Paving the Way From Classroom Blues to Asphalt Schools
By Brett Williams
Senior Director, Engineering & Technical Services
Remember the days when going back to school meant trading in summer freedom for the confines of a classroom? The only silver lining was perhaps a shiny new pair of shoes or a fresh backpack.
As I’ve aged, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for learning. Today, heading back to school isn’t a chore; it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth. For those in the asphalt paving industry, it’s a chance to dive into the latest technologies, refine essential skills, and emerge as an even more valuable asset to your company.
In April, I seized the opportunity to attend Caterpillar’s Paving Operations Training course at their Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center, just outside Tucson, Ariz. The week-long course offered comprehensive training on everything asphalt paving.
Led by four seasoned experts, each with a wealth of experience in paving operations, the training was designed to equip paving professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver top-quality construction and ensure project plans and specifications are met with precision.
The intimate class size, with about three students per instructor, fostered an environment conducive to personalized learning. Whether it was mastering the intricacies of operating the paver and screed or seeking guidance on specific techniques, students received individualized attention and support tailored to their needs. Attendees ranged from novices with no prior experience in operating a paver to seasoned veterans boasting years of experience on the screed and behind the controls.
Each day of the training course offered a balanced blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience operating asphalt pavers equipped with cutting-edge technology.
DAY 1
The week kicked off with a strong emphasis on safety – a foundational aspect of any paving operation. After ensuring that everyone was acquainted with the safety protocols specific to the course and the facility, the instructors facilitated introductions, allowing participants to get to know one another and share their backgrounds in paving operations.
Following the introductions, the instructors gauged the group’s collective experience and knowledge level, ensuring that the curriculum could be tailored to meet the needs of all attendees. The day’s classroom sessions delved into the fundamentals of asphalt paving, with a focus on the “Paving by the Numbers” concept.
Why is following these procedures in a specific order so critical for success in paving? This question served as a central theme of the day’s discussions, highlighting the importance of methodical planning and execution in achieving optimal results.
With the groundwork laid on paving fundamentals, it was time to put the classroom lessons into practice. The class was divided into two groups, each assigned to a paver equipped with a different screed configuration – one with front-mounted extensions, and the other with rear-mounted extensions. Each group comprised of a paver operator, two screed operators, and a foreman. Under the watchful guidance of the instructors, the groups meticulously followed the “Paving by the Numbers” procedures, translating classroom concepts into action.
After completing the initial pass, roles were rotated, providing participants with a chance to gain practical experience from various vantage points. This hands-on approach reinforced the day’s lessons and fostered a collaborative learning environment, where insights were shared and skills were honed collectively.
DAY 2
Tuesday focused on grade and slope control, and the importance these hold in asphalt paving. In the classroom, discussions ranged from sensor setup for automation to the significance of grade and slope in pavement construction.
Out in the field, the class set up the paver’s automation systems with grade sensors and used them to pave to a desired thickness as well as match the joint with an adjacent pass. By day’s end, participants were able to see how adjusting the automation can provide different results, as well as see that automation can allow a novice to achieve results difficult for even a seasoned screed operator to achieve with manual operation.
DAY 3
On Wednesday, my classmates and I worked on advancing our skills with a focus on different averaging skis and their setup variations. Running the paver, we experienced firsthand how different ski configurations respond to bumps and other paving challenges, crucial for achieving optimal ride quality. One of the other hands-on activities was learning to calibrate the paver’s tow points, one of many lessons helping participants with their proficiency in equipment operation and maintenance.
DAY 4
On the last full day of the training course, we focused on compaction operations and screed maintenance. In the hands-on paving activities, we transitioned from mainline grade control to tying into structures like bridges by setting up and using a stringline. We also completed a thorough screed inspection and stepped through the adjustment process when needed changes are identified.
Additionally, we enjoyed a tour of the Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center, witnessing remote-operated equipment and getting up close with huge mining equipment and the latest in battery-electric powered machinery.
DAY 5
As the training week drew to a close, we wrapped up with written and hands-on tests. These assessments allowed us to demonstrate our comprehension of the course material and practical skills acquired throughout the week.
AT WEEK’S END
Reflecting on this week, it’s evident that asphalt paving requires skill, practice, and dedication. What may seem effortless in the hands of paving crews is the result of years of honing their craft.
Moreover, this experience highlights the commitment of both individuals and companies to skill enhancement and continuous improvement. I enjoy being part of an industry that carries this dedication to excellence and look forward to innovations and advancements that are ahead of us.
