December Date Sees Record VACE Crowd

The Virginia Asphalt Conference and Expo (VACE) was held December 5th and 6th. The new dates were selected to avoid the busy October paving season and allow more field personnel to attend. The move was successful! Nearly 500 people registered for the two-day event and over 450 attended.

The Conference agenda was built around the theme “Innovation – Driving the Future" including the keynote speaker, Mr. Ben Brock – CEO of Astec Industries.  Ben kicked off the conference speaking about Astec innovations (successes and failures of the past) and eluded to the unveiling of new technologies in 2019. Andy Babish – VDOT, spoke next and laid out plans for a performance-based mix design process. Like many other agencies and industry, this process is the next big step in improving and extending the life of asphalt materials and pavements.

The afternoon of day one saw a variety of presentations. Mr. T.J. Young demonstrated how asphalt plants could run high RAP mixes (40+%), but it has to be intentional. Success depends on proper RAP processing and plant modifications. Dr. Buzz Powell discussed the NCAT Test Tracks and the associated research that has been implemented by track sponsors and other agencies. At the track, NCAT can prove out innovative ideas. Mr. Greg Henion and Mr. Rob Crandol reviewed the 2019 specification changes for VDOT maintenance paving schedules. And the day ended with the always popular Chief Engineer Comments and District Engineers Panel. The Chief Engineer shared his thoughts on the 2018 paving season and what lies ahead for VDOT and Industry. The District Engineers covered the planned work for 2019 and 2018 successes and challenges. This was Garrett Moore’s last asphalt conference as Chief Engineer. This panel discussion was originally Mr. Moore’s idea - to use an open forum to improve the flow of information from VDOT to industry.

Day two of VACE was a combination of VDOT/Industry meetings, technical breakout sessions, and general session. VDOT and industry discussed pavement markings and work zone/plant safety in a series of meetings. While the meetings were on-going, six different breakout sessions occurred. Session themes ranged from Innovation to Municipal Paving Schedules. Each session was well attended, and the presentations given are available on the VAA website. The afternoon general session focused on big-picture issues. Attendees heard from Mrs. Cathy McGhee – Director of Research & Innovation, Ms. Jessie Yung – FHWA Virginia Division Administrator, Mr. Rob Cary – VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner, and Mr. Stephen Brich – VDOT Commissioner. Mrs. McGhee covered the Innovation Department within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation. Her department will assist the other departments under Secretary Valentine. Ms. Yung reviewed the efforts of FHWA and mentioned the various innovation efforts FHWA is promoting. Mr. Cary explained the changes to VDOT’s organizational structure going into 2019. VDOT will be adding the position of Chief of Maintenance and Operations, redefining the role of Chief Engineer, and changing the division and district reporting structure. Finally, Mr. Brich was the closing speaker for the conference. Mr. Brich discussed the funding challenges with an aging infrastructure. VDOT has identified 25 critical structures that need major rehabilitation or replacement in the future. VDOT has an interstate pavement system well beyond its design life. Many sections will require more significant repairs than routine resurfacing. Over the next few years, VDOT will be developing proposals to address these major funding needs.

Plans are underway for 2019. VACE will move to the Greater Richmond Convention Center & the Expo will include an expanded floor plan and Big Iron. Mark your calendar for December 10 -12, 2019.

To review or download the VACE presentations, visit VAA's website.