Pro Active & daily/ routine maintenance are covered in detail. Participants are provided the opportunity to apply what they learn preparing them for daily machine operation.

Course Fee: $790 W 200 Fi Series Technical Service This course prepares you to troubleshoot & diagnose symptoms of W 200 Fi milling machines. You learn to reference factory-recommended procedures for electrical, hydraulic & mechanical service repairs. The curriculum includes practice & assessments on all objectives.

Course Fee: $1185

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

Cold Recycling Technology: Module 1 This two-day course offers a detailed explanation of pavement structures and the materials used to construct pavement layers. Students will be given an overview of both cement and bitumen stabilization and their respective properties.

Road construction options will be presented, along with their practical implementations (case studies).

Course Fee: $987.50 WR 200 Series Cold Recycling Operation To familiarize you with the machine and its many components.

Safety practices, machine safety documentation, and safety components will be covered. The controls and functions will be covered in detail. Finally, we will examine daily machine maintenance and component wear identification.

Course Fee: $790 WR 200 Series Cold Recyclers Technical Service The WR 200 Series Soil Stabilizer will be the focus of this course. This course covers safe work practices on and around Soil stabilizer machines.

You will learn factory-recommended maintenance practices for proper maintenance of WR 200 series soil stabilizer machines. After completing this course, you will be better prepared to diagnose machine problems and increase machine uptime.

Course Fee: $1185 WR 200 Series Operations & Technical Service Workshop This is a specially designed course that covers the key operational and service-related tasks associated with the Wirtgen WR 200 Series Recycler/Stabilizer. You will learn factory-recommended operational and maintenance practices. You will be better prepared to diagnose machine problems and increase machine uptime.This course covers 1 day of machine operations and 2 days of technical service fundamentals.

Offered by request only.

Course Fee: $1185 3800 CR Machine Technology

This course will prepare you to work safely and effectively on and around the 3800CR cold recycler. You will learn to recognize how the machine works, as well as how to set up, operate, clean and maintain the machine.

Course Fee: $790 SP 60i / 90i / 124i Operations & Application This course covers safe work practices on and around Wirtgen slipform machines. You will learn the fundamental principles & application capabilities of mainline slipform pavers. You will also learn how to locate components & recognize their functions (on-board computers, display, etc.), how to set up & adjust the machine for inset application & perform machine/display operations.

Additionally, you will be able to recognize how different concrete mixes affect the final product.

Course Fee: $1777.50 Slipform Paver Hydraulic Troubleshooting The purpose of this class is to cover safe work practices on and around slipform pavers. You will learn to locate and assign the hydraulic components of the machine. You will learn how and where to do diagnostics of the different components in addition with the hydraulic schematics. You also will learn how to adjust pressures and oil volume on the pumps, valves and motors that are used in the machine.

In addition you will learn use the machine display for troubleshooting.

After completing this course you will be better prepared to troubleshoot the machine in any kind of diagnostic situations and evaluate the individual function groups for correct operation.

Course Fee: $790 AutoPilot 2.0 Operations & Application This course covers safe work practices on and around Wirtgen slipform machines. You will learn the fundamental principles & application capabilities of SP 15i/25i pavers equipped with AutoPilot 2.0. You will also learn how to locate machine components & recognize their functions, how to set up & adjust the machine for AutoPilot applications & perform

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machine/display operations. Additionally, you will learn functional principles & basic operation, as well as the menu system of the Wirtgen Field Rover, Base Station & elevation controls.

Course Fee: $1185 SP 15i Operations & Application This course covers safe work practices on and around Wirtgen slipform machines. You will learn the fundamental principles & application capabilities of the SP 15i paver. You will also learn how to locate components & recognize their functions (on-board computers, display, etc.), how to set up & adjust the machine for application & perform machine/display operations.

Additionally, you will be able to recognize how different concrete mixes affect the final product.

practices on and around Wirtgen slipform machines. You will learn the fundamental principles & application capabilities of the SP 25i paver. You will also learn how to locate components & recognize their functions (on-board computers, display, etc.), how to set up & adjust the machine for application & perform machine/display operations.

