106.01 Source of Supply and Quality Requirements.
a.Steel Products. The content of Alabama Code Section 39 -3-4 is as follows: "(a) Any contractor for a public works project, financed entirely by the State of Alabama or any political subdivision thereof, within this state shall use steel produced within the United States when specifications in the construction contract require the use of steel and do not limit its supply to a sole source under subsection (f) of Section 39 -2-2. If the awarding authority decides that the procurement of the above mentioned domestic steel products becomes impractical as a result of a national emergency, national strike, or other cause, the awarding authority shall waive the above re striction. (b) In the event the contractor violates the domestic steel requirements of subsection (a), and domestic steel is not used, there shall be a downward adjustment in the contract price equal to any realized savings or benefits to the contractor."
b.Non -Steel Materials, Supplies and Products. The content of Alabama Code Section 39 -3-1 is as follows: "(a) The awarding authority contracting for a public works project to be financed entirely by the State of Alabama or any political subdivision of the state, shall stipulate or cause to be stipulated in the contract a provision whereby the person, firm, or corporation undertaking the project agrees to use in the execution of the contract materials, supplies, and products manufactured, mined, processed, o r otherwise produced in the United States or its territories, if the same are available at reasonable and competitive prices and are not contrary to any sole source specification implemented under subsection (f) of Section 39-2-2. (b) In the event the cont ractor breaches the agreement to use domestic products, and domestic products are not used, there shall be a downward adjustment in the contract price equal to any realized savings or benefits to the contractor."
c.Sole Source Reference [Alabama Code Subs ection 39- 2-2(f)]. In the rare case that a sole source material is required from a non -domestic source the Department will make the determination of what the Contractor will be required to furnish.
b.Clearances and Acknowledgments for the Use of Offsite Areas.
1.Types of Regulatory Clearances and Acknowledg ments. The regulatory clearances and acknowledgments shown in the following table are required for material pits, waste areas, haul roads, material stockpiles, long term equipment parking areas and other offsite areas selected by the Contractor to utilize in the construction of the project. REGULATORY CLEARANCES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR THE LONG TERM USE OF OFFSITE AREAS
1.Applicable Construction Stormwater Discharge Permitting from the Alabama Depart ment of Environmental Management.
2.Historical and Archeological clearance from the Alabama Historical Commission.
3.Written acknowledgement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that there will be no adverse affect on endangered and threatened species protected under the Endangered Species Act.
4.Written acknowledgement from a Professional Biologist that wetlands wi ll not be adversely affected.
2.Submittal of Copies of Regulatory Clearances and Acknowledgments. The Contractor shall submit copies of clearances and acknowledgments as verification that regulatory authorities are aware of the offsite activity and that the activity will not adversely impact natural resources. Clearances and acknowledgements will not be required for offsite areas used for short term parking, staging or material stockpiling where the activity does not require clearing or grading. Only a copy of applicable ADEM permitting will be required for offsite areas commercially owned and operated by a third party that is not an ALDOT contractor or subcontractor.
c.Operation of Offsite Pits and Waste Areas. The operations of any material pit or waste area shall be so conducted that it will blend into the surrounding landscape. Pit sites and waste areas shall be dressed to obliterate any unsightly appearance and treated in such a manner that erosion will not o ccur and result in the pollution of the watershed area. In general, sources will not be permitted at locations where resulting scars are visible from any highway. However, when approved, adequate space for conservation of existing natural screenings or
f.Use of Materials with Special Acceptance Require ments. The Alabama Department of Transportation maintains several lists of materials, sources, and devices, which have undergone some form of preliminary evaluation. These lists are established both as reference for Contractors and as methods to eliminate some of the lengthy time delays required in evaluating certain products. Each list is unique in requirements and job control acceptance. Users of these lists should read all requirements carefully before us ing products on them. When materials or products shown on these lists are used, they shall be selected from the most current applicable list at the time of installation, regardless of the materials and products that may have been shown on the lists prior t o the date of installation. These lists are published in the Department's manual "MATERIAL, SOURCES, AND DEVICES WITH SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS" (MSDSAR ), which is available on the Department’s website. The lists are not a blanket approval and do not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility of furnishing quality materials. The Project Manager will inspect the material, and if doubt exists, job control samples will be taken. If these job control samples indicate failing test results, one of the following actions will be taken depending on the detrimental effects to the project:
1.Previously installed materials may be ordered replaced with passing materials at no cost to the Department.
