 | Team Elmer's brings latest in asphalt technology to northern Michigan Extends Paving Season, Reduces Fuel Consumption
After much research and development, Team Elmer's is thrilled to bring warm-mix asphalt to northern Michigan. A green technology, this process allows for the production and placement of asphalt mix at warm temperatures 50° - 70°F lower than hot mix asphalt.
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Such drastic reductions have the obvious benefits of cutting fuel consumption and decreasing the production of greenhouse gases. In addition, engineering benefits include better compaction on the road, the ability to haul paving mix for longer distances, and extending the paving season by being able to pave at lower temperatures. We can't wait to put this to good use this spring!
Benefits of Warm Mix Asphalt to Transportation Agencies
- Reduced Emissions
- More Consistent Densities Faster Opening of Roads to Traffic
- Cold Weather and Night Paving
- Smoother Roads Paving over Crack Seal
- Reduction in Premature Binder Aging (resulting in an increased lifecycle of roads by up to six years)
Benefits of Warm Mix Asphalt to Asphalt Manufacturers and Paving Companies
- Energy Savings
- Increased Use of RAP
- Compaction Aid for Stiff Mixes
- Extended Season/Cold Weather Paving
- Longer Workability and Hauls
- Lower Emissions
- Pave Over Crack Sealing
- Consistent Density Across the Mat
Want to learn even more? Click here to watch an Introduction to Warm Mix Asphalt.
| | The most challenging driveway. Ever. Sure, we specialize in challenging driveway and road projects. But the Kohler Road drive in Leelanau County was a whopper even for us.
Begin with the fact that the proposed driveway was to be 1,200 feet long -- with a 124 foot rise in elevation leading to the home (with a fantastic view of Grand Traverse Bay!) Next, consider that time, money, and regulations were all limited. But no problem for our dynamic duo of Eric Sanborn and Jack Morris!
Morris was the first to leap into action, coordinating the complex engineering of the project and working with local units of government for permitting. The County was clear about the options for this unique driveway: keep the grade under 10 percent, and use an aggregate surface. A grade beyond 10 percent would dictate use of a hard surface like asphalt, which would boost the cost of the overall project considerably.
After several site reviews, plans, and drawings, Morris arrived at an ideal solution -- a constant 9.95 grade from bottom to top, leaving the customer's budget in place and meeting the County's requirements.
Then Sanborn supervised the dirt work on-site, where Team Elmer's crews balanced 8500 cubic yards of land, placed 700 tons of 21AA crushed concrete gravel, and ultimately 12,000 square yards of mulch blanket.
In the end, Leelanau County Drain Commissioner Steve Christensen, responsible for soil and erosion control compliance during construction, called the project "a showpiece," and the customer gave us high grades.
So how about you -- got a challenge for us? Bring it on!
Click here to see more photos of how we tackled this steep job.
Pssst...Stay tuned in the coming weeks for an announcement on how you can win your own new driveway!
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