Robots on the Rise

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Amazon’s Innovation

Amazon broke new ground last month when they introduced the first-ever fully autonomous mobile robot at several of their facilities. The robots, named Proteus, were developed to move heavy, wheeled transports called GoCarts around their fulfillment and sorting centers. Amazon has been working on this technology since 2012 and, according to their company blog, hopes that Proteus will “help reduce the need for people to manually move heavy objects through our facility and instead let them focus on more rewarding work”. 

Robots on the Rise

While Proteus is the first robot of its kind that can move around actively working employees, the use of robots in construction, warehouses, and many other sectors isn’t new. In fact, 2021 was a banner year for industrial robot orders, with companies around the country ordering 39,708 units (up 14% from the previous high in 2017). Those numbers are expected to continue to climb, as many industries are using robotics in the face of worker shortages to complete repetitive tasks that their human counterparts don’t want to do.

Robots in Construction

Along with solving labor shortage issues, robotic technology is helping combat the housing crisis. Automation has allowed increased flexibility, productivity, and efficiency in manufacturing, which can clearly be seen in the construction of manufactured homes. Many of the building components for these homes are now built off-site, allowing them to be mass produced. On site, automated welding is making the process faster and completed with fewer errors. In some cases, 3D printers are now used to build both customized building components and the buildings themselves. 

As industry standards change and builders are facing increased environmental regulation, robots have the added benefit of making worksites more sustainable. Studies show that up to 25% of materials brought to a jobsite ends up wasted. The use of robotics improves consistency and quality, reducing that waste. With the ever-increasing cost of supplies, this sustainability is good for both the planet and the pocket as it saves companies money, from reduced material costs, and time, from faster operations. 

Robots are also making job sites safer. About 108,000 worksite fatalities occur every year worldwide, and construction workers are 4x more likely to have a fatal accident than other industries. 

As shown by Amazon’s Proteus, one way robots can help prevent worker injury is by carrying heavy loads. They can also get into spaces that are unsafe for human workers, and can be used for repetitive tasks that commonly lead to worker injuries over time. Industry leaders are hopeful that this increased safety will entice young people to consider careers in construction, as many are hesitant to go into such a dangerous field.

A Robotic Future

Urbanization, climate change, and a shortage of workers have made the integration of robotics into the construction industry essential. In a May 2021 study, 81% of company leaders said they would invest in robotics and other automation within the next 10 years. 

At Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, you can be sure that we’ll continue to use the most efficient, up-to-date equipment, and continue our focus on sustainability and quality. Learn more about our technology-forward equipment rental and sales here.

Satellite Technology

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When most people think of satellites, they think of television or maybe an object up in space, orbiting the earth. Few, however, realize how important satellite technology has become in the construction industry over the last twenty years. 

Satellite imaging allows workers to review projects in real time, allowing them to monitor material use and damage, and act before it’s too late. In turn, this keeps workers safer, uses fewer materials (because workers know exactly what is needed to fix the issue), and limits the amount of time required to make repairs.

Case Study: Texas InSar

Satellite technology is used throughout the industry in many different ways. State Highway 130 stretches between San Antonio and Austin, requiring near constant maintenance due to the high traffic volume, extreme weather changes, and predominantly clay soil (which expands and retracts quickly due to moisture levels, causing damage to asphalt). Recently, SH130 Concession Co, the group responsible for maintenance, started using remote satellite sensing technologies to evaluate the conditions of the entire roadway within millimeter accuracy. This is now allowing them to identify problems before they affect road safety or rideability, and since they can identify these issues earlier, they can plan for preventative work at times when the road is less busy, causing fewer delays and preventing accidents. 

This project uses InSar (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) technology, which uses radar signals from orbiting satellites to make high density measurements at more than 30,000 points along the roadway. This data is collected every six days, and then is compared to the last seven years of historical data. Using these comparisons, crews can determine which areas to review and in-person teams are sent out to investigate and make any needed repairs. While in-person inspections will always be needed, InSar allows crews to identify high risk areas long before they start to show any visual signs of damage.

