SCAPA's TD Presents on SMA to the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), Attends the SC Aviation Conference

 

Photo Credit: ASHE - SC

American Society of Highway Engineers

SCAPA’s technical director, Kimberly Lyons, Ph.D., presented “Stone Matrix Asphalt – A New Tool Added to the Toolbox” on February 15 to the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) during their monthly meeting in Columbia, SC. The meeting had over 35 people attend either in-person or online. Dr. Lyons discussed how Open Graded Friction Course (OGFC) is being replaced by Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) on our interstates in South Carolina. 

Some highlights:

• OGFC is a special type of asphalt mixture is designed to be porous and allow for rainwater to drain towards the shoulder underneath the riding surface as opposed to the typical “dense graded” asphalts that require water to drain on top.

• SMA is a gap-graded mix that is designed to maximize deformation (rutting) resistance and durability by using a structural basis of stone-on-stone contact.

The SCDOT is switching to SMA as the final surface course for most of the interstate routes instead of a Surface A and OGFC combo in order to save on future maintenance costs. However, OGFC will still be used in areas where safety concerns arise.

If you would like to join or find more information about the American Society of Highway Engineers, SC Section, please click on the links below. 

Website: sc.ashe.pro

LinkedIn: ASHE-SC

 

	SC Aviation Conference

2022 SC Aviation Conference

Kimberly also attended the 2022 SC Aviation Conference on February 16-18 at the Marriott Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, SC. At the SCAA Annual Airports Conference, professionals from around the state meet to learn the latest in aviation technology and management practices, connect with one another and hear what’s upcoming from state and federal agencies.