Monday, 2 December 2013

Get Set For Winter With Road Readie Snow Removal Service Barrie!

Road Readie Paving offers services to handle everything that winter can throw at you! Here at Road Readie, we create snow and ice control packages specific to your site!

It is in our best interest to make sure that everything is taken care of properly. Prior to the first snow fall, Road Readie will stake out any hazards (such as curbs, walkways, fire hydrants). Once the snow and ice arrives, we are there waiting for it- ready to maintain your site.With full attention to detail, Road Readie is at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Truck and Machine Ploughing
  • Off Site Capability (Tri-axle dumps)
  • Full Coverage Liability Insurance
  • Ice Melting
  • Proper Equipment to get your job done right!
We are pleased to serve Barrie, Simcoe County and the surrounding areas with our many years of experience and skilled employees! Visit our website for more information about Road Readie Paving or to contact us about commercial snow removal this winter.

Monday, 25 November 2013

Recycling and the Asphalt Industry - Breaking Ground!

source Lisa Cleaver
Forconstructionpros.com

"For those of us in the asphalt industry, "green asphalt" technologies, such as warm mix asphalt (WMA), reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), are part of everyday life. Most asphalt contractors and producers have used these techniques and understand the benefits they bring to the table.
It seems state governments and agencies are also taking note and increasing the adoption of these sustainable technologies nationwide. According to a survey conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), about 66.7 million tons of RAP and 1.2 million tons of RAS were collected in the United States during 2011 for use in new pavements. Also, about 19% of all asphalt produced in the country that year was made using  WMA technologies.

That these technologies are gaining wider acceptance is great news for asphalt contractors, our environment, but also the bottom line. According to the survey, the use of RAP and RAS during the 2011 paving season translates to a saving of 21.2 million barrels of liquid asphalt binder, saving taxpayers some $2.2 billion.

More data from the survey:
In 2011, RAP usage reached 66.7 million tons, a 7% increase from 2010 and a 19% increase from 2009. More than 99% of asphalt pavement reclaimed from roads went back into new pavements.
98 percent of producers reported using RAP in their mixes for new construction, pavement preservation, rehabilitation, and other projects.
RAS usage also continued to climb, increasing to 1.2 million tons in 2011 — an 8% increase over 2010, and a 52.5% increase since 2009.
Since 2009, RAS usage has been reported in 36 states.
In 2011, total WMA tonnage in the U.S. was estimated at about 69 million tons, a 67% increase from 2010 and a nearly 309% increase since 2009.
Almost all WMA in the U.S. was produced using a foaming process; warm mix additive technologies accounted for a little more than 4 percent of the market

A copy of the full survey is available at asphaltpavement.org/recycling.

Of course, our industry has a long history of adapting new technologies and innovations to make a better product. John Keating, NAPA 2013 Chairman and President and COO East of Oldcastle Materials Inc., says, “While use of these technologies has increased dramatically, there is room to do more, and the asphalt pavement industry is ready to reach even higher levels of sustainability in road construction.” That we are.

http://www.asphaltpavement.org/recycling

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Take a Tour of an Asphalt Plant Online..

Virtual Asphalt Plant Tour

Making asphalt is like baking a cake. You measure all the right ingredients, mix them up and heat them for the final product. Asphalt starts with a mixture of sand and small and large rocks (called aggregate). Next, asphalt cement is heated and combined with the rocks — thus the name hot mix asphalt (HMA). The HMA must be kept pliable for proper installation, so asphalt facilities must be located near paving sites.

There are two basic types of plants used to manufacture hot mix asphalt:
Batch plants, which make asphalt in batches as needed to go straight to work sites
Drum plants, which make asphalt continuously and can store the asphalt for several days in heated storage silos.

You'll find common components in both batch and drum plants including:
•Cold feed bins — Accurately meter the different aggregates used in the mix to the drying drum. Aggregates are usually stored in stockpiles or they may be stored in large silos or bunkers.
•Asphalt cement storage — Asphalt cement is stored in tanks that meet stringent regulatory guidelines for spill prevention.
•Dryer drum — Dries and heats aggregates by tumbling them through hot air. In a parallel-flow drum, aggregates move in the same direction as the hot air. In a counter-flow drum, aggregates move in the opposite direction.
•Emission control system — Sometimes called a baghouse, this system traps and removes fine sand and dust particles and returns them to the mix.
•Storage silos — Drum mix plants must have silos since they produce asphalt continuously. Batch plants do not require a silo, but often have them to increase plant production. Storage silos are insulated and may be heated to prevent heat loss. A mix may be stored in a silo for days.

Source: beyondroads.com

Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do. With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Road Construction Barriers in Japan

Have you ever seen animal road construction barriers in Canada? In Japan, figures of pandas, rabbits, and frogs are lining highways and construction sites to act as an eye catching barrier for traffic.

According to blogger Biran Ashcraft, "in 2006, a construction equipment rental company called Sendaimeiban began collaborating with Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido to make "character barricades" that could be placed at roadside construction sites and be seen by buses of tourists."

The first character put to work was the monkey, but as you'll see in the slideshow of Biran's photographs below, figures of frogs, ducks, and rabbits abound.

Why cartoon like animals? One theory being put forth online is that the barriers have a calming effect and reduce road rage, another is that drivers don't want to hit the cute animals, so the characters are a form of accident prevention. What do you think? Is Canada ready to replace safety cones and construction tape with something else?



