ASPHALTopics Spring 2022

CHAIR’s CORNER

John MacKay Chair

Moving to net-zero emissions

In February 1974, nine road builders called a meeting in Toronto to address a common threat to their industry. It was here that the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (now OAPC) was formed, an association created to deal with the technical issues related to asphalt. The necessity for this meeting was the oil embargo that started in October 1973. The embargo banned petroleum exports to targeted nations and introduced cuts in oil production causing prices to triple within one year.

The problem for Ontario asphalt producers was carryover work estimated in 1973 that they were obligated to complete in the 1974 season. Through this new association, the industry was able to achieve relief for these carryover contracts. It would take many years of negotiating with the Ministry of Transportation over the unpredictable fluctuations in pricing, but in the late 1990s OHMPA was able to convince the MTO to establish an asphalt cement price index.

In the years since OAPC’s creation, asphalt pavements have become a highly technical product, requiring strictly specified materials under rigorous quality assurance programs that govern its tolerances — everything from the aggregates based on shape, size, hardness, and wear index to the increasingly stringent geometric parameters that govern the acceptance of the mix’s placement. The variety of mix types are almost limitless, determined by the mix’s position in the road structure, its function related to traffic volumes, anti-skid properties, noise reduction, and climatic conditions that vary from freezing to high temperatures. The technical

list of issues to be addressed by OAPC is ever growing, making the importance of OAPC to the success of the Ontario asphalt industry as important today as it was in 1974.

In January, the OAPC board completed its annual review of the council’s strategic priorities and key goals for 2022. Out of this review, the board committed to develop an action plan toward a net-zero emissions strategy that could be implemented industry-wide over the next 10 years. OAPC is facing another energy crisis of sorts, and in 2022 industry must develop a plan to reduce our collective greenhouse gas emissions. The development of this action plan will help the industry reduce emissions, and through this important initiative, OAPC will showcase asphalt pavements as the premier pavement choice for roadbuilding in Ontario.

Having just concluded my term as chair, I am thankful to the nine founding members who created the great organization that I have had the pleasure to lead. During the recent 2022 virtual summit & AGM, OAPC paid tribute to one of its founding members, Cosimo Crupi of D. Crupi & Sons. Cosimo was presented with the OAPC Honorary Life Membership Award.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the council staff and board, as well as the ORBA board, for their support. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve as chair of OAPC. As I pass the ceremonial gavel on to our new chair, Dominic Crupi, I know that guided by his passion and leadership, OAPC is in good hands.

OPERATIONS CORNER

Doubra C. Ambaiowei Director, Technical Services

An exciting year ahead!

In the words of ORBA CEO, Bryan Hocking, “Like 2021, 2022 begins with a BANG! But after almost two years of the pandemic, nothing surprises us anymore, and there isn’t anything that we haven’t already learned to deal with as it comes along; so bring it on 2022!”

Typical of a relay, at the recently concluded ORBA 2022 virtual summit, OAPC’s 2021-22 team of executives and directors passed on the leadership baton to their successors, who will continue to steer the council’s vision and mission through 2022-23. As we extend our thanks to the past team of council executives and directors, we also welcome the new team, including council directors starting a first term. We wish the new team a term of successful accomplishments, trusting their directives, and knowing that they have our unequivocal support in the execution of the council’s mandate: To promote excellence in asphalt product quality and paving techniques, and to promote asphalt as the sustainable choice for Ontario’s roadways

In this spring issue of ASPHALTopics magazine, we set the stage to tackle some of the council’s short- and long-term strategic priorities. We revisit the benefits of asphalt, outlining why it is the pavement of choice, and how new talent can be a part of our industry’s success. We also share several perspectives in our continuing quest to provide awareness and education on the latest developments in innovations in asphalt technologies and climate change criticalities. Conversations pertaining to net-zero carbon emissions, what these mean for the paving industry, and how we can thrive sustainably and more are discussed. We also feature OAPC award highlights and the Paver of the Year award. Enjoy it!

Operationally speaking, we continue to engage with agencies on provincial and municipal specifications through consultation review channels and processes to bring forward topical issues and content reflective of present and future industry challenges. Our focus on the 3D milling technology, for example, remains a priority for member education — stay tuned for what’s coming!

The Spring Operations Seminar, scheduled for March 24, 2022, is expected to have panelists constituting plant manufacturers, contractors, producers, and municipal experts who will provide perspectives on factors impacting the consistency of asphalt mixes and performance of asphalt pavements. They will also outline key practices and solutions toward managing variability, especially when introducing RAP during production.

The Partners in Quality (PIQ) Road Tour is scheduled for April 5 in Sarnia, April 7 in the GTA, April 12 in Kingston, and April 14 in North Bay. As usual it will offer members across the province the opportunity to meet owners and specifiers, and discuss ways to continue to improve Ontario’s number one choice in pavement — asphalt.

Everyone who is responsible for asphalt testing, materials approval, specification and quality control is encouraged to register and attend the National Binder Technician Certification Program scheduled for April 26 to 29, 2022. Further strengthening of municipal and stakeholder relationships as well as training and dialogue on technical matters is expected at the 2022 Asphalt Technical Symposium (ATS) on June 14. Please refer to ORBA communications and our website for more details.

In closing, we anticipate that by our first in-person event in March, capacity limits for all indoor public settings will have been lifted (fingers-crossed). The health and safety of everyone remains our priority, so we will continue to adhere to any latest recommended government regulations.

We will continue to engage our membership and expect to see you at an in-person event soon. Please stay safe and well!

MARCOM MATTERS

John Provenzano Director, Marketing & Communications

change. We must start communicating our great work to the mainstream; we have to start talking about warm mix asphalt, RAP and the industry’s commitment to the environment.

Enhancing the OAPC brand through thought leadership

I define thought leadership as a type of content marketing where you tap into the talent, expertise, and passion inside your business to consistently answer the biggest questions on the minds of your target audience on a particular topic. Thought leadership is part of an overall strategy used to build credibility within an organization. The main goal of thought leadership is for an organization to be recognized as an expert and used as a go-to resource in that field. For an organization to be seen as a thought leader it should create and promote educational, helpful content and become active in the industry community.

An organization like OAPC might use thought leadership to provide value to its audiences to demonstrate its brand helpfulness. Then, down the road when someone is seeking a product or service like the ones we provide, they’ll consider OAPC an expert and turn to us first. If we become good at it, we’ll increase awareness among our target audiences, improve social proof, and boost engagement online.

Our OAPC membership is made up of the best and brightest minds in asphalt. These minds are well-respected individuals and experts in their field. As an organization, we produce many articles, reports and FAQs about the benefits of asphalt, improvements being made to asphalt, and the work we are doing to help the environment. We are approached on a regular basis by media as industry experts. Now we are at the point where we have to reach out to new audiences and begin enhancing our brand.