Case Study: Chesapeake Bay InSar 

InSar technology has also been used to monitor construction projects that are affected by nearby water levels. The sea level rise in the Chesapeake Bay area is consistently monitored by satellite data, and is used by construction project managers who work on the roads and various building projects along the coast. Those working on the underwater tunnels between Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA also receive InSar data about the Elizabeth River, which flows over the tunnels. It’s important workers know about rising water levels so they can plan for increased pressure, erosion, and other potential structural issues.

Case Study: California & Florida Recovery 

Satellite technology has also been instrumental in the aftermath of disasters. One of the first times it was used in construction was in 1992, after it showed the surface damage of a California earthquake. Since then, it’s proven to be invaluable in the identification of infrastructure damage after natural disasters like earthquakes, sinkholes, and landslides. Most recently, InSar was used to examine the safety of neighboring structures in Surfside, FL, where a condominium collapsed in 2021, killing 98 people and injuring countless others.  

Case Study: Active Projects

It has also been used to monitor infrastructure improvements as they’re progressing. In Pennsylvania, InSar technology was used to monitor the extension of MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) retaining walls. The state of Washington used it to keep an eye on the effects of “Bertha”, the 57.5 foot tunnel boring machine used to make a replacement tunnel under downtown Seattle. In all of these cases, managers were able to make sure citizens remained safe and secure while major projects were completed.

Whether it is monitoring the impacts on roads, buildings, levees, or other infrastructure, the use of satellite technology has become indispensable. As data management and tracking software continues to advance, we expect to see satellite technology become a key part of many building projects and continue to promote safety, sustainability and efficiency. 

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

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Increasing Demand

By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion. 

That’s 9.7 billion people needing places to live, work, shop, play, and do all the things that make up human existence. While the construction industry is recovering from the pandemic and building projects are once again on the rise, operational efficiency is needed more than ever. 

One streamlined approach to improved processes is Building Information Modeling (BIM). One of the newest intersections of technology and construction, BIM is rapidly changing the industry. 

What is Building Improvement Management?

Using the cloud, BIM allows companies to collect data from multiple sources, then uses that data to create and manage information throughout the various stages of a build, from planning and design all the way to construction and operations. It allows builders to create (and, when needed, recreate) detailed digital reconstructions of projects, without the cost or time required of physical models. Plus, since it is cloud based, people from across disciplines and regions can collaborate in real time, improving communication between partners and providing immediate feedback to builders.

Every Step Improved

In planning stages, BIM focuses on real-world data capture to create complex models. During preconstruction, this data is used to inform scheduling and logistics. Fabrication starts using BIM specifications, which are then shared with investors, contractors, and partners in the project. This continues throughout the build as BIM is used in operations, maintenance, future renovation and, if needed, deconstruction. The increased availability of information to all those working on the project greatly increases efficiency, safety, cost reduction, and better decision making. 

Beyond efficiency and improved communication, Building Information Modeling also increases resilience and sustainability. The data collected and shared through the cloud can help builders choose the best materials for their projects, based on what has worked (or failed) for other builders. Less material waste not only improves sustainability, but also decreases costs. This makes for happier clients and crews that are ready to move onto the next job faster than ever before. 

New Future Opportunities

As Building Improvement Management becomes more common, the availability of software and apps are increasing. A number of BIM startups have been funded by venture capitalists over the last few years, and many construction tech companies are expanding into the world of BIM. With the increased accessibility, improved communication between disciplines, and improved workflows, it’s no wonder that BIM is picking up speed in the construction industry.

Steadfast Enterprises, LLC is dedicated to streamlining workflows and improving our efficiency and sustainability. We’re thrilled to see all the ways BIM is helping improve the industry, and can’t wait to see how it will continue to improve and grow as more data continues to be collected! 

Virtual Reality

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When most people think of virtual reality, they think of big, bulky headsets and video games, yet virtual reality (VR) is fast becoming a useful new tool for many in construction, and we can expect to see it used more and more throughout the industry. 

Expand the Vision

One of the many pros of virtual reality is its ability to be used throughout all of the phases of construction. Often, the first step of a project is finding stakeholders to invest in your vision, and VR can be a key tool in helping investors truly “see” a final product. Virtual reality changes presentations by allowing stakeholders to truly understand the vision of the designers and architects, and allowing walkthroughs that would previously be limited to only models, drawings, or words.

