This month on Everyday Asphalt, Tim Martin President of 2TM Consulting Engineers, joins Jim Warren for a inside out view of pavements - what happens when things go right, what happens when things go wrong, and how to figure out why.  We discuss a troubleshooting and forensics and what to look for when we are looking at pavements!  Join us as we dive deep into pavements this month.  

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Hear directly from the contractor’s perspective as Brandon Trout (Allen Keller Company) joins Jim Warren to share how asphalt projects are evaluated, planned, and built for quality and performance.

Expect a fast-paced session filled with real-world experience, practical nuggets, and actionable advice for anyone involved in asphalt pavement projects.

Curious what asphalt sounds like?
Join us and find out.

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What does an inspector really do?

In December, Everyday Asphalt goes inside the inspector’s role with a seasoned veteran who has more than his fair share of asphalt under his boots.

David Till of Atlas Technical Consultants joins Jim Warren to step into the inspector’s boots and explore the judgment, communication, and standards that keep quality strong and safety first on every project.

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This month on Everyday Asphalt, we’re joined by Gisel Carrasco, MTD Flexible Pavement Section Director, for a deep dive into Balanced Mix Design (BMD)—an approach that is reshaping how asphalt mixes are developed in Texas.

BMD represents a shift from traditional mix design methods, with the goal of creating longer lasting, more durable pavements while allowing room for innovation across the industry.

In this episode, Gisel breaks down:
• The changes BMD is expected to bring
• How long TxDOT has been evaluating the approach
• The next steps in implementation
• What to expect in 2026

If you want to stay ahead of upcoming advancements in asphalt mix design, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Join Jim Warren and special guest Larry Peirce as they deep dive into the pavement structure and discuss a critical feature of an asphalt pavement… the foundation.  They discuss the details of proper subgrade and base identification, testing, and how to improve the performance of these critical layers. What are the proper steps to ensure durable, economical, long-lasting subgrade and base layers? What are the top TxDOT guides to help you build long-lasting pavements? Come and find out. Let’s explore the answers together. Welcome aboard!

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Join Jim Warren and special guest Chuck Fuller as Chuck walks us through a straightforward, step-by-step process for understanding ride quality—and how to achieve it on your projects. Ride quality is the traveling public’s #1 demand, and this session breaks it down:

• What’s IRI?
• What’s PSI?
• What tools belong in your project toolbox to improve ride?

Let’s explore the answers together. Welcome aboard!

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This month on Everyday Asphalt, we’re kicking off the brand-new Asphalt Pavement EXchange (APEX). A Texas-sized initiative to transform how our industry shares knowledge and builds better, longer-lasting pavements. Industry leaders Carl Johnson, Harold Mullen, Chris Cowen, Cliff Kay, Duane Milligan, Ryan Barborak, Greg Cedillo, and Eric Suarez join in the conversation to explore APEX’s origins, goals, timelines, and opportunities.

From big-picture vision to practical impact, this episode dives into how APEX will strengthen collaboration across Texas asphalt professionals. Don’t miss your chance to get involved. Visit www.APEXTX.org to join the mailing list and be part of the movement.

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This month on Everyday Asphalt, we’re focusing on smoothness from the contractor’s perspective. Lone Star Asphalt’s Jon Wickes, Mike Crum, Jimmy Totten, and Freddy Escobar share what it takes to deliver exceptional ride quality.

We discuss designing for smoothness, building it from the ground up, identifying opportunities for improvement, and how project type can shape ride quality — an insightful exploration of craftsmanship from foundation to finish!

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This month, we're diving into HPG or High-Performance Grade Asphalt Binder. What is it, and what sets it apart? Spoiler: HPG is a very high-grade asphalt binder designed for extreme duty applications.

But how do you use it? Where does it work best? What challenges might you face—and what opportunities could it unlock? Can you simply swap it in for a regular binder and expect bulletproof performance?

Join Jim and Chuck as they answer these questions and take a practical look at HPG in the field. They’ll also introduce a brand-new TXAPA guidance document and share key tips and tricks to help ensure success when using HPG.

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As we move the Everyday Asphalt studio and make some exciting updates to the show, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane with one of our most popular episodes: The Science Behind Rocks and Roadways from October 2024.

This fan-favorite edition takes a deep dive into the quarry to explore the Surface Aggregate Classification (SAC) system. Dr. Jon Epps and Richard Izzo join the conversation to break down when, where, how, and why specific aggregates are needed on our roadways, and the unique challenges that come with it.

We cover everything from geography and geology to aggregate testing, supply and demand, and what it really takes to get the right rock on the road. How many SAC A sources are there in Texas? Tune in and find out!

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