CALENDAR

  

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This weekly bulletin contains the latest news and information of interest to the asphalt pavement industry in California. Please feel free to distribute this newsletter to others who may be interested in asphalt pavements.

Prompted by an unprecedented, multi-association appeal to state Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly earlier this year, senior Caltrans managers and construction industry representatives gathered in Sacramento last week to examine persistent concerns raised by industry over material testing standards, variability and timeliness.

The special task force was headed up by Caltrans Construction Chief Mark Leja, an experienced department executive manager known for his expertise in conflict management. Steve Takigawa, deputy

Steve Takigawa, Deputy Director of Caltrans, standing at right, addresses the materials meeting.

director for maintenance and operations, also attended the day-long meeting to emphasize how serious the department was taking the concerns expressed by industry in its May 21 letter, which was signed by CalAPA and representatives of seven other construction trade associations.

"Through longstanding and diligent Caltrans-industry partnering efforts much progress has been made on a variety of materials- and construction-related issues," the letter stated. "There are, however, three overarching and recurring issues, essential to the quality and cost-effective construction of California roadways, which are unresolved. Broadly speaking, these issues center on laboratory accreditation, tester qualification (or proficiency) and timely reporting of test results."

In a July 8 response to the letter by Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty, announcing the formation of the materials task force, he noted, "Caltrans has a strong background in using partnering and implementing practices as we work together to resolve issues."

Leja, a noted champion for partnering between the transportation department and the construction companies that build highway projects, was identified as the leader of the task force, which is being overseen by Takigawa and Caltrans Chief Engineer Karla Sutliff.

At the Sept. 10 meeting in a Sacramento hotel conference room attended by more than 50 Caltrans experts, industry leaders and technical experts, Leja emphasized that a frank, two-way dialog was essential to identifying problems that may exist and working toward solutions. State Materials Engineer Phil Stolarski stressed to the

Dan Chapman Jr. (standing at left) representing industry, and Chuck Suszko, representing Caltrans, report on findings of a breakout session.

group the department's desire to listen carefully to industry's perspective. Although it was billed as a kickoff task force meeting, it took on the air of a summit meeting with several construction industry trade associations represented.

In somewhat of a surprise, Takigawa announced to the group that the department would be altering the wording of a controversial charter for the joint Caltrans-Industry Rock Products Committee that industry has so far refused to sign. The altered wording, sought by industry, would affirm the department's commitment to inform the construction industry in a timely manner when construction material specifications are changed, and provide an opportunity for input.

The announcement set the tone for the remainder of the day, which was marked by collaborative and constructive dialog, realistic proposals and offers of help from both sides. Several industry veterans remarked that it was one of the most positive industry-Caltrans meetings on materials issues that they had attended in many years.

At the end of the day, the group committed to several follow-up actions and meetings to further refine recommendations that grew out of the meeting. For more photos of the meeting, click HERE to visit CalAPA's Facebook page. California Asphalt Insider will continue to follow and report on the progress of the task force in upcoming issues.

 

A one-day workshop focusing on the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) in pavement mixes will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in Orange.

Hosted by Caltrans, the free workshop will feature Dr. Randy West, director of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University, and Dr. Richard Willis, lead NCAT researcher.

The pair will discuss their latest RAP and RAS specification, as well as best practices to get the most out of utilizing RAP and RAS in mixes. Performance data and the interaction of RAP and RAS with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) will also be discussed, There will be ample time for questions and answers.

The workshop will be held at the Caltrans District 12 Batavia Training Center, 1808 N. Batavia St. in Orange. The hours of the workshop are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Although there is no charge to attend the workshop, space is limited and reservations are required and should be made by Monday, Sept. 22. Contact Bonni Walter at (916) 227-7315, or via e-mail at: bonni.walter@dot.ca.gov . You may also submit questions in advance to Walter to be answered during the workshop.

To learn more about the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University, click HERE.

 

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