We should start focusing on reaching out to the general public about the great work OAPC does when it comes to the environment. The environment and climate change are mainstream topics that are covered in daily newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Our organization and asphalt producers are making great strides in reducing emissions, and we have also made advances in the fight against climate

Recently, I negotiated a partnership between ORBA and Metroland Media, a division of the Toronto Star, to publish an opinion column every month. The monthly column will include OAPC topics, helping us to reach a broader and more diverse audience. The column will run in 70 online community newspapers across Ontario, including Toronto.com, the Star.com, the Hamilton Spectator, the Vaughan Weekly and the Mississauga News to name a few. Our audience will increase from 100,000 potential readers to 10 million potential readers across Ontario.

This strategy has a cascading effect. As we create our own content, we begin to control our message. This content is then shared by ORBA and OAPC on our social media channels, like LinkedIn and Twitter, further amplifying our message. The cascading continues as members and non-members alike begin to visit our social channels to get their information on the road building industry. More visits to our social channels mean more visitors and followers who share our posts which in turn increases engagement.

Our first two columns have already been published: “Be patient, be safe and never pass a snow plow” and “Where do roads go when they die?” I’ll give you an update on how our opinion pieces have been received. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing from you on possible column ideas. You will also be hearing from me when the media comes calling looking for a quote from an industry leader.

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The Ontario Asphalt Paving Council passed the ceremonial gavel to its incoming chair, Dominic Crupi of D. Crupi & Sons, at the AGM in January. His long-time commitment to the asphalt industry and OHMPA/OAPC has prepared him well for the role in the year ahead. Recently, Dominic took some time to share his history and his thoughts about OAPC and the industry.

Meet incoming OAPC chair

Q: YOU ARE PART OF THE THIRD GENERATION OF D. CRUPI & SONS. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO CONTINUE IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS?

I am very proud of what my grandfather started from literally a sack of hand tools that grew into a business that employed and supported several people. He prided himself on giving his customers quality service that would in turn come back to him in the form of more business through word of mouth when his customers were happy with the service he provided. I am also very proud of the growth that the company has seen under the vision of my father, Cosimo Crupi. It has always been a family-run business and I have known many members of our team who have been like family to us as well. I see value in providing a culture based on tradition and family values. Our employees past and present are accustomed to those values and the Crupi family would like to carry that forward to future generations of employees. I think the Crupi name is well known in the GTA as a company that provides quality and service and I want that to continue on. ››

John Provenzano

Crupi

JUST THE FACTS

EXPERIENCE

D. Crupi & Sons

1995 - Present

OAPC INVOLVEMENT

Marketing Committee

OHMPA Board

ORBA Convention Planning Committee

OAPC Council

Q: WHEN DID YOU START WORKING FOR THE COMPANY?

This is a tricky question. I started going out to jobs with my dad when I was six years old on weekends. Like any kid I was fascinated by the machines and trucks. I think I was six or seven when I first sat in the seat of a one-ton roller and rode it up and down a driveway we had just finished paving.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB WITH THE COMPANY? WHAT POSITIONS HAVE YOU HELD? WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE NOW?

The first summer I worked for D. Crupi & Sons, I was 15 years old and not old enough to be out on the road. I spent the season in our maintenance shop when we had our own paint shop. I spent most of that summer in the sandblast booth. It was probably the worst job I ever had. The season after that I spent on a hand crew shoveling asphalt and that was the start of my asphalt education. It was hard work and I did my best to show the guys I worked with that I was there to work just as hard as they were and I wasn’t expecting any special treatment because I was the boss’s kid.

FAMILY

Spouse Allison, daughter Violet (2), son Finnegan born February 27!

HOBBIES

Spending time with family; hockey and golf.

From there I spent every summer on a different crew or under a different supervisor, whether I was labouring or running equipment or eventually supervising a contract. I finished my BA at King’s College at Western University in 2001 and immediately came home after my last exam to take on my first solo municipal project as a supervisor. Since then, I have worked in the field as a supervisor and transitioned into the office to experience estimating and management positions, ultimately leading me to my current position as vice president.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING MOMENTS OF YOUR CAREER?

The most rewarding moments in my career have been completing major projects and seeing a beautiful finished product that our entire organization can be proud of. I would also point to the purchase and assembly of our Bethridge plant which was my first heavy involvement on the plant side of our business. I was present every day of the process from the digging and completion of the foundation to the first hot mix that was put up in the silos at that plant. It was

a huge task and I learned a tremendous amount from that experience. Having the confidence to run that plant myself was something that felt very rewarding to me. I would also have to say that accepting the role of OAPC chair this past AGM will be something I will always remember as well.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH OAPC?

I started out on the marketing committee a long time ago and met a lot of great people at OHMPA, now OAPC. I was encouraged to join the board at OHMPA by Bruce Armstrong, who put forth my nomination and, as they say, the rest is history.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR OAPC AND THE INDUSTRY IN THE UPCOMING YEAR?

I want to be a part of advancing our Trillium Award program. It is a topic that our council has been discussing, and I think it is an important issue for us to move forward so that our industry shows a united front in presenting our facilities as good neighbours and active participants in the communities we serve. I also want to participate in the work of our municipal liaison committee in our efforts to move towards consistent achievable specifications that assure owners they will be receiving quality products and value for their money.

Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT THE ASPHALT INDUSTRY IS CURRENTLY FACING?

I think our biggest challenge is the massive surplus of broken asphalt and concrete in the yards of our producers. They are valuable products if we are allowed to responsibly use them as recyclable materials. We talk about working our way to being an environmentally responsible industry, yet we are not permitted by many (not all) owners to recycle products that

would reduce the use of non-renewable aggregate resources and also reduce the use of asphalt cement. So many other benefits including a reduced carbon footprint are undeniable, and when recycling is done responsibly, it still results in an excellent quality product. Our industry’s customers need to realize that eventually, if we do not find a solution to this problem, it will become their problem as no one will have anywhere to put the materials coming off of their projects.

ASPHALT

by James Careless

Why asphalt pavement is the superior choice

When it comes to driver safety, all-weather durability, ease of maintenance, life cycle expenditures, and environmental impact, asphalt pavement has been proven to be the best alternative for Ontario’s roadways. This is why 95 per cent of provincial roads are paved with asphalt. Few materials have stood the test of time like asphalt. The first recorded asphalt road was paved in 625 BCE in Babylon. The Greeks and Romans subsequently used asphalt for many applications. The word itself comes from the Greek “asphaltos” which means “secure” in English.

Innovative, cost-effective speciality mixes are being developed that demonstrate excellent performance, resist rutting, and can be produced and applied at lower temperatures. (McAsphalt)

Warm mix asphalt technology allows asphalt pavement mixes to be produced at lower temperatures, producing a more durable mix because a lower production heat results in less initial aging of the asphalt cement. The mix remains workable for a longer period of time and compacts well at lower operating temperatures. WMA cools more slowly, extending the time window that it can be placed before becoming unworkable. Lower emissions also make WMA better not only for the environment, but for the people who work with it. Warm mix asphalt extends the paving season and makes night paving more feasible.

