Up Front
 In order to meet the needs of its customers, TXAPA’s HMAC Training & Certification will launch an online program allowing for remote certification. Utilizing technology such as Zoom, the program is called HMAC Now in a nod to the on-demand nature of virtual services. Still in the testing stages, HMAC Director Corey Schwarz expects HMAC Now to begin serving technicians in need of recertification as soon as June 1, 2020. In order to certify online, a technician must have access to the necessary equipment as specified in the test procedures being evaluated. Virtual certification will not replace in-person certifications, rather it will provide new options for those who meet the requirements. In other HMAC news, online class registration is set to be up and running at TXHMAC.org by May 18, 2020. If you are interested in participating in a pilot class, please contact Kayla Luongo. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/tax-nwl/articles/index-v5.asp?aid=614981&issueID=71399 to view the full article online.
TXAPA Live airs on Thursdays, three times a month skipping a week on the date of the TxDOT highway letting. You only need to register for TXAPA Live once, and then a reminder email with a link to join will be sent to you an hour before each broadcast. Watch all previous broadcasts here. Our May Schedule is: May 7: Technical Discussion: Hot Mix Asphalt Plants (.05 PDH) May 14: TXAPA Live News & Updates May 21: DFW Airport Chooses Asphalt For A Second Major Runway Rehab (1 PDH) May 28: TXAPA Live Technical Discussion (.05 PDH)
Visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7695549359409978896 to view the full article online.
TXAPA will continue to move the needle for quality in the coming decade by promoting a new concept in asphalt paving communication, a gathering of key personnel just prior to placement and compaction called the “All-Hands.” The All-Hands section of texasasphalt.org is packed with helpful resources and information. Check it out!
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/all-hands to view the full article online.
TxDOT’s Materials and Tests Division is conducting preliminary tests using the new Methylene Blue test procedure as specified to determine whether field sands are of the appropriate quality to produce high-performing HMA pavements. Of the initial 10 samples, 40% tested within the failure range. Because quality sand is essential to the performance of HMA pavements, it’s crucial to know what’s in your mix! For the ratings scale and the preliminary results, please see the attached graphic. If, as the contractor, you have questions about the quality of your sand source, please contact Chuck Fuller at TXAPA and he will coordinate the delivery of your sample to TxDOT for testing. Each sample will be assigned a supplier-specific code to maintain confidentiality.
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/Files/Field-Sand-Preliminary-Results.pdf to view the full article online.
As we continue to feel the increased impact of COVID-19, HMAC will postpone all Training and Certification classes through May 18, 2020. This date has been extended to meet necessary requirements and is subject to change.
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/covid-19-hmac-update to view the full article online.
Technically Speaking
Industry partners have taken steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by implementing guidelines and policies laid out in the Texas Joint Workforce Safety Plan. Follow the link below to read the general guidelines agreed to by TxDOT, the AGC of Texas, TXAPA, the FHWA, and other industry partners.
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/blog_home.asp?display=124 to view the full article online.
Proper planning through the pre-activity meeting is essential to getting things moving in the right direction, but all the planning in the world will not ensure a good hot mix product if communication fails during the road operations.
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/blog_home.asp?display=121 to view the full article online.
In The Works
 We are happy to announce that the 46th TXAPA Annual Meeting, Golf Tournament, and Scholarship Program Live and Silent Auction at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, will proceed as planned! We will, of course, closely monitor the situation as our nation re-opens for business. Your safety is always our primary concern.
This year, we are celebrating the fine men and women of our industry and our partners in quality! When the going got tough, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Join us for excellence in technical content, networking, philanthropy, and fun as we welcome Texas Country stars Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers for a special concert performance of their Hold My Beer and Watch This, Volume II Tour.
Online registration for the meeting opens late June 2020. Be sure to RSVP — you won't want to miss it!
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/survey/TakeSurvey.asp?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=3KHlm3L38mm31 to view the full article online.
TXAPA’s Associate Member Advisory Committee, led by Chair Nathali Parker of KLP Construction Supply, has named The Woodlands as the host of the 2021 Managing Asphalt Pavements (MAPS) Conference and Technology Showcase on February 24-25. Site selection is underway with the venue to be announced mid-summer 2021.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/tax-nwl/articles/index-v5.asp?aid=614979&issueID=71399 to view the full article online.
Until further notice, ALL TXAPA meetings and events are postponed through the end of May. We will reassess on May 18 and post any changes to this plan. Postponed events include any event requiring large groups of people to congregate, or that require travel for those who are advised to shelter in place or whose travel is deemed non-essential.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/tax-nwl/articles/index-v5.asp?aid=614700&issueID=71399 to view the full article online.
Welcome New Members
AECOM is the world’s premier infrastructure firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for generations to come.
Visit https://aecom.com/ to view the full article online.
ChemStation specializes in providing high quality industrial cleaning chemicals, including asphalt release agents to a variety of industries, using a unique system of delivery into refillable containers, bringing safety, convenience, and local service right to your door.
Visit https://chemstation.com/ to view the full article online.
In the Know
Distributed to nearly 5,000 industry professionals, Texas Asphalt magazine features articles about environmental issues, safety, new technology, best business practices, and more. Texas Asphalt is also distributed in an interactive, digital format. Subscribers do not have to be members of TXAPA to receive Texas Asphalt.
Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/tax-nxt/ to view the full article online.
Maximize Your Membership
Click the link below to visit a new section on TexasAsphalt.org called "What's New." This page contains a frequently updated list of all new content on the website, so you can find the important new information fast!
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/what-is-new to view the full article online.
Are you working with an exemplary company that would be a good fit for TXAPA? Send them the link to our new, fillable, application available at the link below:
Visit https://www.texasasphalt.org/join to view the full article online.
Certification News From The HMAC
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