2.Previously installed materials, which are of a temporary nature, may be left in place with the Contractor maintaining the failing materials for the duration of their use at his expense.
3.Previously installed materials may remain in place with an agreed price reduction. After failing job control res ults are received, no further installation of the failing material will be allowed and a determination will be made by the Department as to the removal of the product from the list. The lists are established and maintained by the individual sections within the Department of Transportation who are primarily concerned with the products. Lists are divided into five general categories of similar requirements. They are:
1.Qualified Sources of Materials
4.Approved Traffic Control Devices and Materials
5.Qualified Traffic Control Devices and Materials
6.Approved Intelligent Transportation System Devices and Materials The Alabama Department of Transportation Product Evaluation Board has final authority for addition or removal of products from these lists. The Bureau of Materials and Tests duplicates and disseminates these lists. General information concerning materials, sources, and devices with special acceptance requirements is contained in ALDOT -355. Info rmation concerning items on these lists or how to get an item onto one of these lists may be obtained by contacting:
106.03 Field Laboratories.
Alabama Department of Transportation Bureau of Research and Development 1409 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36110 (334) 206- 2240
106.02 Samples, Tests, Cited Specifications.
a.General. All material used in the work shall be inspected, tested and approved by the Engineer, Inspection and testing shall be in accordance with the current Departmental Testing Manual. Any work in which untested materials are used without approval or written permission of the Engineer shall be performed at the Contractor's risk. Materials found to be unacceptable and unauthorized will not be paid for and, if directed by the Engineer, shall be removed at th e Contractor's expense. The Engineer may permit use prior to sampling and testing of certain materials accompanied by a signed materials guaranty on the form furnished by the Department guaranteeing the material conforms to Departmental Specifications. Suc h material may be tested at any time and, if found unsatisfactory, shall be removed and replaced with satisfactory material at no additional cost to the Department. The Engineer reserves the right to refuse permission for use of materials on the guaranty basis at any time. The Contractor shall furnish the Department, free of charge, ample quantities of such samples as are necessary or required by the Engineer to test adequately any and all materials. Any damage caused by in -place testing when such is specif ied shall be repaired by the Contractor without additional compensation. Samples will be taken by or under the supervision of a representative of the Engineer. Required or designated tests will be made by and at the expense of the State unless otherwise no ted on the plans or in the specifications, in accordance with the most recent standard, interim, or tentative standard methods of ALDOT, AASHTO, ASTM or F.S.S. in force and on file with the Department at the date of advertisement for bids, indicated date o f adoption notwithstanding, except where standard or special drawings are included in the plans. Then the AASHTO, ASTM, or F.S.S. in effect on the date of the latest revision to the drawing shall govern.
b.Plant Inspection. The Engineer may undertake the inspection of materials at the source. Manufacturing plants may be inspected periodically for compliance with specified manufacturing methods and material samples will be obtained for laboratory testing for compliance with materials quality requirements. This may be the basis for acceptance of manufactured lots as to quality. In the event plant inspection is undertaken, the following conditions shall be met:
1.The Engineer shall have the cooperation and assistance of the Contractor and the producer with whom he has contracted for materials.
2.The Engineer shall have full entry at all times to such parts of the plant as may concern the manufacture or production of materials being furnished.
3.If required by the Engineer, the Contractor shall arrange for an approved building for the use of the Inspector; such building to be located conveniently near the plant, independent of any building used by the material producer, and conforming to requirements of Article 106.03.