Thanks to ongoing innovations in material mixes, production techniques, and application methods, asphalt remains the best pavement option in the 21st century. Asphalt pavement delivers a wide range of benefits to clients and users including improved safety, all-weather durability, reduced maintenance impact, economical life cycle investments, and reduced environmental impact.

“Conversations about the choice of pavement options should always look into factors such as traffic, soil characteristics, weather, and construction considerations; investment in pavement structure and performance; plus speed and timing in construction, safety, and realistic maintenance and rehabilitation schedules,” says Doubra Ambaiowei, Director of Technical Services Division at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA). “In all of these areas, asphalt pavement offers countless benefits to the governments and businesses paying for the roads, and the motorists who drive on them.”

SAFE DUE TO PROVEN ALL-WEATHER DURABILITY

Every road in Ontario is subject to extreme weather conditions. To maximize driver safety through reliable traction and skid resistance, road pavements must consistently retain their strength, the quality and consistency of their composition, and their ability to support traffic loads during heatwaves and -40 degree cold snaps alike.

The blend of high-quality aggregate, asphalt binders, and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement contained in both hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) — built upon solid subsurface bases — provide this level of driver safety year in and year out. In addition, new porous asphalt mixes have been designed to disperse surface water, which reduces blinding spray and helps to decrease the risk of aquaplaning. ››

Speed of construction and maintenance is an important benefit of asphalt pavement. New membranes to protect the bridge deck and a new wearing surface may be applied in a single night and the road opened to traffic for morning rush hour. (McAsphalt)

The invention of long-lasting asphalt-based perpetual pavement has taken this level of safe, reliable pavement to the next level. “A well-designed perpetual pavement allows for a roadway structure to last 50 years and more while only requiring the surface course to be removed and replaced every 15 to 20 years,” says Fernando Magisano, Senior Technical Advisor at Canadian Asphalt Industries Inc.

ECONOMICAL, EASY TO MAINTAIN WITH MINIMAL TRAFFIC DISRUPTION

When it comes to selecting a road building option that is affordable for both construction and maintenance, asphalt pavement has been proven to be the most economical choice.

“Asphalt pavements have much lower initial construction expenses and have proven lower Life Cycle Assessment investments,” explains Magisano. “Asphalt pavements can also be constructed quickly, which reduces traffic delays for the end user,” adds Amma Wakefield, Canadian and Research Engineer with the Asphalt Institute. This is because asphalt

pavement cools quickly and doesn’t require a curing time period to harden quickly.

Because of asphalt’s ability to be applied quickly without any compromise to quality or durability, selecting asphalt for roadways and highways makes it possible for maintenance repairs and resurfacing projects to be completed in hours, not days. At a time when traffic congestion is a major issue for Ontario’s cities, this is welcome news for governments and the public who vote for them.

“For major highways and arterial roads, many resurfacing projects can be completed at night when traffic is minimal, allowing for zero disruption for the daily commute,” Magisano says. “People just see another section of smooth, quiet and safe asphalt pavement on their way back and forth to work the next day.”

“The quicker that construction, repairs or resurfacing activities can be completed, the better for everyone,” observes Ambaiowei. “Fortunately asphalt offers a blend of strategies to ensure minimal disruption to traffic,

each with considerations given to the existing surface distress and underlying pavement problems.”

POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Asphalt pavement provides many positive environmental benefits to the clients who choose it, the motorists who use it, and the geographic areas that its roadways run through.

Fuel economy is a key benefit of asphalt pavement, specifically the fuel consumed by cars and trucks on the roads today. The long-lasting smoothness of asphalt-paved roads reduces the amount of fuel vehicles have to consume driving from Point A to Point B. Less fuel burned means less pollution in the air, and less energy spent on producing more fuel.

The facts support this conclusion. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the rougher (unevenness, ruts, cracks, and other surface deformations) the road, the more resistance cars and trucks have to overcome when driving on it. This is because rough roads put more strain on a vehicle’s suspension system and drive train components, while deforming tire sidewalls. “The working of these vehicle components converts mechanical energy into heat that is then dissipated into the air, requiring greater work by the engine than would be necessary to propel it along a flat surface,” the FHWA web page ‘Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Pavement Characteristics’ explains.

In 2007, Applied Research Associates (ARA) reviewed an Ontario Ministry of Transportation database containing over 35 years’ worth of biannual pavement condition surveys to see how asphalt pavement fared against other options in retaining this fuel-saving smoothness. ARA found that Ontario’s asphalt pavements are much smoother initially and remain smoother over their lifetime than other options.

Asphalt pavements are quiet pavements. The smoothness of asphalt pavements helps to reduce tire-pavement noise by five decibels says a 2013 Virginia Department of Transportation study. While five decibels may not seem that much, a three decibel reduction is the same as a 50 per cent reduction in the sound level and six decibels is a 75 per cent reduction in sound level (inverse square law). The result: “In many countries other materials are now banned from use in road surfaces in densely populated or noise sensitive areas, with asphalt recognised as the only successful noise reducing surfacing material,” says the European website www.asphaltadvantages.com.

Asphalt pavements do not leach into water or groundwater. As a result, asphalt is commonly used to seal potable water reservoirs and fish farming ponds. “Asphalt has been used in these applications for more than half a century,” www.asphaltadvantages.com says. “As an inert material, it is resistant to the action of most acids, alkalies, and salts.” ››

Asphalt pavement is quiet, durable, economical, easy to maintain and repair, and 100 per cent recyclable.

100% RECYCLABLE

When an asphalt road needs repaving, the old asphalt surface is removed. But this material isn’t sent to a landfill; instead, it becomes RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement).

“RAP can be milled from an old road or pavement structure, brought to a yard, re-crushed in a solid ‘black rock’ state, and then added back at the asphalt plant,” says Donn Bernal,

Principal at Corfinium Solutions Inc. “It can be mixed at the plant at percentages of up to 50 per cent or more (with the proper technologies and mix design) of the new asphalt mix and then brought back to the paving project and paved back to a ‘new’ state for another 20 years or more of design life.”

What this means is that “asphalt pavements are 100 per cent recyclable,” Magisano says. “This is why asphalt pavements are the most recycled product in North America,” notes Wakefield. In fact, more asphalt pavement is recycled on this continent than anything else, including aluminum, paper or plastic.

This makes using asphalt to pave roads an environmentally sustainable practice, and one that matches the needs of our times.

“As our times strive for us to achieve net zero in many things we do, I look at asphalt and whether that is possible with this material. The quick answer is yes!” Bernal says. “And now research and trials are being completed to add recycled plastics to asphalt (without giving up performance) and we have a material that helps to move people while being sustainable. Then add the fact that the technology has advanced to allow us to produce asphalt at a lower temperature (where a 10˚C drop in temperature yields an exponential drop in emissions), and we have ourselves a material that gets us closer to net zero.”

THE BEST OPTION

There are few products in this world that are durable, economical, easy to maintain and repair, and 100 per cent recyclable. Asphalt pavement is one of them, which is why it is the overwhelming choice for roads not just in Ontario, but around the world.

