THE LAST WORD: Embracing change through technology

Embracing change through technology

I have been fortunate to be in the asphalt industry for 25 years and have worked with so many great people and companies along the way. We have an asphalt industry that still feels like family. While we may be competitors, we hear stories of companies helping each other out if one gets into a bind with say, a broken down paver, and a competitor lends their spare for the day or week. This is what sets us apart from many industries.

However, one thing that has to change and change quickly is the advancement of asphalt technology and technology in general. It is good that asphalt continues to be the main pavement of choice for Ontario and there is the old adage of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”, but we will be left behind. The concrete and cement industry are spending millions on research to make their material carbon neutral and the world needs our help to meet stringent targets in 2030 and 2050.

The advantage that asphalt has is the technology is already here for us. Between using recycled asphalt and warm mix technology, we can significantly reduce GHG and carbon emissions. In addition, we can help meet the criteria for ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) that is being used globally by using more recycled asphalt and reducing the temperature of the mixes to reduce emissions and also provide a safer work environment for our plant and paving employees. As companies, we are being responsible to the environment and to our people while at the same time being sustainable and profitable.

To the Ministry of Transportation, municipalities, and consultants: I urge you to accelerate the pace of the movement to a more sustainable society. The asphalt industry can’t do this alone and needs your support. We have collaborated in the past on Superpave, stone mastic asphalt and many others to move the industry forward. It is all the more important now as Canada and the world endeavour to meet the 2030 emission reduction targets and net-zero emissions by 2050. Let us do our part.

There is always a sense of hesitancy when we try something bold, but we have the tools in our performance testing portfolio for asphalt cement and asphalt mixes. Gone are the days of having to wait five to ten years to see how well the mix performed. We have predictive models now with high levels of confidence to do that for us. Let’s make this happen!

Lastly, I mentioned earlier that we are slower on making changes in our asphalt and paving practices or technology in general. Technology continues to accelerate exponentially, and with AI in almost everything we touch, there are no limits. As much as we would love to bring in more skilled trades and plant and paving operators, we have to accept the fact that it will continue to be a struggle. We need another option.

At the recent ORBA convention, there was a presentation on semi-autonomous heavy equipment where, for example, loaders at the asphalt plant are equipped with automation that is controlled by operators stationed at an office or nearby mobile trailer rather than being in the cab. This type of technology will bring in a new type of operator, including those that may be physically disabled, into the industry. These are some of the great innovations that we have to embrace.

Donn Bernal, P. Eng, is Principal of Corfinium Solutions Inc. focusing on business development, project management, and operations in the asphalt industry. He is a past president of the former OHMPA and on the council with OAPC.