Do you have a paving project in mind? We hope you decide to support a local family owned business, with a commitment to service and quality, and give Road Readie Paving a call for a free consultation/quote. 705-719-0074

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Re-roofing? - Here's some info about recycling asphalt shingles

One of the environmental advantages of asphalt is the ability to recycle asphalt materials and re-use them. Here is an infographic from Better Roads Magazine about recycling asphalt roofing tiles in the US. The numbers are huge!

  • Over 12.5 billion square feet of asphalt shingles are produced each year in the US - enough to put a roof over 5 million homes
  • The shingle roof of an average US home can supply enough asphalt to pave 200 feet of a 2-lane highway.
  • Recycling asphalt shingles could keep 11 million tons of waste away from landfills.
 
 
Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Tuesday, 29 October 2013

Learn About Asphalt Recycling with this Infographic

One of the environmental advantages of asphalt is the ability to recycle asphalt materials and re-use them. Here is an infographic from Better Roads Magazine about recycling asphalt roofing tiles in the US. The numbers are huge!

  • Over 12.5 billion square feet of asphalt shingles are produced each year in the US - enough to put a roof over 5 million homes
  • The shingle roof of an average US home can supply enough asphalt to pave 200 feet of a 2-lane highway.
  • Recycling asphalt shingles could keep 11 million tons of waste away from landfills.
 
 
Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Do you know how asphalt is made?

How it's Made is a great TV series! In this episode they take a look at hot mix asphalt and show you all the components and the process, from quarry to road. So if you ever wondered how they make the product that covers most of the roads in North America - here it is..


If you have questions about your driveway or have a few landscaping projects in mind, give us a call for a FREE quote. 705-719-0074. We are pleased to serve Barrie, Simcoe County and the surrounding areas with our many years of experience and skilled employees! Visit our website for more information about Road Readie Paving or to view our photo gallery.

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Slideshow of Residential Paving Projects

Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price.

Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do.

With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none.

If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074


Tuesday, 8 October 2013

How Big is the Carbon Footprint of Asphalt?

Environmental awareness is on the rise and many transportation officials are striving to make their practices and policies greener or more sustainable. But how do you measure the greenness of a pavement?

It’s all about the carbon — how, when, and whether it is counted in a calculation.

This paper has examined greenhouse gas production of asphalt and concrete pavements.

The tools employed in these analyses are based on published materials from ISO 14040, VicRoads, and the Ministry
of Transportation for Ontario.

In every case, the analyses show clearly that asphalt has a far lower
carbon footprint.

This means that asphalt pavements are the more sustainable choice. When it comes to
roads, black is green, now and for the future.


The Carbon Footprint of Asphalt
source:Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association

Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do. With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. Call us today.  705-719-0074

Friday, 27 September 2013

Quiet Roads Are Paved in Asphalt

Noise pollution is a big problem in urban locations. Asphalt is the paving material of choice to reduce the sound of traffic.

There is no better way to reduce road noise than to treat the problem at its source. By paving roads and highways with asphalt the noise inside homes and businesses can be significantly reduced.

Research in the U.S. and Europe shows that a Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) or Open-Graded FrictionCourse (OGFC) mix will reduce highway noise by 3 to 5 dB(A). To the average person, this reduction is the same as doubling the distance between the source of the noise and their location.

When comparing the noise reduction that is possible by choosing asphalt pavement-up to 7 dB(A) -we see how much more practical pavement surface selection is than construction of noise barrier walls.

Here are some FAQs about road noise from the Asphalt Paving Alliance of America.

1- Do sound walls and noise barriers reduce road noise? Not always. When a noise barrier wall is constructed, there is a significant noise drop immediately behind the wall. The problem is that those buildings that are on hillsides, at intersections or driveways or anywhere there is an opening in the wall, will not benefit from noise reduction. In some cases where noise walls are built parallel to one another, noise reflections or echoes of the sound waves off the opposite wall can actually increase noise levels at a location near the highway.

2 - I live near a busy road or highway. What can I do to reduce the noise inside my home?
The best solution is to treat the noise at its source. Studies show that certain types of asphalt pavement can reduce noise significantly.

3 - Will planting trees and shrubs reduce road noise inside my home? Unfortunately, no. You would have to have over a football field of trees between your house and a road to begin reducing noise. That's a lot of planting!

4 - What is the best method for reducing road noise? Treat the road noise at its source using asphalt. Contact your local department of transportation to see what plans have been made to reduce road noise in your area.

5 - At what point does noise become painful to a human? The threshold of hearing is set at 0 dB(A). The threshold of pain is around 140 dB(A), yet long term exposure to noise above 80 can lead to hearing loss and permanent damage.

Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

Aspahlt Pavement Reduces Fuel Consumption


Smoothness Matters - The influence of pavement on fuel consumption

"Vehicle emissions are major contributors to greenhouse gases, and one of the keys to reducing emissions is reducing consumption of fuel used by cars and trucks on our roadways. While auto makers continue to make progress on improving fuel efficiency of the engines in the vehicles they manufacture, researchers and state transportation agencies are looking at additional ways to reduce emissions.

One area of study is the influence that pavement characteristics have on vehicle fuel consumption. Since slight changes in vehicle fuel economy may have dramatic effects when amassed over a state, country or time frame, slight changes in pavement characteristics could result in meaningful improvements in fuel economy.

There are generally three pavement characteristics that are being explored in an effort to reduce vehicle fuel consumption: pavement-tire rolling resistance, pavement stiffness or viscoelasticity, and pavement texture or smoothness. Pavement texture or smoothness affects rolling resistance by influencing the energy loss due to friction

Results from this study indicated that trucks running on slightly smoother pavement could reduce fuel consumption by 4.5 percent.

