8.50     BASE, INTERMEDIATE, AND SURFACE COURSES

 

8.51     ASPHALT WEDGE CONSTRUCTION FOR SUPERELEVATION OF CURVES

Asphalt wedge courses are placed on resurfacing projects to correct or increase the superelevation of existing roadway curves.  Project plans will identify required rate of super and transition lengths.  To establish wedge thickness and sequence of placement, the existing transition, super, and profile must be determined by field measurements.  For survey and staking procedures, refer to "Inspector's Handbook for Construction Survey”.

 

Placement of wedge courses should be with single lane width asphalt pavers.  Use of full width pavers can result in excess wedge material on the low side of curve, plus crown correction problems in the transition.  When correcting superelevation on resurfacing projects, 70% of transitioning will normally be accomplished in advance of curve PC and beyond curve PT, 30% will be in curve.

 

Newer method of wedge construction utilizes automatic screed and slope features of asphalt paver.  This method requires less survey and grade reference. 

 

Automatic Slope Control

Present day pavers have automatic screed controls which allow desired cross slope to be set and then varied during machine movement.

 

Existing super and desired super must be known prior to wedging.  Difference in cross slope percentage determines amount of wedge material.  Total proposed thickness of finished wedge at the high side divided by 3 inches will give the number of course passes in wedge operation.  Total percent of slope change divided by number of course passes will establish slope percentage for each pass.

 

EXAMPLE:

Proposed Superelevation Rate                        8%

Minus Existing Superelevation Rate          ‑    4%

TOTAL PERCENT CHANGE      =        4%

 

Total Proposed Wedge Thickness on High Side of Curve

4% x 24 feet = 11.5 inches

 

Number of Proposed 3‑Inch Passes to Construct Wedge

11.5 inches = 3.84 Passes (Use 4 Passes)

3 inches

 

Percent Slope Change Each Pass =    4%        = 1% Per Pass

 4 Passes

 

Proposed Schedule for Laying with Automatic Slope Control:

 

Pass No.

Percent

High SideThickness

Existing

4

 

1

5

2.5 inches

2

6

3 inches

3

7

3 inches

4

8

3 inches

 

 

TOTAL =11.5 inches

 

Lath are placed on shoulder to mark beginning of transition, "X" distance, "Y" distance, and each 1% of change in slope percentage.

 

            Placement of Wedge

To ensure that each wedge of curve is constructed in its proper place, a guideline string shall be used for each lift.  Top of final wedge for curve is directly over outside edge of pavement.  Since edge of wedge has a 1:1 slope, the remaining inches of mat thickness to be laid are also the distance from edge of base to edge of lift being laid.

 

EXAMPLE:

If total thickness of wedge on the high side is 8 inches on first pass of 3 inches, screed will have to be extended 5 inches beyond edge of base.

 

On second pass of 3 inches, screed will have to be extended 2 inches beyond edge of base.

 

On third pass of 2 inches, screed should be same width as the original pavement's edge.

 

Sequence of Placement

First pass should be in transition section on the high side.  Assuming proposed transition is 230 feet and 4 total passes are proposed, start first pass approximately 75% or 172 feet of this length into transition; second pass at 50% or 115 feet; and third pass at 25% or 57 feet.  Each beginning pass is started with automatic slope control set at existing slope.

 

As laydown machine moves forward, dial slope into screed proportionally until desired slope for that pass is obtained.  Check actual slope obtained and make very small adjustments if necessary.  Let this slope ride the full length of curve.  Reverse procedure for end of curve transition.

 

First pass is a leveling type operation.  High and low spots on existing pavement will result in variable mat thickness.  Average depth as per above example will be 2.5 inch thickness at the high side and a 5% slope to centerline.  Because of existing super and crown in pavement, two passes of the high side of curve could be done before one pass of the lower side would be necessary, thus also preventing inverse crown situations.

 

An additional 1/2 inch thickness should be placed at centerline, so longitudinal joint may be constructed and rolled with flat steel rollers on curve.  This will give a slight crown to superelevated section.

 

Inspector should be constantly checking slope using 4-foot level and ruler.  If desired slope is not obtained on a pass, then adjust slope and thickness of next pass.  Final pass should always be made at final superelevation rate.

