Category: Roll of Honor

A pioneer in refining asphalt from crude oil, in 1894 Francis Byerley received basic patents from the United States and Canadian patent offices for the “Manufacture of Asphalt from Petroleum.” A graduate petroleum engineer, he was engaged in oil refining since about 1870. The DeSmedt process for oxidizing petroleum asphalt was further developed by him. … Continue reading Francis X. Byerley

Robert W. Sweet retired as Chief Engineer, New York State Department of Transportation, being known as “Mr. Asphalt” in his state. A pioneer in asphalt construction in New York, he was responsible for the first asphalt Interstate projects there (on 1-81 and 1-87). This led to the paving with asphalt of much additional Interstate mileage … Continue reading Robert W. Sweet

Throughout his entire career J. E. Buchanan contributed to the asphalt industry as engineer, educator and administrator. After graduating from engineering college in 1927, J. E. Buchanan joined the Idaho Bureau of Highways as Testing Engineer. He served at the same time as an instructor in civil engineering at the University of Idaho. This combined … Continue reading J. E. Buchanan

As a chemist in the Physical Research Branch of the U. S. Bureau of Public Roads for 46 years, Richard Lewis’ entire life was devoted to the asphalt industry. He was the author of more than twenty three technical papers on many phases of asphalt and his accomplishments in the field of research earned him … Continue reading Richard H. Lewis

1879 – 1940 A leading asphalt chemist, the late Leroy M. Law is renowned for his research in the field of asphalt technology and construction. Active in he Asphalt Institute, he served on its technical committees and as President from 1929 – 1931. Mr. Law began his career in the office of the Supervising Architect … Continue reading Leroy M. Law

Known throughout the asphalt paving industry as the “Father of NAPA,” Sheldon G. Hayes conceived the idea of organizing the National Bituminous Concrete Association in 1955. It was established that same year, and Mr. Hayes became its first President. The organization is now known as the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Mr. Hayes has also been … Continue reading Sheldon G. Hayes

One of the original authors of the ASTM Standard Test Method D 915, “Testing Soil-Bituminous Mixtures,” Earl Klinger significantly enhanced the development of test methods for evaluating asphalt materials and mixtures. He also did valuable work with the Asphalt Institute in developing asphalt pavement thickness design methods and procedures. At various times he served as … Continue reading Earl W. Klinger

Dr. Saal is noted for his fundamental research on the constitution and properties of asphalt. He has made important contributions to the knowledge of the rheology of asphalts and is recognized as one of the first experts on the scientific development of mechanical test procedures for asphalts. A key member of J. Ph. Pfeiffer’s research … Continue reading Dr. R. N. J. Saal

Mr. Endersby is noted for his development of asphalt soil stabilization testing and construction procedures, in addition to outstanding work in the use of asphalt and asphalt mixtures for all types of asphalt construction. A 1916 graduate of Stanford University, he spent the early years of his career with various agencies in road construction and … Continue reading Victor A. Endersby

1896 – 1965 Before joining in 1924 the company which was later to become Mobil Oil Company, Henry G. Nevitt held various teaching positions in mathematics at Columbia University, was a design engineer for power plants, a refinery engineer, a construction engineer and a refinery superintendent. He retired from the Mobil organization in 1952 after … Continue reading Henry G. Nevitt