Not only do smoother pavements reduce fuel consumption, but they also reduce vehicle operating costs and driver fatigue by minimizing tire bounce and load impacts.

Keeping a road smooth begins with a well-engineered foundation and pavement structure. In other words, Perpetual Pavement is the beginning of fuel efficiency through smoothness. It is to this nation’s advantage that so many of our existing asphalt pavements meet the definition of perpetual. They can remain in place for the long haul, with only periodic replacement of pavement surface to eliminate distresses and restore the ride quality.

Studies have shown that stone matrix asphalt and other modern asphalt mixes can provide surfaces that will last in excess of 20 years.

One thing is clear, of all characteristics of pavement, smoothness is the major determinant of fuel economy."

View the Source:  Smoothness Matters PDF from the Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan

Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Thursday, 8 August 2013

Asphalt Tiles Recycled to Make Asphalt Roads

One of the environmental advantages of asphalt is the ability to recycle asphalt materials and re-use them. Here is an infographic from Better Roads Magazine about recycling asphalt roofing tiles in the US. The numbers are huge!

  • Over 12.5 billion square feet of asphalt shingles are produced each year in the US - enough to put a roof over 5 million homes
  • The shingle roof of an average US home can supply enough asphalt to pave 200 feet of a 2-lane highway.
  • Recycling asphalt shingles could keep 11 million tons of waste away from landfills.
 
 
Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Ten Tips to Manage Heat Stress - from the Road Readie Job Site

It goes with the territory - road crews working in the heat of the summer. Road Readie Paving always places safety first on the job site and so we have some experience with handling heat stress. The bottom line is awareness; of weather conditions, job site conditions, and employee health.

Here's a comprehensive look at Heat Stress for workers exposed to high temperatures and humidity outside or inside the workplace. It's produced by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario.

Ten Tips for Managing Heat Stress:
  1. Train workers to recognize the signs and
    symptoms of heat stress and to know how to
    avoid them.
  2. Provide water nearby on the job site and ensure
    everyone drinks about one cup of water every 20
    to 30 minutes, even if they’re not thirsty
  3. Allow time for workers to acclimatize to the heat
    and the work. This usually takes about two weeks
  4. Encourage workers to use a buddy system
    — each buddy looks out for early signs and
    symptoms of heat stress in the other
  5. If possible, postpone strenuous work until a
    cooler time of the day.
  6. If work is done outside, ensure that shaded areas
    are available.
  7. Rotate workers in and out of hot work areas
    whenever possible
  8. Avoid eating large meals before working in hot
    environments.
  9. Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These
    make the body lose water and increase the risk of
    heat stress.
  10. Wear light clothing that permits the evaporation
    of sweat (e.g., cotton clothing). Use sunscreen and
    cover your head if working outside.

 
 

Road Readie Paving is committed to the safety of their employees on the job site. We have decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Monday, 22 July 2013

Road Construction Barriers In Japan - Ducks in Row!

Have you ever seen animal road construction barriers in Canada? In Japan, figures of pandas, rabbits, and frogs are lining highways and construction sites to act as an eye catching barrier for traffic.

According to blogger Biran Ashcraft, "in 2006, a construction equipment rental company called Sendaimeiban began collaborating with Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido to make "character barricades" that could be placed at roadside construction sites and be seen by buses of tourists."

The first character put to work was the monkey, but as you'll see in the slideshow of Biran's photographs below, figures of frogs, ducks, and rabbits abound.

Why cartoon like animals? One theory being put forth online is that the barriers have a calming effect and reduce road rage, another is that drivers don't want to hit the cute animals, so the characters are a form of accident prevention. What do you think? Is Canada ready to replace safety cones and construction tape with something else?



Do you have a paving project in mind? We hope you decide to support a local family owned business, with a commitment to service and quality, and give Road Readie Paving a call for a free consultation/quote. 705-719-0074

Sunday, 14 July 2013

Residential Paving with Road Readie Paving

Road Readie Paving is proud to offer Residential Home and Cottage Owners over 25+ years of expertise in asphalt driveway paving in Simcoe County and a commitment to quality workmanship. With our depth of experience, no project is too big - and we welcome the opportunity to work on smaller projects too!

Your asphalt driveway is an important addition to your Residential property and can add significantly to your home's curb appeal, re-sale value, as well as provide years of maintenance free parking and service.

When selecting a paving contractor it is important to look at the number of years of experience in your local community. Please ask us about projects we have completed in Simcoe County and visit our website to look through a gallery of Residential paving projects.
Home Owner – We had Road Readie Paving quote our 4000 sq ft plus driveway which had previously been paved (about 10 years ago) by another local company. The driveway sank and broke everywhere and needed to be excavated and repaved. The quote was very reasonable, so we had Road Readie do the work. Their crew was very professional- they did a fantastic job and we highly recommend them.
- Kathy and Larry


We hope you decide to support a local family owned business, with a commitment to service and quality, and give us a call for a free consultation/quote. 705-719-0074

Tuesday, 2 July 2013

Commercial Paving with Road Readie Paving

Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional product at a competitive cost.  With over 25 years of Commercial Paving experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. With Road Readie Paving, you can trust that we will make your asphalt vision a reality.
"Park Ridge Construction – Road Readie Paving completed a 35,000 sq.ft parking lot on Huronia Rd, Barrie- base and top coat. Their quality of work was excellent, as was John (the salesperson)- he walked me through the procedures and made sure I was happy during the extent of the work. We will definitely be using them in the future."- Miles – Park Ridge Construction (Owner)
"John at Road Readie Paving has taken care of our driveway paving for many years. The company has been very reliable, and have always taken care of any issue that we have had. We look forward to using them for all of our paving needs!"- Randy – Owner, Grandview Homes
Road Readie Paving is ready to work on your Commercial projects;
  • Asphalt Paving
  • Parking Lots, Commercial or Industrial
  • Road Construction
  • Maintenance
  • Golf Courses
  • School Grounds 
Our Sales Staff is ready to discuss the work and give you a free estimate. You can call us at 705-719-0074 or contact our staff at the email addresses below.

