14 Lighten the Labor Shortage With Remote and Autonomous Equipment
As demand increases and labor options diminish, technology is paving the way for innovative contractors to grow, compete and prosper.
FACE OF THE INDUSTRY
26 The Asphalt Industry’s Bright Future
An interview with Dynapac’s Jennifer Bishop, who recently celebrated two decades of working in the asphalt and road building industry.
JOBSITE INNOVATIONS
32 Backhoes Break New Ground in North American Market
Construction equipment manufacturers respond to increased demand, providing versatility and innovation required on today’s jobsites.
PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
26 How Technology Makes Roadbuilding More Sustainable
The demand for quicker delivery and increased sustainability on projects has placed a heightened focus on the need for large-scale digital transformation in road building operations. Published and copyrighted 2025 by IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Asphalt Contractor (ISSN 1055-9205, USPS 0020-688): is published ten times per year: January, February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September, October, November, December by IRONMARKETS, 201 N. Main St. Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and additional entry offices.
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DIGITAL CONNECTION
Can AI Improve Efficiencies for Your Construction Company?
Spoiler alert, the answer is yes. Susan Frew is a business owner in the plumbing industry and will share with attendees of the IGNITE Construction Summit how they can streamline operations with the help of AI. Watch to learn more.
Watch the video at: https://asph.link/93dsbuji
Prioritizing Workzone Safety in the State of Florida
President of the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida, says this is a call to action for protecting Florida road workers, and asphalt workers everywhere.
Read more at: https://asph.link/ jmol0h27
How to Choose the Right Excavator Bucket
Selecting the correct bucket for a particular application will impact the project, bottom line, and return on investment.
Read more at: https://asph. link/kjlk88md
Asphalt Contractor’s 2025 Top 30 Editor’s Choice Award: Submissions Open
This award highlights the Top 30 innovations and technologies available to help asphalt contractors and producers work more efficiently, safely, sustainably, and profitably.
Read more at: https://asph.link/ q1qkciqk
Keeping Crews Safe at Night and Supporting American Ingenuity
Craig Shellman founded Portable Lighting Solutions to improve uptime on the jobsite. Now he’s our 2025 Alan Curtis Service Award Winner for 2025.
Read more at: https://asph.link/ x9ggfdf2
Signup for the Roadbuilding Update, a free bi-monthly newsletter for the most up-to-date DOT, FHWA, asphalt, and other industry news
NEW IntelliPac ™ Moisture System
Astec paves the way for sustainable, innovative asphalt plants. The new IntelliPac Moisture System is a revolutionary solution that integrates seamlessly with Astec control systems. This provides unparalleled, real-time visibility into virgin aggregate moisture content. IntelliPac empowers operators to optimize mix design, minimize energy consumption, and reduce environmental impact. With Astec, you get superior asphalt production – better for the environment, better for your business.
BUILT TO CONNECT
Brandon Noel,
Editor
bNoel@iron.markets
234-600-8983
The Laws Of Motion
When it comes to policy, sometimes the best way forward is the way you’re already going.
Isaac Newton had an apple fall on his head, and he goes on to describe gravity, meanwhile, I have an Apple iPhone with access to the entirety of human history and knowledge, and I struggle to figure out what to make for dinner. In today’s era, where the winds of change can alter the course of billions in funds, the industry needs the really resourceful people more than ever before. Why? Well, lets look at Newton’s First Law of Motion.
Historically, it’s not unusual for policies and practices to change somewhat when new leadership takes the wheel of government. However, rarely have these changes been so pronounced and energized. During the previous Biden-Harris Administration, there were landmark moves toward a greener and more environmentally sustainable future for, not just our industry, but for the country as a whole. Billions of dollars were made available through bipartisan legislation to not just rebuild and expand existing infrastructure, but to also upgrade the materials and practices behind the construction of that infrastructure.
In terms of Newton’s First Law, a lot of (financial) force was put behind these initiatives. In other words, the ball is definitely rolling, and in order for that ball to change course, it will take an equal amount of (political) force. While there have been declarations made from President Trump’s team in regard to rolling back many of these policies and projects, it’s not as simple as that. Also, we have to ask ourselves, would undoing all those environmental policies actually be good for the asphalt industry? Maybe. Maybe not.
In the short term, perhaps, taking a few steps backward would seemingly make things better for the asphalt industry, by removing some of the new requirements and standards that state and federal projects now demand.
Perhaps, some of the plants and producers who’ve been slower to adopt more efficient technology, EPDs, cleaner/safer practicer, etc., would be able to go back to business as usual. Unfortunately, I don’t think, in the longterm, a serious and protracted effort to reverse direction would benefit us at all.
Newton’s Second Law says that an object’s force is equal to its mass times acceleration. In our case, the boulder of environmental policy is a lot like the one that chased Indiana Jones — it’s huge and it’s barreling down on us. It’s had enough years already to make impacts that, even if those in charge wanted to put things back the way they were, in some cases, it wouldn’t take due to the momentum it’s gathered.
There are some contractors and companies all across the country that applied for and were granted funds to make efficiency improvements to their plants. Those who have taken an early-adoption stance toward these upgrades will have advantages that others won’t if the programs were to be cancelled or withdrawn, the monies clawed back. States have been awarded hundreds of millions to electrify, improve resiliency, improve safety measures, and reconnect communities. In other words, the genie is out of the bottle.
It’s possible that, at the point we are at now, trying to pull things in the opposite direction could do more damage than simply seeing it through. In the meantime, we are going to spend more page space this year covering various ways that you can take advantage of these programs yourself, and ensure that your operations are staying ahead of the curve. So, stay tuned.
Published and copyrighted 2025 by IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Published by IRONMARKETS 201 N. Main St. Ste 350, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • WWW.IRON.MARKETS
NEW PRODUCTS
Astec Industries GT2612V Mobile High Frequency Screening Plant
The mobile GT2612V is manufactured on a heavy-duty, welded steel main frame with a channel cross section. The screen plant is equipped with four conveyors: a delivery conveyor, two side conveyors and a fines conveyor. All conveyors feature a variable-speed hydraulic drive and easily fold for transport. It’s powered by a Caterpillar Tier 4 Final, 136 hp (101.4 kW) engine, while engine- mounted hydraulic pumps operate all plant functions. The plant includes a PLC control system with pendant remote controls for the tracks.
COJALI Jaltest OffHighway Telematics
Jaltest Telematics by COJALI offers fleet and asset management for construction and rental applications. The solution uses GPS tracking, real-time data analytics and remote dealer-level diagnostics and actions to support asset utilization and enable proactive and predictive maintenance.
Jaltest Telematics provides OEMlevel real-time insights without OEM limitations. This solution allows over-the-air bidirectional actions like proprietary fault code clearance, unit and counter resets and particulate filter regenerations. The system’s dealer-level capabilities enable service and support, utilizing several technologies such as Big Data, AI and Machine Learning for preemptive failure detection and routing.
ALmix Split-Level, Portable Control House
Designed to provide a safe, refined, and fully mobile environment for your asphalt plant operators, plant automation systems, and loadout. These larger, two-room control houses feature a full operators room with 270-degree views as well as UL-Approved Motor Control Centers (MCC) complete with manual backups for each bucket. Hurricane-rated windows and double entry doors, rubberized flooring, and industrial-coated roofing materials are standard. Outdoor-rated transfer switches allow switching between power sources and outdoor main disconnects are offered to greatly reduce arc-flash risk potential.
Topcon MC-Max Asphalt Paving and MC-Max Milling Solutions
Made up of GNSS receivers, total stations, displays and sensors, built with the new MC-X machine control platform. This architecture provides customized systems and upgradeability paths to grow with a contractor’s needs. Choose from entry-level 2D systems that follow a reference or automated solutions that track a paver or miller in 3D for road smoothness. Contractors can automatically pave and mill at variable depths, meeting DOTmandated smoothness standards.
