LASTRADA Partners

09/24/2026

Do your QC and QA VMA results match?
When two labs test the same sample, different VMA results can lead to delays and frustration. In this Leveraging LASTRADA video, Dan Ridolfi explains how to identify which measurements are driving the difference and how to reconcile the results.
Plus, download our FREE Excel tool to perform the same analysis on your own data.
Watch the video & download the tool:

Learn a technique for ranking the importance of each of the three measurements used to calculate voids in mineral aggregates, which is key to understanding why two tests performed on the sample have differing calculated VMAs.

09/17/2026

It’s a busy week for LASTRADA Partners!
Our Mixing Materials team is at the North Central Asphalt User/Producer Group this week, connecting with industry experts and recording new conversations for the podcast. We’re looking forward to sharing their insights, experiences, and perspectives with you soon!
Meanwhile, Miguel Conde is representing LASTRADA Partners at the Annual Conference and had the opportunity to catch up with one of our customers from Texas Materials.
Two conferences, lots of great conversations, and one shared goal—connecting with the people who are helping move the asphalt industry forward.

09/10/2026

We’re excited to have Miguel Conde representing LASTRADA Partners at the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association Annual Conference next week, connecting with customers and building new relationships across the Lone Star State.

Texas asphalt producers face unique reporting requirements, including submitting daily QC results through state-issued Site Manager Excel files. LASTRADA helps simplify that process by importing and publishing those same files alongside DOT data—eliminating double entry and enabling true plant-level QC.
If you’ll be at TxAPA, keep an eye out for Miguel and say hello. He’d love to connect!

Learn more and watch our Texas-focused Lightning Demo: https://hubs.la/Q04x4Bm90

09/03/2026

LASTRADA release 6.10.0-4 is now live! New features include:
- New Sieve Analysis per Ohio Method
- Texas Site Manager now supports cumulative aggregate gradation
- New Unit Weight Test AASHTO T19
- New graph settings to plot bin percentages and more!
LASTRADA users update today. Current Software Release: https://bit.ly/4zT8ePy

09/01/2026

Mixing Materials is heading to NCAUPG!
We’re excited to bring the Mixing Materials Podcast to the NCAUPG North Central Asphalt User Producer Group Annual Conference and are currently putting together our guest lineup!

NCAUPG brings together professionals and experts from state DOTs, industry, and academia to exchange knowledge, share research and lessons learned, and promote the use of better-performing asphalt pavements. That makes it a great place for Mixing Materials to connect with the people helping move our industry forward.

Will you be attending NCAUPG? We’d love to have you on the podcast! Share your industry knowledge, experiences, and perspective with our audience.

Interested in being a guest? Contact us at [email protected].

Learn more about Mixing Materials and watch previous interviews: https://bit.ly/45X08b9

08/27/2026

Thank you to ISIC for the opportunity to have Dan Ridolfi speak at the 2026 ISIC North American Conference!
Dan’s presentation focused on how adopting open data standards can improve interoperability, streamline data sharing, and help move the asphalt and infrastructure industries forward.
ISIC’s mission to advance intelligent construction technologies throughout the infrastructure life cycle—from design and construction to operation and maintenance—aligns closely with our belief that better-connected data can improve efficiency, quality, and decision-making across the industry.
We appreciate ISIC for bringing together industry professionals to share ideas, explore emerging technologies, and help shape the future of infrastructure.
At LASTRADA Partners, we’re proud to be part of that conversation.
Learn more about LASTRADA: https://hubs.la/Q04vss060

08/21/2026

The conversation on interoperability continues!
Dan is looking forward to speaking next week at the 2026 ISIC North American Conference. His presentation will focus on how adopting open data standards can improve interoperability, streamline data sharing, and help move our industry forward.
If you'll be attending, we hope you'll join the session. We look forward to seeing you there!

At LASTRADA Partners, we're committed to helping the asphalt industry embrace the future through innovative technology and connected data solutions.
Learn more about LASTRADA: https://hubs.la/Q04tShdh0

08/14/2026

What started as a backup plan turned into a PhD—and a career path never expected.
Funny how the detours end up defining the journey (and sometimes the best perk is $28 football tickets).

Watch or listen to Toni Newsome's full interview on Mixing Materials: https://bit.ly/467sMpL

08/06/2026

If asphalt had a spokesperson… Bill Nye might be the perfect fit.
Simple explanations. Clear visuals. Real understanding. In an industry built on complex materials and performance, the ability to communicate ideas in a way that’s practical and accessible matters more than ever. Because at its core, progress starts with understanding. Watch Toni Newsome's full interview here: https://bit.ly/4gbVBHw

07/30/2026

Why does production VMA differ from your mix design?
In this Leveraging LASTRADA video, Dan Ridolfi explains how to compare mix design VMA to production VMA to better understand changes in your mix.
Plus, download our FREE Excel tool to perform the same analysis on your own data.
Watch the video & download the tool: https://hubs.la/Q04rd-lt0

VMA is influenced by many factors. Use this simple method to determine what adjustments are needed to make sure production VMA matches mix design VMA.