•John Ferreri, Estimator – 25 years of experience Email: john (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Chris Ferreri, Estimator – 10 years of experience Email: chris (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Danny Borzellion, Estimator – 20 years of experience Email: danny (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Tim Moxham, Estimator – 5 years of experience Email: tim (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Guy Guadagnino, Crew Foreman – 20 years experience Email: guy (at ) roadreadiepaving.com


 
With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074  

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Recycled Materials in Asphalt - makes the news

Recycling asphalt and using other recycled materials in asphalt makes environmental sense and saves billions of dollars in material costs. This is an area of the asphalt industry that continues to develop and mature in the USA and Canada.

The CBC video below describes how Vancouver will be the first city to use recycled plastic in asphalt paving.

"Vancouver will be the first-ever city to use blue box recycled plastics as asphalt mix on the city's roads, in a move engineers say is a green step forward.

Old plastic milk jugs, yogurt containers and other post-consumer recyclable material will be ground up and made into a wax which then used as a warm mix for asphalt.

"It's actually a lot like crayon wax and what we are doing with this is putting it in the asphalt which we are putting down today," explained Vancouver city engineer Peter Judd at a Kingsway paving site"

In the USA a recent survey concluded that the use of recycled materials in asphalt saved taxpayers more than $2.2 billion dollars. Read about the survey at the National Asphalt Pavement Associations website.



With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Virtual Tour of an Asphalt Plant

Virtual Asphalt Plant Tour

Making asphalt is like baking a cake. You measure all the right ingredients, mix them up and heat them for the final product. Asphalt starts with a mixture of sand and small and large rocks (called aggregate). Next, asphalt cement is heated and combined with the rocks — thus the name hot mix asphalt (HMA). The HMA must be kept pliable for proper installation, so asphalt facilities must be located near paving sites.

There are two basic types of plants used to manufacture hot mix asphalt:
Batch plants, which make asphalt in batches as needed to go straight to work sites
Drum plants, which make asphalt continuously and can store the asphalt for several days in heated storage silos.

You'll find common components in both batch and drum plants including:
•Cold feed bins — Accurately meter the different aggregates used in the mix to the drying drum. Aggregates are usually stored in stockpiles or they may be stored in large silos or bunkers.
•Asphalt cement storage — Asphalt cement is stored in tanks that meet stringent regulatory guidelines for spill prevention.
•Dryer drum — Dries and heats aggregates by tumbling them through hot air. In a parallel-flow drum, aggregates move in the same direction as the hot air. In a counter-flow drum, aggregates move in the opposite direction.
•Emission control system — Sometimes called a baghouse, this system traps and removes fine sand and dust particles and returns them to the mix.
•Storage silos — Drum mix plants must have silos since they produce asphalt continuously. Batch plants do not require a silo, but often have them to increase plant production. Storage silos are insulated and may be heated to prevent heat loss. A mix may be stored in a silo for days.

Source: beyondroads.com

Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do. With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074

Monday, 27 May 2013

Local Georgian College (Barrie) Students Win Roads Scholar Award for their interest in Asphalt



Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA) presented its Spring Operations Seminar at the National Heavy Equipment Show, in Toronto, April 18, 2013.

At the Show, OHMPA launched a new award program for students studying construction related trades or technologies. The program is called Roads Scholars. Six students were selected from local colleges and two of the six were from Georgian College in Barrie, Soctt Hoddy and Darren Ellis. These students were selected because they displayed exemplary leadership in their programs and showed an interest in the asphalt paving industry.

Mike Deckert, OHMPA, said, "The Roads Scholar Program was developed through OHMPA's Plant and Paving Committee and is an initiative that we hope will help to better engage and educate young people about the industry as they are making career choices."

Formed in 1974, the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA) is the authoritative voice for the provincial asphalt producing industry. OHMPA is dedicated to excellence in asphalt paving. To learn more, visit www.ohmpa.org.

Press Release: Roads Scholars 2013

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Road Readie Paving Now Offers Interlock Services

Do you have a residential project in mind using interlock pavers? Road Readie Paving now offers
concrete and interlock services for projects such as; curbing, pathways, patios, and garden walls.

Interlock offers many benefits.
  • Numerous paving styles
  • Unlimited color possibilities
  • Create your own design
  • Low relative lifetime cost, no regular maintenance
  • No cracking
  • 3 times stronger than poured concrete
  • Pavers move with soil conditions

Here is a "How it's Made" video showing how concrete pavers are made.


Call Road Readie Paving for a free quote on interlock installation for your project. 705-719-0074 or visit our website for more information.  With over 25 years of experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. Service area includes; Simcoe County, Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood..morellillly,yyor or705-719-0074

Friday, 17 May 2013

An Asphalt Lake in Trinidad - natural deposit 250 feet deep!

This article by Business Insider is about a natural lake of asphalt on the beautiful island of Trinidad. At current usage rates, it contains 400 years of asphalt pitch. Because it is so unusual, it is also a tourist attraction, attracting over 200,000 visitors a year. Click the link below to see more incredible photographs.