Astec Industries ReMix CCPR System
A sustainable approach to road construction that minimizes the environmental impact. By reusing RAP materials and mixing them at ambient temperatures, the system significantly reduces the need for virgin aggregate and energy for heating the mix.
RAP Stockpile Utilization: The ability to consume ever-growing RAP stockpiles effectively.
Modular Configurations: Highly portable setups suitable for changing locations to maximum production.
Efficient and Cost-Effective: Reduces disposal costs but also minimizes new aggregate production. User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive user interface.
RefrigiWear Hi-Vis 3-in1 Rainwear Jacket
The outer jacket features a 100% polyester, waterproof and wind-tight shell, equipped with 2 in. of reflective tape for visibility. The inner jacket provides 120g of diamondquilted insulation, with knit cuffs and a stand-up collar for warmth. When combined, the outer and inner jackets offer protection in temperatures as low as 10°F. Roll out the hood to guard against glare and from overspray when you’re cleaning equipment, then zip it into the collar or detach it completely in dry conditions. Designed with practicality and versatility in mind.
NEW PRODUCTS
Wirtgen GENERATION C² Round-shank Picks for Milling Concrete
Characterized by high resistance to fracturing, low wear and long service life. The combination of ECO Cutter milling drums with GENERATION C² roundshank picks is designed for construction projects. Amongst other things, the solid steel body geometry supports removal of material. Pick centering allows milling forces to be concentrated in the top part of the holder and relieves the burden on the clamping sleeve. The shank geometry also increases fracture resistance. In addition to this, the centering function of the grooved profile of the wear plate reduces wear and increases the service life of the round-shank picks and the toolholders.
Cat Next Gen D8 Dozer
Volterrex Balloon Light Towers
Designed for rental applications, these light towers feature an inflatable diffusion balloon that eliminates the glare of halogen lights to mitigate eye strain for workers, passing vehicles, etc. The durable diffusion balloon inflates with an integrated fan that pairs with an internal heat sink to keep the light cool to the touch and prevent worksites from overheating. Each Volterrex light tower is sold with a durable telescopic tripod, handheld remote control and carrying bags for the LED light head and collapsible tripod.
The bulldozer offers better ride and balance than low-drive undercarriages, and its long undercarriage delivers the D8’s renowned performance of high penetration forces and superior dozing performance. The Cat C15 engine offers an increase in horsepower over the previous build to take on a wide range of dozing, ripping and grading tasks. Featuring an integrated rollover protective structure (ROPS), the next generation cab provides 17% improved visibility. When in reverse, the standard high-definition rearview camera feed shows prominently in the display.
Belt Designed for multiple materials
Truck mounts Available
LiveBottom LiveBottom
Standard front to rear Shurco tarp standard electric
Available bin extensions for more Cubic Yard capacity
Large range of strandard capacities/lengths availble. Optional washout tanks availble with electric or air powered pumps
Built for durability with 450 Hardox bin walls & heat retention with 1” Thurmax insulation panels
Multiple axle configurations & capacities
Several rear door options: twin, hilift, hi-lift/bi-fold
Think safety- No tipping of box eliminates overhead obstructions and potential rollover
42" wide belt helps prevent segregation
CONSTRUCTION CONNECTIVITY
Lighten the Labor Shortage With Remote and Autonomous Equipment
Remote equipment technologies enable humans and robots to work side-by-side productively and safely.
As demand increases and labor options diminish, technology is paving the way for innovative contractors to grow, compete and prosper
“In order to crank out the work using the same number of people and machines,” said Alan Pumklin, Caterpillar product specialist. “You need to work smarter and more efficiently. That’s where technology can make a huge difference.”
estimated 501,000 additional workers, on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2024, to meet the demand for labor.”
In response, Asphalt Contractor contacted thought leaders from Caterpillar, Procore, Built Robotics and FORT Robotics to explore some of the ways remote operation and automation technologies are helping to relieve the construction industry labor shortage.
FEELING THE PAIN
As we surveyed our panel of experts, we found consensus surrounding the negative impact of the labor shortage across the industry. The tight labor market has caused some firms to increase compensation or import talent from outside the area to staff up. Both are expensive options that eventually add substantially to the cost customers pay to keep their projects on track.
Chalk it up to a lack of training, boomers retiring, or the widening skills deficit among available candidatesfor-hire, but the construction industry labor shortage continues to swamp industry efforts to take on more work or complete existing projects on time and on schedule.
According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “91% of construction firms are having a hard time finding workers to hire, driving up costs and project delays.” Associated Builders and Contractors share the concern, stating that, “the construction industry will need to attract an
Apart from that, many projects simply get pushed back. The delays can run anywhere from six months to several years, stoking demand in an already pent up marketplace.
“New laborers entering the industry nowadays hold all the cards,” said Lauren Lee, communications lead and designer at Built Robotics, a San Francisco-based startup that sells robotic automation solutions to the solar and construction industries. “They want safer working conditions, better pay and enhanced quality of life, all of which points to an influx of technology to transform the way projects get done.”
Without such help, the pressure on crews to perform and produce increases the chance of errors, accidents and rework, none of which is good for business.
FORT Robotics
BUILT Robotics
“In order to crank out the work using the same number of people and machines, you need to work smarter and more efficiently. That’s where technology can make a huge difference,” said Pumklin.
Caterpillar has been a pioneer in construction equipment automation and autonomy for many years, most recently offering its, “Cat Command station that can operate multiple machines from different product families ... switch from trenching with an excavator, to using a dozer to backfill, then ... picking up a compactor to wrap things up.”
The optimist’s view is that, as technology advances and becomes more prevalent in the industry, the appeal of working in construction will increase among new recruits.
“There’s a misguided perception that construction is somehow a fallback career. A dirty job that nobody
TECHNOLOGY AS AN ANTIDOTE
wants to do. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Kris Lengieza, vice president and global tech evangelist at Procore. “As an industry, we need to invest in educating our future workforce with the right skills, tools, and knowledge to hit the ground running. Technology will play a significant role in how we position ourselves and move forward.”
Over the years, construction site technology has evolved to a place where there are more options than ever, and the capabilities are only improving. From the internet, to the cloud, to smart phones, to global satellite technology, advances are making construction equipment smarter and workers more productive. Many government infrastructure
projects now call for construction equipment automation, incentivizing vendors to invest in, “technology that makes earthmoving and other equipment easier to use, captures production data, or increases safety.”
Advances in remote and autonomous construction equipment technology represent a paradigm shift, disrupting the way projects are awarded, managed and performed.
Your Complete Flow Control Solution
Procore
monitors, and autonomous controls, are able to read digital design information and perform operations within extremely tight tolerances. Operators in the cab no longer have to study schematics on paper or be trained for precision work to get precise outcomes. Even novice operators can produce professional results.
thing that people like about our remote control options is that they take their design inspiration from video game-style remote controls. This makes them very easy to learn and use, and very intuitive for a lot of younger operators,” he said.
In construction, robotics and labor saving technology can make a difference in the field and the back office alike.
“We’re seeing remote operation from line-of-sight and tele-operation, as well as task automation for repetitive jobs, help skilled laborers focus on tasks where their skills are most needed,” said Doug Riffle, vice president of business development at FORT Robotics, which offers technologies that enable humans and robots to work side-by-side productively and safely. “One unique
Using remote operation capabilities, an operator doesn’t even need to be in the cab to effect superior results. From the comfort of a command center, they can remotely guide a load bucket through an earth pile and come clear with a precise fill every time. The economy of effort is maximized, while material resources are spared.