James Careless is an Ottawa-based freelance writer with credits in the National Post, Toronto Star, and AI’s Asphalt magazine.

High quality, high performance RAP pavement. (County of Brant)

The use of RAP in pavements is considered a sustainable approach to road building that leads to cost-effective spending on infrastructure while preserving resources of virgin materials and diverting large amounts of solid waste from landfills. Reducing asphalt consumption and using locally available recycled materials also limits greenhouse gas emissions.

The asphalt industry offers great employment opportunities to Canadians. According to the job search website Talent.com, “The average asphalt paving salary in Canada is $58,500 per year or $30 per hour. Entrylevel positions start at $48,750 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $67,470 per year.”

It is also big. “In Ontario alone, the asphalt industry supports the province’s approximately $37 billion construction industry,” says Doubra Ambaiowei. “The industry employs approximately 30,000 workers during peak construction season (March to October), contributing an estimated $8.1 billion in total employment income.”

The employment possibilities in asphalt are wideranging. They include blending pavement mixes and loading them onto trucks at asphalt plants to the haulage, application, and rolling of asphalt on roadbeds, plus maintenance, repairs, and other on-site duties. “These are great paying jobs/careers with great benefits available to both males and females, ” Fernando Magisano says. And because asphalt pavement is a physical product that has to be made, applied, and maintained locally, “these jobs are stable and cannot be out-sourced out of Ontario,” he says.

“Careers in the asphalt industry are not limited to construction activities,” Ambaiowei notes. “The workforce includes a variety of job opportunities ranging from construction to engineering, sales to service, and everything in between. The road building industry also offers numerous opportunities within a wide variety of fields including operations, business administration, labourer/technician, quality control, trades, and safety and environment.”

Unlike other occupations, the asphalt industry has opportunities for all levels of education. “Whether you are a high school, college or university graduate, or are looking for on-the-job training, there are a wide range of opportunities within the asphalt industry,” says Magisano. “Better yet, the skills gained in Ontario’s industry can be applied anywhere in the world where roads are being designed and constructed.”

The bottom line: The asphalt industry is a great career path, offering room to grow for those who choose it.

“Personally, I have had the pleasure of working in various parts of this industry and all have been challenging and professionally rewarding,” says Amma Wakefield. “You can quite literally pave your own way in the asphalt industry.”

Trillium Award Program gains traction in pandemic year

by Lara Henry

“In 2021, we were very pleased to award four plants with the Trillium Award and recertify 13 plants. Our goal remains to have all member plants Trilliumawarded,” says Mike Deckert, Vice President of FLO Components and chair of the OAPC Plant and Paving Committee. “We weren’t sure if COVID would impact the Trillium Award program, but that seems not to be the case. It’s clear that members see the benefit of the program.”

To date, 90 plants have earned the Trillium Award and, since the inception of the Trillium Awards in 2002, 132 award recertifications have been issued.

Interpaving Asphalt and Aggregate Limited was a new award winner for its Garson Coniston plant. “Our company appreciates the importance of operating a well-maintained, safe, and environmentally-friendly plant. The Trillium Award provided a guide to evaluate how our operation measures up to the various criteria in the application. It encouraged us to go above the standard requirements, which fits our culture of continuous improvement,” says John Argento, Manager at Interpaving Asphalt and Aggregate Limited.

“The key was to get started and to start early,” Argento adds. “The group came together to review the application and we all felt confident about meeting the criteria. We decided to do it and began the process well before wrapping up projects for the season.”

Three of Coco Paving Inc.’s plants received Trillium Awards in 2019 and three recertified, with an additional seven recertifications in 2020 and three in 2021. “The award gives us an incentive and prompts us to look at our operations, community outreach, safety and environment protocols. The program gives a clear outline of what’s important and what we should be striving for,” says Taylor Lefebre, Asphalt Quality & Production Manager for Coco Paving Inc.

Since 2002, the Trillium Award has been recognizing plants that go above the already gold standard set by industry regulations. Recipients of the award have to complete a selfassessment process to meet high standards in appearance, operations, environmental, safety and community relations. Plants that receive the Trillium Award retain the status for three years and are then eligible for recertification.

“Recertification is essentially like a new certification each time with the same check list and evaluation. In a fast moving

business, things move quickly and a lot could have changed in the three years since you certified, so recertification ensures you are still meeting the same standard you were before. But of course the process is familiar because you’ve done it before and know what to expect,” says Lefebre.

“Sometimes if you’re not moving or improving, you’re falling behind, and in every industry there’s a need for continuous improvement. Recertification is part of that continuous improvement process,” he adds.

Over the past few years, the Plant and Paving Committee has introduced a number of new initiatives to encourage applications for the award including a revised application which continues to get positive feedback for being easier

to complete. The streamlined application form now has only four sections, and recognizes plants that are COR certified and following the OHMPA (OAPC) Environmental Practices Guide (EPG). The application also rewards companies who have reduced their carbon footprint or hired an employee through a college apprentice program.

“The application checklist shows us what we are doing right and what can we do to improve things at our locations. We are all very busy with a hundred things to do, so having a guide and a check list to follow makes it easy to give yourself an evaluation,” says Lefebre.

New technology is also making the application process easier particularly for the video portion of the award process. “We filmed the video using a drone and did the editing for the video ourselves. The new technology makes it relatively

New decals will be going up on the latest plants to be Trillium awarded as the OAPC award closes out another successful year.

straightforward. It’s only a five minute video, and with all that is involved in the asphalt plant and production, there will surely be enough content to fill the time,” says Argento.

The Plant and Paving Committee is there to help with any aspects of the application process, and were able to provide mentorship for applicants virtually during the year. As a new applicant, Argento appreciated the mentorship provided by members of the committee. “They were extremely helpful and very supportive throughout the whole process. They answered our questions and provided guidance and clarification when we needed it.”

The silo decals that were introduced in 2019 continue to prove popular and have already been purchased by a number of the 2021 award winners. They and the plaques that winners receive are a great way to showcase the award to employees, customers and the community.

“Our team members of plant operators, general managers, quality control, and health and safety were all eager to contribute to the process and proud to receive the award. The plaque is hung up in our office boardroom and we have the decal ready to install this spring. The next step will be maintaining our certification and certifying our portable plant,” says Argento.

“The award is good publicity for the company and gives a morale boost to people working at the plant locations. They are the ones who make or break our industry, and they appreciate the positive feedback that comes with the award,” says Lefebre.

New for 2021 was a seminar at ORBA’s Road Building Academy called Fundamentals of Asphalt Plant Operations. The course included a module presented by Mike Deckert on the Trillium Award and the benefits of being an award winner. The presentation received a very good response and will be run again in 2022.

Also in 2022, the Plant and Paving Committee will be working with OAPC directors on some refinements to the program. The list of criteria for each section of the application is being reviewed for opportunities particularly in the environment section and giving more priority to incorporating RAP.