The Caribbean island of Trinidad is home to the world's largest deposit of natural asphalt, called Pitch Lake.  

The surface of the lake is a mostly solid carpet of asphalt that can be walked on, attracting some 200,000 tourists each year.

The lake is also mined for asphalt — called "pitch" in its crude, unrefined form — sold around the globe for the use in the paving highways, race tracks, bridge decks, and airport runways.

The lake is located next to the village of La Brea, meaning "tar" in Spanish. It measures 250 feet deep at the center and covers a surface area of around 100 acres, or about 75 football fields.

The quality of the asphalt first impressed English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1595, credited with "re-discovering" the lake. He initially used the asphalt to seal his ship. The Trinidadian asphalt held well, even in heat and sunlight, and Raleigh thought it was superior to the Norwegian tar he had been using.

Source: Business Insider

Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do. With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074


Tuesday, 7 May 2013

How an Asphalt Paver Works

Have you ever wondered how an Asphalt Paver works, but never had a chance to get up close and look at the components in operation? Here is an excellent technical article about the parts of an Asphalt Paver and how the process works.

"In 1934 Barber-Greene introduced the Model 79 asphalt laydown machine, a self-propelled formless laydown machine with a floating screed (Tunnicliff, Beaty and Holt, 1974[1]). Since then, the basic concept of the asphalt paver has remained relatively unchanged: HMA is loaded in the front, carried to the rear by a set of flight feeders (conveyor belts), spread out by a set of augers, then leveled and compacted by a screed. This set of functions can be divided into two main systems:
•The tractor
•The screed
read the full article..



source: "Asphalt Paver" 7 April 2009 http://www.pavementinteractive.org

Monday, 29 April 2013

New Survey - Green Asphalt Continues to Grow

source Lisa Cleaver
Forconstructionpros.com

"For those of us in the asphalt industry, "green asphalt" technologies, such as warm mix asphalt (WMA), reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), are part of everyday life. Most asphalt contractors and producers have used these techniques and understand the benefits they bring to the table.
It seems state governments and agencies are also taking note and increasing the adoption of these sustainable technologies nationwide. According to a survey conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), about 66.7 million tons of RAP and 1.2 million tons of RAS were collected in the United States during 2011 for use in new pavements. Also, about 19% of all asphalt produced in the country that year was made using  WMA technologies.

That these technologies are gaining wider acceptance is great news for asphalt contractors, our environment, but also the bottom line. According to the survey, the use of RAP and RAS during the 2011 paving season translates to a saving of 21.2 million barrels of liquid asphalt binder, saving taxpayers some $2.2 billion.

More data from the survey:
In 2011, RAP usage reached 66.7 million tons, a 7% increase from 2010 and a 19% increase from 2009. More than 99% of asphalt pavement reclaimed from roads went back into new pavements.
98 percent of producers reported using RAP in their mixes for new construction, pavement preservation, rehabilitation, and other projects.
RAS usage also continued to climb, increasing to 1.2 million tons in 2011 — an 8% increase over 2010, and a 52.5% increase since 2009.
Since 2009, RAS usage has been reported in 36 states.
In 2011, total WMA tonnage in the U.S. was estimated at about 69 million tons, a 67% increase from 2010 and a nearly 309% increase since 2009.
Almost all WMA in the U.S. was produced using a foaming process; warm mix additive technologies accounted for a little more than 4 percent of the market

A copy of the full survey is available at asphaltpavement.org/recycling.

Of course, our industry has a long history of adapting new technologies and innovations to make a better product. John Keating, NAPA 2013 Chairman and President and COO East of Oldcastle Materials Inc., says, “While use of these technologies has increased dramatically, there is room to do more, and the asphalt pavement industry is ready to reach even higher levels of sustainability in road construction.” That we are.

http://www.asphaltpavement.org/recycling

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Top Asphalt Paving Projects - In the fast lane at Indian F1 Track


India’s new Formula 1 motor racing circuit, with its tight construction tolerances, demands considerable driving skill.

More than 500 million people worldwide watched the first Formula 1 motor race in India's history.
The drivers were thrilled by the new asphalt circuit with its numerous bends and the peripheral area around the new race track at Greater Noida near the capital New Delhi, which were built by machinery from German company Vögele (a member of the Wirtgen Group).

Working with four Super 1800-2 pavers, the Vögele team helped construct the Buddh International Circuit.

“To build a perfectly level asphalt pavement for the drivers as they battle for milliseconds, contractor Oriental Structure Engineers from New Delhi used the Vögele pavers for the crushed-stone base followed by three layers of asphaltic concrete. A Big MultiPlex Ski was used to ensure perfect grade and slope control,” says Vögele.

A demanding 5.1km circuit with 16 bends, a road varying between 18m-25m in width, super-elevations up to 12% and gradients up to 10%, distinguishes this newcomer to the Formula 1 racing calendar, and demands considerable driving skill, offering optimum conditions for breathtaking overtaking manoeuvres.

Oriental’s experts opted for technology from Vögele in order to deliver top-quality paving results despite these demanding requirements. Aided by the powerful pavers, they built a two-layer crushed-stone base and paved roughly 325,000tonnes of asphalt for the circuit and its peripheral areas in the course of the project.

Read the full article..

Road Readie Paving - Barrie / Simoce County - www.roadreadiepaving.com - Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional product at a competitive cost. Road Readie Paving will take care of all of your paving needs- commercial, industrial or residential. With over 25 years of experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. With Road Readie Paving, you can trust that we will make your asphalt vision a reality.