Save Time

We all know time is money, and virtual reality dramatically shortens the time required to get through the design process. Instead of creating 3D models based on existing structures, architects and other designers can create changes digitally and build from cloud based models. They no longer have to visit the build site, where it can often take weeks to make the necessary changes to get the necessary level of detail. With virtual reality, the model is interactive, meaning designers can “walk through” the space and “see” the details in life-size proportions. If they don’t like something, revisions can be done quickly and with no required visits to the site. 

Cut Costs

Similarly, VR saves job sites money through reducing material costs. With digital models, crews are able to better estimate the materials needed for a job before they buy them. In some instances, site managers can review calculations digitally, instead of sending out operators and heavy equipment to take measurements. Crews can also use virtual reality to identify potential weaknesses in the structure before the building begins, keeping both labor and supply costs down. This is not only great for keeping costs down, but is also more sustainable as less product is wasted. Because they are able to see potential obstacles, crews can adapt in real time, allowing jobs to stick more closely to the desired timeline. As the cost of building materials continues to skyrocket and the labor shortage remains, this type of planning and coordination is becoming essential to projects all across the country.

Improve Safety

Besides reducing labor costs, virtual reality also keeps workers safe. Instead of walking employees through safety training that doesn’t offer realistic scenarios, you can use in-depth VR simulations that carry no risk of physical danger to the workers. Staff can interact with the exact equipment and features of their workplace and see how a situation would play out. Plus, VR is more engaging than a boring training talk, so workers end up with a lasting, visual memory.

Steadfast prides itself on efficiency and sustainability, and we hope to see more technologies like virtual reality throughout the industry. Tools like VR improve workflow, keep workers safe, and save both builders and their clients money!

Construction Cyber Defense

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Cybersecurity in Construction

When most people think of hackers, they usually think about crashing computers and stolen personal information. 

In the construction industry, though, hackers also have the potential to jeopardize job safety, steal personal data, and corrupt the structural integrity of building materials. As many construction firms move their business online and turn to Contech to make their job sites safer and more efficient, cybersecurity is becoming a top priority. 

Life or Death Vulnerabilities

Automation is more and more common, and is often used when creating building materials (like when mixing concrete or measuring chemicals in a manufacturing process), and post manufacturing (load testing, structural integrity tests, and surface hardness inspections). Most of the data collected and used in this automation process is stored on cloud and internet based technologies, which are the most vulnerable to hacking. 

For example, say hackers target a bridge building project. If they attacked the automated system that accounts for the bridge’s structural integrity and the company didn’t catch the change in numbers, the project could completely collapse – figuratively and literally – putting lives and the company’s reputation at risk. 

Growing Defenses

To prevent such scenarios, companies are starting to increase their defenses against these attacks. Many Contech companies are growing their cybersecurity teams while construction firms both large and small are investing in cyber protection software. Cybersecurity in construction even caught national attention in March 2022, when the Biden administration called together over 100 different sectors to warn them of the potential of a Russian cyber attack in response to recent U.S. sanctions. 

Where to Start

So what can construction companies do to protect themselves? 

  • Start by improving awareness and regularly training staff to look for suspicious emails, links, and online activities, and make sure they know how to report these to your IT team immediately. 
  • Protect your data with multi-factor authentication when possible. If something is only password protected, use passphrases instead of passwords (making it much harder for hackers to infiltrate your systems), adding spaces, numbers, and symbols to maximize protection. 
  • Make sure that any programs you’re using to store and send data have comprehensive security measures in place.
  • And finally, consider investing in cyber insurance, which tends to be relatively inexpensive and will cover you in the case of a data breach. 

As the construction industry moves towards more technology in the worksite, there is no doubt that we will face more and more threats from hacking. However, if we all work together, we can protect our projects, our workers, and our livelihoods from cyber attacks.