“We always need to be changing and looking down the road. We need a vision for where Trillium is going, what the long term plan is, and what other things need to be incorporated. It’s also important that we evaluate the impact that the award is having,” says Deckert.

In 2016, the Plant and Paving Committee initiated a campaign to have 100 per cent of OAPC plants meeting the standards

of the Trillium Award. There are 152 asphalt plants in Ontario and 90 to 95 per cent of those are OAPC/ORBA members. It’s not too late to move the needle forward to reach the goal and really make a difference in the industry.

“We’re just going to keep the pedal to the floor with regards with Trillium and maintain our momentum,” says Deckert

Lara Henry is a communication specialist and editor of ASPHALTopics.

by Lara Henry

The Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council awards program celebrates individuals who make a positive difference in the asphalt industry and who are leaders and role models who teach, inspire and encourage the leaders of tomorrow. This year, OAPC presented the Honorary Life Membership Award at its Annual General Meeting on January 28 at ORBA’s virtual summit.

Honorary Life Membership Award

The Honorary Life Membership Award recognizes members who are dedicated to advancing the objectives of OAPC and who have performed notable service to the council. The 2021 honour was awarded to Cosimo Crupi, president of the Crupi Group, one of Ontario’s largest integrated family-owned asphalt paving businesses.

Crupi joined the business full time in 1963 and was named president in 1989. His father, Dominic Crupi, founded the company over seventy years ago in 1951. Cosimo Crupi was a founding member of OHMPA, predecessor of OAPC, and served on its board for many years.

Under Cosimo Crupi, the Crupi Group saw great expansion. Today the company has four asphalt plants and more than 200 employees. Some have been there for decades, while others have parents and grandparents working there. Meanwhile, third and now fourth generation Crupis are active in the business. He and the company are active in the communities where Crupi operates and support a number of charitable organizations including the Scarborough Health network and Markham-Stouffville hospital.

Cosimo Crupi was born on April Fools’ Day and has a well-known reputation as a huge practical joker. He loves to plan and play pranks on friends, family and colleagues, and everyone knows to have their guard up on the day. One memorable joke involved leaving messages supposedly from the Canadian Revenue Agency asking the recipient to call the CRA back and ask for Mr. E. Vasion. Another larger endeavour had friends waking up to various farm animals on their front doorstep. Everyone in the Crupi office knows to expect something on April 1, and it’s become something to look forward to as well as a birthday celebration.

Crupi has been around equipment his entire life and is a born tinkerer and inventor. He’s the first to look over a new piece of equipment to see if any adjustments can be made to improve its performance. His real-world, practical approach also extends to designing equipment. After building a 3D model from fibreboard at the kitchen table, he designed an improved snow-clearing

attachment to clear the windrows at the ends of driveways that the company put into mass production for their contract work with the City of Toronto.

Cosimo Crupi will be 78 this year, but he isn’t even close to slowing down. He’s at work before anyone else every day and still enjoys spending time in the field where the younger crew have trouble keeping up with him. It’s no exaggeration to say that he’s dedicated his entire life to the industry, the Crupi company, and the people who work there.

OAPC congratulates Cosimo Crupi for winning the Honorary Life Membership Award.

by John Provenzano

Ask anyone who knows Amma Wakefield and they will tell you that she asks questions — a lot of questions. Wakefield’s friend and mentor, Dr. Michael Esenwa, will tell you that she should have been a lawyer or a detective. When he sees that it’s Amma calling him on the phone, the first thing he says is, “What’s your question, Amma!”

Wakefield’s inquisitive nature and passion for everything asphalt earned her the 2021 Bleeds Black Award from the Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council. The OAPC award recognizes those individuals who are so dedicated to the asphalt pavement industry that they bleed black. The award was presented virtually during OAPC’s annual Fall Asphalt Seminar this past December.

For someone who asks a lot of questions, Wakefield was speechless when she found out that she had won the prestigious award. “This is such a beautiful surprise to be recognized by my friends and colleagues for doing what I love doing. How can my heart not burst with gratitude?” she says. “And now I get to feel that way every time I look at the beautiful framed art in my office.”

Wakefield has done much in a career that currently spans just 14 years and includes a combination of industry and research experience in materials engineering and pavement design. She started her career as a materials research laboratory and design manager with The Miller Group where she learned an appreciation for the balance between research and real-world application. She has also worked in product development, testing and research positions within the construction industry for several companies, including LaFarge and Aecon. In 2015, she was named as one of Rock to Road’s Top 10 Under 40 winners.

Wakefield recently defended her PhD thesis at McMaster University under the direction of Dr. Susan Tighe, with her research focused on improving the durability of roadway material. In a congratulatory video for the Bleeds Black award, Dr. Tighe spoke highly of Wakefield’s career. “Amma has been involved in the development and application of numerous asphalt technologies and materials. Her knowledge

is often sought after for numerous paving projects. On a personal note, I have watched Amma and admired her growth into the professional she is today. She is passionate and her excitement about asphalt is truly infectious,” says Tighe.

Wakefield’s education, research and industry experience led her to become the Asphalt Institute’s first full-time Canadian Regional Engineer in 2018, and she is also the first female regional engineer in the association’s nearly 100-year history. She has led the development of the Asphalt Institute’s pavement certification online

technical papers and is a contributor to the Asphalt Institute’s magazine.

Wakefield is a key leader in the refinement of the Asphalt Institute’s mix design technology certification course, delivering the in-course material and actively participating in the development and delivery of the exam. She has experience developing courses and teaching internationally as well, including teaching a two-day course in Fundamentals of Hot Mix Asphalt Design and Quality Control in Road Construction at the Ghana Institute of Engineers in Accra, Ghana.

Wakefield has also been a force in the Canadian asphalt industry. She has been involved in the development and application of numerous asphalt technologies and materials. She is also active on various committees within the Transportation Association of Canada, the Canadian User Producer Group for Asphalt, and the Ontario Asphalt Expert Task Force.

When it comes to real-world application, Wakefield is often approached for her expertise. She recently appeared on the Documentary Channel’s Secret Nazi Bases as an expert in materials engineering. The episode focused on Heinrich Himmler’s fortified castle. When the camera focuses on her, out come the questions, “Why did he transform a Renaissance castle into a medieval castle? Why did he make the bricks look weathered? Why did he reinforce the castle?” It’s clear she continues to ask questions as a way of finding out more about the world she lives in.

by Steve Pecar

LAVIS

HIGHWAY 21 PROJECT EARNS LAVIS THIRD PAVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

For the third time in nine years, Lavis has been chosen as Paver of the Year by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). The award was presented during the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) 2022 summit held virtually over four days in late January and early February.

“It’s always a great pleasure to recognize the best our industry has to offer,” says Bryan Hocking, Chief Executive Officer of ORBA, at the closing of the summit.

“The road building industry takes great pride in health and safety, infrastructure innovation, governance, academic achievement in engineering, and excellence in construction.”