Additionally, you will be able to recognize how different concrete mixes affect the final product.

Course Fee: $1185 SM 2200 Operational Practice

SP 25i Operations & Application

This course covers how to operate and work safely around a SM 2200. You will learn factory-recommended best practices for machine operation and for performing daily and scheduled maintenance. After completing this course, you will be better prepared to operate a Wirtgen SM 2200 according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

This course covers safe work

Course Fee: $790

Course Fee: $1185

VÖGELE Paver Operations & Application This course covers how to safely operate and work around a VÖgele paver. You will learn factoryrecommended best practices for machine operation and for performing daily and scheduled maintenance.

After completing this course, you will be better prepared to operate a VÖgele paver according to manufacturer’s recommendations. You will learn principles and concepts of paving related to the operation of the VÖgele paving machines.

Course Fee: $790 8’-3i Super Technical Service After completing this course, you will be better prepared to perform service repairs and diagnose operational problems of the Super 170X-3i paver.

You will learn factory-recommended procedures for doing service repairs and troubleshooting electrical and

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OCTOBER 2022 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR

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SPECIAL REPORT: TRAINING GUIDE hydraulic systems. You will get an indepth look at all controls and displays Course Fee: $1580 10’-3i Super Technical Service After completing this course, you will be better prepared to perform service repairs and diagnose operational problems of the Super 200X-3i paver.

You will learn factory-recommended procedures for doing service repairs and troubleshooting electrical and hydraulic systems. You will get an indepth look at all controls and displays.

Course Fee: $1580 Super 1800-3iSJ Operations & Service This course covers how to safely operate and work around a VÖgele paver. You will learn factoryrecommended best practices for machine operation and for performing daily and scheduled maintenance.

After completing this course, you will be better prepared to perform service repairs and diagnose operational problems of the Super 1800-3iSJ paver. You will learn factoryrecommended procedures for doing service repairs and troubleshooting electrical and hydraulic systems. You will get an in-depth look at all controls and displays.

Course Fee: $1580 Super 1800-3iSJ Technical Service This course prepares you to safely perform basic machine operations as well as service a VÖgele Super 18003iSJ paver. You will learn the steps to prepare the paver for work, as well as how to calibrate the spray system according to job specs and apply spray paving operation best practices. You will learn the locations & functions of the machine’s controls/components, as well as how to troubleshoot, test, diagnose, & repair the various systems (spray, air compressor, electrical & hydraulic).

Course Fee: $1185

HAMM Compact, Asphalt, and Dirt Rollers General introduction to application and technical information of HD 8-14 Compact Rollers and H5-7 Soil

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

Rollers. This course covers how to safely work on and around HAMM compaction equipment. You will learn factory-recommended best practices for proper upkeep of compaction machines. After completing this course, you will be better prepared to complete a machine startup, diagnose machine problems and help increase machine uptime.

Course Fee: $790 Introduction and Fundamentals Hamm Introduction and Fundamentals introduces the learner to basic machine types, application, and different compaction drum systems. This course also covers basic electrical and hydraulic systems. Student will learn basic machine operation and maintenance. Safety training and machine operation training is also included. Students will also continue learning about digital resources, including WIDOS, WITOS, Parts and More, and the Wirtgen Group Service Portal, in order to use these resources effectively.

Course Fee: $790 Systems Integrity HD+ H Series This course covers the factoryrecommended start up and commissioning/PDI procedures for the HAMM H Series dirt compactors and Hamm HD+ Series asphalt compactors. This course will enable you to have an in-depth understanding of what each system does, how to make sure it is functioning correctly, and what to do if the system is not functioning per specs. You will practice and participate on how to perform a machine pre-check, verify the correct setup and operation on various H Series and HD+ Series machine systems, and identify component options on the various H Series and HD+ Series rollers.

Course Fee: $790

KLEEMANN MC EVO-Series Jaw Crusher Operations This course prepares you for daily operation of the Kleemann MOBICAT EVO Jaw Crushers (MC EVO Series).

You will learn factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance.

