"After the initial learning curve, we were able to fully replenish our truck-mounted pavers with material on-site in less than 10 minutes," Vagher says. "In most cases, we reduced the number of trucks needed for each job by one. I would say our production increased by up to 20 percent."

Vagher was also able to better utilize his manpower. During a normal 10-day slurry seal job, a wheel loader operator at an off-site stockpile would be used for up to 80 hours. This operator could now spend this time in other areas.

In addition, Vagher previously had up to four people regularly working to find stockpiles and then ensure all of the logistics were taken care of. With the use of the on-site stockpile, the person strictly looking for stockpile locations could now be used for other work. The logistics were not completely eliminated, though. There was still a need for delivery coordination of the aggregate and asphalt emulsion. But, it required significantly less time.

"This unit was designed to be parked like a car in alignment with the truck-mounted pavers, so we don't block traffic any more than normal," says Vagher. "Our team has to ensure we are close to a hydrant and have good clearance from trees. There are still challenges of getting the haul trucks there on time, but I would estimate that approximately three-fourths of my logistical guys' time can be spent elsewhere because of this unit."

With an off-site stockpile, the contractor had to leave a small amount of aggregate material on the ground to act as a base to avoid contamination with the surface below the aggregate. Vagher estimates that up to five percent of material is wasted on every job because of this. The Mobile Stockpile eliminated this waste, all while making the material testing procedures by the government entity much easier and more consistent.

Government agencies like "green" aspect

"I've talked with a couple of government agency people, and the interest in getting rid of the disturbance that stockpiles cause is very high," says Vagher. "Most pavement preservation methods, including slurry seal and micro surfacing, are already considered green when compared to other methods such as mill and fill. An on-site stockpile eliminates the few environmental concerns left."