Profile Of Peter Sontowski

I, Peter Sontowski developed the first porous asphalt concrete in 1986. The first application of this porous asphalt concrete mix was in the construction of a set of tennis courts for the City Of Vancouver, B. C. Board of Parks and Recreation in 1988. The objective was to construct a tennis court allowing for extremely rapid drainage of precipitation and at the same time provide resistance to cracking. Both objectives were met successfully. Since then, numerous other tennis courts have been constructed of porous asphalt concrete when high rates of drainage were required. The surface was then spray painted so as to leave the surface open. On the other hand, when high rates of drainage were not required, then the surface was sealed with Plexipave.

A number of other applications of porous asphalt concrete were developed. One such application was in the development of the "Everlast Pavement System" for new pavement construction and for the rehabilitation of severely failed old pavements. The porous asphalt concrete mixes used as described above consist of a processed aggregate and a chemically modified asphalt cement. The extent of the chemical modification depends on the application of the porous asphalt concrete. Detailed specification for the tennis courts and for the "Everlast Pavement Systems" can be obtained for a modest fee.

Many tennis courts have been constructed in the United States and Canada. Specifically in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island and Washington State. The Everlast Pavement Systems have been used extensively in rehabilitating streets and roads in the same locations in Canada and in the United States. The development of the porous asphalt concrete has made it possible to construct the "Everlast Pavements" which are needed for the 21^st century. These pavements can greatly mitigate most of the problems and so can be called low-maintenance pavements. When they require no maintenance at all for the foreseeable future, they can be called "Everlast Pavements".

I graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science Dregree. I spent the next 45 years in research of various kinds. In 1969 I had the good fortune to be hired by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Highways. At first I was a Research Officer with the Geotechnical and Materials Branch where I conducted extensive research in to many aspects pertaining to highway and transportation technology. I had virtually a free rein as to the kind of research I wanted to do. I was later put in charge of the Paving and Design Laboratory. Here I continued research into asphalt chemistry and pavement performance among others. In 1984 I formed my own company, EPM Asphaltec Inc. Here, I developed a number of asphalt-based products such as the porous asphalt concrete and the "Everlast Pavement System". For a more detailed outline of my extensive knowledge and experience, please read my Curriculum Vitae.

My most desirable qualities are 1) common sense, 2) never loosing sight of the forest for the trees, 3) keen observational powers, and 4) total devotion to improving asphalt paving technology to the extent that in the 21^st century we can have pavements that are truly "everlasting".

After a short retirement, I decided to become active again in a field that I have enjoyed so much. It would indeed be a tragic loss for me to remain retired without sharing my extensive and unique knowledge with the world.

CURRICULUM VITAE

I.	PERSONAL DATA

		Born in Germany, April 11, 1937.
		Immigrated to Canada, August 23, 1955.
		Married with three (3) children.
		Citizenship, Canadian.
		Hobbies, classical music, theater and current affairs.

II.	QUALIFICATIONS

	2.1	Education

			Graduated in chemistry and biology from The University Of British Columbia in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

			Engaged in continuing education 1963 - 1982, courses consisted of:

			(1) Industrial Psychology,
			(2) Marketing,
			(3) Acoustics,
			(4) Illumination,
			(5) Materials and Methods of Construction,
			(6) Heating, Air-Conditioning and Ventilation,
			(7) Supervision and Communication,
			(8) Corrosion Control, and
			(9) Increasing Productivity Through Communication

2.2	Experience

	2.2.1	MacMillan Bloedel Research Limited

		Joined in 1963 after graduation from university. Participated in research projects dealing with:

			Use of lignosulfonate as soil stabilizers.
			Use of hog fuel as light-weight fill in road construction.
			Compositing of various cedar hog fuels.
			Development of agricultural fertilizer from pulverized hog fuel.
			Development of cedar leaf oil for the cosmetics industry.
			Evaluation of structural strength of newsprint, corrugated cartons and other paper products.
			Evaluation of a number of release agents employed in coating of corrugated and other paper cartons.
			Chemical evaluation and analysis as applicable to the above projects.