“Software exists that helps decision-makers manage billing, invoicing, and jobsite progress against contractual agreements and budget projections,” said Lengienza, whose company, Procore, offers construction management software for intelligent risk management, from preconstruction to closeout. “By integrating the business side of things with what’s happening in the field, firms are able to control costs, maintain schedules, and elevate productivity,” he said. The net result is that business can do more with less.”
THE ADVANTAGES OF REMOTE OPERATION AND AUTOMATION
The use cases for remote operation and automation technology, including robotics, are still emerging. But wherever operator safety, training, or morale is concerned, you’ll likely find a home for technology in your organization.
Built Robotics sells a fully autonomous robotic pile driver, the RPD 35, that performs four functions with a single robot. A team of two can manage multiple robots, marking GPS ground points, dragging piles to the location, driving the piles, then reporting the data. It could take 10 to 15 crew members to perform the same tasks without automation.
Perhaps nowhere is the impact felt more than in the field, where smart machines are helping novice workers perform at near-veteran proficiency. This is due in part to the evolution of machine control technology, automating functionality according to specific site designs.
Machines equipped with advanced technology features, such as sensors,
Likewise, FORT Robotics recently helped a Georgia-based landscaping startup beat the labor shortage using software and retrofit kits to transform existing zero-turn mowers into selfpropelled machines. The mowers not only relieved the physical strain workers experienced driving the machines in all types of weather, but also lowered cost, increased productivity, and automated the tedious work so that crew members could focus on more valuable tasks.
Out-of-the-box applications also abound as users experiment with the possibilities. For instance, augmented
Built Robotics sells a fully autonomous robotic pile driver, the RPD 35, that performs four functions with a single robot.
BUILT Robotics
FORT Robotics
and virtual reality are making it possible for operators to view site plans imposed directly over raw land. Virtual display screens built into headsets indicate exact markings, guiding earth movement and site preparation.
Onboard AI can be programmed to coach new hires on certain machine functionalities, accelerating time-toproductivity and freeing highly paid trainers to focus on other value-added work.
“One of our stevedore customers started using our automated cranes to help unload material from ships midstream, protecting workers from having to move containers onboard or at the dock,” said Pumklin. “It was all done using robots, remotely controlled by an operator sitting in a Cat Command station, managing four bots
HOW TO GET INTO THE GAME
As the labor shortage lingers, more competitors are choosing to adopt remote operation and automation technology. Fortunately, the process is easier than you might think. Retrofit kits and software upgrades are widely available to meet you where you are in your journey. The best advice is to talk to equipment vendors and assess your specific needs.
“Ask your people what they need to be more effective, then examine those processes before you invest,” said Lengieza, who cautions that technology is not always a panacea.
“You can’t just buy cool stuff and expect to move the needle. Think in terms of ROI. If you can reduce your headcount, time or cost on a job by
As well, consider the impact technology might have on your current staff. Educate them on the advantages of technology and assure them that you’re not out to replace them, but to improve their work life. If you integrate change management principles into your plan, you can increase acceptance and accelerate adoption.
“I like to think of it this way,” said Pumklin from Caterpillar, “If you can operate a machine remotely from home as you recover from an injury, that’s a paycheck you can cash.”
That’s a quality of life investment.
Joe Zagorski is a freelance writer for Asphalt Contractor.
For more information visit https://asph.link/b5xdw5
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START YOUR ENGINES: Pre-Season Planning Tips
It’s time to get ready for spring and the busy season ahead.
Before he passed away, my grandfther used to say, “Machines are meant to run.”
He spent his life working as a mechanic for several factories and metal shops in Northeast Ohio, and, eventually, he ended his career working at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
He basically had a full machine shop in his garage, and, when I was a teenager, every winter he would tell me to bring my car over so we could check out how well it was doing what it was supposed to do: run. While I believe this basic tenet holds true, it runs into a snag when it comes to the asphalt industry.
For many across the United States, the winter months mean shutdown. In places where it gets particularly cold and have heavy amounts of snowfall, there’s
not a lot of asphalt going down during that time. This results in the machines you rely on for you business and your livelihood aren’t doing what they were meant to do. They aren’t running, they’re sitting cold.
Another thing my grandfather believed was that, somehow, when machines sit cold for awhile they don’t always want to start back up the same.
At Tazewell County Asphalt Company in Perioira, IL, they have developed strategies to deal with the downtime, and ensure their spring start-up doesn’t get hit with major setbacks.
BACKSTORY
Born in 1937, Carl Kaufman Sr. founded the company in 1976, and still comes to work every day even with his kids and their children now handling the majority of the on-the-ground operations. The now third generation company started out paving and doing other asphalt work before buying their first plant in the late
1990s, and then recently expanded their reach by purchasing McLean County Asphalt. This brought their service area to just about all of Peoria and Bloomington, Illinois.
The 100% union operation, with about 100 employees between the two company arms, has crews for sealcoating, paving, three milling machines, crushing, recycling, and, of course, their ADM asphalt plant.
“It’s kind of a mix of a few different components, but the heart of it is an ADM,” said Brandon Fogler, VP of operations at Tazewell Asphalt. “We always have an [offseason] maintenance plan, as well as things we need to take care of before the spring gets here. The goal is, obviously, to avoid any significant downtime during your busy season. You want that to go as smoothly as it can.”
Part of the pre-season routine that Tazewell prioritizes each year:
• Maintenance Scales
• Change Gear Box Oils
• Turn Conveyors
• Inspect/Replace Belts
• Calibrate Dry Feed Bins
• Replace Filters
• Inspect Chains
The drag conveyor was a component that they highlighted as of particular importance, working hard every day to pull the material up into the hoppers before unloading into trucks. It can stretch, deform, and thin-out over time, and sometimes faster and in fewer years depending on the production loads in a given season.
“They literally go out there with a micrometer and a tape measure to see how far it has stretched, and we will call the manufacturer to see if it needs to be replaced [before the season],” said Fogler.
It’s not something you can afford to replace midseason. The goal of all these checks and measures is to ensure the best possible chance to avoid major malfunctions or downtimes. If something is questionable, if they can’t be certain it will last the full season, then it has to get replaced or serviced to start the season on a fresh slate.
“We treat it [the plant], maintenance wise, just like we would a paver, a backhoe, truck, or anything else that’s down for the winter,” said Carl Kaufman. “You have a list of things and you make your way through it, changing filters, oil, inspect chains and supply lines, belts, and you stay ahead of it.”
A COSTLY CONTRAST
One timely illustration of the importance of these types of maintenance plans came in the aftermath of the purchase of their second asphalt plant.
Every year, as part of Tazewell’s maintenance plans, they make sure to take the time to drain the liquid asphalt tanks, inspect them for excess deposits or buildup, and clean them as necessary. However, after having taken over the maintenance at the second location, there was found an issue that required an expensive fix.
“The bulk storage tanks [at McLean] for the liquid asphalt needed to be cleaned out pretty [significantly],” said Fogler. “There are hot oil lines that run
➠ DITCHING DIESEL: RELEASE AGENTS NOT JUST FOR PAVERS
The key is that PavePro helps keep asphalt plant equipment well-maintained and operating at peak efficiency, leading to lower operating costs, less downtime, and improved profitability. Here are some tips from Joshua Rigsbee, Director of Sales, at Chemtek Inc, manufacturers of PavePro: • PavePro best prevents buildup and hardening of asphalt on equipment when used both at the time of shutdown, and again before startup
EX: Even if your plant doesn’t have automated release agent applicators, you can simply take a two gallon hand sprayer and cover your conveyor by running it through a complete but empty cycle.
