High-quality, long-lasting asphalt pavements depend on a solid understanding of both asphalt materials and construction best practices. Asphalt 101 and Paving Best Practices is a one-day, in-person workshop designed to provide participants with a practical foundation in asphalt mix fundamentals and the key workmanship practices that influence pavement performance.
This workshop bridges the gap between materials, construction, and quality by walking participants through the full paving process from asphalt mixture basics to placement, compaction, and inspection. Emphasis is placed on understanding why best practices matter, how common construction issues develop, and how they can be prevented through proper planning, communication, and execution in the field.
Learning Objectives
In this workshop, participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of asphalt materials and terminology
- Learn how asphalt mixtures are produced, transported, and placed
- Review best practices for preparing underlying layers prior to paving
- Learn the principles of asphalt compaction and how density impacts performance
- Identify common paving challenges and practical strategies to avoid them
- Understand the role of inspection, testing, and quality assurance during construction
- Understand the Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications (OPSS) for mix design and construction
Topics
- Asphalt 101: Materials, Components and Terminology
- Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications Overview for design and construction
- Asphalt Distresses: Identification, Causes and Cures
- Paving Best Practice: Pre-Pave to Placement
- Compaction Fundamentals and Density Control
- Inspection, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance
- Best Practices for Achieving Long-Term Pavement Performance