Course Fee: $790 MR1xx EVO 2 – Spective SeriesImpact Crusher Operations This course prepares you for daily operation of the Kleemann MOBIREX EVO 2 Impact Crushers (MR EVO 2 Series Spective Control Systems). You will learn factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance.

Course Fee: $790 MCO EVO-Series Cone Crusher Operations This course prepares you for daily operation of the Kleemann MOBICONE EVO Cone Crushers (MCO EVO Series).

You will learn factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance.

Course Fee: $790 MS – EVO Series Mobiscreen Screen Operations This course prepares you for daily operation of the Kleemann EVO Mobiscreen screening systems. You will learn factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance.

Course Fee: $395

WIRTGEN GROUP WITOS FleetView Basics This course will allow you to navigate through the different views within WITOS FleetView. You will explore ways to track machines, schedule alerts for maintenance and radius parameters as well as easily export historical data.

Course Fee: $395

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

Construction on S.T. Wooten’s I-40 Overhaul How crews are tackling an expansive road widening and redesign project in North Carolina

A

s North Carolinians hit the road for their vacations this summer, S.T. Wooten was making major progress on its 13-mile highway widening project on I-40 between Raleigh and Clayton. The completion of eight traffic shifts this past spring helped crews transition into the next phase of the $412 million job and prepare for significant grading and paving work set to take place through the fall.

The I-40 project, which commenced in 2018, includes the addition of two new lanes in each direction, which will help bring much need improvements to traffic conditions on the interstate. Crews are managing construction of 15 new or revamped bridges as part of the project.

DESIGN AND BUILD The I-40 project has been divided into six separate (but connected) construction areas to help crews tackle the expansive stretch with different activities happening in each area. In one section,

crews are building the inside lanes first and pushing traffic to the outside lanes during construction. Other sections have the opposite design with construction happening in the outside lanes first.

Breaking things up into different construction areas helps the team manage different activities and keep the high volume of traffic flowing through the area. Understanding how each section fits together allows project managers to be strategic with planning and schedules.

If there is a delay in one area, crews can shift priorities and focus on different objectives to keep things moving forward.

Crews have utilized a temporary access ramp beside the Garner plant that runs from a closed bridge to help bypass traffic and haul asphalt right down into the median. A temporary road built adjacent to the plant provides access to the outside shoulder in the westbound direction. This system will save the team from having to haul approximately 24,500 loads of asphalt in traffic during the project.

At the Clayton plant, the team will be using a materials conveyer that will also allow crews to deliver loads directly to the median and bypass traffic. This conveyor is expected to help save an additional 7,600 loads from being hauled in traffic. The conveyor is expected to be installed in late 2022 or early 2023.

GETTING AROUND THE TRAFFIC One of the greatest challenges for crews on I-40 has been dealing with the traffic volume, which also impacts work schedules because there are strict hauling and lane closure restrictions. There is a lot of paving that must be done at night to accommodate restrictions and to avoid problems with hauling trucks getting stuck in traffic. One advantage S.T. Wooten has to help alleviate some of the issues, is two asphalt plants right beside the work zone in the towns of Garner and Clayton for easy access.

SAFETY FIRST S.T. Wooten has worked with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to implement several practical safety measures for the estimated 100,000 vehicles that can pass through the I-40 stretch each day. The work zone is equipped with intermittent speed limit reductions projected by electronic display in sections to help

Crews have utilized a temporary access ramp beside the Garner plant that runs from a closed bridge to help bypass traffic and haul asphalt right down into the median. A temporary road built adjacent to the plant provides access to the outside shoulder in the westbound direction. This system will save the team from having to haul approximately 24,500 loads of asphalt in traffic during the project.

ST Wooten

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JOBSITE INNOVATIONS

protect both construction crews and the traveling public. The median is fitted with construction entrances and warning systems to inform drivers about the traffic-flow exiting the median.

Additionally, the I-40 project is part of an automated work zone which further assists in traffic management and safety. Crews have set up sensors along the stretch to get data on road conditions surrounding the work zone and provide updates to the public as well as let drivers know when to consider taking alternative routes.

Details on traffic issues and conditions are also routed to the NCDOT Statewide Operations Center where they can be distributed to the wider community.