	2.2.2	Geotechnical and Materials Branch, B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways

		Joined in 1971 as research officer after leaving MacMillan Bloedel Research Limited. Conducted and reported on numerous in depth research projects in highway construction technology and related fields, conducted and reported on investigations in industrial hygiene and safety, and conducted investigations and analysis of various pavement failures. A synopsis of these projects is found below:

			Soil stabilization with various chemicals to (1) increase bearing capacity, (2) increase resistance to erosion, (3) increase density and (4) reduce water penetration among others.
			Researched chemical composition of B.C. produced asphalts as related to performance, i.e. transverse cracking, rate of oxidation, raveling and other pavement distresses.
			In-depth study of production, transportation and processing of asphaltic and non-asphaltic crude oil in B.C.
			Studied the effect of crude source and processing of asphaltic crude oil on the performance of asphalt cement.
			Successful elucidation of the major chemical groups making up typical B.C. asphalt cements.
			Evaluated and reported on various modified lignosulfonates used as dust palliatives.
			Studied and reported on the environmental impact due to use and storage of deicing chemicals, i.e. effect on groundwater and various soils.
			Developed microscopic method for evaluating natural and neoprene rubber bridge bearing pads.
			Developed microscopic method using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for evaluation of Portland cement concrete failures.
			Applied SEM to evaluate collapse of soil in the Kamloops area.
			Studied soil erosion control by means of terraced embankments, vegetation, chemically stabilized soils and hydroseeding.
			Evaluation of the effect of ionized air on biological systems, study requested by Deputy Minister.
			Evaluation of ground freezing as a means of stabilizing soils when excavating and constructing storm drains.
			Conducted, evaluated and reported the effects of traffic noise on the community, i.e. traffic noise generated by cars, trucks and ferries.
			Involved in the study of use of hog fuels as light-weight fill in highway construction, i.e. in aerobic and anaerobic states.
			Conducted and reported on investigations of aggregate quality and aggregate characteristics desired for the production of Portland cement and asphaltic concrete mixes, i.e. particle shape, effect of fractures, cleanliness, degree of water absorption, resistance to wear and effect of gradation.
			Evaluated and reported on air-entraining and water-reducing admixtures used in Portland cement concrete; this provided a better understanding of their function.
			Completely familiar with all soils testing, specifications and performance requirements for Portland cement and asphaltic concrete mixes.

	2.2.3	Paving Branch, B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways

		Joined in 1979 to become the regional pavement designer and supervisor of the Regional Pavement Design Centre. My duties consisted of:

			Designing all asphaltic concrete paving mixes.
			Supervision of all testing of all materials used in paving.
			Advising Paving Branch staff on technical matters in paving technology.
			Providing staff training at all levels.
			Investigating, analyzing and reporting on pavement failures.
			Troubleshooting.
			Conducting and reporting research in asphalt chemistry, paving mix performance and other aspects of paving technology.
			Generally supervising field laboratories, monitoring their quality control tests and providing instruction and training for field staff.

		A more specific outline of my involvement is found below:

			Designed all asphaltic paving mixes, supervised all materials testing, i.e. aggregate, asphalt and asphaltic concrete mix testing using the Marshall method of design. Also familiar with the Hveem method of designing asphaltic concrete paving mixes.
			Designed and tested special asphaltic concrete paving mixes for orthotropic bridge decks, thin overlays, truck lanes and intersections.
			Designed aggregate chip seal coats, sand seals and other surface treatments.
			Evaluated aggregate requirements for chip seals such as, hardness and cleanliness.
			Evaluated and reported on various proprietary asphaltic products as to performance, i.e. crack fillers, patching mixes, asphalt cement additives, etc.
			Extensively evaluated and reported on factors resulting in an extended service life of asphaltic concrete pavements, i.e. aggregate quality, paving mix quality, asphalt content and quality control.
			Researched and reported on characteristics of long lasting asphaltic concrete pavements, i.e. stability, durability, flexibility, fatigue resistance, impermeability and skid resistance.
			Conducted and reported on investigations into recycling of old pavements, hot or cold in-place recycling.
			Investigated the causes of surface raveling of asphaltic concrete pavements, i.e. insufficient asphalt film thickness, excessive mineral filler or mineral dust in the gradation, excessively rocky mixes, excessive air voids, open surface, etc.
			Developed method for determining degree of raveling of asphaltic concrete pavements and quantity of asphalt emulsions lost into voids of raveled pavement etc.
			Designed and evaluated a number of pavement maintenance mixes, i.e. patching and paving mixes.
			Trained Paving Branch staff in the principles of asphaltic concrete mix design, quality control testing of asphalt cements, cut-back asphalts, asphalt emulsion and paving aggregate.
			Involved in the testing and/or supervision of thousands of samples of asphalt cements, cut-back asphalts, asphalt emulsions and aggregate.
			Designed hundreds of asphaltic concrete paving mixes.
			Conducted and reported research into base aggregate stabilization with SS-1 asphaltic emulsions.
			Investigated and reported causes of rutting of asphaltic concrete pavements of truck lanes.
			Conducted research into the chemical composition of B.C. paving asphalts and published results, original investigations.
			Designed and supervised the construction of the leasehold improvements of the Regional Pavement Design Centre.
			Provided technical consultation to other branches, i.e. Geotechnical and Materials Branch, Maintenance Branch.
			Provided assistance to other Regional Pavement Design Centres in asphaltic concrete mix design and investigation of pavement failures.
			Assisted several municipalities in pavement failure investigation.
			Completely conversant with all testing procedures for asphalt products, and aggregate used in asphaltic concrete paving.
			Completely conversant in all aspects of asphaltic concrete mix design.
			Completely conversant with all testing equipment, their use and calibration.

