4:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Build Better Hardscapes and Retaining Walls Using Geogrid
Presented by Mr. Gregg S. Williams, Tensar Corporation
BIO: With over 38 years of experience in the geosynthetic industry, Gregg S. Williams is the Regional Manager, Texas Gulf Coast, for the Tensar Corporation. Mr. Williams received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1981. He has co-authored several technical papers regarding geosynthetics in Civil Engineering applications and is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
ABSTRACT: Tensar geogrids can be used as a site solution for many civil engineering applications. The use of uniaxial geogrids for grade separation issues and triaxial geogrids for subgrade stabilization and flexible pavement optimization will be discussed, along with the value proposition of utilizing these mechanically stabilized layers.
5:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Highly-Modified Asphalt
Presented by Mr. Gary L. Fitts, P.E., Kraton Polymers U.S., LLC
BIO : Gary L. Fitts, P.E., is currently Manager of Market Development for Kraton Polymers U.S., LLC, tasked with developing and expanding opportunities, primarily in North America, for the use of Highly Modified Asphalt (HiMA) in the asphalt and asphalt paving industry along with specifying agencies. He previously worked for Shell Oil Products as an Applications Specialist providing technical support for their asphalt binder business along the US Gulf Coast and promoting the introduction of Shell Thiopave. As a Senior Regional Engineer for the Asphalt Institute, Mr. Fitts served the asphalt industry as a technical resource, promoted and introduced the concept of Perpetual Pavements in Texas, and taught and spoke at numerous educational seminars and conferences on the subject of asphalt materials and their proper installation and maintenance. He serves on the board of directors of the Southeastern Asphalt User-Producer Group (SEAUPG) and is affiliated with the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (AAPT) and also the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Mr. Fitts holds a Master of Science in Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.
ABSTRACT : Highly Modified Asphalt, or HiMA represents the next generation of asphalt binders. Advances in thermoplastic elastomers allow more than double the polymer content than used in traditional modified binder grades such as PG76-22 while maintaining similar workability. Asphalt paving mixtures using HiMA binder are much more resistant to rutting and cracking than traditional binders, resulting in a more resilient and sustainable asphalt paving mixture. The discussion will describe and define HiMA binder and how it differs from traditional modified asphalt binders. Mixture qualities and observed performance of test sections at the National Center for Asphalt Technology test track will be described, along with examples of the use of HiMA binder grades across North America. Research studies sponsored by state DOTs in Florida and Virginia will also be summarized, along with potential applications for TxDOT and local governments.