Crew members work behind portable concrete barriers, and while there have been accidents, the barriers helped keep workers safe with no injuries so far.

THE RIGHT MIX For the I-40 highway expansion, S.T. Wooten is extending four-lane sections to eight lanes and six-lane sections to ten lanes. Existing lanes will receive 9.5-in. asphalt overlay on top of existing concrete. For new lanes, crews are crushing concrete from the old shoulders and recycling it as aggregate subgrade. The base will consist of a 12-in. layer of type 1 stone for the aggregate subgrade and 8-in. of ABC. On top of the stone will be a 13.5-in. asphalt structure that consist of multiple layers of base, binder and surface.

Crews are using Cat 1055 paver with Trimble 3D grade control systems to ensure efficiency and accuracy in the paving process. These systems help operators handle complex transitions, changing cross slopes and super elevated curves with precision. Additionally, the systems help with rideability, making for a higher quality ride throughout the project.

TWO DIVERGING DIAMONDS While original project plans only called for one Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), the NCDOT has added a

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

One advantage S.T. Wooten has used to help alleviate the traffic issues is two asphalt plants right beside the work zone in the towns of Garner and Clayton for easy access.

ST Wooten

second to the I-40 project scope. A DDI allows two directions of traffic – guided by traffic signals, pavement markings, signs and concrete barriers – to cross over each other at traffic signals to get through the interchange.

The DDI design is newer in North Carolina, but has proven successful in allowing drivers to come through an intersection smoother and safer. These will be the second and third DDIs that S.T. Wooten has constructed, having previously helped the state build its second-ever DDI near the coastal region of the state.

Another notable structure that crews built is a new flyover bridge at the I-440 interchange with I-40 that accommodates the wider eastbound lanes. Completed in December 2020, it signaled a major visible milestone in the project’s progress for the public.

A MULTITASKING ENDEAVOR As crews continue to build momentum with work on I-40, S.T. Wooten is also busy with an expansive, $442 million project on a busy 18-mile stretch of I-95 just down the road near Fayetteville.

The project shares many of the same characteristics and challenges as I-40 with objectives to widen the highway to alleviate traffic congestion and help bring the stretch up to modern engineering standards.

The I-95 project will see two new lanes added in both directions of the interstate, bringing it to eight total lanes between exits 55 and 72 with much of

these upgrades completed by mid 2024.

A total of 15 bridges are planned for construction or replacement as part of the project. A new ramp will be added to connect I-95 North to NC-295 South along with the installation of roundabouts to eliminate stop conditions at some interchanges.

S.T. Wooten leaders and crew members involved with both projects helping ensure efficiency in construction activities happening across I-40 and I-95 simultaneously. Teams have been in constant coordination, sharing insights and lessons learned for improvement. Crews are also rotating schedules for day and night work to help them stay fresh.

Experience is another supporting factor in this work as S.T. Wooten and the NCDOT have teamed up on many state road construction projects. The teams understand that plans can change drastically in any given day. Close communication helps everyone stay on track and make the right adjustments along the way.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL Crews have faced their obstacles on the I-40 job, just as they always do with projects this lengthy and expansive.

Bad weather, pandemic challenges and other factors outside the team’s control have all thrown wrenches into plans at times. Being able to communicate and troubleshoot quickly has helped crews keep momentum.

The crews have embraced the challenges and their commitment will remain a major factor as work progresses toward the 2024 target deadline. In total, around 400 employees spanning every division of S.T. Wooten will have put their signature on this project. When all is said and done, they can be proud knowing their labor has had a great impact on the growing Raleigh area.

Matt Davis is project manager at S.T. Wooten.

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

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PRODUCTION NOTES |

BRANDON NOEL, EDITOR A crew on a parking lot project in Indianapolis prepares to lay asphalt that includes Invigorate Additive.

Provided by Colorbiotics inc.

ASPHALT ADDITIVES: The Plant-Based Revolution Out in the farmlands of Iowa, business and science team up to deliver innovative RAP additives derived from the versatile soy bean.