• Helps break down existing buildup in liquid AC lines, tanks, pumps, and on equipment like drag chains, drums, and paddles
EX: Overtime, if your 2” injection lines have buildup of a half-inch, you’re losing 25% of your flow and adding to average production times significantly.
• Allows for easier startup in the spring by keeping equipment lubricated and free-flowing
• Reduces maintenance time and costs by minimizing the need for manual cleaning and chipping of hardened asphalt
• Helps maintain production efficiency by ensuring optimal flow and capacity of equipment
EX: Buildup on paddles means more energy is required to move less than optimal levels of material, and that increase in power requirements becomes an untracked added expense.
• Extends the lifespan of critical plant components by preventing excessive wear from buildup
• Can be used to flush out lines when switching between different asphalt types or additives
EX: If you’re regularly changing between SMA, using EVO therm, crumb rubber, polymer modified, or anything outside the standard liquid AC, then gunk and building can occur more easily, which using PavePro between changes can help reduce or prevent.
• Provides a cost-effective solution compared to the labor and downtime required for manual cleaning once asphalt has hardened
• Potentially helps you win more bids by reducing unexpected maintenance, hidden costs related to energy inefficiency, and repair costs
• Enables more consistent, high-quality asphalt production by maintaining equipment performance
Provided by PAvePro
along the bottom of those tanks about a foot off the [ground] and they cook the material at about 300 degrees. They cook and they cook, and time passes and it cooks some more. Then you get to a point where it’s the worst [we’ve] ever seen.”
After having an expert come and review the situation, the buildup was so severe that meant tens of thousands of dollars in repair work for the two tanks.
“It was hard as a rock,” said Fogler. “Now, they have to go in there during the winter, with it all froze up, and literally chip it out with hammers. They scoop it out with buckets and throw it out of the little man-door. When they get down near the bottom, in order to not pierce the pipes full of hot oil, they have to blast the buildup with dry ice.”
Fogler explained that once this repair is completed, they expect a massive return in proper heating efficiency once the spring rush is in full swing.
“By not having to heat up this huge block of burned-on asphalt, we should get a ridiculous amount of efficiency brought back to us,” he said.
With natural gas prices hovering around a national average of $4 per Metric Million British Thermal Unit (MMBtu), the dollars can add up quickly over the course of an entire season, if you are needlessly compensating for caked up, old liquid asphalt.
“It’s like a well insulated house, right,” explained Fogler. “If you want to get 10,000 to 20,000 gallons up to 300 degrees, and you’re trying to heat it through a solid block of caked on AC, you’re not going to be very efficient. But if that oil and material can flow around the pipes and tank evenly, it’s going to cost you less.
THE STATE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Those who supply to the Department of Transportation (DOT) have to go through a detailed and lengthy testing process to ensure you are meeting not just a quality standard, but a consistent operational process, as well.
“If you’re just going to do driveways and maybe parking lots somewhere, you don’t have to be state certified,” said
➠ SEVEN START-UP TIPS FOR A GREAT SUMMER SEASON FROM ADM
➊ Think safety. It’s easy to get complacent after a long hiatus. Refresh yourself and your team on safety procedures before getting back to work.
➋ Check it out. Visually inspect the components as you go, looking for worn cables, broken water lines, damaged refractory tubes and loose or missing shields.
➌ Change the oils. If you didn’t change oil in all of the gearboxes when shutting down last season, do that now. Pay attention to any signs of water or metal shavings, which indicate damage. Also replace the air compressor crankcase oil and any airline oils.
➍ Inspect. Work your way through the plant, checking for anything that’s worn, damaged, loose or missing after plants have set idle. Start with the drive belts, looking for frayed spots and cracks as well as checking the tension and alignment, ensuring it matches the owner’s manual. Then move to the sheaves, checking for cracks, chips or broken edges. Look over the conveyor belts to ensure there’s no stretching, cuts or excessive wear, and check that the drive pulleys’ lagging is intact.
➎ Keep it moving. When moving parts don’t do what they should, the whole operation will suffer. Test the venturi gates, watching that they close completely. Check the spray nozzles and, if they are clogged or broken, clean or replace them. Run through all of the gates, as well, ensuring correct operation for the silo gates, cold feed bin gates, gob hopper gates and drag conveyor bypass gates. Test the limit switch paddles and then move on to the controls; make sure the indicators and switches all operate properly.
➏ Make it level. Check the alignment of the plant frame and, if necessary, level it to ensure the least amount of trunnion wear.
➐ Call a pro. Finally, have a qualified service technician come in to tune the burner.
Fogler, as he explained some of the various calibration tests that a representative of the DOT must come out and make in-person.
The first calibration test focuses on the actual cold feed bins. The state auditor provides certain mix-design requirements which the plant must then produce on command, consistently, and repeatedly demonstrating that each bin is accurately supplying the correct materials in the correct quantities for the spec.
AdobeStock/ maho
SIMPLICITY RELIABILITY VISIBILITY
Trust BOMAG Light Tandem Rollers to offer you the best in class SIMPLICITY, RELIABILITY and VISIBILITY:
SIMPLICITY Keep things simple with features like intuitive control panels, readily accessible tie-down points, and minimized daily maintenance.
RELIABILITY Reliability is built-in with features like the standard Kubota engine and double-filtration water systems, these machines are designed to get the job done all day, every day.
VISIBILITY Rely on BOMAG’s excellent visibility to maneuver around obstacles with ease and for that curb work, use the standard 2-inch drum offset to get that perfect roll, right up to the curb.
Contact your local BOMAG Dealer for more Information.
BIGGER PLANTS.
GREATER SUPPORT.
“They run all the materials through dry,” said Fogler, noting that they have to do the tests over multiple days. “You show them that you can put 20% sand, 50% rock, 6% oil, or whatever your quality control lab calls for, then the State looks at it and run their own tests. Then they run each bin individually, including the oil into like a pot, and you do it over and over again to hone it into a spec. It can take a couple days, but once you get all the bins calibrated to produce the result you want for each, then they’ll certify.”
Because of the time consuming nature of the testing, Fogler noted that it’s usually something they take care of in the earliest parts of the spring, or as soon as the weather allows.
For more information visit https://asph.link/wmjikv
Tazewell County Asphalt Co.
By Brandon Noel, Editor
The Asphalt Industry’s
BRIGHT FUTURE
A positive and clear mindset can take you further than you might think.
Share a little bit about yourself. What’s a day in the life of Jennifer Bishop at Dynapac look like?
For the past five years, I’ve served as the Dealer Sales Manager for the Southeast. In this role, I focus on ensuring our dealer partners are wellequipped to succeed in their markets. This includes helping them stock the right equipment and parts to drive growth while providing their teams with all the tools and resources needed to support their customers effectively.
What I enjoy most about my job is that no two days are the same. Each day brings a new set of challenges and opportunities, which keeps the work exciting and rewarding. I genuinely believe work can and should be fun, and I’m grateful to be in a role that offers both challenges and enjoyment.
How does the role you play impact the industry?
I see myself as an advocate for the asphalt industry. By working closely with equipment dealer personnel, enduser decision-makers, and operators, I have the unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into their challenges and needs. This allows me to act as a bridge to communicate these insights back to our internal team as well as sharing them with others in the industry through my involvement with organizations like National Asphalt Paving Association.
How did you get your start in asphalt?
I got into the asphalt industry completely by accident. While working with an executive recruiting firm in the San Antonio market, I came across an opportunity with Dynapac North America that piqued my interest. At the time, I was looking for a change, and although my employer was reluctant to let me go, they selflessly submitted my resume. The rest, as they say, is history!
