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AI Saturday, July 04, 2009



Recent News

07/01/09 - Don’t Miss AI’s Emulsion & Maintenance Summer Special

07/01/09 - John D’Angelo Retires from FHWA

06/30/09 - Plan now for Asphalt Academy training in 2010

06/29/09 - FHWA's Jim Sorenson Passes

06/05/09 - Vista Petroleum joins Asphalt Institute

06/01/09 - APA announces winners of 2008 Perpetual Pavement Awards

04/29/09 - AI announces new Senior Editor

04/25/09 - Tax credits for asphalt shingles

04/24/09 - AI signs Declaration of Commitment in Williamsburg

04/23/09 - Workshop on PPA Modification of Asphalt Binders

News Archive


Don’t Miss AI’s Emulsion & Maintenance Summer Special

For a limited time, purchase MS-19, Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual and MS-16, Asphalt in Pavement Maintenance as a set for only $80 (you save $15).

MS-19 is the industry's key publication for explaining the characteristics of asphalt emulsions and their uses. MS-16 provides practical information on methods, equipment, and terminology applying to the use of asphalt in maintenance of all types of pavement structures. Offer valid through Sept. 30, 2009. Price: $80.00. When ordering, specify item code: MS19P.

To order, click here.


AI’s Mike Anderson (r) congratulates D’Angelo on his retirement.
John D’Angelo Retires from FHWA

The Asphalt Institute (AI) helped John D’Angelo of FHWA celebrate his recent retirement announcement by attending two events in John’s honor.

AI President Pete Grass attended D’Angelo’s retirement dinner on Saturday, June 27 in Fairfax, VA. AI’s Director of Research and Laboratory Services Mike Anderson, Regional Engineer Bob Horan, and AI retiree Bernie McCarthy attended the FHWA open house in John’s honor on Tuesday, June 30.

“The Asphalt Institute wishes John the best of times ahead in his future endeavors and looks forward to continuing to work with him on projects of mutual interest,” said Grass. ...
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Plan now for Asphalt Academy training in 2010

As you develop your training budget for 2010, plan now to include Asphalt Academy training courses from the Asphalt Institute. The following course prices remain the same for 2010.

Basic Binder Technician Training
The Basic Training course consists of 4 hours of procedure-specific lectures, 20 hours of intensive hands-on labs, and a review exam during the last half day. The curriculum covers all phases of AASHTO M320 classification, including hands-on sample preparation and testing using the rotational viscometer, dynamic shear and bending beam rheometers, and direct tension tester. $900

Mix Design Technology Certification Course
Understanding mixture properties and design is one of the most crucial steps in assuring the construction of a high quality asphalt pavement. This three and a half day course covers mix design methods for Gyratory (Superpave), and Marshall as well as the utilization of RAP in HMA. Specialized mixes such as SMA, OGFC and Warm Mix are also addressed in this course. ...
Full Story


Jim Sorenson
FHWA's Jim Sorenson Passes

The highway industry lost an iconic leader in the passing of Jim Sorenson on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

Jim was the FHWA’s Senior Construction and System Preservation Engineer responsible for technical assistance, policy development, and research guidance in the areas of Construction and Maintenance Operations, Transportation Systems Preservation, Asset Management and FHWA’s external Quality Management Program.

Jim held a BSCE from Montana State University and was a Vietnam veteran. Forever a champion of Pavement Preservation, he worked closely with industry and was a catalyst in the establishment of the Foundation for Pavement Preservation and the National Center for Pavement Preservation.


Vista Petroleum joins Asphalt Institute

Vista Petroleum Services, Inc. is the newest AI associate member. Based in Larkspur, Colorado, Vista is a wholesaler of paving and roofing asphalt via railcar or truck.


APA announces winners of 2008 Perpetual Pavement Awards

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) has announced the winners of its 2008 Perpetual Pavement Awards.

The award is given to owners of asphalt pavements that are at least 35 years old and never have had a structural failure. The average interval between resurfacing of each winning pavement must be no less than 13 years. The road must demonstrate the qualities expected from long-life asphalt pavements: excellence in design, quality in construction and value to the traveling public.

Engineers at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) evaluated the nominations for the Perpetual Pavement Award and a panel of industry experts validated the winners. ...
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AI announces new Senior Editor

The Asphalt Institute (AI) is pleased to announce Kendal Butler as AI’s new Senior Editor. Butler is responsible for producing Asphalt magazine and AI publications. He also manages content for asphaltmagazine.com.

Butler has worked in the publishing industry for 19 years. Dwight Walker, former Editor now retired from the Asphalt Institute, continues to serve as Senior Contributing Editor for Asphalt magazine.


Tax credits for asphalt shingles

Buying reflective asphalt shingles can mean a 30-percent tax credit up to $1,500 for Americans through 2010. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association (ARMA), the shingles must meet EPA Energy Star® roofing requirements to qualify for the rebate.

“Asphalt shingles are prized for their durability, affordability, beauty and now also their energy efficiency,” said Reed Hitchcock, ARMA Executive Director.

More Info...


AI signs Declaration of Commitment in Williamsburg

On April 17, at the Asphalt Institute (AI) Spring meeting in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, AI's Executive Committee signed a "Declaration of Commitment." The document is a recommitment to the mission and vision of the Institute on the occasion of the AI's 90th anniversary.

In 2009, the Asphalt Institute celebrates its 90th anniversary as the international trade association of petroleum asphalt producers, manufacturers and affiliated businesses. The Asphalt Institute is the oldest asphalt association in the world. Founded in 1919, the Asphalt Institute has served as the center of excellence for asphalt supplier issues. The Institute also serves as the focal point for applications of new technology and is a leading source of technical, educational and promotional programs for the industry.

To view the document click here


IS-220 Polyphosphoric Acid Modification of Asphalt
Workshop on PPA Modification of Asphalt Binders

A national workshop on Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA) Modification of Asphalt Binders was conducted in Minneapolis, MN on April 7-8, 2009. The workshop was jointly sponsored by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Federal Highway Administration, Minnesota Department of Transportation, TERRA, Association of Modified Asphalt Producers, Innophos, ICL Performance Products, and the Asphalt Institute (AI).

AI has a publication on the subject of PPA called IS-220, Polyphosphoric Acid Modification of Asphalt. TRB also plans on publishing a circular of papers from the workshop. And all the speaker presentations from the workshop (both slides and webcast videos) are now available online.

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