Everyday Asphalt

Everyday Asphalt’s on the road this month, providing an update on APEX including our brand new website! We also look deeper in designing for, and constructing for ride as well as reviewing progress on educational products and programs, the fall schedule for Essentials, and discussing other programs. We also take a look back some previous episodes dealing with steps to improve ride and quality. APEX continues to raise the bar on pavement design, materials, and construction to deliver hig...

This month, we're diving into HPG or High-Performance Grade Asphalt Binder. What is it, and what sets it apart? Spoiler: HPG is a very high-grade asphalt binder designed for extreme duty applications. But how do you use it? Where does it work best? What challenges might you face—and what opportunities could it unlock? Can you simply swap it in for a regular binder and expect bulletproof performance? Join Jim and Chuck as they answer these questions and take a practical look at HPG in the fiel...

his month on Everyday Asphalt, we’re on the road to College Station to catch up with Dr. Charles Gurganus! From the science behind heavy-duty intersections to the collaborative power of the Highway Construction Workforce Partnership, Dr. Gurganus shares insights that matter to everyone in the asphalt industry. Don’t miss this conversation about building better infrastructure and a stronger, more skilled workforce. Tune in! Watch us on YouTube!

This month on Everyday Asphalt, we welcome renowned Asphalt Plant Consultant TJ Young. With over 40 years in the industry, TJ has worked on plants across the nation, serving as a manufacturer, consultant, educator, and production manager. His deep expertise in asphalt plant operations and maintenance offers invaluable insights into achieving high quality and productivity. Join us as we explore the past, present, and future of asphalt plants, diving into key operational principles that maximiz...

The key to ensuring quality asphalt is testing—but how, when, and where you test can significantly affect your results. In this episode, Richard Izzo joins Jim Warren for an in-depth discussion on testing fundamentals, procedures, and the critical role this process plays in guaranteeing quality asphalt pavement. Learn why quality asphalt doesn’t just meet specifications—it creates durable, long-lasting mixes. Curious about how a spatula and bowl can influence test results? Wondering how long ...

This month’s edition of Everyday Asphalt ventures into the quarry to uncover the world of rocks and the Surface Aggregate Classification (SAC) system. Dr. Jon Epps and Richard Izzo join the conversation to explain when, where, how, and why specific aggregates are essential for roadway surfaces—and the challenges that come with it. We’ll explore geography, geology, aggregate testing, supply and demand, and what it takes to ensure the right rock ends up on the right road. Wondering how many SAC...

Join us this month on the August Edition of Everyday Asphalt as we deep dive into the science and art of asphalt paving and how award-winning pavements make longer-lasting pavements. This month's guests include Chuck Fuller (TXAPA) and our special guest, San Angelo District's Director of Maintenance, Jordan Sefcik. Our dive takes us inside the awards program to review projects that meet the high bar and the typical issues they must overcome to win at the highest level. We also look at a case ...

If you want a simple formula for successful asphalt pavement design and construction, join Jim and Chuck to explore the new Asphalt Pavement Design & Construction Guide. This user-friendly Guide, built on principles of uniformity and consistency, offers strategies for smooth project execution from bid development to final inspection. It also connects you to key design resources, evaluation tools, and the new 341M specification for municipal paving projects. Available online and in print, ...