T

he world is changing at an everincreasing rate. Every major industry in the country is experiencing phases of unpredictability as our ways-of-life and our ways-of-doing business repeatedly fluctuate. One of the fulcrum points of these shifts centers on the changes to our climate, its impact on our infrastructure, and the policy and regulatory responses that set new goals (or place new demands, depending on how you look at it). As industry producers and contractors look for ways to become more efficient and sustainable, they will need new innovations to meet the most ambitious timelines.

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

FRUITS OF THE LAND Out in the farmlands of Iowa they grow a variety of crops, especially the humble, yet multifaceted soy bean. They are grown in very large quantities. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2020 the State produced a yield of over 500 million bushels of soy beans, which ballooned to over 620 million bushels in 2021, coming in only second place to Illinois in overall production nationally.

It is the perfect place to take some of that abundant crop, and see what new applications it can be used for.

It is also the perfect setting for a solid relationship to form between a group of researches at Iowa State University and the team from Colorbiotics. "We're local, and we've existed as a company since the 1980s," Austin Hohmann, product manager, said, "We've been around for a long time in other marketplaces, and we're part of a larger organization as well. So, from our

standpoint, it just made sense to look at diversification."

The development of soy use diversification is encouraged by the American Soybean Association (ASA). ASA is a 100 year old governing body that has 26 affiliated state soybean associations representing 30 soybean-producing states and more than 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers. One of their focal points is policy development and implementation.

According to the group's 2022 directory of resolutions, one of their primary goals is supporting, "soybean composition that focuses on the enhancement of industrial applications," amongst a wider range of goals associated with expanding the crops use and application.

This made sense as a pathway for soybean diversification for Colorbiotics, but it was also an alignment of other factors that led to a fruitful partnership with the Iowa State group. "It was a mutual process. We started talking and it just became apparent to all of us that

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PRODUCTION NOTES we were headed a good direction,” said Kent Rotert, vice president at Colorbiotics. “We offered value that they did not have and vice versa. We built a relationship and looked at our shared values, and saw that both of us could support one another within the process and built a relationship from there."

FARMLANDS-TO-FREEWAYS Colorbiotics sees itself, on the whole, as a scientifically innovative company at the forefront of sustainable innovations, and the soy bean is the perfect medium for their goals. The company has more than 25 years experience in products like rubberized mulch, coatings, colorants for recreational parks, artificial athletic fields, and now, with their newly approved USDA biopreferred soybean products, they have multiple sustainable breakthroughs in asphalt rejuvenation technology: • Invigorate ™ Additive (100% biobased) • Invigorate™ Topical (96% biobased) • Peak 301™ (96% biobased) To get these resources from the fields where they are grown to a market-ready product is a lengthy process of research and development.

Getting its three products USDA biopreferred certified is another layer of difficulty, but that seal of approval is significant when it comes to the forwardfacing values the company upholds.

The Program's purpose is to spur economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. The increased development, purchase, and use of biobased (composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials, renewable chemicals, and forestry materials) products reduces our nation's reliance on petroleum, increases the use of

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

renewable agricultural resources, and contributes to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts.

The submission and approval process takes time and is meant to discourage companies if they aren't likely to qualify. To achieve this status, Colorbiotics contacted the USDA, filled out the needed forms and submitted their product formulas. They had their approval in just seven days time. The head of the company feels confident that the integrity of their offerings speaks for itself.

“Because our product performed very well and it tested very well, it ended up being a streamlined process.

Everything went pretty smooth.”

Hohmann said.

A lab technician works on soy-based asphalt solutions at the Colorbiotics headquarters in Ames, IA. Provided by Colorbiotics, Inc.

But maybe you're not familiar with these types of products, or at the very least, maybe you are not sure if products made entirely from a soybean plant can really be as effective as their more synthetic or traditional counterparts.

Colorbiotics welcomes those who want to dig deeper, and investigate the company's claims. Why? Because they have

a host of stringent scientific evidence to help answer questions and educate contractors and clients on what every product does, and the science behind how it works.

DRIVE FOR SHOW. PUTT FOR DOUGH. When I was growing up, I used to go golfing with my grandad, and at the time I fancied myself a gold enthusiast.