 

8.52     LAYING WIDTHS FOR ASPHALT MIXTURES

Plans for asphalt paving projects will show the overall dimensions of finished pavement.

 

When spreading layers of asphalt mixture 1.5 to 2 inches in thickness, a typical 24 feet pavement will broaden 2 to 4 inches in width during rolling.   Therefore, laydown width before rolling would typically require 3 inches less than final design width.  An intended lap of 1 inch at longitudinal joint is necessary for proper joint construction.  Use of a cutoff shoe when matching a longitudinal joint is not acceptable.

 

When using asphalt pavers that spread pavement full width, inspectors shall insure that contractors adjust spreading width so final dimensions conform to dimensions specified in project documents.

 

Asphalt paver screed extensions are usually available in 1-foot increments.  Where standard screed extensions are utilized to increase paver width by more than 1 foot, paver auger shall also be extended. Screed extensions may be flush-mounted or offset-mounted, provided a uniform mat surface is produced. Many pavers are equipped with automatic screed extensions which can be adjusted to conform to required width for most resurfacing situations.  Some paver models have automatic auger extensions as well.

 

The specifications require longitudinal joints on multi‑lift resurfacing projects to be stacked directly over each other rather than offset.  For full depth asphalt paving, offset must be no more than 3 inches.  A diagram of properly stacked joints is in Appendix 8‑1. 

 

When city streets or other multilane pavements are being surfaced, laying widths shall be inspected according to procedure described in Construction Manual 8.54.

 

8.53     SPREAD RATES FOR ASPHALT BASE, INTERMEDIATE, AND SURFACE COURSES

Inspector shall check contract quantities for accuracy.

 

In general, spread rates for asphalt mixture shall be determined using contract tons as a basis.  Estimated unit weight from design standards used to calculate contract quantities will provide sufficient material for construction of design thickness for most mixtures used in the state.

 

Where "average thickness" is specified on plans, the spread rate shall not be increased.  This avoids construction of spots which are significantly more than design thickness, provided contract quantities have been calculated correctly.

 

            If contract quantity is not sufficient to construct required thickness, notify the

District.  The District will adjust the spread rate as necessary to attain design thickness.

 

For lower layers on resurfacing projects, automatic controls should not be adjusted repeatedly based on ton yields taken at short intervals.  Automatic controls should be allowed to correct for irregularities in underlying base without frequent adjustments.  Accordingly, the spread rate for individual truckloads will sometimes vary substantially from contract rate because of irregularities in old base.  However, over longer distances, 1640 feet or more, taking both sides of the pavement into account, inspectors should select a general spread rate that compares as closely as possible with contract quantities.

 

For paved shoulders or other construction where dimensions are controlled by specified elevations, existing structures, or other unusual requirements, spread rates shall be adjusted as necessary.

 

8.54     ASPHALT RESURFACING ON CITY STREETS

When a city street or other pavement involving more than two lanes for paver is surfaced with asphalt mixture, certain procedures and principles produce a finished product with a high-quality appearance and smooth riding qualities.  Although details may vary in individual projects, the preferred approach utilizes procedures described in this section.

 

In addition to basic work of base repair, cleaning, and tacking, leveling shall be spread to correct lack of drainage, poor riding qualities, and ensure that no longitudinal joints occur in an inverted crown (except in rare cases when drainage is not adjacent to curb).

 

Correct construction of longitudinal joints is associated with straight lines and a uniform minimum lap of each lane over adjacent lanes.

           

            Preliminary Layout

n  Establish working centerline by dividing street at end of each block.

n  If laying asphalt mixture to face of curb is required, measure and record offset distance from working centerline to face of curb at 100‑foot intervals on right and left sides.

n  Offset working centerline to stakes in parking area or to painted X's on sidewalk.  Also, cross‑tie all fixtures to be covered with asphalt mixture.

n  Plan the laying procedure using measurements from working centerline to face of right and left curbs.  Planned procedure should be drawn up showing width of each lane, cutoff necessary from entire machine width, and guideline string offset from established centerline.

n  Guideline string, for planning purposes, should be 1 foot from edge of screed.  At least 3 inches should be allowed between each curb and edge of screed for irregularities.

 

If possible, plan the laying procedures so all street widths can be resurfaced with both intermediate and surface courses using the same basic machine width.  This eliminates

installing and removing screed extensions during construction.  Use cut‑off shoe for varying the widths but make the last lane the entire machine width with no cutoff used.

