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October 21, 2002 Rock Binders Inc. ATTN: BILL BAILEY SUBJECT: SEAM USE DURING PAVING OPERATION Dear Mr. Bailey This letter is in response to your request for comments about the use of Sulfur Extended Asphalt (SEAM) and in particular the "fumes". The asphalt concrete pavement contracts for Clark County Public Works (CCPW) include a provision to use the SEAM mix design, which has yielded more than acceptable results. As you know, CCPW uses the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) to determine a relative performance between asphalt concrete mix designs. This far, the SEAM designs yield far lower rut depths than the comparable standard AC-graded designs. In addition, the SEAM designs have comparable rut depths to Performance Graded designs. CCPW is very pleased, to this date, with this use of sulfur and the cost benefit that has been demonstrated. The only complaint received this far in the use of this product is the odor. As can be imagined, sulfur does not induce a love for the product by those paving with it or walking near during placement. Your paving safety studies, as well as independent contractor studies, have indicated that this is safe. The only side effect that CCPW is aware is the eye irritation by those who may be sensitive to the fumes. The use of dust respirators to relieve the odor and the use of goggles for the eyes has resolved the majority of these types of complaints. Once the material has cooled, the odor is not noticeable except if your vehicle is idling at an intersection on a hot day with your vents open. This "hot day" odor is minor. The placement of an open grade or "Novachip", which is the standard practice in CCPW for arterials and collectors, would greatly reduce this hot weather effect. If you have any questions, please contact at 702-455-7430. M. J. MANNING |
