DRS Hits Niche Market with Specialty Mixes

Now, when DRS completes an overlay using the rubberized asphalt they get minimal cracking extending the life of the pavement.

Qualities of the rubberized asphalt mix include more flexibility and durability with respect to the freeze/thaw cycle and less susceptible to cracking. It also adheres better to previous surfaces when installing overlays.

“Our rubberized mix design uses the dry process,” he says. “It is our best performing mix with a three year warranty. We have produced and laid over 250,000 tons of this mix.”

Strassman has seen such success with the rubberized mix that it carries a 3-year warranty. The use of that mix is continuing to grow in demand making up roughly 75% of material used on DRS’ private projects and 10-15% of material used on commercial projects.

About six years ago Strassman expanded his mixes to include a porous mix, and it has continued to see steady growth.

“Porous asphalt was relatively new and untapped in our market,” he says. “In the beginning it was about 1% of the material we produced and now it’s up to 5% produced.”

DRS has completed several large trail projects using 100% porous asphalt. In total, DRS has produced 25,000 tons of porous asphalt. To ensure the best material is produced, Strassman continues to monitor the condition of the pavements as they age.