The Paver of the Year award is presented annually by MTO to recognize contractors who have completed high-quality asphalt projects. This is the 30th year MTO has presented the award. Contractors are judged on a number of conditions including road smoothness, night paving, completion, workmanship, mix quality, visual appearance of the finished work, and methods of innovation. Lavis won for its work on Highway 21 near Forest (contact 2020-3042). Other finalists for the award were:

• Dufferin Construction Company for work on Highway 402 near Strathroy (contract 2020-3022);

• Pioneer Construction Inc. for work on Highway 17 near Bruce Mines (contract 2020-5163).

“This is pretty exciting news for us, something the company and all of the workers can say they have contributed to,” says Bentley Ehgoetz, Divisional Manager for the Huron County-based Lavis.

Having also been named Paver of the Year in 2012 and 2015, Ehgoetz says he is proud the company has been able to show consistently that it is doing good work and is pleased with the acknowledgement from MTO.

As the project was progressing, Ehgoetz says his team knew something special was happening and hoped the end result

would lead to the award. “We could see what was happening and I remember telling some of the crew, ‘I think we have a chance for a Paver of the Year award,’” he says, adding that many of the team members involved in the project also worked on the two previous award-winning jobs.

The work done on Highway 21 was roughly between Forest, Ontario to Highway 402. The project involved 78,170 square metres of cold-in-place recycling (CIR emulsion) with a hot mix overlay of 12,000 tonnes of SP 19 binder course and 14,000 tonnes of FP 12.5 FC1 wearing course. The use of CIR stabilizes the existing roadway and helps resist reflection cracking in addition to having the environmental benefit of reducing the use of new aggregate and asphalt cement. The work also included some curb and gutter drainage repairs and structural concrete repairs. As well, there were repairs made to the Highway 402 underpass as well as replacing guiderails, signs, electrical loops and lighting. Most of the work was done in-house.

Operating since 1938, Lavis has gone through several changes over the years, but Ehgoetz says dedication to hard work and thoroughness have been the thread that has run through the company and keeps it on course to achieving good things.

And now, after three top honours as Paver of the Year, where does Lavis go from here? “I guess we will try to make it number four,” Ehgoetz says. “That’s the best we can aim for.”

Steve Pecar is a Mississauga-based writer, editor and designer.

UNSUNG HEROES

by Steve Pecar

Lucky break leads to Wade’s long career at McAsphalt

lton Wade readily admits that he came by his long career at McAsphalt kind of by accident. Back in 1990, while still a chemistry student at Seneca College, he worked for a cleaning company at the McAsphalt facility after hours, tidying up after everyone else had gone home. A friend, thinking that Wade might have an “in” at the company, asked him to help him get a full-time job.

“The manager told me he didn’t have a job for my friend,” Wade explains. “But because I already worked there and they knew me, he offered me the job. And that’s how my career began. Luckily there were no hard feelings from my friend.”

Those who have worked side-by-side with Wade since then are quite sure the right decision was made. “His experience and long-term commitment to McAsphalt is unbeatable,” says Sina Varamini, Manager of Research and Development. “He has seen McAsphalt in the past and McAsphalt in the present. And he is going to be part of McAsphalt in the future. That alone makes him a great asset to a lot of research and development projects and will continue to make him a valuable part of the McAsphalt Research Centre.”

When Ron Dulay started at the company in 1998, Wade already had several years of experience working in the lab. Back then, Dulay says, Wade already had a lot of responsibility testing emulsions and helping out a newcomer on the job.

“At that time, no contractor was doing their own testing,” says Dulay, Laboratory Supervisor at the McAsphalt Research Centre. “Everything was coming to us so it was pretty wild, pretty busy, and Alton was one of the reasons we kept going. He did a lot of work testing emulsions and at the same time he would be helping me working on the hot mix. He’s always been incredible at what he does.”

Alton Wade

Coming up to his thirty-first anniversary at McAsphalt, Wade says his early days were spent working on emulsion testing then on products such as bridge deck membranes and waterproofing membranes. Eventually he moved on to hot mix design and most recently has been specializing in micro surfacing design. Wade says keeping busy has always been something that motivates him on the job, as well as enjoying what he does. He likes learning new things and staying up-to-date on all of the latest trends in the industry.

“The idea that you can take a liquid asphalt, turn that into an emulsion, and mix that with an aggregate source to produce something that is a hard surface that we can actually drive on is fascinating,” Wade explains. “And the chemistry behind it -- you can take different chemistry and get different results to make the same thing, so you’re always learning and growing.”

Currently Wade is involved in performance research and development where he serves as the senior technician. It is another task he says will both challenge and educate him. “Right now you can project what will happen to a road surface 20 to 30 years ahead of time -- that’s fascinating,” he says. “Doing these tests gives you incredible information that will allow you to project ahead and plan.”

As he looks back on his career, Wade believes his relationship with the company has been long-lasting because it is a good fit and he has always worked well with his colleagues. “There’s never been a reason to change,” he says. He is also thankful that McAsphalt has had the confidence in him to add responsibilities as well as give him the opportunity to tackle new projects.

“It’s a great career,” Wade says. “I look forward to going to work every day to do things I am very interested in. You can’t ask for more than that.”

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

Doubra C. Ambaiowei Director, Technical Services

Hence, some fundamental questions: What more can or should the asphalt paving industry do to empower a more resilient and sustainable future?

What could be the impeding and or constraining factors to this drive?

How can these be resolved technically, politically, or otherwise? These questions and more are what we at OAPC will aim to explore from the basics to in-depth analysis using webinars, technical presentations and written articles as the year rolls on.

A more resilient and sustainable future for the asphalt paving industry

The threat from climate change to our planet is critical. To address this, the Glasgow Climate Pact, the main political outcome of the 26th meeting of the conference of the parties in October 2021 (COP26), saw countries jointly agreeing to cut down on the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2) to reduce the current average global temperature to well below 1.5°C. This referendum requests that governments revisit and strengthen their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) before the end of 2022 to bring them in line with the desired temperature goal.

To limit warming to 1.5°C, global emissions must be reduced by 45 per cent by 2030. This window of opportunity for avoiding the most disastrous impacts of climate change is closing quickly. To keep 1.5°C within reach, it will be absolutely essential that the asphalt paving industry, as is expected from other sectors, returns to the table with significantly enhanced strategies for empowering a more resilient, and sustainable future. We MUST not relent!

Consequently, conversations in the quest toward net zero are becoming more and more prominent. I’m one of many advocates who believes that the asphalt paving industry has not only been responsible, but also quite proactive in terms of recommending resilient, sustainable pavement strategies that can combat environmental challenges while also satisfying the performance needs for our roadways. This is not a new outlook. I have always favoured recommending pavement strategies to enhance performance and improve durability. If it performs well for many years, it is most likely good for the environment!

As a lead-in, let us briefly refresh our minds with some asphalt strategies with great potential for the desired environmental improvements. First is the Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) subject. Given the growing rates of RAP stockpiles in and around the province, RAP provides a sure path to meeting both performance and environmental goals, be it through the various cold and/or hot recycling processes. Hence, advocating for responsible and optimal use of RAP would mitigate the risks from sending this valuable material to the landfill, preserving our aggregate resources and reducing our carbon footprint. The key is to pay attention to the processes and practices associated with design, crushing, screening, processing and handling to ensure quality and performance.

