In a testing program, there are four main sources of potential variability. The three most common variables investigated are people, equipment and processes. However, one of the first sources in the evaluation should be the asphalt mixture – it is consistent. Unless painstakingly prepared in a lab, the odds of getting a 100% repeatable mix from an asphalt plant are slim to none. Just a few differences in gradation or AC content can influence results.
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Since the dawn of time, or at least the 1980s, Virginia Asphalt Association's Fall Asphalt Conference has been held the first Monday & Tuesday in October. Beginning in 2018, you will see a shift in the dates of the conference to better accommodate today's more modern paving schedules. "GOOD BYE" October, "HELLO" December! At the October VAA Board of Directors meeting, the board approved moving the 2018 Conference to December 5th and 6th (a Wednesday & Thursday) and updating the name to Virginia Asphalt Conference & Expo.
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Time is running out for members to register for the VAA Safety Forum. Every safety professional has unique knowledge and experiences to bring to the table. The opportunity to engage with others in similar roles is key to sharing this knowledge and continuing to keep safety in the workplace at top of mind. In VAA’s first annual safety forum, you can connect with other safety professionals, ask questions, start discussions and share your knowledge and expertise with others in your field.
This forum will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Superior Paving Corporation’s Gainesville office. This is a complimentary forum and registration is limited. For complete information and registration, go to VAA's website.
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Sustainability is the new buzz word in many industries. The pavement industry is no different. On November 7th and 8th, the FHWA Pavement Sustainability TWG met in Roanoke, Virginia. Over 40 participants from across the United States came together for the 14th meeting since 2010.
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 As 2017 moves further into the final quarter and 2018 quickly approaches, it is time to remind everyone that December 15, 2017 is the deadline for completion of all 2017 VECAT courses.
This means that any courses that were attended either in class or online in 2017 must be completed in full and the final exam must be taken. Failure to complete the course and exam prior to December 15, 2017 will result in the student having to re-register and pay for the course again after January 1, 2018.
Please keep this in mind and communicate the deadline to anyone who may be currently completing a course.
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Dates for 2018 MCS Certification classes are as follows:
| MCS COURSE |
JANUARY |
FEBRUARY |
MARCH |
| Field Level I |
January 16-17 |
February 6-7 |
March 13-14 |
| Field Level II |
January 17-18 |
February 7-8 |
March 14-15 |
| Plant Level I |
January 23-24 |
n/a |
March 20-21 |
| Plant Level II |
January 24-25 |
n/a |
March 21-22 |
| Slurry Surface |
|
February 20 |
March 27 |
| Surface Treatment |
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February 21 |
March 28 |
| Mix Design |
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February 12-16 |
** |
| **Second date in March or April TBD |
Registration for both classroom and online courses will open in December. If you have questions about these or other courses, please contact Carter Iseman at (804) 288-3169 or ciseman@vaasphalt.com.
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ELECTION RESULTS MEAN CHANGES IN THE LEGISLATURE
The election of Ralph Northam as Governor signals that there is unlikely to be significant change in the approach to environmental issues. A new Secretary of Natural Resources will be appointed (current Secretary Molly Ward had already announced that she would be returning to the City of Hampton). There are also unlikely to be significant changes in the approach to issues at DEQ. It remains to be seen whether David Paylor will retain his post as Director of DEQ.
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The last statewide co-op of 2017 will be held on December 15th in Charlottesville. This joint VAA – VDOT co-op meets three times a year to discuss various technical topics. While the specifications for the 2018 paving season have been set and minimal changes made to asphalt materials and paving, discussions will revolve around future activities. What specification changes may be needed in the future – mix designs, field acceptance, etc. What can be done to enhance performance? What joint efforts will be undertaken in the coming year? If you have a topic or concern that should be discussed at the co-op, please submit it to Mike Dudley, VAA or Rob Crandol, VDOT Assistant State Materials Engineer.
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Mona Gabriel has been promoted from her former position as Division’s Environmental Compliance Engineer to Assistant State Construction Engineer. In her new role, Mona will provide leadership and oversight to the Construction Division’s Environmental Compliance Program, Pre-Construction Program and Data Management Team.
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December 12, 2017
Superior Paving Corp.
Gainesville Office
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 February 1, 2018
Rees Broome Office - Tysons Corner
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 Innovation: Implementing Ideas 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
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Joined November 2017
March 6-8, 2018