Grace Pacific recently conducted a tour of their Kalaeloa Asphalt Plant for college engineering student interns at the Department of Transportation, Highways Division and high school students from the Waipahu High School Engineering Academy.
Hot Mix Asphalt Plant Manager Mr. Scott Komatsu took 13 students on a tour of the plant and lab and explained the various components of the plant process. Captioned photos tell the story of the student’s day at the plant. We hope the students all learned something about an asphalt plant.
Photos:
Students and chaperones gathering before the start of the tour.
Mr. Komatsu greets the students and gives them a brief overview of asphalt pavement. He shares with them that asphalt pavement is about 95% aggregate and 5% binder by weight.
The tour continues, making a stop to look at the stockpiles of material.
More discussion about the plant with the silos in the background.
Mr. Komatsu removes a shovel-full of freshly produce hot asphalt pavement just as it is leaving the mixing drum. He then pushes the material around and explains to the students what they are seeing.
Students learn about the cold feed bins.
Mr. Komatsu shows students a RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) stockpile. He explains that while recycled asphalt pavement is used in Hawaii, we do not used recycled glass, rubber, or shingles.
College intern listens to Mr. Komatsu response to her question, which was just one of many asked by the students.
Lab Tech Brandon Lima explains the various tests that are conducted at the plant.
Students gather around Mr. Komatsu just outside the control room. The student had just finished their tour of the control room and now have the opportunity to ask questions before the tour ends. Mr. Komatsu takes a moment to explain the importance of good compaction.
Group photo.
Students are looking at the HAPI 25-Year Anniversary brochure provided by Executive Director Jon Young.
Two students discuss the content of the brochure.