Friday, 19 April 2013

The Carbon Footprint of Asphalt


Environmental consciousness is on the rise and many transportation officials are striving to make their practices and policies greener or more sustainable. But how do you measure the greenness of a pavement?
It’s all about the carbon — how, when, and whether it is counted.

This paper has examined greenhouse gas production of asphalt and concrete pavements. The tools
employed in these analyses are based on published materials from ISO 14040, VicRoads, and the Ministry
of Transportation for Ontario. In every case, the analyses show clearly that asphalt has a far lower
carbon footprint. This means that asphalt pavements are the more sustainable choice. When it comes to
roads, black is green, now and for the future.

The Carbon Footprint of Asphalt
source:Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association

Road Readie Paving has a commitment to customer satisfaction through quality workmanship, at a competitive price. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential asphalt projects, there are no jobs Road Readie Paving cannot do. With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. Call us today.  705-719-0074

Thursday, 11 April 2013

Intelligent Cars + Computerized Roads - The Future of Road Travel

Imagine a future in which cars are packed nose to tail while traveling at breakneck speeds. Traffic lights and lane markings will be nonexistent, as cars speed unhesitatingly through unmarked junctions and weave from one side of the road to the other with no warning.
 
And all us human beings have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. No pesky driving test or license required.
 
Is this all just inspired science fiction? Not so, according to scientists and engineers.
 
Road Readie Paving Ontario
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) of the United States predicts that by 2040, 75% of all road vehicles will be driverless. While Google’s self-driving car and other such vehicles offer us a glimpse into this kind of future, some cities, eager to turn this seemingly fantastical idea into a reality, are already conducting small-scale trials of linked-up roads. 
 
While cars moving at ridiculous speeds with less than a few feet of space between them sounds like a recipe for disaster, an intelligent road network coupled with intelligent vehicles can potentially eliminate gridlock and road accidents. In this future world, traffic flow will be governed by data. Intelligent vehicles will know where they are in relation to the vehicles around them.  No longer will we have to rely on traffic lights and our faulty human senses.
 
“In the future smart intersections may not need lights,” said IEEE’s director of the Center for Intelligent System Research, Azim Eskandarian. “These intersections will very efficiently harmonize and synchronize speeds in one direction, and then the other.”
 
This vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication will allow cars to feed information to a central command center, such as their destination, the route they plan to take, and their current position. The central command will accumulate all this data across a metropolis, allowing it to plan traffic loads and optimize volume along the roads. It will then send this information back to the vehicles, so that they know when it is safe to perform specific actions, such as entering intersections, making U-turns, or maintaining speed to minimize stop-star driving. In a way, it is more complex and extremely larger version of Los Angeles’ Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System.
 
read more...

Road Readie Paving is your contractor of choice in Barrie and the Simcoe County area. Commercial, industrial or residential projects completed to specification and on time. Visit our website to learn more and request a free quote.

Monday, 8 April 2013

Asphalt Builds Our Communities - From Airports to Bike Paths

  1. Asphalt pavement is the pavement of choice for big or small parking lots, expansive shipping yards, areas for material handling, railroad facilities, airports, etc., because it can take the weight and the punishment.
  2. Between 85-90% of all runways in the USA, totalling 3,364 commercial airports, are surfaced with asphalt, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Road Readie Paving Barrie Ontario
  3. In rebuilding the main runway at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the contractor met 100 percent of the smoothness specs.
  4. Race Tracks: Of the 35 NASCAR race tracks across the country, 31 are paved with asphalt surfaces.
  5. Hydraulic Structures: Fish hatcheries, drinking water reservoirs, pond linings, and canal linings count on asphalt for a long-lasting, contamination-free surface.
  6. Bike Paths, Sidewalks, and Recreational Facilities: asphalt pavement is ideally suited for providing paths that are aesthetically pleasing and blend well with natural settings.
  7. Industrial Applications: Even where the traffic is heaviest, such as at port container yards, timber yards, and rail transfer yards, asphalt paves the way.
Are you thinking of an asphalt paving project for your business, organization, or residence? Give Road Readie Paving a call at 705-719-0074 and we'd be pleased to discuss your project and give you a free quote.

Wednesday, 3 April 2013

How Asphalt is Made Video

How it's made is a great series! In this episode they take a look at hot mix asphalt and show you all the components and the process, from quarry to road.


If you have questions about your driveway or have a few landscaping projects in mind, give us a call for a FREE quote. 705-719-0074. We are pleased to serve Barrie, Simcoe County and the surrounding areas with our many years of experience and skilled employees! Visit our website for more information about Road Readie Paving or to view our photo gallery.

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Spring Clean Your Asphalt Driveway

 Freeze-thaw cycles, rain, snow, and daily traffic can take their toll on a driveway. With a little elbow grease you can remove the grime of winter and get ready to seal and protect your asphalt driveway.

Asphalt Driveway Repair Tools & Supplies:

Fortunately, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining a driveway can make it look almost new again.

To clean an asphalt driveway, scour a mixture of detergent and water into the surface using a push broom with a coarse, stiff bristle. Hose off the solution once you are done.

Though oil stains can be difficult to remove, you can try to scrub them out with a detergent and bleach or, as an alternative, a commercial driveway cleaner.

If you buy a driveway cleaner, be sure to get one that is made for asphalt; a concrete cleaner can damage asphalt. Follow label directions explicitly. But first, try the household cleaner route:

1) Using a stiff, long-handled brush and a solution of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free
substitute, scrub the stain.
2) Following label precautions and directions, scrub remaining spots with full-strength household bleach. Wear old clothes, rubber gloves, and safety glasses.
3) Rinse thoroughly with a hose.