	2.2.4	ASPHALTEC

		I formed Asphaltec in November, 1985 for the sole purpose of providing expert technical consultation in all aspects of paving technology. The consulting services provided by myself through ASPHALTEC can be found in Part B.

2.3	Publications

	In the course of fulfilling my duties in the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, I have published a number of technical papers on asphalt chemistry. These have appeared in journals of such respected organizations as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association (C.T.A.A.). I have also presented a paper to the Western Association of Canadian Highway Officials (WACHO). The titles of these papers are listed below:

	2.3.1		"A Microscopic Examination of the Effect of Oxidation on the Microstructure of Paving Asphalts", C.T.A.A. Proceedings, Volume XVII - November, 1972.

	2.3.2		"A Microscopic Approach to the Microstructure of Paving Asphalts", ASTM Journal of Testing Evaluation, Volume 1, No. 2, March 1973.

	2.3.3		"Effect of Oxidation on Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of Some B.C. Asphalts", C.T.A.A. Proceedings, Volume XXV - November 1980. (Co-authors, Raine & Mazuch).

	2.3.4		"Safety Measures in Testing Laboratories", WACHO, April 1974.

2.4	Technical Reports

	I have authored an exceedingly large number of reports pertaining to asphalt paving technology, pavement performance, research and testing. A partial list of these reports is found below:

	2.4.1		"A Discussion Of Factors Resulting In An Extended Service Life of Asphaltic Concrete Pavements"

	2.4.2		"Determination Of The Degree of Raveling Of Asphaltic Concrete Pavements By Method A and B"

	2.4.3		"A Review Of Chemical Composition Of Asphalt Cements And Its Influence On Performance"

	2.4.4		"Lignosulfonate Dust Palliative Evaluation"

	2.4.5		"Base Aggregate Stabilization With SS-1 Asphaltic Emulsion"

	2.4.6		"Chemical Analysis Of Asphalt Cements And Asphalt Cutbacks"

	2.4.7		"Discussion Of The Relationship Between The Microstructure Of Recovered Asphalt and Transverse Cracking"

	2.4.8		"Assessment Of Pallet Abrasion Tests Used To Evaluate Durability Of Asphalt Cements"

	2.4.9		"Report On The Health Hazards Involved In Asphalt Spraying Operations"

	2.4.10		"Report On The Use Of Tera Crete For Soil Stabilization"

	2.4.11		"Principles Of Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Design"

	2.4.12		"Evaluation Of Presealers For Highway 99 (Whistler)"

	2.4.13		"Report On Chemical Soil Stabilization"

	2.4.14		"Upgrading Of Marginal Aggregate Through Treatment With Various Chemicals"

	2.4.15		"Report On The Sources, Transportation And Refining Of Crude Oil In British Columbia"

	2.4.16		"Influence Of Aggregate Gradation On The Design Criteria Of Asphaltic Concrete Paving Mixes"

	2.4.17		"Technical Report On Factors Which Will Result In Failure Of Chip Seal Surface Treatments"

2.5	Professional and Technical Societies

	2.5.1		Chemical Institute of Canada I have been a member of this respected organization from 1971 - 1978. I am currently in the process of regaining my membership.

	2.5.2		Canadian Technical Asphalt Association I have been a member of this association from 1973 to 1981. I expect to regain my membership at the next general meeting.