4.Adequate safety measures are to be p rovided and maintained. It is understood that the Department reserves the right to retest all materials prior to incorporation into the work which have been tested and accepted at the source of supply, after the same have been delivered, and to reject all materials which, when retested, do not meet the requirements of these specifications or those established for the specific project.
c.Supply of Tested Materials. The Contractor shall regulate his supply so that at all times there will be a sufficient quantity of tested and accepted materials on hand to prevent any delay to the work.
106.03 Field Laboratories.
a.General. The laboratories furnished for use shall be roofed, insulated and weather tight with suitable operational air -conditioning and heating facilities for year -round use. Each unit shall be wired for electrical service and in addition the following minimum requirements are applicable to the particular type of laboratory required. Compensation for the field laboratories shall be in accordance w ith Section 601.
106.04 Contractor's Statement of Material So urces.
b.Base, Soil and Structure Laboratories. This type laboratory shall contain not less than 200 square feet {18.5 square meters} of floor space (minimum width 8 feet {2.4 m}) with a 7 foot {2.1 m} (minimum) ceiling height and shall contain suitable work benches and drawers. The laboratory shall be portable and shall be independent of other buildings or office space used by the Contractor. It shall have not less than two windows and one outside door, both of which shall be screened and of adequate size to facilitate ventilation of the unit. Location of the laboratory shall be as directed by the Engineer. In addition each unit shall be provided with the following equipment:
1.Double sink with running water (minimum 100 gallon {375 liter} supply).
2.Lights, when requested by the Engineer.
3.Three laboratory burners (one combined unit or separate) (gas type shall have minimum capacity to supply the burners five working days).
4.Laboratories for us e at rock crushing operations shall also include an approved mechanical shaking machine for screening samples and shall have power for operating the machine. Cabinets and shelving shall be provided as appropriate.
c.Concrete Plant Laboratories. Concrete plant laboratories shall contain not less than 200 square feet {18.5 square meters} of floor space. These laboratories shall have a minimum width of not less than 10 feet {3 m} with a 7 foot {2.1 m} (minimum) ceiling he ight and shall contain suitable work benches and drawers. A waiver of the 10 foot {3 m} width requirement may be granted for mobile, trailer type laboratories after an inspection of the lab's suitability has been made and approved. The laboratory may be a portable, a permanent, or a partitioned portion of a permanent structure provided it meets the requirements of these specifications. The unit shall be independent of plant storage, office space, etc., and shall have one private entrance door that can be secured. The laboratory shall be located as directed by the Engineer with window space suitable to the Engineer for periodic observation of plant operations. All outside windows and doors shall be screened. In addition each shall be provided with the followi ng equipment:
1.Single sink with running water (minimum 100 gallon {375 liter} supply).
2.One laboratory burner or oven.
4.Shelves and cabinets shall be provided as appropriate.
d.Asphalt Plant Laboratories. Asphalt plant laboratories shall contain not less than 450 square feet {41.8 square meters} of floor space and shall be of sufficient size to allow the required independent laboratory equipment to be used simultaneously b y the contractor and the state. These laboratories shall have a minimum width of not less than 10 feet {3 m} with a 7 foot {2.1 m} (minimum) ceiling height and shall contain suitable work benches and drawers. A waiver of the 10 foot {3 m} width requirement may be granted for mobile, trailer type laboratories after an inspection of the lab's suitability has been made and approved. The laboratory may be a portable, a permanent, or a partitioned portion of a permanent structure provided it meets the requiremen ts of these specifications. The unit shall be independent of plant storage, office space, etc., and shall have at least one private entrance door that can be secured. The laboratory shall be located as directed by the Engineer with window space suitable to the Engineer for periodic observation of plant operations. In addition each shall be provided with the following equipment:
1.Single sink with running water (minimum 100 gallon {375 liter} supply).
2.One laboratory burner or oven.
4.Shelves and cabinets shall be provided as appropriate.
