California Asphalt Pavement Association
Vol. 14, Issue 38 || Sept. 20, 2021
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Greetings!
This weekly report contains news and information of interest to the asphalt pavement industry, customers and agency partners in California. Please feel free to distribute this newsletter to others who may be interested in asphalt pavements. To provide feedback or story ideas click HERE. Having difficulty viewing this newsletter? View as Webpage
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Registration open for CalAPA technical training classes on HMA mix designs, troubleshooting |
If we've learned anything during the pandemic, it is that technical training delivered remotely is no substitute for the in-person experience. That's why CalAPA is pleased to offer two of our most popular classes live and in person next month in conjunction with our in-person Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference.
The classes will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the same location as the Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference: the Hilton Sacramento-Arden West Hotel, 2200 Harvard Street in Sacramento.
Both four-hour classes will be taught by nationally recognized expert Terry "TJ" Young (pictured), whose previous classes conducted for CalAPA were among our most highly rated.
The first four-hour session will begin at 8 a.m. and is titled, "Producing HMA Mixes -- How it Works." The class will cover:
- Production with Drum-Mixers - Gradation Control, Asphalt Control, Fines Control, Additive Control
- Production with Batch Plants - Gradation Control, Asphalt Control, Fines Control, Additive Control
- Silo Management and Truck Load-out
There will be ample time for questions. The cost of the class is $99 for CalAPA members and agency personnel, and $159 for all others. Refreshments and a complementary lunch will be provided. Click HERE to register for this class.
The second class is titled "Troubleshooting HMA Production -- Things Don't Always Work Out According to Plan." This lively, interactive session will cover:
- Troubleshooting Gradation Problems
- Troubleshooting Asphalt Problems
- Troubleshooting Voids Variation
- Common Causes of Segregation
The cost of this class is also $99 for CalAPA members and agency personnel, and $159 for all others. Refreshments and a complementary lunch will be provided. Click HERE to register for this class. Bonus: A special gift will be provided to those who register for both of these classes. The classes are designed to complement each other and help attendees increase efficiency and quality during the production of asphalt mixes.
Strict health and safety protocols will be in place for these in-person classes, as well as the Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference, which will take place the next day. For information on the conference, click HERE. |
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Focus in Washington is on the House of Representatives as infrastructure showdown nears |
After a historic vote in the U.S. Senate, the key federal infrastructure legislation known as the "Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act" (H.R. 3684) now is in the House of Representatives awaiting another key vote before it's ultimate destination: President Joe Biden's desk.
CalAPA last week sent letters to all 53 members of California's House delegation urging them to take action soon on the nearly $1 trillion measure prior to the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30. The measure could generate more than $550 billion in new funding for transportation above current levels, including billions for California above current funding levels.
"Investing in infrastructure remains a transformational opportunity for Congress to improve the nation's economy, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and build for the future," the CalAPA letter said. "The 180 companies that make up the California Asphalt pavement Association urge you to support H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) when the legislation is voted on later this September."
The CalAPA letter noted the bipartisan support for the bill, including a previous 69-30 vote on the measure in the U.S. Senate last month. Following the vote, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla issued a statement to CalAPA members saying, "Poorly maintained roads cost motorists hundreds of dollars a year in fuel economy and car maintenance. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help alleviate these costs and help eliminate time wasted idling in congestion by funding much-needed road repairs across the country. This bill will also create millions of good-paying, union jobs and rebuild our infrastructure to benefit all Californians."
CalAPA's letter touched on similar themes.
"The core of the bill, a five-year surface transportation program re-authorization, would increase federal highway and public transportation investments in California, enabling long-term projects to move forward and maintenance backlogs to be addressed," the CalAPA letter said.
The National Asphalt Pavement Association, a CalAPA partner, has encouraged the industry to contact their local member of Congress at this critical time. A list of key reasons to convey to elected officials is HERE. An easy, on-line web form to help you identify your local representative and send them a message is HERE. An Aug. 16, 2021 issue of Asphalt Insider on this topic is HERE.
Vince Mammano, the California Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, is scheduled to speak at the CalAPA Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference Oct. 13 in Sacramento, and the topic of the federal infrastructure bill will be chief among his remarks. Details about the conference is HERE. A detailed agenda is HERE. |
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News you can use: Effective meeting techniques |
We've all been in one -- or more likely, many: meetings that seem more like an exercise in frustration than a productive use of everyone's precious time. Often what causes meetings to go off the rails are behaviors by some participants that are disruptive.
Those who attend CalAPA meetings are familiar with various techniques that the association has successfully used for many years that are designed to make sure the meetings make maximum use of the knowledge and experience of all participants and stay focused on the goal of the meeting, whether it is sharing information, discussing policy or governance, brainstorming ideas or other reasons that bring people together.
The first rule of an effective meeting is to have an agenda that is well planned, with adequate time for each item and expected outcomes listed so that everyone understands the purpose of each item. The agenda should be sent out well in advance of the meeting along with helpful "pre-read" information so that all participants come to the meeting prepared.
Another best practice is to review meeting ground-rules at the beginning of each meeting. Ideally, the ground rules should be developed by participants in the meeting and, most importantly, everyone participating should agree to abide by the ground rules during the meeting. Usually a newly formed group develops these ground-rules at an initial meeting, and then refers to them in subsequent meetings. If anyone violates a rule agreed to in advance by the group (a common occurrence, particularly during heated discussions), members of the group should gently but firmly remind them of rules and that everyone agreed to follow them.