Second is warm mix asphalt (WMA) which provides a guarantee for reductions in energy and green-house gas (GHG) emissions during production, and the promise of increased pavement performance in the longer term. In addition to these proven benefits of using warm mix, it again offers the potential to better integrate RAP which could further drive down the cost of production, all helping towards realizing the value of RAP. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) renewed interest in exploring the benefits from WMA through trial implementation using its

recently published Non-Standard Special Provision (NSSP) BITU0029 is a welcome development, and great for the industry. This is an opportunity to re-validate what we already know, and an important way to encourage more municipalities to employ similar innovations in asphalt technologies. Third is crumb rubber modifier (CRM) in asphalt paving mixtures. This strategy is of particular interest to me owing to its proven successes for good compatibility and interaction between rubber particles and asphalt binder, resulting in various improved properties and performance of asphalt mixtures. Rubberized asphalt mixtures have also shown good compatibility with RAP and WMA. In addition to the hot mix asphalt applications, crumb rubber is valuable in chip seal coat applications, for undersealing (a waterproofing function), and as a porous friction course for open graded applications.

My most vivid recollections of CRM applications in Ontario were the demonstration study projects completed on Highways 7, 35 and 115, a collaboration between the MTO, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS), and the Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT) at the University of Waterloo. A recommendation from my involvement with the aforementioned CRM studies is that CRM used in typical Ontario rubberized mixtures should be subjected to both cryogenic and ambient methods of grinding prior to blending with the asphalt cement. This could be a more effective way of ensuring better or comparable performance outcomes.

The implication would be higher initial construction costs, but the many benefits associated with rubberized pavements including its extended service life would provide a trade-off over the pavement’s lifecycle, especially in terms of maintenance or the need to carry out major rehabilitation. Incentive programs could be encouraged to drive the demand and use of CRM in HMA mixtures. Exploring the integrated opportunities with CRM could further mitigate the risks from sending this valuable material to the landfill, and thus enhance the industry’s resilient and sustainable drive.

The subject of recycled plastics in asphalt pavements is fast becoming an area of opportunity while also bringing its own challenges. Driven by the desire to reduce waste and negative impacts on the environment, the key questions on the minds of industry experts are the long-term performance and true environmental impact of plastic in asphalt pavements, material costs, worker health and safety, operations, and re-recyclability of plastic-asphalt mixtures. The answers to these important questions are currently being pursued through numerous experiments and research projects being carried on globally. However, the reassuring message is that the asphalt industry is capable of responsible advancements by taking the ambitious steps towards being more sustainable.

Another consideration may include revisiting the potential of incorporating recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in asphalt mixtures.

Understandably, the use of shingles is currently either prohibited or cautiously being utilized in most specifications due to the higher potential for premature cracking. Integrating RAS with RAP may also be further explored as there are a variety of rejuvenating agents that have shown great promise.

One of the latest developments in this area comes from Iowa State University (ISU). They have developed BioMAG, a combination of a high oleic soybean oil-based polymer modifier and soybean-based rejuvenator oil engineered to work with asphalt chemistry to disperse agglomerated asphaltenes and build a microscopic elastic network. It is believed to be unlike other rejuvenating oils since it performs well even with challenging binder sources, including highsulfur binders and vacuum tower bottoms, through its ability to stabilize oxidized asphaltene particles. The development of these types of rejuvenators may be a possible opportunity for increased recycling commitments. They may also aid terminal suppliers and oil companies with stiff base binders or users in cold weather climates, such as ours, needing the best crackresistance available.

Lest I forget, data from some recent fibre reinforcement demonstration studies in the U.S. states of Virginia and Kentucky suggests that, with fibre reinforcements, higher RAP mixes are achievable without sacrificing performance.

Their testing showed improved cracking resistance without compromising rutting performance. It appears fibre use in Canada is also catching-on, and possibly something worthy of consideration in the quest to build better and more sustainable asphalt roadways.

The key to the asphalt paving industry being more resilient and sustainable may lie in our ability to integrate or combine some of these already known strategies. Unfortunately, some institutional policies do not encourage such strategies, and for valid reasons including quality and performance concerns, budgets vs cost implications, and incentives for investments in new technologies. A unifying drive to change the narratives and implement adaptive approaches now rests on the need to save the environment.

Our success requires new levels of resilience and agility, rooted in responsible practices that preserve our planet for future generations. As such, a collaborative drive MUST be instituted towards ensuring compliance — developing and meeting regulatory requirements, measuring and reporting progress over time ; encouraging optimization — reducing resources consumed while improving operational efficiencies and the bottom line; and providing incentives and/or a level playing field for transformation — creating and tapping into more resilient, and sustainable opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL ESSENTIALS

Richard Willis

The road forward

Twenty-one people. Twenty-one people from different walks of life. Twenty-one people with different areas of expertise and passions. Twenty-one people who put hours of time into developing a better understanding of where we are as an industry. And twenty-one people who created a vision: a vision for net-zero carbon emissions for the asphalt paving industry.

The Climate Stewardship Task Force developed this vision partially because the Biden Administration rejoined the Paris Climate Accords and announced the goal for the entire country to be carbon neutral by 2050. As active members of our communities and citizens of our country, we in the asphalt industry have tracked how the asphalt industry needs to understand its role in helping the United States achieve this lofty goal. But there are other reasons to focus on this such as business efficiency, recruiting the next generation of workers, and being a better neighbour for your community.

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) envisions a world of sustainable commerce and communities connected by net-zero carbon emission asphalt pavements. Over the course of 2022 and beyond, NAPA is going to focus on a mission to engage, educate, and empower the U.S. asphalt community to produce and construct net-zero carbon emission asphalt pavements with four distinct goals in mind.

Industry Goal 1: Achieve net-zero carbon emissions during asphalt production and construction by 2050. This means that the industry will not contribute any emissions from its own operations in producing and paving asphalt mixtures. The industry is going to have to identify ways to reduce energy demands at the asphalt plant and improve efficiencies during operations. However, one of our key sources of emissions is through burner operations, and we can improve.

Industry Goal 2: Partner with customers to reduce emissions through pavement quality, durability, longevity, and efficiency standards by 2050. This can seem challenging because so much of this is out of our control; however, we can do a better job advocating for policies and standards which will allow us to continue to reduce the emissions associated with the use and maintenance of our asphalt pavements through tools such as perpetual pavements and more.

Industry Goal 3: Develop a net zero materials supply chain by 2050. We need to be engaging with our binder and aggregate suppliers, additive manufacturers and more to ensure we understand not only the environmental impacts associated with the production of their product, but how it impacts performance. This goal allows us to advocate for better use of reclaimed asphalt pavement in our mixtures and look at new and innovative technologies which could allow us to further reduce our carbon footprint.

