LEAP Connection: Asphalt Materials Inc Tour
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
As part of the AEMA LEAP program, we are privileged to meet industry leaders in the asphalt world by attending various conferences and facility tours. We get to learn about recent issues that DOTs are encountering and possible solutions. It is a great opportunity to see how industry leaders interact and engage. In June, we had a tour of Asphalt Materials Inc (AMI), and it was fantastic! The tour involved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), the Heritage Research Group Laboratory, Asphalt Materials Indianapolis Emulsion Facility, and joining the Emulsion Task Force (ETF) meeting. | |  | | We spent the early part of the day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where Bill Pine, Quality Control Director at Heritage Research Group, explained the details that go into making a quality and lasting speedway track. Beginning with material selection to planning and finishing the job, all aspects are important to a quality roadway. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will only choose to apply material that has been tested and proven elsewhere. They will not apply new products because if it fails, it will lead to a lot of downtime and loss of capital. |  | | Next up, we met with Tony Kriech, the Strategic Advisor who started the Heritage Research and Development center. We got to experience an in-depth tour into the research laboratory where Tony explained the role of each analytical tool and the capabilities of the laboratory. Some of the accomplishments of R&D include more than 100 patents and the launch of several businesses which include: used engine recycling, better micronutrients for animals, high friction pavements for safer highways and streets and new biobased lubricants that are biodegradable. | | Finally, we toured the AMI Indianapolis asphalt plant and met with Chris McGee who walked us through the plant and explained the process of making emulsions and polymer modified PG 76-22. We saw the type of equipment needed to consistently make good emulsions. Thank you to Nate Jenkins, from Asphalt Materials Inc Sales Team for organizing a great tour. Update Provided By LEAP Members:
Kim Gessner, Asphalt Technologies Group; Ernesto Santillan, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions; Faisal Ibrahim, Russell Standard |
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