Some basic rules are obvious, such as beginning and ending meetings on time, and giving everyone an opportunity to contribute. Some others are designed to keep the flow of ideas running smoothly, like one person speaking at a time and avoiding interrupting another speaker. Some sample meeting ground rules developed by CalAPA and used at all CalAPA meetings are HERE. Pro tip: Each group must develop and "own" their own rules or they are more likely to be ignored.
With the advent of virtual technologies that allow for people to attend meetings remotely, guidelines specially designed to recognize the unique nature of "virtual" meetings are also helpful. They can include reminders about identifying oneself prior to speaking (if, for example, there is a call-in option), or muting yourself to avoid distractions from ambient noise or side conversations. Some sample rules used for CalAPA virtual meetings, dubbed "Phone Bridge-Webinar Etiquette," can be found HERE.
CalAPA published a "deep dive" on conducting meetings virtually in its magazine last year, which can be viewed on-line HERE. The key is for all participants to be aware of the behaviors that help or hinder an effective meeting, and to avoid disruptive conduct that undermines the purpose of having a meeting in the first place. Meeting planners must be clear on the objectives and expected outcomes of a meeting, or if a meeting is even the best tool in the communications toolbox needed to achieve the intended outcome.
For additional information on this topic, including a PowerPoint presentation that delves into characteristics of different types of disruptive behaviors and what can be done about them, CalAPA members should contact the association at (916) 791-5044.
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LAUSD notifies contractors of COVID-19 requirement; CalAPA raises objection |
The Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second largest, has sent a notice to all vendors and contractors that perform work at school facilities that it will require employees of those companies to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The requirement is said to take effect Oct. 15 and there are no exceptions, the school district said.
The news came at the end of August and shortly before the Biden Administration announced on Sept. 9 an action plan to require federal employees and contractors doing business with the federal government to ensure their employees are vaccinated. The federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) was tasked to develop an Emergency Temporary Standard on the topic. More information on the administration's vaccine initiative is HERE.
CalAPA has communicated to the LAUSD that its announcement is "arbitrary and capricious" and should not apply to asphalt pavement construction activity, which is an essential activity and is done outside, far away from students, and in accordance with all federal, state and local safety guidelines. CalAPA members seeking more information on this topic should consult a "Member Alert" sent out Sept. 3. The LAUSD website with more information on the "Vaccine Compliance Certification" process is HERE. A LAUSD FAQ document on the topic is HERE.
California, meanwhile, continues to be one of the model states in the nation with regard to COVID-19, with cases reported to the state trending down the past eight weeks, and a test positivity rate of 3.4 %, according to the California Department of Public Health. Gov. Gavin Newsom easily prevailed in a recall election last week, and exit polls indicated voters were largely pleased with his handling of the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Each week we highlight a word, acronym or other term commonly used in the asphalt pavement industry in California.
MARSHALL MIX DESIGN: An asphalt mix design method originally developed by Bruce Marshall of the Mississippi Highway Department around 1939 and then refined by the U.S. Army. The Marshall Method seeks to select the asphalt binder content at a desired density that satisfies minimum stability and a range of flow values.
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Paving Pointer of the Week |
Each week we highlight a key point or best practice of interest to asphalt paving crews, inspectors and others working in the field. We welcome suggestions. More tips can be found in our Asphalt Parking Lot Construction Checklist HERE.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION REVIEW: Every paving project should start with a detailed review of the project's contract, plans, and specifications. Any questions arising from this review should be promptly directed to the design firm's engineers.
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"In all things it is better to hope than to despair."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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CALAPA CALENDAR:
View all CalAPA events HERE.
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SIGN-UP NOW!
Producing HMA Mixes class
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m. to noon
Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard St., Sacramento. Details HERE. *
Troubleshooting HMA Production class
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hilton Sacramento-Arden West, 2200 Harvard St., Sacramento. Details HERE. *
Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel, 2200 Harvard St., Sacramento.
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CalAPA Northern California Asphalt Industry Golf Classic
Thursday, Oct. 14
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento.
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Contact: Sophie You of CalAPA at (916) 791-5044 for exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.
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There's never been a better time to join the California Asphalt Pavement Association. Members receive insight and advanced notice on critical issues that impact every company's bottom line. CalAPA members also receive invitations to exclusive member-only events, in-depth "Member Alerts," discounts and industry-specific networking opportunities not available anywhere else. CalAPA's new searchable on-line membership directory helps connect CalAPA members to potential customers. Click HERE to download our Member Service brochure. Click HERE to view some recent testimonials. Click HERE to send us an e-mail inquiry, or contact Bill Knopf with CalAPA at (442) 400-9697. |
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We hope you enjoy CalAPA's Asphalt Insider newsletter. We are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information on technical issues, regulation, news, analysis, events and trends in California that is of interest to the asphalt pavement industry and our various agency partners. Click HERE to contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Russell W. Snyder, CAE
Executive Director
California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA)®
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The "Asphalt Insider" is an official publication of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. For more information or to inquire about membership, call (916) 791-5044, or click HERE to contact us. Copyright © 2021 California Asphalt Pavement Association -- All Rights Reserved. The CalAPA name (No. 5,621,794) and logo (No. 5,621,795) are registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
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P.O. Box 981300, West Sacramento, CA 95798
1550 Harbor Blvd., Suite 211, West Sacramento, CA 95691
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