Industry Goal 4: Transition to electricity from renewable energy providers in support of net-zero carbon electricity generation by 2050, and reduce electrical intensities. Most of this goal is out of our hands. You may only have one electricity provider and you may not have the land to build your own solar farm, but we can advocate for cleaner electricity from our providers. They too may not be able to reach total zero, but they can choose to be net zero in their business operations.

If you made it to this point, you may be thinking, “Richard, this is a lot!” And I would respond by saying, “It sure is!” And that is why we need the entire industry to walk down the road forward with us. It will make us better companies and a better industry and show our stakeholders and future workers where our priorities really lie. For more information, please visit www.asphaltpavement.org/forward.

Richard Willis is Vice President, Engineering, Research, & Technology, for the National Asphalt Pavement Association.

2021 FALL ASPHALT SEMINAR

Advancing Through Collaboration: Paving the Way for Excellence

The Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council’s annual Fall Asphalt Seminar, Advancing Through Collaboration: Paving the Way for Excellence, was again hosted virtually in 2021. The virtual seminar brought together over 120 industry leaders and stakeholders. The keynote presentation “A Collaborative Approach to Warm Mix Implementation — A Contractor/Producer Perspective ” was delivered by Justin Baxter of The Miller Group.

An inspector ensures proper bonding in an OAPC education video.

The second keynote presenter, Teresa Di Felice, CAA South Central Ontario’s AVP of Government and Community Relations, gave the audience an update on the CAA/ORBA Partnership on The Worst to Best Roads Campaign. Other presentations included MTO Bituminous Specification Updates and Other EMO Initiatives by Gelu Vasiliu; Responsible RAP Use: OGRA/OAPC 2020 RAP Survey Results by Amin Mneina; and Recap of the 2021 Asphalt Technical Symposium (ATS) and OAETG Updates & Next Steps by Sina Varamini. ORBA’s Director of Technical Services, Doubra Ambaiowei, showcased the latest OAPC factsheets and educational videos. Presentations can be found on the ORBA website under Events.

THANK YOU to our 2021 sponsors:

NATIONAL BINDER TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

April 26 — 29, 2022

The National Binder Technician Certification Program (NBTC) is scheduled for April 26 to 29, 2022 at the University of Waterloo. Presented by ORBA, the Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology at University of Waterloo, and the Asphalt Institute, the program will offer training on specification testing of asphalt binders, hands-on testing demonstrations of asphalt binder tests, and the option for certification through written and lab-proficiency exams.

If you are responsible for asphalt testing, materials approval, specification and quality control, this course is for you.

Click here to register today.

ORBA’S 2022 SUMMIT & AGM

ORBA announced Kevin Machej, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Development and Partnership Ventures at CRH Canada, as president of the association during its 95th AGM on January 28, 2022. On the same day, OAPC announced Domenic Crupi, Vice President of D. Crupi & Sons Ltd., as their new chair. Mr. Machej takes over the helm of ORBA’s Board of Directors from Rocky Coco and Mr. Crupi takes over the Ontario Asphalt Paving Council from John MacKay. The AGMs presented awards of excellence in governance, construction safety and academics.

Presentations can be found here.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS TO THE CP24 CHUM FM CHRISTMAS WISH PROGRAM

For a third year in a row, the OAPC’s Fall Asphalt Seminar supported the annual CP24 CHUM FM Christmas Wish Program. The program is one of the largest distributors of toys to children in need in the Greater Toronto Area and also provides financial assistance to hundreds of agencies, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of children across the GTA enjoy a holiday experience.

ORBA WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER

ORBA is pleased to announce the addition of Guru Missar, Co-ordinator, Marketing and Communications. For complete information on staff and contact information, please visit https://orba.org/staff/

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: UNSUNG HEROES OF ASPHALT PAVING

OAPC Past Chair John MacKay presents a cheque for $2,500 for the CP24 CHUM FM Children’s Wish.

Do you have an “unsung hero” in your company? Someone who works diligently behind-the-scenes to help build great roads, day in and day out? If you’ve got an employee or coworker you think deserves recognition as an Unsung Hero of the asphalt industry, please let us know. It’s time to shine a light on our deserving colleagues and recognize their contributions. For more information and to download the nomination form, go to the ASPHALTopics page under the Publications & Education tab. Or email the marketing and communications director at john.provenzao@orba.org.

Clockwise L-R: Bryan Hocking, ORBA CEO; Ivan Levac, OAPC Past Chair; Domenic Crupi, OAPC Chair; John MacKay, OAPC Immediate Past Chair.

THE LAST WORD

Ludomir Uzarowski

OAPC involvement a highlight of my long career

When I look back over my career here in Canada, one of the experiences that stands out the most is my involvement with OHMPA/OAPC. What a great experience I have had with this impressive organization. There’s no doubt in my mind that it brings the industry to the next level.

My involvement with OHMPA/OAPC goes back to the mid 90s and includes number of presentations at OHMPA/OAPC seminars. My most important experience was my involvement in the OHMPA Quality of Asphalt Pavement in Ontario Task Force which included representatives of MTO, municipalities, suppliers, contractors, consultants and academia. There were some issues observed with our pavements, and we gathered together to discuss the subject. Did we agree all the time? Not necessarily. But at the end we agreed on what had to be done and allowed the issues to be solved. That was a great experience and OHMPA/OAPC deserves great recognition for the initiative and action.

I have 47 years of experience in pavement and materials starting in 1975 in my home country, Poland. I worked there for 14 years and was directly involved in construction. This allowed me to better understand the issues that contractors typically face, including staff, materials, equipment, weather and so on. I still love being involved in construction, although now it’s on the consultant side. Over my career, I’ve been lucky enough to study and work all over the world. But I feel most fortunate about my move to Canada, doing my PhD here, and then establishing my career at Golder Associates. Last year I was elected to honorary membership of the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association (CTAA).

I have so many people to thank for having influenced my career including Professor Stephen Brown from the University of Nottingham and Professor Susan Tighe when she was with the University of Waterloo. Working for John Emery provided me with

a good experience, and then working for Golder Associates with my mentors and friends, Dr. Michael Maher and Andrew Balasundaram, and others. I also had the privilege of working with very knowledgeable people from the MTO and can think of Kai Tam, Becca Lane, Pamela Marks, and Tom Kazmierowski to name a few.

As for the future, I am very close to retirement and planning to do that in 2022. I will likely still be involved in consulting on a part-time basis. But it is definitely time to spend more time with my wife. And, of course, doing more fishing, kayaking, backcountry skiing, exercising, and spending more time in our favourite place — Algonquin Park. I am very optimistic about the future of the asphalt industry and the way in which it is moving forward by implementing a number of new ideas and technologies while still maintaining good quality. Although some of my friends and colleagues are retiring, we have a fantastic young generation taking over who are knowledgeable, keen on new ideas, and doing a very good job.

It’s my opinion that the pavements in Ontario are some of the best in North America. And I am positive they will stay that way.

Ludomir Uzarowski is Principal and Senior Pavement and Materials Engineer with Golder Associates Ltd.