eTXAPA Newsletter
Up Front
Our four-part series of virtual, interactive workshops is underway with the second Inspector Asphalt Education Program. The March program runs through the 17th, with more two more programs to follow in April and May.
 
Click here to register for the April Inspector Asphalt Education Program, April 5-21
Click here to register for the May Inspector Asphalt Education Program, May 3-19
 
Click here for more information about the TXAPA Asphalt Education Series.
 
TXAPA Live airs at 3 PM on Thursdays, three times a month, skipping a week on the date of the TxDOT highway letting. You only need to register for TXAPA Live once, and a reminder email with a link to join will be sent to you an hour before each broadcast. Watch all previous broadcasts on our YouTube channel.
 
March Schedule:
THURSDAY 11: Liquid Asphalt Sampling and Testing
THURSDAY 18: Proper Material Usage/Application: Tacks, PG Binders & Emulsions
THURSDAY 25: Asphalt Pavement Fundamentals: Mix Types and Applications
 
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, low back pain is the leading cause of job-related disability. This is because neck and back pain can affect anyone in any job position or working condition. Keeping your spine strong not only alleviates daily aches and pains, but it also results in greater resistance to injury. Follow these safety tips to keep your spine healthy.
 
Al Farrell, formerly with TxDOT and currently with TXAPA Member Primoris Heavy Civil, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer the day before Thanksgiving. It has now unfortunately spread to his liver. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and his family has assembled a GoFundMe page as well as a Cancer Benefit later this month to help support him through this difficult time. 
 
Martin Asphalt
Lhoist North America
Naylor Association Solutions
Technically Speaking

The TxDOT Highway Letting is emailed to all members and posted to the TXAPA website on the 25th day of the month. If you did not recieve this month's letting information, click the link below. 

It is not new for contractors to be asked to assist during storms, but it is becoming more common as driver expectations increase, Texas population increases, the lane miles grow, and TxDOT resources of personnel and equipment are strained to cover the largest state highway system in the country. This is not exactly a best practice for placement of HMAC, but assisting TxDOT with emergency operations does yield benefits to improve HMAC.
 
The asphalt binder lab tests around 500 supplier Quality Monitoring (QM) samples and district project samples every month. The asphalt binder test results summary dashboard provides an overall summary of all samples tested organized by supplier, material grade, date sampled, date tested, batch, reference sample, and a pass/fail indicator.
 
Head to our website to access seal coat briefs 20-01 through 20-12. These briefs will soon be paired with accompanying PowerPoints. Stay tuned!
 
TXAPA will continue to move the needle for quality in the coming decade by promoting a new concept in asphalt paving communication, a gathering of key personnel just prior to placement and compaction called the “All-Hands.” Chuck Fuller has discussed the All-Hands on TXAPA Live, and the All-Hands section of our website is packed with helpful resources and information.
 
Blacklidge Emulsions, Inc.
In the Know
  
Distributed to nearly 5,000 industry professionals, Texas Asphalt magazine features articles about environmental issues, safety, new technology, best business practices and more.
 
Texas Asphalt is distributed in both print and an interactive, digital format. Subscribers do not have to be members of TXAPA to receive Texas Asphalt.
 
 
  
Search for up-to-date information including addresses, contact information, and more with our online TXAPA Member Directory.
 
If you notice any information that has changed, you can log in to TexasAsphalt.org and update it to ensure we have the correct information on file moving forward. Instructions on how to do so can be found in the "Maximize Your Membership" section below. 
 
TXAPA worked with TxDOT, the AGC, the FHWA, and other industry partners to develop a plan for construction workplace safety. Please review the attached document and refer to it as needed to provide a safe and effective workplace for your employees during these unprecedented times.
 
Download and share these infographics breaking down the Texas Joint Workforce Safety Plan to help provide a safe and effective workplace for your employees in a clear and simple manner. 
 
Did you know about PaveXpress, a scoping tool to help you create simplified pavement designs while taking into account key engineering inputs?
 
Maximize Your Membership
TXAPA has assembled an adaptable, in-house training program for our members to use on inclement weather work days. Documents, instructor guides, and related videos for this program can be found in our new Members Only tab on texasasphalt.org.
 
We want to give TXAPA members access to information not available to the general public, which is why we have created a Members Only tab on texasasphalt.org. In order to access the information housed in this section of our website, you will need to log in to your account. Forgot your login information? Click here.

Once logged in, TXAPA members will have access to our new Winter Training Program content, PIQ information and documents, member-only videos and more. Content within this tab will be continually updated.
 
TXAPA has developed a custom education program to set our contractor members up for success by offering a clear, comprehensive look at each of the 73 changes in the new specs that may impact your projects.
 
Chuck Fuller, Jim Warren, and Harold Mullen have been leading members through the changes to SS 3076, SS 3077, and the Liquid Asphalt Binder Sampling and Testing Program. To schedule your private consultation, please contact Chuck, Jim, or Harold, or call TXAPA at (512) 312-2099.
 
Click the link below to visit a new section on TexasAsphalt.org called "What's New." This page contains a frequently updated list of all new content on the website, so you can find the important new information fast!
Are you working with an exemplary company that would be a good fit for TXAPA? Send them the link to our new, fillable application available at the link below:
Make sure you are receiving important information from TXAPA. Double check your email address and update your email preferences. 
If you have been having trouble accessing the TXAPA website there are two things you can try.
Cancel or add subscriptions and update your address—it's as easy as logging into TexasAsphalt.org!
Certification News From The HMAC
Certification and training classes through the HMAC are filling up fast! Check the schedule for both in-person and virtual classes, and call the HMAC with any questions at 512-312-2099.

TXAPA provides a range of resources for your employees and technicians whether they are studying to become certified, or just need a refresher. Please share these helpful tools: