Category: Roll of Honor

Herbert Spencer was The Asphalt Institute’s first full-time President. Appointed in 1941, he was a logical choice for the position because of his past association with the Institute and his many highway engineering contributions to the asphalt industry. He had been a director of the infant organization, then called The Asphalt Association, when it was … Continue reading Herbert Spencer

As head of the Asphalt Institute’s laboratory research program, Mr. Prevost Hubbard’s work provided much of the sound scientific background that led to the development of modern construction techniques for asphalt pavements. His research has been of such importance that he has been called “The Dean Emeritus of Asphalt Research.” One of his most notable … Continue reading Prevost Hubbard

As Chief and later Commissioner of the U. S. Bureau of Public Roads, Thomas H. MacDonald became Administrator of Federal Highway Funds shortly after the beginning of Federal participation in highway affairs on a national scale. As such, he greatly influenced the formulation of national highway policies and gave skilled direction to Federal – state … Continue reading Thomas H. MacDonald

1866 – 1955 The originator of the ductility and penetration tests for asphalts, Allan W. Dow died December 8, 1955 at the age of 89 at his home in New Milford, Connecticut. Mr. Dow graduated in 1888 from the Columbia School of Mines and served as assistant chemist for the Barber Asphalt Paving Company from … Continue reading Allan W. Dow

Dr. Charles Mack, an early researcher in the field of asphalt technology, contributed a great deal to what we know about the proper use of asphalt and related materials in highway construction. His research added significantly to our knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of asphalt and their effect on the durability of asphalt … Continue reading Dr. Charles Mack

1885 – 1948 Victor Nicholson was one of the first asphalt paving technologists to recognize the importance of asphalt’s adhesive qualities when combined with mineral aggregates. An authority in the field, his work served as a basis for all subsequent research on asphalt’s adhesive properties. Mr. Nicholson spent more than 40 years of his adult … Continue reading Victor Nicholson

Frederick C. Field, noted chemist and research engineer and co-developer of the Hubbard-Field Stability Test for asphalt paving mixtures, was born in 1875 in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Early in his career as a highway researcher, Field worked as a chemist for the city of Seattle, Washington, and later moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he … Continue reading Frederick C. Field