Associated Asphalt has completed a case study documenting PennDOT’s 5-year work plan to investigate the use of void-reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) for longitudinal joints and extending the life of asphalt pavement.
If you’ve ever paid a visit to the historic St. Augustine, FL, it’s likely you’ve seen one of their famous horse-drawn carriage tours pass by. These rides allow visitors and residents to take in the stunning historic architecture and culture of the city from the comfort of an open air carriage. Riders rely on a smooth path to make the experience relaxing and enjoyable. Earlier this year, Associated Asphalt teamed up with Duval Asphalt and Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering to assure a smooth ride for passengers by repairing the deteriorated horse paths and providing protection from future rutting.
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In 2015, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funded a maintenance project on State Route 5A to reduce rutting and smooth out the path where the horses and carriages had caused the most deterioration. Following the lead of Central Park’s application of a fuel-resistant binder for their own horse-drawn carriage paths, FDOT awarded Jacksonville’s Duval Asphalt the maintenance project to mill 1.5 inches of friction course and lay the new fuel-resistant mix.
In 2019, after proof that the fuel-resistant mix would hold up against the wear and tear of constant horse-drawn carriage traffic, a full reconstruction was ordered. Once again, the project was awarded to Duval Asphalt. Asphalt Testing Solutions & Engineering (ATS) was brought in to oversee quality control of the product mixing and placement.
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Historically, StellarFlex FR® is applied to airport landing strips and taxiways to provide fuel resistant protection. Because this paving project would need protection from the asphalt softening effect of horse urine, rather than jet fuel spills, specifications needed to be adjusted. Associated Asphalt worked with ATS to adjust the fuel-resistant mix to perform for FDOT and project specifications under the exposure of the animal waste and pressure of the thin carriage wheels. 350 tons of the fuel-resistant mix was applied to the horse paths. The reconstruction project is expected to last another 15 years before further maintenance is needed. With this new extended lifespan, the large investment in quality paving materials will prove to be the most economic solution in the long run.
Due to the unique nature of the project’s challenges and solutions, the St. Augustine collaboration has been spotlighted in multiple industry publications. To learn more about the project and hear from team members who worked directly on the project, check out these articles by AsphaltPro Magazine and Asphalt Pavement Digital.
Do you have a unique paving challenge? Become an Associated Asphalt Partner to help pave the way to success.
Over the past 70 years, Associated Asphalt has worked diligently to build a transportation network that allows us to provide convenient access to liquid asphalt supply throughout the Eastern United States. With multiple water-accessible terminals, we are unbound by the limitations of land transportation. For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with contractors overseas to export supply tanks on water vessels internationally.
Our sales and marketing team can work with partners to provide our wide variety of paving-grade polymer modified asphalts, emulsions, and tack coats. We also supply the equipment such as burners, pumps, hoses, and fittings that are all necessary for processing the asphalt onsite. All international partners can receive technical support to make sure the equipment is installed properly and the asphalt processed on spec.
“Our International business provides asphalt for everything from airports, new road construction to high school track and field surfaces,” says Chad Gemberling, Director of Sales & Marketing. “It’s exciting to see our asphalt set sail outside the US.”
Associated Asphalt ships tanks from our water accessible terminals in Florida and can transport the supply and equipment to any destination accessible by boat. We partner with contractors to set up their supply order and coordinate with a freight company of their choice for pick up. Associated Asphalt values these growing relationships in markets outside of the traditional space and is committed to continuing to provide quality products and consultation for their unique needs. We look forward to helping improve the quality and sustainability of infrastructure around the world.
If you would like to learn more about how Associated Asphalt can fulfill the needs of your international project, contact a representative today.
For the last 70 years, Associated Asphalt has been a leader in the asphalt supply industry. As we’ve grown to become a company that impacts many communities throughout the Eastern United Staes, we also want to be known for our dedication to giving back to those communities. We seek to supply more than just asphalt. We strive to provide community support too.
Under the leadership of J.W. Kirk, Jr. and Bill Kirk, Associated Asphalt has extended the philanthropic impact that the Kirks have made on Roanoke, VA to all the communities we serve. With a long history of family giving, they have instilled the value of giving back at our corporate headquarters and beyond.
“The Kirks are historically charitable and we as a company represent that across our Associated Asphalt footprint,” says Jena Owen, Senior Accountant and Community Involvement Coordinator.
At the corporate level, Associated Asphalt gives back to our communities with financial contributions to a variety of non-profit organizations that serve the community. From environmental organizations to the American Red Cross, we make sure our dollars are spent on bettering the lives of our friends and neighbors from all angles.
At the leadership and individual level, giving our time is just as important. Our corporate headquarters and terminals take the time to seek out their own service projects in the community to give back in the best way they know how. From participating in runs like the Rugged Maniac in Hopewell, VA to helping in a church construction in Martinsburg, WVA – our employees are passionate about giving their time.
“Giving back is about making a difference in your own backyard and that’s exactly what we try to do,” says Jena. “We just listen to the community and go where the need is.”
By playing an active role in supporting organizations that drive the socio-economic environment in which we’ve been able to build our company, we can build our communities.