Contech: The Future of Construction

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Whether it was the wheel, the pulley system, or harnessing water power, construction workers have been turning to technology to make our lives easier and safer since the beginning of time. It’s human nature to constantly improve, and this drive allows us to expand technology, become more efficient, and build bigger and better structures. The latest change is leaving the job site and turning up on our phones and computers via Contech. 

What is it?

Definitions of Contech vary, but Angelica Donati of Forbes magazine says it’s “the technology used to innovate the way we plan, design, and build structures, as well as the manufacture and installation of their components.” 

Contech includes a wide range of tech gadgets and software, including wearable tech to improve safety, 3D printing for material supply, and computer programs that digitize workflow for efficiency. Regardless of the specific technology, two things are certain: Contech is on the rise and the market for it continues to grow.

Pandemic Solutions

As worker shortages, supply chain issues, and changing policies stalled and canceled projects across the country, many employers turned to Contech companies large and small to improve their efficiency, stay in touch with far away job sites, and keep workers safe. There’s an increase in younger, tech savvy, and eco-centered workers entering the industry, so we’re experiencing a definitive shift towards maximizing both time and resources. 

Revenue Growth

And while it’s not surprising that large, publicly-traded companies like Trimble and AutoDesk are experiencing massive growth (a 16% increase for both from 2020 to 2021), many Contech startups are raking in previously unheard of amounts of funding. Last year, RenoRun (a construction e-commerce platform) received $142 million in Series B Funding, while Diamond Age, a robotics startup, raised $50 million in Series A funding. This shows an increased interest from investors who believe that Contech will continue to grow post-pandemic and become an important part of construction projects of the future. 

Federal Funding

Another factor in Contech’s expected success? The federal focus on infrastructure. With funding and resources provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we’re seeing an increase in projects across the country. Project leaders want to get these done quickly and efficiently to combat the continuing inflation seen across the industry. Estimates suggest that the widespread use of already existing Contech would increase sector productivity by 40%, and that number will only continue to rise as more technology becomes readily available. 

At Steadfast Entities, LLC, we can’t wait to see how Contech will continue to grow and change the industry. No matter what happens, you can be sure we’ll be here to offer up-to-date, industry-proven tools and equipment for all your construction needs.

4 Big Trends in Construction Technology in 2022

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“The engineering and construction industry has made a significant recovery from the 2020 recession, but it has also experienced multiple headwinds that are expected to persist. 2022 should be another rewarding—but challenging—year, and the industry looks to be poised to capture growth opportunities.”

Deloitte 2021 analysis

According to the Deloitte analysis, 76% of engineering and construction executives are going to invest in digital technology in 2022. Other studies show that adopting proven technology can improve construction productivity by 30-45%, as well as help maintain improved material predictability and reliability. 

So what is “proven technology” and what specifically should we look at in 2022? Here are the 4 big trends in construction in 2022:

1. Drones

Drones are small, easy to use, and relatively cost-effective compared to other emerging construction technology. Their high resolution cameras can collect vital information and access all areas of a construction site. As a result, drones are extremely useful at every stage of the construction process for a variety of tasks:

  • conduct site surveys
  • collect important data 
  • take volume measurements
  • create interactive 3D or topographical maps
  • oversee workers
  • perform safety inspections
  • equipment tracking
  • job site security

Drones can access hard-to-reach and dangerous places, preventing workplace injuries or project delays. They save significant time and money while reducing workplace injuries and increasing job satisfaction. Drones are also adaptable, working with other tech like AI or machine learning to always offer the best capabilities for your needs.

2. Exoskeletons & Wearables

Exoskeletons (wearable external suits with motorized joints) are becoming more widely available every year. These suits help with bending, lifting, and grabbing. Originally for recovering patients, these exoskeletons have expanded far beyond the physical therapy room to offer an array of performance-enhancing capabilites to improve safety and productivity in construction. 

Specific wearable devices – like smart boots, smart hard hats, and power gloves – also provide an added layer of protection for workers across construction projects. These devices can predict and prevent workplace accidents through sensors, while also increasing dexterity and strength. 

