Caltrans recently published updates to their testing protocols related to Post-Plant Gradation (PPG) Quality Assurance (QA). The changes are summarized in the Caltrans Construction Procedure Directive 26-4 (CPD LINK). The change includes the use of a revised CT382 (CT LINK) in lieu of AASHTO T308 and the allowance of the use of AASHTO T27 for projects requiring PPG.

The additional guidance is a follow-up to the initial PPG implementation of 2024. Since that time, Caltrans and industry representatives, through the Pavement & Materials Partnering Committee (PMPC), identified the need for clearer direction, specifically for the determination of the aggregate correction factors used with ignition furnace testing. Correction factors provide information on how the ignition furnace will impact the aggregate sample gradation. This impact is unique to the particular ignition furnace. For this reason, each testing laboratory should develop correction factors for the specific ignition furnace being used.

The PMPC proposed revisions to the CT 382 test method which clarify the procedure to require the use of a correction factor and the procedure to determine the correction factor, which are now published.

Also, the change includes the ability for a contractor to use a previously verified Job Mix Formula (JMF) based on AASHTO T27 on a project that requires PPG. This reduces the need to conduct additional JMF verifications for currently verified mixes.

For agency personnel, testing personnel, and contractors, this change impacts how asphalt mixture quality is measured, documented, and accepted after production. All parties need to understand how samples are collected, tested, and documented so that acceptance and quality control results are consistent and defensible. This includes proper sample handling, correct use of ignition furnace correction factors, and clear documentation that follows a standardized procedure. Clear implementation is intended to help improve consistency between agency acceptance testing and contractor Quality Control testing, reduce disputes, and lower the risk of retesting or payment impacts. It also makes coordination with testing laboratories critical so that correction factors are developed for the specific ignition furnace and job mix formula being used on the project.

In 2024, Caltrans updated its Standard Specifications and changed how aggregate gradation is accepted on hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement projects. The new process is commonly called post-production gradation, or PPG. Instead of relying on aggregate gradations from cold-feed samples (i.e. before production), PPG uses aggregate recovered from a plant-produced HMA sample. The HMA sample is processed in an ignition furnace to remove the asphalt binder from the aggregate. This process also provides the information needed to determine the asphalt content of the sample. The remaining aggregate are processed and tested for gradation. Those gradation results are used for project quality assurance, including Caltrans acceptance testing and the contractor’s quality control testing.

Prior to the use of PPG, the mix sample gradation was determined by sampling and testing the individual bins or stockpiles of aggregate components and mathematically combining them based on the proportions identified in the JMF. Mix samples that included RAP used a RAP sample gradation from the JMF that is assumed to be the same throughout the project. This sampling protocol does not account for impacts of the production process that can change the aggregate gradations of the mix sample. By utilizing PPG, both the agency and contractor reduce the amount of testing on a project as well as improve the quality assessment of material utilized in a project.

For additional information on this topic, CalAPA members may contact CalAPA Technical Director Brandon Milar, P.E., at (916) 791-5044.

A "Celebration of Life" is scheduled for Sept. 18 in Arizona for longtime asphalt industry figure Bert Wootan. He passed away Sept. 8 in Arizona at the age of 77, according to his family.

Wootan (pictured at right at the 2012 CalAPA "Day at the Races" event at Del Mar with his wife, Marla, center, and daughter Melayne), was active in the industry and association events for decades, including working for three different refineries, before his retirement in 2014. His farewell retirement note sent out to his colleagues in December of that year is HERE.

The association recently received information about the "Celebration of Life" event to be held for Herbert Lee Wootan, who the announcement noted was also known as "Papa," Pops," Daddy," "Grandpa," Ball Papa," "Coach" as well as "Bert."

The event will take place on Friday, Sept. 18 at The Wright House from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is a casual, "drop-in" affair. The Wright House address is 636 W. University Dr. in Mesa, AZ. HIs official obituary, which was not available at press time. will be posted on the website of the Wyman Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ. In addition to his wife, Marla, Wootan is survived by children Leah, Kristen, BJ, Melayne and Tanner and many grandchildren.

The asphalt industry was saddened upon learning the news of Wootan's passing. "Bert was always such a gentleman, and I will always remember seeing him at the CalAPA events over the years, especially Day at the Races with his beautiful family," Kerry Hoover, co-owner of Construction Marketing Services, told Asphalt Insider. "He was always kind, gracious, and a pleasure to be around. He will truly be missed." Construction Marketing Services publishes the CalAPA association magazine.

Questions about the tribute can be directed to Wootan's daughter, Melayne Johnson, at (480) 225-6737.

Media personality Jeff Bliss, a familiar name to CalAPA members, devoted an hour of a drivetime news radio program last week to providing a behind-the-scenes look at California road repairs, funding and policy, featuring expertise provided by CalAPA and its coalition partner, Transportation California.

Bliss was filling in on the KVEC AM radio broadcast for Dave Congalton. The program was broadcast live along the Central Coast on Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. and is available for download by date and interview subject (Russell Snyder) on the station's website HERE.

