Every day new things are being developed or discovered. Some things are through luck, but most are through hard work and perseverance. Each year, research is completed and innovations are developed in the pavements and materials fields. These range from ways to strengthen pavements using new materials to additives for asphalt mixes.
With so much research and the resulting innovations, how can you learn about all of them? Simple – the Virginia Pavement Research and Innovation Symposium (VPRIS) to be held June 26-27at Germanna Community College’s Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper.
|
Most people are familiar with Newton’s Law of Gravity. While sitting under a tree, an apple falls and hits him on the head. From there, the Theory of Gravity is proposed. But how many people know about the basic gravity in asphalt called the Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity or Rice Value? The Rice Value for an asphalt mixture was not named after Snap, Crackle and Pop, but James Rice who developed the test procedure.
|
Innovations are all around us. Most of the electronics in our homes are the result of an innovation – the TV, microwave oven and the computer - just to name a few! The asphalt industry is no different. Look at today’s modern asphalt plant running up to 100 percent RAP, intelligent compaction rollers and high-polymer asphalt binders.
In 2018, VAA will be celebrating and spotlighting innovation. With the establishment of the Virginia Pavement Research and Innovation Symposium (VPRIS), VAA will devote an entire conference to innovators. The two 2018 Virginia Asphalt magazine editions will have articles dedicated to innovation, and each month this newsletter will contain a case study where a new innovation was used to complete a project. We hope to introduce you to some things that are new and maybe to a different way to see others. Plan to join VAA at VPRIS this summer, for a total innovation experience.
|
 On November 15, Ed Dalrymple, Jr. – President of Chemung Contracting Corp. and Vice President of the VAA Board of Directors, was recognized by Germanna Community College (GCC) as Philanthropist of the Year. Dalrymple has been very active on the GCC Education Foundation as a board member and as a driving force behind the Virginia Education Center for Asphalt Technology (VECAT). In attendance for the ceremony were his wife and family, along with the apprentices he has hired through VECAT. Take a moment to view the press release and tribute video shown at the ceremony. Congraduations Ed on an honor well deserved!
|
 Joined December 2017 Affiliate Member
Pavement Patching Materials
|
On December 12, VAA hosted a Safety Forum at Superior Paving Corporation’s Gainesville headquarters. The primary purpose for the forum was to discuss members’ concerns regarding work zone and plant safety and product innovations being used throughout the industry to minimize risk and ensure the safety of workers. The meeting was attended by 37 individuals representing 14 different member companies. Jim Mitchell, President of Superior Paving, kicked off the day with a discussion on the importance of maintaining a company culture for safety.
|
Seats in the 2018 Asphalt classroom classes are filling quickly. Please don’t wait to sign up if you or any of your employees want to be in the classroom courses in 2018. Online classes are also open for registration on Germanna’s website. These courses can be completed at any time during the year. If you have questions about these or other courses, please contact Cartha Branham at Germanna at (540) 891-3070, or Carter Iseman at VAA at (804) 288-3169.
|
Materials Certificate School Brochure Now Available
The 2018 MCS Brochure is available on the VECAT page of the VAA website. This brochure provides important information on the VECAT registration process, courses descriptions and cost, the 2018 classroom schedule and class facility information. Keep an eye on this document throughout the 2018 class year, as it will be updated as new program and/or class information is available. You can also catch program updates in the VECAT section of this newsletter, through VAA email blasts released monthly, and on the Germanna CC website
|
SECRETARY OF NATURAL RESOURCES NAMED
Governor-Elect Ralph Northam has announced Matt Strickler as his Secretary of Natural Resources. Matt currently serves as the Senior Policy Adviser to the House Committee on Natural Resources under Democratic Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (AZ) where he covers energy, public lands, fisheries, and wildlife issues as well as matters related to the National Environmental Policy Act. Matt was previously a Legislative Assistant to Governor-Elect Northam for nearly four years when Northam was a Virginia Senator. Matt graduated from Washington and Lee University and holds master’s degrees in public policy from the College of William and Mary and marine science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
|
Governor-elect Ralph Northam announced at the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon his selection of Shannon Valentine as Virginia’s next Secretary of Transportation. Governor-elect Northam also announced other key appointments for senior leadership positions within the transportation secretariat.
Quintin Elliott will be joining the Northam administration as a Deputy Secretary. Nicholas Donohue will continue serving as Deputy Secretary and Director of the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment. Stephen Brich will join the administration as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation, and Jennifer Mitchell will continue in her role as Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
"A dynamic transportation system is the lynchpin to continuing the progress we’ve made on building the New Virginia Economy," said Governor-elect Ralph Northam. "If we can unlock our transportation networks for every Virginian, no matter who you are, no matter where you are, the sky is the limit – and I’m committed to tackling the challenges we face and continuing our achievements as the 73rd Governor. The selection of these talented public servants speaks volumes about the bar we plan to set when it comes to transportation policy across the Commonwealth."
For the full press release and appointee bios, click here.
|
January 7-11, 2018
Washington, DC
|
 February 1, 2018
Rees Broome Office - Tysons Corner
|
February 11-14, 2018
San Diego, CA
|
February 13-15, 2018
Dover, DE
|
 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
|
April 25-27, 2018
Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, VA
|
June 26-27, 2018
Culpeper, VA
|
|
March 6-8, 2018