At C.W. Matthew’s (GA) 2024 Roller Rodeo (Dealer: Reynolds Warren). Included in the picture with Jen Bishop (Right) is the CWM roller operator, Abigail Kenner aka Ms. Abi (left).
Have you ever faced any unique challenges as your career progressed?
Yes, early in my career a promotion came with a requirement to travel and while I enjoyed the role, my children were still young, and the strain it placed on my family was something I couldn’t accept. I made the difficult but necessary decision to move into a different role with no travel requirements, and I have no regrets. Looking back, I see that roadblock as an opportunity. It allowed me to gain deeper knowledge of the inner workings of our organization, which ultimately made me stronger and more effective in my current role.
The experiences for many women in construction are well documented.
Provided by Dynapac NA
Pe r fected fo r N o rt h A meri c a
A S THE GLOBAL LE ADER IN ROAD CONS TRUC TION TECHNOLOGY, the world is our proving ground, in ever y climate, condition, and ter rain From mining and milling, to paving, compac tion and rehabilit ation our machines are smar t, safe, and sus t ainable, consis tently delivering the highes t qualit y and lowes t tot al cos t of owner ship
CLOSE TO OUR CUSTOMERS
How would you describe your experience?
I’m incredibly grateful to the trailblazing women who came before me and paved the way for greater acceptance and recognition of our value in the industry. Thanks to their efforts, I’d say that 98% of my experiences over the years have been overwhelmingly positive. As for the remaining 2%, I’ve come to realize that those moments were more about the other person’s mindset than about me or my abilities.
How has the industry changed across the last twenty years in your eyes?
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in the industry is the growing acceptance of change and new technologies. The rise of multimedia has created opportunities that simply weren’t available in the past. It’s now easier than ever to share ideas, techniques, and innovations across the industry, fostering collaboration and driving progress.
This openness to technological advancements and knowledgesharing has not only improved efficiency but has also helped the industry evolve to meet modern demands. It’s exciting to see how these changes continue to shape the future of our work.
What key takeaway has made a personal difference for you?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this industry is the importance of building and nurturing relationships. The asphalt industry feels like a small town — everyone knows each other. I’ve often said that while the logos on our shirts may change over the years, the faces remain the same.
Building strong relationships has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. Some of my closest friends in the industry are even competitors. We’re fortunate to work in a field filled with amazing people who bring vast knowledge and diverse experiences. Taking the time to get to know them, learn from their stories, and share insights has been invaluable. These connections truly last a lifetime, and you never know where they might lead.
What is the subject that you get excited to talk about any chance you get?
Without a doubt, keeping workers safe is my passion topic in the industry. Before my current role, much of my career was in marketing, and while I had some exposure to jobsites, nothing compares to the experience of walking behind a paver all night, getting to know the crew, and those supporting their efforts from the technicians to the DOT employees.
What drives me is the commitment to ensuring that everyone gets home safely to their families after every shift.
What would you like other women to know from your experiences who are new to the industry?
Find your mentor! It does not have to be a woman — most of my mentors have been men. The key is to find someone who can guide you, offer advice, and provide support as you navigate the industry.
For more information visit https://asph.link/background
Our UL asphalt tanks have properly sized normal and emergency venting as standard.
All structural attachments are OSHA approved and are af xed to our tanks per code.
All tanks are tested to UL142 Section 42.2.1a 10th Edition.
All weld joints are per UL142 standards.
Your asphalt tanks will be properly labeled and registered with UL142.
Backhoes Break New Ground in North American Market
Construction equipment manufacturers respond to increased demand, providing versatility and innovation required on today’s jobsites.
The backhoe market is strong in response to demand and the versatility that the construction equipment offers on the jobsite. Meanwhile, cleaner and highly efficient models are continuously being added to company’s lineups.
GMI REPORT ILLUSTRATES HIGH VALUE
A Global Market Insights (GMI) report on the backhoe market indicated the market was valued at $48.8 billion in 2023 and will grow at a CAGR of more than 5% from 2024 to 2032, driven by rising environmental regulations and a growing focus on sustainability in the construction industry.
The report pointed out manufacturers are responding to strict emissions and air quality regulations by developing cleaner and highly efficient backhoe
models. There is mounting pressure on the construction sector to adopt sustainable practices and the significance of eco-friendly backhoes has increased in the last few years, GMI noted.
Various governments offer incentives and subsidies to encourage the adoption of environmentally-friendly equipment, further driving the contractors to opt for cleaner backhoes.
The demand for backhoes is associated with construction and infrastructure projects, according to the report. With the growing urban areas and government investments in roads, bridges, and buildings, the need for versatile earthmoving equipment such as backhoes remains high in the current landscape. Additionally, the increasing trend of renting construction equipment also supports market growth, according to the GMI report.
The construction industry is focused on prioritizing sustainability and emission reduction. This shift is set to drive the development and adoption of hybrid and fully electric backhoes, GMI points out.
The construction and mining segment accounted for around 55% market share in 2023, according to the report. The adoption of backhoes in construction and mining applications is driven by their versatility, costeffectiveness, and ability to perform various tasks, GMI noted.
Backhoes can efficiently handle excavation, trenching, material handling, and loading, making them essential for a wide range of tasks on jobsites, the report pointed out. Additionally, backhoes excel in foundation work and utility installation in the construction industry. Their adaptability to different environments and tasks makes them a preferred choice for contractors seeking efficient and multifunctional equipment, GMI noted.
Based on propulsion type, the diesel segment held around 91% of the market share in 2023. Factors cited include high torque output and large payload capacity.
NORTH AMERICAN BACKHOE MARKET DOMINATES
The North American backhoe market leads with a share of more than 33% in 2023, driven by increased infrastructure investments, urbanization, and technological advancements, according to the GMI report. GMI noted the American Jobs Plan has significantly funded infrastructure projects across the geography, thus increasing the demand for versatile equipment such as backhoes.
The ongoing development of cities and their utilities are a driving factor in the need for backhoes. The GMI report cited Caterpillar and John Deere as being focused on the development of innovative models to meet the market’s changing needs.
The United States is the largest market for backhoes, driven by significant construction, infrastructure development, and agricultural activity, the report noted.
Significant expenditures on roads, bridges, and public utilities drive up demand for backhoes in construction and excavation operations, noted GMI, adding backhoes are required for a variety of applications across the vast agricultural terrain, including land clearing, trenching, and material handling in the country.
The U.S. market is open to technology advancements in backhoes, including telematics, automation, and fuel-efficient engines, thus creating lucrative opportunities for the market, according to GMI.
CASE 580SV Backhoe Loader
CASE Construction Equipment
LEADING THE WAY
Weiler Material Transfer Vehicles lead the way with proven innovations to provide the lowest cost per ton of operation.
Innovative and reliable operator friendly features such as paver hopper management system with distance to paver, storage hopper management and auto chain tensioning.
Clam shell doors and full width drop down floors provide unmatched access for cleanout and maintenance.
Variable speed elevator and conveyors meet production requirements while minimizing wear.
The multiple, incremental improvements to the 4th generation of chains, sprockets and augers are retrofittable to all machines and provide increased wear life.
E1250C
John Deere, CNH Industrial N.V., and Kubota Corporation held a significant market share of more than 18% in 2023, the report pointed out.
The companies are noted for actively investing in cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning to develop intelligent backhoes.
Their machines feature predictive maintenance, automated controls, and heightened operational efficiency, according to the report.
CASE ROLLS OUT NEW MODELS
In the past couple of years, CASE Construction Equipment has introduced several new backhoe loaders to meet modern jobsite needs, noted George MacIntyre, product manager - backhoe loaders and tractor loaders, CASE Construction Equipment.