Over the past couple years, these devices also made it incredibly easy to do contact tracing and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 

3. AI, Machine Learning, & Data Management

Tapping into the latest construction technology behind the scenes can have big payoffs. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability for programmed software to make decisions independent of human input. Machine learning is when a computer program can learn from repeated inputs, honing its program and improving its output. Both of these ideas have already impacted many areas of construction and are shown to have massive impacts on productivity and safety. These kinds of programs can analyze job sites, past projects, and job plans to identify safety risks, prevent violations, identify more efficient timelines or project parameters, and explore better design options for future projects. 

Like all businesses, construction is also realizing that effective data management is crucial to long-term business success. Smartphones, tablets, streamlined software, and effective data management policies reduce delays and costs, improve safety, streamline workflow, and enhance employee satisfaction. Explore your options with online forms, worksite smart devices, instant reporting, real-time safety corrections, and workflow automation. 

4. Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Virtual Reality

BIM is the process of creating a virtual replica or model of a building before building it. This can be incredibly valuable in order to see dimensions, worksite conditions, possible safety hazards, and required logistics. It’s important during every stage of construction and touches all fields: executive management, worker actions, safety compliance, legal compliance, and more.

Virtual or augmented reality (AR) is a digital layer of information that updates in real-time and improves your understanding of the real world around you. Using an AR device can allow construction professionals to scan an actual job site and learn valuable information as an overlay on the image. 

This could be through AR glasses, which can automatically measure whatever you’re looking at, or through a tablet to analyze the surrounding conditions and identify potential hazards. 

By tapping into the current technology available, the construction industry can reduce the impacts of labor and supply shortages, improve safety and worker satisfaction, and significantly enhance productivity and revenue. Explore some new technology today!

New Year, New Trends in Construction

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2021 was full of growth for many construction companies, but it wasn’t always easy. Bottlenecks in production and delayed shipping increased material costs, and a shortage of labor slowed down projects. Necessity is the mother of invention, though, and these struggles have led to the creation of many new and creative solutions in the industry. The following trends are expected to become commonplace in 2022 as crews work toward faster build speeds, efficient use of quality materials, and finding ways to keep their crews happy and safe.

  • Digitalization. Last month we told you all about exosuits, wearables to keep workers injury free on the job site. They are just one example of technology that keeps projects running smoothly and workers safe. Technology like cloud-based collaboration software, drones, and robots are also becoming standard and will shape the industry through the coming years. 
  • Happy Workers. You can have all the robots in the industry, but without enough people on your crew, your job will be at a standstill. The “great resignation” of 2021 has left a serious skills gap throughout the construction world, and companies are having to incentivise workers in new and thoughtful ways. These methods include better pay and benefits, regular training and opportunities for upward momentum, and innovative tools to maximize safety. 
  • New Materials. Transparent aluminum. Self-healing concrete. These are just a few of the newly engineered materials on the market created to reduce construction costs. Many utilize recycled base components, which save money and reduce waste. 
  • 3D Printing. Similarly, 3D printing is quickly becoming a rising star in the industry. Whether printing a replacement part for a machine or creating a highly detailed construction model, 3D printing is becoming popular as a quick and efficient way to keep jobs on schedule.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Twins. Both built using IOT technology, BIM and Digital Twins allow better communication between workers, management and customers. BIM provides information throughout all the construction phases, including project schedule, cost, and materials. A Digital Twin is a virtual model of a building site or building. It captures thousands of data points that can then be viewed, monitored, and even changed in real time. This allows crews to text new ideas or try new designs, saving both time and materials. 

We can’t wait to see all the ways you and your crew put modern tech to real use in your projects. In the meantime, have a safe and happy new year! We at Steadfast look forward to meeting all of your staffing and equipment needs in 2022.

Exosuits: A Rising Star in Construction Safety

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Due to the extreme physicality of their job, it’s no surprise that as many as 30% of construction workers end up missing work due to back injuries. The long hours, repetitive movements, unequal lifting, and heavy tool belts make construction the number one occupation resulting in lower back pain. However, new technology is offering hope to the backs of construction crews, health care workers, soldiers, and agricultural workers everywhere in the form of exosuits.

What are they?

