For nearly a decade, Virginia Education Center for Asphalt Technology (VECAT) has partnered with national experts on various training topics associated with the asphalt industry. Since 2016, these experts have been recorded, and the videos made available on YouTube. Today, VECAT training videos can be viewed on the VECAT and VAA YouTube channels. On the VECAT channel, videos are organized according to the Virginia Department of Transportation materials certification school and related credential. On the VAA channel, the videos are grouped into one of four topics – Asphalt Field Operations, Asphalt Plant Operations, Work Zone Safety and Cold Recycling.
The Asphalt Field Operations playlist covers milling, tacking, paving and compaction. While the videos may include specifications discussion, most of the video focuses on how to perform the function correctly. Brian Horner of Etnyre describes the best practices for tacking and tack truck performance. Todd Mansell of Caterpillar covers paving by the numbers. Tim Kowalski of Wirtgen describes the different types of rollers, how they operate and how to ensure proper compaction. These are just a few of the national experts on paving train operations.
As with the field operations, detailed videos on plant operations, cold recycling and work zone safety are available. Take a “flying” tour of an asphalt plant, learn how a cold in place recycling machine works, or learn about best work zone safety practices. These videos are great resources to watch on a rainy day or as a quick refresher in the field. Enjoy these videos, and we thank our national experts for their willingness to partner with VECAT and VAA.