“The 580EV electric backhoe is our latest innovation – and the industry’s very first of its kind – that offers an overall more sustainable option for municipal crews, utility teams and other contractors, with zero-emissions, low-noise operation and biodegradable hydraulic fluid,” he said.
CASE also recently launched the 580SV Construction King side shift backhoe and larger 695SV side shift and center pivot models.
“This was in response to jobsites becoming tighter and tighter as well as labor shortages, as these machines excel in versatility and maneuverability, letting operators use the side shift backhoe to move the boom left or right to work more efficiently parallel to walls or in confined spaces, and bring real muscle to the job, too,” MacIntyre said.
The CASE 580EV, 580SV, and 695SV backhoes ultimately serve
different jobsite needs, MacIntyre pointed out, adding that the biggest differentiator between them is that the new 580EV is electric.
“That makes it ideal for public works departments, urban, utility or other work in areas with strict emissions and noise regulations, like parks, schools and residential areas,” he noted. “The 580EV carries over the same dimensional loading and digging specifications and delivers the same breakout forces as our popular four-wheel-drive, 97-horsepower CASE 580SN diesel model. It is designed to deliver up to eight hours of operational run time on a single charge, depending on the application. “
Electrification also provides performance features like torque response and peak torque at any RPM so operators do not need to wait for an internal combustion engine to ramp up to meet load demands.
The 580EV is powered by a 400volt, 71-kWh lithium-ion battery platform that is charged with the same type of Level 2 J1772 adapter found in automotive EVs.
The four-wheel-drive 580EV uses two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps feeding the loader, backhoe, and steering systems for performance in loading applications.
The 580EV includes an Extendahoe to boost reach, while features like ProControl swing dampening, PowerLift/ PowerBoost, and electrohydraulic controls are designed to improve precision and ease of use on the jobsite.
Electrification also provides performance advantages like instantaneous torque response and peak torque at any RPM, so operators do not need to wait for an internal combustion engine to ramp up to meet load demands.
The diesel-powered 580SV side shift and 695SV Construction King models — available in side shift and center pivot configurations — deliver power and maneuverability for heavy-duty construction, MacIntyre pointed out.
The side shift models excel in tight spaces and let operators dig rectangular
trenches without the need to reposition, while the center pivot models are ideal for general construction applications, he added.
The 580SV side shift features a tool carrier design that improves stability and material retention, while its side-shift configuration and narrow width make for more productive work in confined spaces, MacIntyre noted.
CASE also included new features, like an 8-inch color display, air conditioning, a front-dash display and adjustable four-corner, multicolored LED strobe lights.
The battery platform also uses a thermal management system with systemspecific cooling circuits to regulate temperatures and help maintain performance in hot or cold conditions.
The cab features heating and air conditioning, the touchscreen display, customizable work mode/sensitivity settings, push-button start, and operator security codes. Multicolored, fourcorner strobe lights are designed to enable operators to work safely and meet regulatory requirements, with adjustable colors, strobe patterns and an ‘alwayson’ feature for low-light conditions when strobes are not needed.
For bigger, tougher jobs, the CASE 695SV side shift and center-pivot models feature a tool carrier loader arm, allowing them to do double duty as a wheel loader, meaning one less machine to bring to the jobsite, noted MacIntyre.
Both 695SV models are equipped with 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steer (with front wheel, crab, and circle steering modes) and four equal-sized tires and include a PowerShift transmission, he added.
The expanded CASE backhoe offering is also compatible with numerous attachments, giving crews a big toolkit for improving productivity, speed, and accuracy on highly varied jobs, MacIntyre said.
CATERPILLAR ADDS TO LINEUP
David Young, Caterpillar product application specialist, pointed out “while the
CASE 580EV Electric Backhoe Loader
CASE Construction Equipment
standard backhoe remains a workhorse of the construction jobsite, new electric models are now also contributing to sustainability gains on-site.”
New Caterpillar models now available include the Side-Shift BHLs (428, 432 and 434) and Center-Pivot (415 IL, 416, 420, 420 XE, 430, 440, 450).
“For the side-shift models, it’s all about a small footprint and being able to work in tighter locations,” Young notes of their benefits. “Side-shifts also have advantages in terms of roading as well, for both roading length and ride quality. Also, because the hoe can shift from side to side the operator does not have to reposition the machine as often for certain applications.”
BOBCAT INTRODUCES
NEW BACKHOE
Bobcat Company recently expanded its product line with the Bobcat B760 backhoe loader, designed to
offer the most digging depth in its size class. The B760 backhoe loader will be available at Bobcat dealership throughout North America in late 2024/early 2025.
The Bobcat B760 features a lift capacity of more than 2,200 pounds at full reach, a digging depth of 18 feet, 5 inches, and nearly 180 degrees of backhoe swing for less repositioning and fast cycle times.
The backhoe loader comes with a standard-equipped extendable arm that provides up to 8 inches of additional dig depth compared to other machines of the same size. The front-end loader provides a lift capacity of 7,985 pounds with its standard, general purpose bucket.
Powered by a turbocharged 3.4-liter, 96-horsepower Bobcat engine, the B760 is designed to deliver powerful, hightorque performance and efficiency and achieves emissions compliance without
the use of a diesel particulate filter for no regeneration, less downtime, and easy maintenance.
JOHN DEERE LAUNCHES HYBRID ELECTRIC BACKHOE
John Deere also offers an option in the market with the 310 X-Tier backhoe. The backhoe – tested and showcased in 2021 – is one of the company’s E-Drive (hybrid-electric) models. The E-Power technology is designed to provide lower daily operating costs, lower jobsite noise, and zero tailpipe emissions. In 2023, the 310 X-Tier E-Power backhoe model entered the next phase of development.
Carol Brzozowski is a freelance writer for Asphalt Contractor.
For more information visit https://asph.link/tech
How Technology Makes Roadbuilding More Sustainable
The demand for quicker delivery and increased sustainability on projects has placed a heightened focus on the need for large-scale digital transformation in road building operations.
The nature of building a road has not changed much throughout the years, in terms of the earthworks, constructing a foundation, creating an embankment, and paving the sub-base, base, and top layer according to traffic load and weather conditions.
What has changed is that the roadbuilding technology being used to execute the tasks has become more sophisticated and now includes alternative power sources, artificial intelligence, and remote control.
THE CASE FOR USING NEW TECHNOLOGY
Experts at Topcon, which develops technology for the construction industry, stressed the importance of why contractors should digitize their paving workflow, noting that demand for quicker delivery and increased sustainability on projects puts heightened focus on the need for largescale digital transformation.
The experts pointed out that technology helps to mitigate the challenge of finding skilled machine operators. Additionally, material costs call for more efficient approaches to jobs, to avoid waste.
The experts listed five reasons why now is the time to integrate the latest technology into a company’s operations.
Today’s technology:
• Maximizes efficiency, a plus in projects where short timeframes to complete paving work are common in projects requiring full closures.
• Improves accuracy and consistency.
• Saves money and materials by speeding up the process.
• Increases jobsite safety, reduces human error, and requires fewer people on the jobsite.
• Enhances a connected workflow.
Additionally, today’s technologies help to extend the lifespan of equipment and assist in mitigating the labor shortage.
“We are also all very aware of the tremendous labor shortage across the U.S., and especially in industries like construction. It is taking a toll on our customer’s ability to complete work,” noted Jeremy Dehnel, director of sales at Road Widener, which produces road construction equipment attachments.
“This has driven interest in a need for machinery that has the technology and features to complete more work with a smaller crew,” he said. “We have always sought to design solutions to limit labor and increase safety.”
Road Widener offers the Offset Vibratory Roller, designed for easy operation without the need for extensive training.