Exosuits, sometimes called exoskeletons, are wearable frameworks that provide back and joint support and lower the forces that can lead to injury, chronic pain, and fatigue. Exosuits have been around since the 1960s, but their bulk and rigid structure restricted movement and made working in tight spaces difficult. Despite the better physical support for users, this inability to complete their jobs quickly and efficiently led many workers to abandon their use. 

Exosuit creators have been listening to feedback, and many new models appeared on the market in the last several years, with even more technological enhancements expected to appear by 2025. 

Types of Exosuits

“Soft-shell” suits, also called soft exosuits, are becoming popular because they provide extended mobility while still providing support. Corporations like Toyota and Walmart have started testing new suits with sensors that alert workers when they’re engaging in risky movements. These suits also collect data that give employers insight into which jobs and tasks pose the highest risk of injury. If successful, employers could then use this data to improve workplace design and equipment.  

New robotic exosuits are also expected to revolutionize the construction industry. Originally designed by the military and later used in healthcare, these suits might make you think of Tony Stark and Ironman. Consisting of a metal framework fitted with motorized muscles, these suits multiply the wearer’s strength, making objects feel significantly lighter and leading to fewer injuries on the jobsite.

Suits also come in two categories: passive, which means there are no batteries, actuators or motors to assist with physical activity; or active, with technology that takes on some of the load for the wearer. Some examples of passive suits include overhead exosuits that offer neck, shoulder, and arm support while workers perform overhead installation work, and chairless chairs, which lock in place to support workers who are crouching or standing in the same position for a long period of time. 

Active suits might include arm support limbs that let workers lift heavy tools, as well as full body suits that use compressed air to take most of the lifting load off the wearer. 

The Future of Exosuits

While most employers would jump at the opportunity to keep their workers safe and compliant, the cost of exosuits has often been a deterrent. However, exosuit prices have been dropping since 2015. As technology gets better and more affordable, it’s only a matter of time before every construction site adopts this powerful tech. 

Whether it’s active or passive, soft-shell or robotic, we’re excited to see how exosuit technology will continue to expand, creating new and innovative ways to protect our workers and make sure your projects are done on time, every time. 

Recycled Asphalt and Vegetable Oil: How the City of Phoenix Created a Recipe for Success

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While mixing recycled asphalt and vegetable oil probably won’t make you popular in the kitchen, it has made an Arizona city one of the first to use recycled asphalt (RAP) on city roads and highways. 

Being the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of over 4.8 million people and 1,400 miles of paved road, Phoenix spends a lot of time and money repairing its major passageways. One way to save the city some money? Recycled asphalt. 

Misconceptions about the durability of RAP, as well as a lack of shared research, have led many in road construction to overlook it as a more efficient means of paving laned roads. Solterra Materials, a Phoenix-based asphalt mix company, was convinced that it could be used and began performing a series of experiments mixing RAP with various rejuvenators. Eventually, they landed on the perfect recipe: RAP, Cargill’s engineered vegetable oil-based Anova® rejuvenator, and a slight asphalt grade bump.

Working in tandem with the city, Solterra procured a one-mile section of road in a highly industrial, heavily trafficked area for their testing. There they evaluated RAP properties at 10%, 15% and 20%, and worked closely with the Cargill team to add the exact amount of rejuvenator. The results found that the 20% RAP mix performed as well as virgin mixes, and had a 10% cost savings. It showed a flexibility index increase from 12 to 18.5 as measured by the I-fit, and had enhanced low temperature cracking resistance. 

After seeing the results, it was a no-brainer for the City of Phoenix. Beyond its great performance, the 20% RAP mix also uses less energy, takes up less landfill space and ultimately costs taxpayers less money. They have included RAP in their standard paving strategy, and plan to start paving more roads with the mix this month. They’ll continue to monitor the performance of these roads over the next several months, but all those involved expect to see continued satisfaction. 

Thanks to companies like Solterra materials sharing their research, perceptions around recycled asphalt are beginning to shift. As a company that prides itself in green building and the most efficient use of resources, Steadfast is thrilled to see moves like this being made in the asphalt industry. With the high performance, lower cost, and increased environmental friendliness, we expect it won’t be long until RAP starts making it way to those of us on the East Coast. When it does, we’ll be happy to see it.