 

Most laydown machines are now equipped with hydraulic screed extensions, eliminating the concern of matching lane widths to fixed screed extensions and greatly simplifying layout procedures.

 

Width of lanes for different width streets should be planned so inside lanes may be laid continuously.  This eliminates many transverse joints and gives the job a better continuous appearance.

 

Contractor shall adapt designed cross section to existing street measurements.  Lane widths should be planned to ensure screed edge will not drag on face of curb.  Provisions should be made to ensure straight longitudinal joints with a uniform lap of approximately 1 inch of each lane over adjacent lanes.

 

Because the narrowest dimension from working centerline to face of curb controls the above factors, that dimension shall be used as the basis for construction.  All wider dimensions are filled with asphalt along the curb by bleeding the mix from outer edge of paver as necessary.

 

Construction

Contractor shall carefully lay out and thoroughly check lane widths and guideline string offsets before construction begins.  This eliminates errors which cause time loss to contractor.  Basic purposes of layout are to:

n  Provide straight longitudinal joints with a uniform minimum lap of one lane over adjacent lanes.

n  Keep edge of screed from dragging on face of curb.

 

Although all construction should work toward those ends, it is often necessary to vary procedures as work progresses.  Lane widths shown on plans are widths of at least one of the lanes after the first lane is placed and before the last one is placed.  Lane with adjusted width is normally the next‑to‑last lane placed.  This is important if closing lane (which must be the entire machine width without a cutoff shoe) is to be placed without an excessive, unsightly lap at longitudinal joints.  Because of widening under rolling, it is also necessary to vary width between guideline string and edge of screed to provide desired joint lap.

 

A lap of 1 inch at longitudinal joint is recommended.  To eliminate confusion, guideline string should be placed as shown on planned procedure.  On all but the first lane placed, measurement between edge of screed and guideline should be adjusted until desired 1 inch lap is obtained.  On the first lane placed, edge of screed should be exactly 1 foot from guideline string.

 

Use of guideline string is highly recommended.  Curb, gutterline, or edge of previously constructed lane are not acceptable substitutes.   String should be accurately set and maintained.  A working centerline is set from offset line and marked.  Guideline string is then set by measuring from working centerline.

 

Hard steel nails are the only thing which can usually be driven between bricks or cracks in old pavement to hold guideline string.

 

Edge alignment of each lane determines trueness of longitudinal joints.  For satisfactory joint construction and uniform alignment, inspector shall require handwork wherever needed to straighten unevenly placed edges.

 

When resurfacing an old street, the shape of finished pavement should be kept in mind.  It is nearly impossible to make a longitudinal joint inversely crowned without leaving objectionable roller marks.  It may be necessary to raise inside edge of certain lanes more than intended thickness to provide slight crown at joint.

 

When the street under construction makes a right angle turn, paving shall proceed through intersection.  Finishing machine will make a joint along the edge (which shall be sawed if allowed to cool) instead of turning the corner.

 

            Thickness Taper at Curb Line

Thickness tapers are sometimes designed at outer edges of asphalt resurfacing adjacent to existing curbs to maintain gutter depth and still permit full resurfacing thickness as wide as possible.

 

Thickness tapered sections of surface layers shall be constructed with finishing machines whenever possible.  Thickness tapers at outer edges of intermediate layers may be constructed by hand methods or a wing plate, since they will be covered by surface layers and not affect drainage.

 

Extending Paver Width

Many asphalt paving machines are now equipped with hydraulic strike-off extensions.  If extensions do not contain a screed plate with vibration as required under Specification 2001.19, they shall not be used to increase width of spread of asphalt mixture except in lieu of a wing blade or handwork, and for short irregular areas.

 

8.55     COLD WEATHER ASPHALT CONSTRUCTION

The specifications contain limitations for placement of asphalt mixture and liquid bitumen under cold weather conditions.  These restrictions apply to pavement surface temperature and time of year, and vary according to whether layer is surface course, lower intermediate, or base course, and nominal lift thickness.

 

Cold weather construction problems may show up in the form of mat raveling, low density, high voids, segregation, slippage, or failure of tack coat to break.  Project engineer and inspector should be aware of other weather-related conditions which may further limit placement.

