Have you ever asked yourself these questions: "Am I doing this right? Does my equipment really work? How close is close enough?" The answers to simple questions like these can have a big impact on a company’s bottom line. Yet these questions are faced by contractor’s laboratories every day. In many cases the outcomes determine if a plant produces mix, if a plant is placed on limited production, or if a project is completely shut down. To assist the industry in answering these questions, Virginia Asphalt Association led a Round-Robin Lab Testing effort during the Summer of 2017. This effort focused on producing mixes to exact specifications (i.e. aggregate gradations and AC content) in a third-party lab, distributing samples to interested labs, collecting the results and analyzing the data against VDOT specifications and limits.

This year's Fall Asphalt Conference was a study in Partnership, from the diverse speakers who agreed to present topics to the amazing VAA Member sponsors who helped to make many of the conference elements possible, and finally the many vendors who lent their expert advice and ideas. VAA could not have done it alone and we thank everyone who partnered with us to make this year's event a success. On October 2 and 3, the VAA hosted the Fall Asphalt Conference & Expo at the Richmond Marriott-Downtown. Attended by over 400 people and 57 exhibitors, this was the biggest and most diverse program ever delivered by VAA.

On the crisp clear morning of October 4, the last of the 2017 Richard J Schreck Scholarship Golf Tournaments took place at Birkdale Golf Club in Chesterfield, Virginia. Over 75 players enjoyed a great round of golf and helped to fund the 2018 scholarship program. Thanks to the players and sponsors that supported the three 2017 tournaments, VAA has raised over $25,000 for the 2018 scholarship fund allowing for the presentations of at least five scholarships next year.

All Fall Asphalt Conference Presentations have been posted on the VAA website. Take a moment and see what was discussed in the sessions you may have missed.  

Also, check out VAA's Flickr site and see if you were caught on film during the Conference or Expo!

The VECAT program has recently received exposure on both local and national levels for its leadership in the state’s workforce development initiative, and for excellence in execution of a multi-tiered training program including industry, education and government partners. Read on to see two articles that have been recently published and highlight VECAT’s success in its mission and deployment.

As 2017 starts to wind down for paving projects and other business, plans for 2018 VECAT courses and programs are in full swing to be ready in time for ringing in the new year. 2018 will bring with it a few important changes to VDOT policies, which in turn will impact VECAT courses. It is important to communicate these changes to appropriate staff as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition for those who will be taking courses in the new year.

CITIZEN BOARDS The State Air Control Board met on September 21. At the meeting, the Board addressed a number of issues as follows:

Each year, VDOT reviews the specification changes for the upcoming paving season. At the Fall Asphalt Conference, held October 2 and 3, VDOT’s Director of Contracts Don Silies and Assistant State Materials Engineer Rob Crandol reviewed the minimal changes. For the non-materials-related specifications, most changes are related to Section 512 – Maintenance of Traffic. Some of the highlighted changes are the allowance of hydro-blasting to remove existing pavement markings, flagger service will be paid by the hour using contractor provided unit rates, and radio communication is required between flaggers and pilot vehicles.

A VAA/VDOT Joint One-Day Regional Seminar

February 22, 2018 - Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center

February 27, 2018 - Fredericksburg Expo Center

March 6, 2018 - DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg