Ace Asphalt of Arizona tests quality control gauge

Ace Asphalt of Arizona Inc. has begun testing an innovative, new technology to measure the quality of paved asphalt surfaces. This new technology will allow Ace Asphalt to improve its capability to identify potential problems early in the production of a paving job. Early identification is of critical importance in being able to correct any quality control issues with little, if any impact to committed schedules and job costs.

This new gauge, manufactured by TransTech Systems, uses electromagnetic waves rather than nuclear radiation, to measure any density variations, or air voids, in real time while asphalt surfaces are being paved. For many years, nuclear density gauges have been the industry standard for paving work, but have been impractical for use on most commercial jobs due to heavy regulations by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, safety factors and cost. While nuclear gauges have been and will continue to be used by Ace Asphalt on certain jobs, the addition of this innovative technology will allow Ace to have much better control over quality on commercial paving jobs.

"Perhaps the greatest factor in using this electromagnetic gauge is the cost savings," comments Shane Dickens, paving division manager for Ace Asphalt. "The more accurate we are in our paving, the less hours will be required, and the less asphalt material will be wasted. These are direct cost savings we can pass along to our customers."