 

After October 1, it is appropriate to require tarping and insulation of truck bodies, especially if hauls exceed approximately 12–15 miles. Cold pockets of mix in trucks or in corners of the paver hopper can pass through the paver without breaking up.  These cold clumps can drag under the screed and disfigure the mat.  Clumps of cold material should be removed from the mat and the mat surface repaired before being compacted.  Insulated truck bodies can help minimize or reduce this problem.

 

            Rubber tired rollers must be well-skirted and the tires kept hot during cold weather construction, to prevent pick-up of fines from the mat surface.  Rubber tire rollers should be kept moving as much as possible on the hot mat, so the tires don’t cool down and start picking up.  Rapid cooling of the mix due to placement on a cold base can also result in checking (hairline cracks) in the mat surface under the action of the steel rollers.

 

Base temperature is the single greatest factor in the rate of cool down for freshly placed asphalt mat.  Consequently, base temperature has direct effect on recommended minimum laydown temperature and rolling time available to obtain specified density.  See tables in Appendix 8-2, developed by National Asphalt Pavement Association, which illustrate this relationship.

 

Wind velocity, air temperature, and cloud cover are additional factors that affect the cooling rate of asphalt mixture.  “PaveCool” is a software program that may be used to determine approximate cooling rates and resulting “time available for compaction” for asphalt pavement considering these variables.  The latest version of the program is available to download through links provided on the Construction and Materials Bureau websites found on DOTNET and world wide web (www), or by clicking this PaveCool link on the Electronic Reference Library (ERL) version of this document.

 

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) may provide a better alternative versus Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) for paving in cold weather conditions.  Specifications allow WMA surface courses to be placed at a lower road surface temperature than HMA.  WMA typically acts as a compaction aid for stiff (cooler) mixes, providing a larger window of opportunity to properly compact the mix.  After October 1, WMA may be produced at up to maximum HMA temperature, further increasing its corresponding “time available for compaction.”  Do not use water injection (foaming) as a means of producing WMA for use in cold weather conditions.  See Specifications 2303.03 F, 2303.04 H, and 2303.05 H, all entitled “Cold Weather Paving” for additional requirements and conditions under which the project engineer may approve asphalt paving in low temperature situations.     

 

            Use of emulsion tack coats is required prior to October 1.  For work after that date, and prior to May 1, a cutback asphalt may be used.  Cold surface temperatures cause emulsions to lose tackiness and increase breakage (curing) time, resulting in higher risk of mat slippage.

 

            Temperature Determination for Placing Asphalt Mixtures and Liquid Bitumens

            The specifications limit the placement of asphalt mixtures or liquid bitumens when a shaded portion on road surface is less than a specified temperature.

 

The following method shall be used to determine the temperature on road surface:

n  Select representative portion of road surface to be covered by asphalt mix or liquid bitumen.  If all of road surface is subjected to direct sunlight, test location should be in sunlight.  If portions of road surface are shaded, test location should be in shade.

n  Lay thermometer directly on road surface in test location and shade test location temporarily while taking temperature.  Inspector performing test may need to stand so thermometer is shaded by shadow.  To insure a condition of equilibrium, thermometer should remain in test location no less than five minutes.

 

8.56       RELEASE AGENTS AND SOLVENTS

Asphalt mixing, transporting, and placement equipment, particularly truck bodies and paver hoppers, must be kept clean and free from asphalt mix buildup.  Specifications 2001.01 and 2001.03 address approved methods and materials.  Diesel fuel or distillate is not approved for use in any fashion as an asphalt mix release agent for truck bodies, paving equipment, or tools on DOT projects, since contamination from petroleum-based solvents is extremely detrimental to the performance of asphalt mixture.  Approved release agents, listed in Materials I.M. 491.15, should be used to keep asphalt mix from building up in truck bodies and other equipment.

 

Release agents are not solvents.  They are generally not effective as cleaning agents.  There may be times when a contractor must resort to use of a petroleum-based solvent for cleaning certain items of equipment.  This is not allowed on DOT property due to concerns with contamination of property or asphalt mixture.  Truck bodies or paving equipment cleaned with a distillate shall not be used for asphalt mix hauling or placement for a minimum of 5 hours after cleaning.