The hour-long interview covered a wide range of topics, including the importance of properly maintained pavement infrastructure, funding, politics, environmental policy, safety and workforce development. Toward the end of the broadcast CalAPA Executive Director Russell Snyder emphasized the importance of industry-agency collaboration in solving transportation-related problems, and cited as a best practice the Caltrans-industry Partnering Awards, which were handed out in Sacramento earlier this month. More information on those awards can be found HERE.

Transportation California, a CalAPA coalition partner and prominent watchdog, provided important local project information that was highlighted during the broadcast.

Bliss, who conducted a session on crisis communications at CalAPA's "Summit at the Summit" Executive Leadership Forum last June in Lake Tahoe (pictured), said he appreciated the insight provided by CalAPA on transportation issues of interest to his audience, many of whom were commuters driving home on the asphalt industry's product.

“I, along with a number of listeners who reached out to me, found Russ’ appearance on my show to be both informative and interesting," he told Asphalt Insider. "For a lot of us ‘civilians,’ the complexities of the asphalt business — and other industries related to the state’s infrastructure — are difficult to imagine, let alone understand. Russ helped shed light on this all-important aspect of our everyday lives — something we too often take for granted. I think his appearance helped make listeners better-informed citizens and gave them a greater appreciation for the work and accomplishments of the workers and industries that keep things moving in California.”

A report on the CalAPA "Summit at the Summit," which also included an appearance by veteran political columnist Dan Walters, is featured in the current issue of California Asphalt, the official association magazine, and can be accessed on-line HERE. Next year's "Summit" is scheduled for June 23-24, 2027 in Incline Village, NV.

While the nearly sold out "California Asphalt Open" charity golf tournament may get all the attention, an informal "tailgate" event the day before is also taking signups. Details on the Sept. 24 golf tournament at The Journey in Temecula can be found HERE. Details on the informal (and free) mixer event on Sept. 23 can be found HERE. The mixer is open to CalAPA members and invited guests only. Advanced registration is required.

Proceeds from the California Asphalt Open will benefit the California Asphalt Research & Education (CARE) Foundation, an IRS-recognized charity created to promote workforce recruitment and development, as well as the Women of Asphalt California Branch activities. This annual event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

For more information, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jackie Henry, CalAPA Member Service Coordinator, at (562) 233-7585.

Each week we highlight a word, acronym or other term commonly used in the asphalt pavement industry in California.

DENSE GRADED AGGREGATE: A mineral aggregate uniformly graded from the maximum size down to and including sufficient mineral dust to reduce the void space in the compacted aggregate to exceedingly small dimensions approximating the size of voids in the dust itself.

Each week we highlight a key point or best practice of interest to asphalt paving crews, inspectors and others working in the field. We welcome suggestions. More tips can be found in our "Asphalt Parking Lot Construction Checklist" HERE. Information on the CalAPA "Quality Paving Certificate" program is HERE.

SUBSOIL: Is the base layer/subsoil firm and unyielding under the pressure of repeated construction trucks? Is the soil dry enough to support heavy construction? Can the soil hold its shape under loaded trucks? If the site is wet, postpone until the site is sufficiently dry and can be proof rolled and uniform stability is obtained.

Each week we highlight a term that is specific to climate-change issues related to the asphalt pavement industry. This feature is intended to raise awareness of the asphalt industry's climate-change initiatives and the specialized terminology that goes with them. More information on "The Road Forward" asphalt industry climate initiative can be found HERE. A recent CalAPA magazine story on the topic is HERE.

ENERGY STAR: Pilot program to reduce energy consumption and costs at asphalt facilities. Additional information on the energy efficient programs as it relates to the asphalt industry is HERE.

Editor's Note: As a convenience to our readers, Asphalt Insider reports the most current Caltrans "Statewide Crude Oil Price Index" posting. The department posts this monthly on its public website HERE. The index is used to calculate payment adjustments for paving asphalt under special provisions section "Payment Adjustments for Price Index Fluctuations" in those projects containing the section. The department posts the index on or about the first business day of the month using the daily Brent crude oil prices from the previous month as reported by Business Insider. Inquiries about the index should be directed to Caltrans at: Oil.Index@dot.ca.gov .

Sept. 2026: $481.4 ($/ton)

Last month: $455.4

1 year ago: $363.7

"I hope something good happens to you today."

– Bumper Sticker

We hope you enjoy CalAPA's Asphalt Insider newsletter, widely regarded as the most influential publication of its type in California. We are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information on technical issues, regulation, news, analysis, people, events and trends in California that is of interest to the asphalt pavement industry and our various agency partners. To subscribe to the newsletter, click HERE. For comments, questions or to suggest a story idea, click HERE. We are committed to promptly notifying our readers of any errors in this publication. Please click on the comment link above to alert the editor of any errors or omissions.

Sincerely,

Russell W. Snyder, CAE

Executive Director

The California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA)®