News

Update: 09/17/08

Well call me a slacker but I am finally going to update this page. I have decided to delete the forums. I still think that they are a great way to share information but it appears that no one has the time or the desire to share their experiences. Folks can always email their issues if the problem comes up and I can address the problems on the front page.

The asphalt conference was yesterday and we were all updated on the upcoming changes for the coming year. RAP in friction courses new laser profiler criteria (only applies where design speeds are >55), Warm mix, and more performance based specifications. Expect more of the same over the next year only on a much smaller scale. Funds are tight from the federal level on down so even though the bids are tighter it's not enough to overcome the budget issues.

I was hoping for a better response from the department with regards to the RAP in friction course item. The department wants to let the new requirement trickle in as new projects are let beginning in January. For those who missed the details, begining in January all prrojects with dense graded friction courses FC9.5 and FC12.5 will be allowed to use 15% RAP providing that the mix has at least 60% granite. This will provide "some" relief to the aggregate shortages. My concern is that this will filter in so slowly that the actual benefit will be very small. I hope this matter can be discussed again soon.

Update: 08/06/07

I wanted to address my observations over the past several months in regards to attitudes and just the project perspective as a whole. It appears that there has been a shift in the department. Too many people only seem to be trying to "catch" someone doing something wrong. Yes yes, I know there are people in district 2 who would say that that has been the way of life since the beginning but I have heard that it is actually getting worse. I have heard recently that the earthwork section is wanting to add the moisture and density counts back to the density logbook. I am told that this will help deter people from writing up tests.

Many people are spending alot of time trying to deter or prevent cheating. I am not the most active person in the industry but i have not heard of anyone cheating in a long time. The only cheating that i am aware of was some issues with asphalt and gradation manipulation in an attempt to increase the composite pay factors several years ago. There have been no recent issues that would warrant this much attention and change. We are loosing sight of the real goal, Quality construction - on time and near budget. The contractor and the department should be working together to achieve the same goal.

Update: 08/03/07

I'm Back.... Sorry for the lack of updates but had alot of work and personal issues to get done. I decided to shorten up the front page and add a second page. Click here for all the previous updates.

Now with that said let's get down to business. An ACAF spec committee meeting was recently held in Orlando and, as always, we had some very informative discussions. Remember that if you are having issues and/or have suggestions that may need addressing, do not hesitate to send in your issues.