Almost all of my clubs were hand-medowns from him or my dad. I didn't have any clubs that I had personally picked out. That changed when I saved up some money from a summer job, and spent the whole thing on a single club. A brand new driver, a fat headed hammer that I just knew was gonna help me crush it straight down the fairways. I couldn't wait to get play with my grandad to show it off.

And show it off, I did.

When next we got together, on a course near Salt Forge Lodge, I took my time. I lined myself up, took a couple practice swings, and then *wham*! I let a gorgeous drive rip down towards the green. If you're wondering right now, "Yeah? So? What's the point? I thought I was reading about asphalt additives? Where did this reverie on golfing come from all of a sudden?" I promise I've got a point, and it's one my grandad made clear that day. Well, I may have drove the ball closest to the green off the first stroke, but when I was the only one left on the hole, after stroke 5, and walked back to the cart, my grandad said those famous well-known words, "You drive for show, and you putt for dough."

Maybe you're not a golfer. I haven't golfed in a long time either, so let me translate as best I can. It's the small, precision details that really matter.

That's what makes the real difference.

In the world that Colorbiotics is working in, it is much easier to sell a product that will make things look nice

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PRODUCTION NOTES

A highway crew in Mason City, Iowa compacts a stretch of highway pavement that includes Invigorate Additive.

Provided by Colorbiotics inc.

and new on the surface, even in the asphalt recycling business. It is another thing entirely to create a product that scientifically restores reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and its original qualities, and bring it back in line and closer to the properties of "virgin" aggregates. That's exactly what their products do. That's putting for dough.

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ASPHALT CONTRACTOR OCTOBER 2022

THE SCIENCE OF SOY For example, one of their product, Invigorate Topical, is a microbiotic spray treatment formulated with micron-sized particles to penetrate the entire top inch of pavement. From Colorbiotic's website: When it is applied to the pavement, the particles within the treatment activate to drive the absorption process. They readily travel through the skeleton of the surface course, and into the pore structure of the pavement. This is when the surface tension-based design of the emulsion finally breaks. The particles are engineered to seek out damaged sites on asphalt molecules. Once attached, the two create a reaction that reverses the effects of aging and oxidation.

In some studies, it was show that the treatment reduced creep stiffness by more than 20%, making the test roads it was used on less susceptible to cracking when compared to a control product. This is a product that can

measurably extend the life the asphalt it treats. However, there's obviously cases where a surface is beyond a topical solution, and it may require being milled out and replaced. In those instances, the Colorbiotics Invigorate additive can go into the mix, allowing for a higher percentage of RAP use than is typical with other treatments.

Invigorate attacks aged binder at the molecular level to transform recycled material from the inside out. Other rejuvenators water-down binder, and only amounts to a superficial change in viscosity. There’s no actual change in the aged elements. Invigorate triggers a chemical reactions inside RAP and restores its molecular makeup. The result is a better recycled binder that can stand up to standard specifications.

ADD TO YOUR ARSENAL In an interview with Rotert and Hohmann, I asked about the best way

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for contractors and companies to bring these products into their businesses.

Whenever making a change to the mix process, surely there are specifications and details related to using a product like the Invigorate line properly to get the best possible results.

"Currently, we are selling the products directly to our customers, which we do for two main reasons. First, we want to be able to communicate with someone about all the benefits it offers, because even though they may come to us with a certain need, and not be aware how others can be met at the same time."

Hohmann said, "Secondly, we want to be able to educate and work closely with every contractor we supply, so that the product is used as efficiently and effectively as possible."

From the conversation I had with the people leading Colorbiotics, I got the sense that they not only want to continue to push the envelope with the

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products they are bringing to market (they indicated have plans for a full slate of new offerings in the works), but they want to continue in the way that things started for them.

The relational way that they connected to the scientists working at Iowa State University. That feeling of a real local community, where there are faces and real people behind the work that is being done. I believe they want to

recreate that feeling with the contractors that are willing to try something new, and invest, not only in a new product, but in a pathway for a more sustainable future.