NEW TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS ABOUND
Dehnel noted that among the number of trends influencing the equipment that contractors look to for paving technology and other road construction, is machinery that is compact enough to keep one lane open in the work zone to reduce traffic congestion.
To that end, Road Widener offers the FH-R material placement attachment and Offset Vibratory Roller, designed for easy operation without the need for extensive training.
“They connect to equipment commonly found in contractors’ fleets, including skid steers, compact track loaders, front loaders and graders,” Dehnel said.
Dehnel pointed out that with the U.S. Department of Transportation Road to Zero safety initiative and an overall focus on safety in the construction industry, “we recognize the importance of OEMs and contractors working
Road Widener
INNOVATION ‘25 EAGLE
Discover the next generation UltraMax® 1200-CC, Eagle Crusher’s most popular plant enhanced with new features to make setup, operation, and transport a breeze. The plant features a redesigned return conveyor, allowing quicker setup without having to attach parts after extension. The plant also features a new fully hydraulic side discharge conveyor, making setup and teardown easier as well as a self-lowering control panel, no longer requiring additional equipment to remove from the plant. The new 1200-CC is also available with an onboard cross-belt permanent magnet that stays on for transport. See how this next generation of Eagle Crusher’s 1200-CC plant can work for you.
TRUST THE STRENGTH OF EAGLE CRUSHER ®
together to ensure that crew members get home safely each night.
“One area that Road Widener noticed a gap in construction safety is in compaction, which is why we developed the Offset Vibratory Roller,” he added. “This attachment is designed to allow the host machine to drive safely on level ground while compacting sloped shoulders, ditches, trenches, and other hard-to-reach areas alongside the road. These tasks have typically put road crews in danger of rollover accidents, and increased workers’ comp costs and poor safety ratings.”
The FH-R material placement attachment can run a wide variety of materials including asphalt, aggregate and gravel, so contractors can use it for different utility and road construction jobs, said Dehnel.
The Curb Backfiller accessory is designed to easily attach to the FH-R and can fill on the righthand side by default, or the left, with dual configuration and precisely dispense material over the curb to backfill with dirt or aggregate.
MOVING THE NEEDLE ON INTELLIGENT COMPACTION
Intelligent compaction is not necessarily new, but has made major advancements recently, Mark Eckert, product manager, Compactor, Compact Assist, Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) noted.
Volvo now offers three different packages of its Compact Assist software, providing varying degrees of access to the core functions of pass mapping, temperature mapping and density/stiffness mapping.
Compact Assist Start is the company’s entry-level package “that’s perfect for customers who haven’t used intelligent compaction before,” Eckert said. “It provides real-time information on pass and temperature mapping in a system that’s as easy to use as a smartphone.”
Compact Assist is the middle level that is ideal for those looking to record and track data across a jobsite, he added.
“It includes pass and temperature mapping like Compact Assist Start, but also provides greater accuracy and reporting opportunities through the addition of a high-accuracy GPS antenna, recorded and saved job data, automatic job report creation with USB and over-the-air downloads,” said Eckert.
Compact Assist with Density Direct is Volvo’s most comprehensive package that combines all the features of Compact Assist with the addition of density mapping functions “for those serious about increasing productivity and delivering a faster bonus,” Eckert added.
The Trimble Roadworks Paving Control Platform is Trimble’s next generation machine control paving technology, said Kevin Garcia, Trimble’s general manager of civil specialty solutions.
“The latest version of Trimble Roadworks includes horizontal steering control and automatic screed width functionality specifically for Vogele Navitronic asphalt pavers,” he added. “This functionality automatically steers properly equipped asphalt pavers and controls the screed width according to a 3D design, making it Trimble’s most advanced 3D paving system to date.
“The auto steering and screed control functionality provides higher quality and more accurate paving faster and with substantially less operator fatigue than traditional asphalt paving methods. The system also helps reduce waste and improve jobsite sustainability, making it easier to accurately estimate material quantities and use less asphalt during the paving process.”
BOMAG’s remote-controlled single drum roller (SDR) is designed with safety top of mind “with the goal to prevent major safety issues for construction companies by taking the driver out of the
dangerous areas at the construction sites,” said Ruben Garcia, BOMAG product marketing manager, soil compaction.
“The operator can fully control the equipment from a distance up to 100 meters from the machine for a safe operation even in challenging conditions along edges, in trenches, or in the risk of a landslide,” he added.
As this story in IRONPROS about CONEXPO 2023 noted, one of the several trends in today’s roadbuilding technology is the rollout of more battery electric vehicles. More intelligent vibration control and autonomy options are emerging. Machine data and performance is augmented by technology offering comfort, ease of use and a more comfortable environment for the operator in the cab.
Volvo’s new battery-electric compactor, the DD25 Electric, brings the advantages of lower noise and zero-emissions equipment to road building, noted Justin Zupanc, head of electromobility and autonomous solutions, road products, Volvo Construction Equipment.
“This double-drum compactor offers 24 kW of available power, which is 30 percent more than its diesel counterpart,” he added. “The result is a more responsive machine in terms of speed and vibrations. The 360-degree visibility and high-frequency compaction allow operators to achieve a smooth finish with speed.
“It can do all the jobs a similarly sized diesel machine can do, including street repairs and patching, parking lots and driveways, and its emissions-free operation allows the DD25 Electric asphalt compactor to help organizations meet emission regulations or their own sustainability goals.”
The DD25 Electric can operate for a full shift on a single charge, depending on the type of job and intensity of the work cycle, Zupanc pointed out.
“The machine comes with an integrated on-board charger that enables charging from zero to 100 percent in as little as three hours,” he pointed out.
“With an optional off-board DC fast charger, this can be achieved in just over an hour.”
Road Widener
The DD25 Electric compactor requires much less time and money in terms of maintenance because it does not have an engine, said Zupanc.
“Charging a battery is more costeffective than buying diesel fuel, and there’s no need for engine-related maintenance products like engine oil, oil filters, diesel particulate filters or diesel exhaust fluid,” he added.
The DD25 Electric is the newest addition to Volvo’s electric lineup, which also features three electric compact excavators and two electric compact wheel loaders.
The machines are designed to offer the same performance as their diesel counterparts, “so any task a roadbuilder uses a compact excavator or wheel loader for could also be done by these battery-electric machines,” Zupanc noted.
Because road construction usually involves medium or large class sizes, Volvo is launching its midsize EC230 Electric excavator in North America in 2024.
In early 2023, Volvo introduced remote control technology called Short Range Remote Control as an option on the company’s EC250E, EC300E and EC350E excavators.
The remote control works at approximately a 100-meter distance, and the operator can communicate electronically with the machine via a radio transmitter and receiver.
“Ideal applications include ones where visibility, falling debris or machine rollover may be an issue, as well as when the operator needs to keep a closer eye on the tool. If a road construction project includes steep grades or needs enhanced operator visibility, Short Range Remote Control could be a solution,” Zupanc pointed out.
AI IS PLAYING A GREATER ROLE
BOMAG has a number of AI projects in the pipe, Garcia said.
The company’s remote controlled single drum rollers is just the beginning of a number of technologies the
company will be rolling out, followed by lane assist/field assist technology, teleoperation electronic coupling, highly automated SDR, and full autonomy compaction, he adds.
TECH-ENABLED ROAD REPAIR AND CONSTRUCTION: A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR OPPORTUNITY
There are numerous opportunities for constructing new roads and repairing existing ones, with alternative power, AI and remote control giving contractors the ability to do so efficiently and safely.
Making the case for that opportunity is the ‘D’ grade that the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the nation’s roads on its 2021 report card.
The ASCE noted that there are more than 4 million miles of public roadways in the U.S., with these roadways expected to withstand an everincreasing volume of traffic each year.
