Mike Kvach
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(APAI Newsletter, May 2003)
From the Desk of the EVP
You may not realize it, but you are in the midst of an Asphalt Revolution. We are doing things differently in the asphalt industry, Nation wide and here in Iowa. The revolutionary changes in the way we select materials, design and specify mixes, and construct Asphalt pavements has magnified the functional advantages Hot Mix Asphalt offers.
Asphalt Pavements are smooth, safe, quiet, constructed quickly, environmentally friendly, 100% recyclable, versatile, have high visibility of pavement markings, lend themselves to stage construction and are architect friendly.
Studies have proven that properly designed and constructed Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements are the most economical pavement choice. There are states that have reported HMA pavements up to 40% more economical than the alternative pavement type. Asphalt pavements are lower in initial cost and the savings continue to increase throughout the life of the pavement. This has been demonstrated with the award winning sections on our own Interstate 80.
The smoothness of Hot Mix Asphalt not only makes for a nice, quiet, enjoyable ride but contributes to the economics as well. The ability to pave uninterrupted and the absence of joints every 15 - 20 feet results in smooth pavements. The National Cooperative Highway Research Project (NCHRP); 1-31, examined the effects of initial pavement smoothness on the future smoothness and life of the pavement and found an estimated increase of life of 15% for a 50% increase in smoothness. Research has also found that a 10% reduction in IRI (International Roughness Index) resulted in a 4.5% increase in miles/gallon.
Surveys conducted by the Federal Highway Administration leave little doubt about what the motoring public expect in their roadways. They want: smooth, safe, long lasting pavements in good condition, a rapid response when problems do arise, with the least amount of disruption when routine maintenance, rehabilitation and emergency repairs are necessary. All of these expectations are best met using asphalt pavements. This may explain why 94 percent of the owners in the United States chose to surface their pavements with Hot Mix Asphalt.
If you want to know more about how you can come up to speed with Hot Mix Asphalt and become apart of the Asphalt Revolution, plan on attending one of our Mini-Workshops, or call our office at 515-233-0015.