If you have questions about your driveway or have a few landscaping projects in mind, give us a call for a free quote. 705-719-0074 FREE   We are pleased to serve Barrie and the surrounding area with our many years of experience and skilled employees! Visit our website and view our project gallery!

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Public Safety - Asphalt is the Safe Choice


One hundred percent of Ontario experiences inclement weather. This fact makes skid resistance on roads paramount to public safety. The drainage capability and precision in aggregate mix play a vital role in making asphalt the superior choice when considering the importance of tire grip in relation to
road safety.
New porous asphalt mixes disperse surface water, which reduce blinding
spray and help to decrease the risk of aquaplaning.
The contrast in colour between asphalt pavement and road markers
provides drivers with better road visibility in any weather condition, day or night.

Snow removal is not problematic on asphalt pavements. Unlike concrete pavements, there are no joints for plough blades to catch on when ploughing asphalt pavements. Additionally, asphalt pavements tend to move less in winter conditions due to the greater thickness of nonfrost susceptible material beneath them. Snow also melts faster on asphalt and the pavement surface is not damaged by ice-melting chemicals.

Read more about why asphalt is the better way to pave ! ( www.OHMPA.org )

THE GREEN SIDE OF ASPHALT


Asphalt is 100% Recyclable! Asphalt is North America’s most recycled material, more than aluminum, paper or plastic. Four out of every five tonnes of asphalt pavement removed for widening
aggregate and asphalt cement resources in “the bank” to be used by future generations.
and resurfacing projects are reused. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) greatly reduces the amount of virgin asphalt cement needed to construct new roadways. Asphalt is easily recyclable because little additional energy is required to recapture the raw materials. When we pave with asphalt, we put

Environmental Applications Asphalt pavements do not leach toxins. Drinking water reservoirs are often lined with asphalt and asphalt cement is used to line water pipes that supply potable municipal water. Landfills are frequently lined and capped with asphalt and some natural resource and wildlife agencies use asphalt pavement to line fish ponds.

Read more about why asphalt is the better way to pave! Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA.org)

Saturday, 16 March 2013

The Many Benefits of Using Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the most sustainable materials for constructing pavements.  From the production of the paving material, to the placement of the pavement on the road, to rehabilitation, through reuse/recycling, asphalt pavements minimize impact on the environment.
 



Asphalt Paving Has Many Benefits
Asphalt Paving Has Many Benefits
Reuse/Recycling

The asphalt industry reuses and recycles nearly 100 million tons of its own product every year, making it America’s number one recycler. 

 
Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) actually reduces the amount of virgin asphalt cement needed for constructing new roadways. When RAP is incorporated into new pavement, the asphalt cement in the old pavement is reactivated, becoming part of the glue that holds the new pavement together and replacing some of the virgin asphalt cement that would otherwise be required. This makes the final product less vulnerable to market fluctuations in raw material prices while conserving precious natural resources.
 
Other materials – including rubber from used tires, glass, and asphalt roofing shingles – are recycled into asphalt pavements.

 
Public Safety - Asphalt Reduces Crashes
 
Smooth asphalt roads give vehicle tires superior contact with the road, improving safety. Opengraded asphalt surfaces allow rainwater to drain through the pavement surface, reducing the amount of splash and spray kicked up by vehicles.
 
Resurfacing with open-graded asphalt has been shown to reduce crashes and fatalities on highways.
 
Performance
 
The road doesn’t wear out Perpetual Pavements constructed from asphalt are the ultimate in sustainability. When appropriately designed and constructed, the road itself doesn’t wear out. For maintenance, the top layer is removed for reuse/recycling, then replaced quickly without causing traffic congestion.
 
Noise Reduction
 
Asphalt is the quiet pavement. Studies show that the noise-reducing properties of asphalt last for many years. Noise reductions of 3 to 10 dB(a) are common. Reducing noise by 3 dB(a) is about the same as doubling the distance from the road to the listener, or reducing traffic volume by 50 percent.
 
Traffic Relief - Asphalt Helps to Moves Traffic Along
 
In crowded urban areas, where closing a road for rehabilitation or reconstruction would dump increased traffic on to neighboring routes, asphalt is the answer. Highways and roads can be milled for reuse/recycling, then overlaid, during off-peak hours. An entire freeway can be resurfaced without commuters ever being inconvenienced. In congested conditions, cars and trucks consume fuel and produce excess greenhouse gases.
 
Asphalt’s speed of construction allows planners and managers a way to fix congestion hot spots and bottlenecks, quickly and cost-effectively.
 
Water Quality
 
Stormwater management with porous asphalt Porous asphalt pavement systems are recognized by the U.S. EPA as a best management practice (BMP) for stormwater management. When used for parking lots, roads, walking/biking paths, and other applications, porous pavements can turn runoff into infiltration; restore the hydrology of a site, or even improve it; improve water quality; and eliminate the need for detention basins.
 
Environmental Applications
 
Drinking water reservoirs are often lined with asphalt, and asphalt cement is used to line water pipes that supply potable water to humans.
 
Landfills are often lined and capped with asphalt. Some state fish and wildlife agencies even use asphalt pavement to line their fish rearing ponds.
 
Cleaner Air, Cool Cities
 
Asphalt plants are environmentally sound Emissions from asphalt plants, including greenhouse gases, are very low and well-controlled. Since 1970, the asphalt industry has decreased total emissions by 97 percent while increasing production by 250 percent. Emissions from asphalt plants are so low, the EPA removed asphalt plants from its list of major sources of hazardous air pollutants.
 