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

An applicator sprays Peak 301 on an asphaltshingle roof.

Provided by Colorbiotics inc.

OCTOBER 2022 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR

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OCTOBER 2022 ASPHALT CONTRACTOR

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THE LAST EXIT | AdobeStock/ Rafael Ben-Ari

BRANDON NOEL, EDITOR

Top 10 Job Snacks According to Asphalt Pavers

W

hen you're working in the middle of peak paving season, under the heat of sun, you've got to make sure you keep your energy up by eating healthy, nourishing foods. We did a deep dive on the Asphalt Life community group (which has nearly 110,000 members) to see what advice they had to share. Here's the top 10 on-the-job snacks from on-the-job asphalt pavers.

10. PROTEIN BARS They provide a high amount of energy, sustaining you for longer throughout the day, and they are easy to eat quickly with one hand. Not known for flavor.

9. GUMMY SNACKS A slightly controversial item even though it did appear multiple times.

Nutritionally, most of these varieties are suspect. Overall, with the waste these produce and the short life span of energy they give you, the verdict is: not that great.

8. BOILED OR PICKLED EGGS From body builders to health conscious dieters, everyone knows that eggs can pack a decent punch without a lot of fuss. Their only drawbacks are mostly storage and flavor.

7. SUNFLOWER SEEDS They are tasty, salty treats--which also come in a wide variety of other flavors, readily available to pick up at the gas station if you forgot to pack anything else for the day ahead. The biggest down-side might be the shells.

6. CHEESE Behold. The power of cheese. Why? Cause it's great. You love it, and you know how I know? Because even lactose

intolerant people want to eat it. Why else would Lactaid be a thing?

Like eggs, however, they do have a similar potential temperature drawback.

While you might eat a warm boiled egg, I don't see most people eating a warm stick of sweaty cheese.

5. FRESH VEGGIES The Asphalt Life community page overflowed with the recommendations and benefits of stocking up on fresh vegetables for the work day. Member George Nunez wrote "Cucumber & celery with lemon & Tajin,” shaken in a bag.

If you're not into a bag of veggies, and want to kick-in some carbs and protein, DaLonna Lennea suggested you, "wrap veggies in a tortilla, with a little cream cheese.” They're healthy, easy and are full of water and other nutrients.

4. NUTS / TRAIL MIX Every handful is packed with copious amounts of protein and fat for your body to burn while working hard. Easy to store throughout your workday, they can always be within reach if you're feeling a bit famished and need a little pick-me-up and don't have a lot of time.

Trail Mix is a level-up, because you can make it at home. A good trail mix takes all the benefits of nuts and seeds and adds to it some dried fruits, as well as some pieces of dark chocolate that give you important antioxidants.

3. JERKY / MEAT STICKS Salty and for sale in a lot of flavors and variations, these are the type of food where a little goes a long way. That's a good thing too, because the most significant negative factor with jerky

is how expensive it is. A good solution is to invest in an at-home dehydrating/ drying system where you can make large batches yourself.

2. FRUIT Like vegetables, fruit has tons of benefits. It ends up a lot higher on our list, because of it's broader variety of sweet, flavorful options. You can fill a container up with a bunch of mixed berries and/or cherries, but there are plenty of fruits that come with their own natural wrappers. Oranges, apples and bananas are protected all day long, ready when you need them. Great for staying hydrated while getting a boost of sugar and other vitamins. Their largest downside is a lack of protein for long-term sustenance in heavy working conditions.

1. PICKLES 100% without a doubt, the number one reigning champion in the Asphalt Life community group. Are you as surprised as I was? Once you look at it closely, it makes a lot more sense than you first might think. Pickles are loaded with water, salt, sugar and a tiny bit of vinegar, in other words, a lot of the same electrolytes you'll find in a sport hydration drink like Gatorade or Powerade. They don't have any real temperature needs, you can enjoy them cold or warm without any real distaste. They're also really versatile flavor wise. You can find them off the shelf in sweeter or spicier styles, and like jerky, it's not that hard to start making them at home to your own liking.

For more information visit http://asphalt.com/ mjw7dn

Photos from AdobeStock.com

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