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2007 coming soon! |
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Back to the Future Live demo
revisits original format to |
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by Rick Zettler, Contributing Editor |
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But, as it is often said, the proof is in the pudding. It’s when you see the asphalt equipment in action — grinding it up, laying it down, compacting it, and measuring final density — that you really get a sense of how it performs. It’s then that you realize how it can make your company more profitable and efficient. World of Asphalt’s 2006 Live Demo will deliver that proof. More than 14,500 square feet of demonstration space, covering nearly one-half acre, is dedicated to the two-hour event. This year’s “Best Practices” demonstration will feature equipment and services relating to the entire asphalt paving process, from milling to paving to final density readings and everything in between. Plans are being formulated for a maintenance demonstration area as well. So that everyone can view the Live Demo in comfort, temporary bleachers will be available in the parking lot next to the demo area. Best practices
From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, representatives from manufacturers will operate the equipment, showing onlookers common mistakes made and what is the best practice for using the equipment. Chuck Deahl, co-chairman of the World of Asphalt Live Demo and national accounts manager for BOMAG Americas, recalls the 2001 “Best Practices” demo highlighted more than 40 pieces of equipment from 27 exhibitors. This year’s event is expected to rival the success achieved in 2001.
Latest technologies On tap for those making the trek outside the exhibits will be the latest innovations from participating manufacturers. “The whole idea behind the Live Demo is to show contractors new innovations in paving equipment and the best practices to achieve quality results in the field,” says Deahl. At press time, plans were still being finalized on the particular types and brands of equipment and processes that will be featured in the demo. However, preliminary sketches include showing the best methods for constructing notch-wedge and transverse joints. The newest electronics for pavers and compactors, latest densometers, and the cutting-edge intelligent compaction systems will also partake in the demo. Portions of the demonstration area will be premilled for immediate repaving. Other areas will include coverage of the entire paving process from milling, sweeping, and tack coat to asphalt delivery and transfer, paving, compaction, and density verification. It is the Live Demo committee’s intent to have only one process demonstrated at a time to give exhibitor representatives the ability to explain what they are doing and why. And all of this is free of charge to attendees and exhibitors with paid registration. The demo area is within walking distance of exhibits, so attendees will have the benefit of not only looking over certain equipment on the show floor but also seeking it in action during the demo. Just follow the signs from the exhibit hall that leads to the Live Demo.
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Walking
the halls of the Orange County Convention Center to get a glimpse of
all the new asphalt technology and equipment is nice. However,
something always seems to be missing with a static display. Sure,
you can talk to the sales representatives, look over the equipment
and read literature to get more information on how it works and what
sets it apart from the competition. 
After
varying the formats in 2003 and 2004, with the latter featuring an
off-site warm-mix asphalt demonstration, this year’s World of
Asphalt Live Demo takes place on the exhibit center’s grounds and
will emulate the extremely successful 2001 format. It’s not going to
be demonstrating for demonstration’s sake. Attendees will be given
examples of how to use the latest market technology available in the
best way. 
The
demo area in the Orange County Convention Center parking lot will be
segmented for particular types of paving equipment. The
350-foot-long by nearly 62-foot-wide space will feature different
paving trains completing 4-foot-wide trail paths, 8-foot-wide
commercial applications, and 10-foot-wide mainline paving
techniques. 