Cool cities
 
The urban heat island effect is not a black and white issue. Not just color and reflectivity but also thickness, density, and heat capacity all play a role in pavement heat retention. Another consideration is that highly reflective pavements pose potential safety and health risks because of increases in glare and ground-level UV radiation scatter.

 

 
Road Readie Paving - Barrie / Simoce County - www.roadreadiepaving.com - Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional product at a competitive cost. Road Readie Paving will take care of all of your paving needs- commercial, industrial or residential. With over 25 years of experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. With Road Readie Paving, you can trust that we will make your asphalt vision a reality.

Source: http://www.asphaltpavement.org/images/stories/ps-35web.pdf

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Why you should seal and properly maintain your Asphalt Driveway

We are often asked by homeowners why should they have their driveway sealed and how should the driveway be maintained to make it last.

This is an excellent project for each Spring and you should consider ordering the driveway sealing service early, so you can enjoy your beautiful driveway all summer long.

Our first answer is that nicely asphalt sealed driveways add curb appeal to any home, the subtle beauty of shiny black blends in well with any exterior house finish including brick, siding or stucco. The look of a well maintained house shows that the owners are proud and have taken care of the property.  A well sealed driveway also makes your parked car looked great and the smooth surface will make the tarmac last a lot longer. Best of all, asphalt is affordable. But what type of maintenance is required to keep paved driveways looking good year after year?

To Seal or Not to Seal Your Driveway?

Whether or not you should seal your driveway is a long-debated argument.

Those companies that offer the sealant are keen on pushing the advantages of their product - including an added layer of protection over the asphalt helping it to last longer and resist staining or deterioration as a result of oil and gas spills.


Before and After Driveway Sealing From Road Readie Paving Barrie
Before and After Driveway Sealing From Road Readie Paving Barrie

There are two reasons that a homeowner could choose to seal their driveway: for a clean, attractive appearance; or to protect the asphalt from damaging spills such as gas or oil.

Both of these reasons are understandable and many homeowners appreciate the appearance and protection that driveway sealants offer.

You can DIY this project easily with a long handled roller and a can of sealant. However the products used by companies that do professional sealing tend to have a base containing higher levels of liquid asphalt, which provides better, thicker protection. Also the sprayers used for application allow for thicker coverage.

Sealing your asphalt driveway should allow it to look better longer.

A Quality Driveway Installation Is Key

It is essential that your asphalt paving be laid by an experienced contractor. This will ensure the area has been properly excavated, an adequate base has been laid for drainage and the very best practices have been applied to installing the asphalt.


When a driveway is paved by an inexperienced company the results are substandard and much more maintenance is required from the outset.

The very best contractors will offer you a thickly laid surface that has been laid, compacted and rolled using the proper machinery. They will also offer you top grade asphalt mix that has been proven to last based on other projects and driveways in your area.

Experienced staff, quality materials and the proper equipment are all absolutely necessary for a top quality driveway paving job.


Tackle Weeds Right Away

It's important that you immediately eliminate weeds that are growing through or into your asphalt.

It may seem unlikely, but even small weeds can seriously deteriorate the overall quality of your driveway. With simple procedures such as physical removal, chemical elimination and installing barriers you can effectively stop weeds from infiltrating your driveway space.

It is much easier to eliminate one or two weeds at a time, since this will allow any asphalt that has been lifted or cracked to settle back down once the weed has been taken out. When you allow the weeds to spread or bunch up, the damage can be much greater.

Driveways finished with asphalt paving are very low maintenance.

Be sure to have them installed by a qualified contractor and you can look forward to a quality job. Decide whether or not sealing the asphalt is desired and keep a close eye out for weeds. With these simple steps you should be able to count on a good looking, reliable asphalt driveway for years.

Road Readie Paving - Barrie / Simoce County - www.roadreadiepaving.com - Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional product at a competitive cost. Road Readie Paving will take care of all of your paving needs- commercial, industrial or residential. With over 25 years of experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. With Road Readie Paving, you can trust that we will make your asphalt vision a reality.

Sunday, 3 March 2013

What is Rolled Asphalt Concrete?

Another great article from Wikipedia about rolled asphalt concrete.

The largest use of asphalt/bitumen is for making asphalt concrete for road surfaces and accounts for approximately 85% of the asphalt consumed in the United States. Asphalt concrete pavement material is commonly composed of 5% asphalt/bitumen cement and 95% aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel). Due to its highly viscous nature, asphalt/bitumen cement must be heated so it can be mixed with the aggregates at the asphalt mixing plant. There are about 4,000 asphalt concrete mixing plants in the U.S., and a similar number in Europe.

Asphalt concrete road surface is the most widely recycled material in the U.S., both by gross tonnage and by percentage. According to an industry survey conducted by the Federal Highway Administration and the National Asphalt Pavement Association and released in 2011, more than 99% of the asphalt removed each year from road surfaces during widening and resurfacing projects is reused as part of new pavements, roadbeds, shoulders and embankments.

Roofing shingles account for most of the remaining asphalt/bitumen consumption. Other uses include cattle sprays, fence-post treatments, and waterproofing for fabrics.

Asphalt concrete paving is widely used in airports around the world. Due to the sturdiness and ability to be repaired quickly, it is widely used for runways dedicated to aircraft landing and taking off.

Road Readie Paving - Barrie / Simoce County - www.roadreadiepaving.com - Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional product at a competitive cost. Road Readie Paving will take care of all of your paving needs- commercial, industrial or residential. With over 25 years of experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. With Road Readie Paving, you can trust that we will make your asphalt vision a reality.