The growing wear and tear has left more than 40 percent of the nation’s public roadways in poor or mediocre condition. The majority of those roads tend to be on urban and rural collectors and the non-interstate system.
The ASCE noted that timely, preventive maintenance of the nation’s roads with better materials extends the life of pavement and costs less than reconstructing pavements after they reach failure.
The increased use of innovative materials to preserve and rebuild pavements that are better suited to today’s vehicle loading and more resilient to environmental impacts has led to longer lasting pavements and lower life cycle costs, the ASCE pointed out.
The ASCE noted that advancements in technology have created opportunities for the nation’s road networks. That includes advanced pavement monitoring where the use of moisture and temperature sensors are embedded in the pavement, which have made it possible to collect information about the condition of road pavements more quickly and
with less impact on roadway users.
The advent of smart pavement is opening up the possibility for features like radio-connected sensors being embedded in a road to constantly monitor and report the pavement’s changing condition or to charge electric cars as they drive along, thus reducing the need for off-road recharging stops, the ASCE noted.
In early November, the U.S. government announced it will allocate $2 billion through the Inflation Reduction Act to fund 150 lowembodied carbon materials projects, including repaving. A list of the projects can be found here.
The announcement is designed to further the Buy Clean Initiative, which prioritizes the purchase of asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel that have lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal.
It is viewed as another step toward President Joe Biden’s federal sustainability goals, including a net zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045 and net zero emissions procurement by 2050.
For example, the government allotted $11 million for LEC asphalt, concrete, and steel to address deteriorating infrastructure including repairing and replacing aging roads and parking areas in the Champlain Land Port of Entry in Champlain, N.Y.
Another project allocates $33 million in LEC concrete, steel, and asphalt to replace parking lot, sidewalk, roadways, bridge replacement and to install new fencing, all aimed at improving safety, drainage and accessibility at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colo.
by Carol Brzozowski, freelance writer working for Asphalt Contractor
@kosssmosss - adobe.stock.com
4Ways to Plan for an Automation Retrofit
Considering all the factors that go into an automation retrofit, there are undoubtedly some challenges that must be addressed.
Ultimately, the key to making this a successful transition is identifying an experienced general contractor.
Arecent report from Insight Analysis shows spending on warehouse construction and automation is expected to ramp up in 2024 and 2025 as demand for fulfillment capacity continues to expand, but headwinds caused by the current real estate market are making greenfield construction less feasible and appealing. The natural response has been to explore retrofitting existing facilities to incorporate this critical technology, a tactic that can help
save valuable time and dollars when considering the ever-growing costs and timelines for new construction projects.
While giant retailers opened the door to the initial automation retrofit boom, expect more players to become active in this next wave, as companies recognize these upgrades are necessary to keep pace with other evolutions occurring across the supply chain. Much has been written about the criteria to consider for selecting an automated solution and how to evaluate the different tech platforms available, but what do you need to know to get your facility ready for a retrofit and avoid a major derailment?
It can take up to a year to adequately plan for an automation retrofit when factoring in the evaluation, design and preconstruction that takes place prior to installation. Many companies we’re in discussions with are surprised to learn of all the preliminary steps that need to be taken before the first barricade is set up. Overlooking this step can inadvertently create early hurdles when considering demand forecasts.
For food and beverage users seeking to stay ahead of the curve, here are four
Considering all the factors that go into an automation retrofit, there are undoubtedly some challenges that must be addressed.
pivotal areas to focus on when preparing for an automation retrofit:
1OPERATIONS RAMP DOWN
Disruption to daily activity and reduced capacities are always the biggest drivers of anxiety for our clients when discussing the foundational step of ramping down operations. And while reduced outputs are inevitable for any type of warehouse retrofit, developing a clear strategy–in tandem with an experienced general contractor–on the front-end will ensure ramping down isn’t unnecessarily prolonged. Designate areas that need to be blocked off, which often include dock doors. For example, 10 doors need to be blocked off, but if the client determines they simply must have access to at least eight doors to operate sustainably, you’ll
need to adjust and find a workaround. Understand what matters for the longterm success of clients, and just by intentionally understanding their business can better help minimize impact. One strategy many clients choose is to burn off existing inventory for 60-90 days before the process starts, opening additional space for the automation infrastructure to be installed. This approach seems to help significantly.
Some challenges with ramping down aren’t product-related, as the client could have equipment or storage areas blocking access in the middle of the retrofit area. This part of the process is ultimately about communication and understanding the key variables that guide their business, primarily with product flow. For instance, initial plans called for a project to be divided into three phases. But when output started falling below the company’s preliminary estimates, the plan had to pivot and be modified to help maintain progress. In general, if the client can’t effectively continue moving their products, they might have solvency issues, so it’s crucial for everyone to be flexible when it comes to ramping down operations.
2CONCRETE AND STRUCTURE
Clients lean heavily on the design team and general contractor to execute this portion successfully because the more efficiently concrete pours and new structures are completed, the quicker they can get racks up–and racks move product. These foundational elements require a great deal of precision, as the vibration and levelness tolerance for the robotics being installed are very small. Large concrete pits and pad foundations are needed to support the structure and equipment, some of which get integrated into the existing foundation. Take for example, a large retailer who discovered during the design process that they needed to incorporate below-grade tunnels to maintain access to areas within their racking systems. Though it was an unexpected add-on cost, mitigating this
on the front-end saved the company a significant amount of money, especially compared to the price tag they would have faced if trying to problem solve after installations had already started.
3MEP INFRASTRUCTURE
Automation equipment requires a significant amount of electrical power and compressed air, as well as fire protection systems. Most existing buildings don’t have the spare capacity, so new utilities need to be established. This includes utility transformers and electrical switchgears, compressed air, and in some cases, additional or replacement fire pumps.
One unique challenge is estimating the power necessary to operate new robotics systems. Compared to building out a healthcare facility, for example, most of the equipment used in hospitals has been around for decades, so you know exactly how much power it takes to sustainably support it–like an MRI machine, for instance, always needs the same amount of power. With automation, as soon as it’s figured out what it takes to power a certain robotics system, new technology comes into play that can alter the entire equation. Like so many other components of the retrofitting process, it’s yet another moving target that requires adaptability and communication.
One of the biggest keys to project success is ordering the switchgear as early as possible, which is imperative for avoiding major delays. Some panels have smart breakers and require as much as 14 months of lead time to acquire and install due to ongoing supply chain issues, so the earlier you can get the switchgear operational, the quicker the transition to new automated systems. This can be facilitated by the builder, but must happen at the outset.
4DISRUPTIONS
The installation of new MEP infrastructure requires the temporary shutdown of existing systems to support tie-in and integration. The disruptions often involve equipment being relocated and workers having to adjust their
normal routines. By generating a one-page document that outlines any changes to the existing operational areas ensures there is a simple and streamlined “road map” for every team to reference in the event of an issue–no matter when or where it occurs.
The average time for a shutdown during the retrofitting process is eight to 12 hours, which in many cases, can be integrated with regularly scheduled shutdown periods for maintenance, inspections, and software updates. Ultimately, good communication can align work with the clients’ scheduled shutdowns and reduce dead periods as much as possible. Again, you just have to know what matters for the long-term success of the client.
Considering all the factors that go into an automation retrofit, there are undoubtedly some challenges that must be addressed. Ultimately, the key to making this a successful transition is identifying an experienced general contractor early in the pre-planning process to lay out the roadmap. While the new robotics being introduced to the market are exciting to think about, the work must start at a foundational level – finding the right partner to help build-out a facility that will sustainably house the transformative technology.
by
Jamie Dorland, construction executive, Caddell Construction.
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