ASPHALTopics | Summer 2021 | VOL 34 | NO 2

OPERATIONS
CORNER
Doubra C. Ambaiowei
Director, Technical Services
Better days ahead!
Welcome to the summer issue of ASPHALTopics magazine.
At this time, OAPC would like to extend its appreciation
to the industry’s entire workforce and their families for
continuing to endure through the restrictions imposed due
to the pandemic. We are pleased to learn that, in response
to an expected increase in COVID-19 vaccine supply from the
federal government, the Ontario government is ramping up its
roll-out and administration of the vaccine. This indicates that
there are better days ahead. In anticipation of a time when we
can return to in-person gatherings, please continue to stay
safe, healthy in body, and strong in spirit.
Operationally speaking, this summer the Ontario Road
Builders’ Association (ORBA) collaborated with the Education
Subcommittee of the OGRA/OAPC Municipal Hot Mix Asphalt
(HMA) Laision Committee, and the Asphalt Institute, to deliver a
lunch and learn webinar on Reviewing and Interpreting Asphalt
Test Results on May 20. Beyond fulfilling the recommendation
from the 2018 Quality of Asphalt Report, this webinar is an
effort towards improving understanding of the practices and
potential ramifications of failing test results associated with
asphalt mixtures, and their related components, generated
during a project.
Furthermore, the third meeting of the OAPC Asphalt Technical
Symposium (ATS) was held on June 15. The symposium
provides a platform for education on the specific elements
of technology necessary to achieve high performing asphalt
pavement including materials, design and construction
practices, unbiased technical discussions, sharing, and
connectivity between leading asphalt technical experts.
This year, we built on the successes from the 2019 and
2020 symposiums, while exploring our continued focus
on recovered asphalt testing and pathways towards mix
performance testing in Ontario. While attendance was by
invitation only, industry can look forward to an update of
the proceedings at the 2021 OAPC Fall Asphalt Seminar on
December 2. The ATS presentations and webinar recording
are available on the ORBA and OAPC websites.
Specification consultation reviews continue through the
usual channels with key wins pertaining to the possibility of
full implementation of warm mix asphalt, and the anticipated
revisions to the tack coat specification. A reminder that
specification updates and other technical insights are
communicated to members through the ORBA Quarterly
Technical Highlights Update Bulletin. To subscribe, please
connect with us.
This issue of ASPHALTopics includes the project winner
and finalists of the Municipal Paving Award; highlights the
ORBA Road Building Academy (February 22 - 26), OAPC Spring
Operations Seminar (March 25), and OAPC Partners in Quality
webinar (April 29); and provides a detailed overview on an
improved test method of low temperature PG of binders.
A special project feature details how increasing the asphalt
depth on the runways and taxiways at the Timmins Airport
will allow for the handling of heavier aircraft. You’ll find further
interesting content to digest and enjoy in the Last Word,
Unsung Heroes, marketing, technical, and environmental
columns.
SUMMER 2021 7