5.All asphalt plant laboratories shall be equipped with an exhaust fan, sufficiently sized and located to effectively clear the laboratory of smoke and fumes in a reasonable, in the judgment of the Engineer, amount of time. All asphalt laboratories shall also be equipped with all applicable equipment listed in ALDOT -349.
106.04 Contractor's Statement of Material Sources.
Before work on any contract is started, the Contractor may be required to furnish a compl ete statement of the origin, composition and manufacture of any or all materials proposed to be used in the construction of the work, together with samples which may be subjected to the tests provided in the contract to determine their quality and fitness for the work.
106.08 Rights In and Use of Materials Found on the Right of Way.
106.05 Handling and Storage of Materials.
a.Handling Materials. All materials shall be handled in such a manner as to preserve their quality and fitness for the work. Aggregates shall be transported from the storage site to the work in tigh t vehicles so constructed as to prevent loss or segregation of materials after loading and measuring in order that there may be no inconsistencies in the quantities of materials, intended for incorporation in the work, as loaded and the quantities as actually received at the place of operations.
b.Storage of Materials. Materials shall be so stored as to assure the preservation of their quality and fitness for the work. Stored materials, even though approved before storage, may again be inspected prior to their use in the work. Stored materials shall be located so as to facilitate their prompt inspection. Approved portions of the right of way may be used for storage purposes and for the placing of the Contractor's plant and equipment, but any additional spa ce required therefor must be provided by the Contractor at his expense. Private property shall not be used for storage purposes without written permission of the owner or lessee, and if requested by the Engineer copies of such written permission shall be furnished him. All storage sites shall be restored to their original condition by the Contractor at his expense. This shall not apply to the stripping and storing of topsoil, or to other materials salvaged from the work.
106.06 Unacceptable Materials.
All materials not conforming to the requirements of the Specifications shall be considered as unacceptable and all such materials will be rejected and shall be removed immediately from the site of the work unless otherwise instruc ted by the Engineer. No rejected material, the defects of which have been corrected, shall be used until approval has been given. In case of failure by the Contractor to comply promptly with any order by the Engineer to remove rejected materials, the Engin eer shall have authority to have such rejected materials removed by other means and to deduct the expense of such removal from any monies due or to become due the Contractor.
106.07 Department Furnished Material ..
The Contractor shall furnish all materials required to complete the work, except those specified to be furnished by the Department. Department furnished material s will be delivered to or made available to the Contractor at locations specified in the contract. The cost of handling and placing all materials after they are delivered to the Contractor shall be considered as included in the contract price for the item in connection with which they are used. The Contractor will be held responsible for all material delivered to him, and deductions will be made from any monies due him to make good any shortages and deficiencies, from any cause whatsoever, and for any damage which may occur after such delivery, and for any demurrage charges.
106.08 Rights In and Use of Materials Found on the Right of Way.
The Contractor, upon his written request and written approval of the Engineer, may use on the project, sand, gravel, rock, or other materials determined suitable by the Engineer a s may be found in the limits of the regular excavation. The Engineer will make a study of the Contractor's request and shall submit to the Contractor a written statement of the guidelines under which the request is approved. This statement shall include a detailed analysis of the pay item, or items, under which the Contractor will receive payment for the work performed. The intent is not to preclude payment for both the item of removal and the item under which the materials are used, if, in the opinion of t he Engineer payment under both items are justified, but to allow the Department to share in any savings realized by the Contractor in the use of such materials. The Contractor shall not excavate or remove any material from within the highway location that is not within the grading limits, as indicated by the slope and grade lines, without written authorization from the Engineer. Any coal or other valuable mineral found within the construction limits as defined by the slope and grade lines cons idered to be unsuitable for reuse on the project shall be removed by the Contractor. In no case shall any coal or other mineral be removed from outside the slope lines or below subgrade except that removed as unsuitable material as directed by the Engineer (not to exceed 30 inches {750 mm} below subgrade), unless otherwise shown by plan details or with written authorization of the Transportation Director. The Contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for insuring that any legal rights due th e holder of the mineral rights are satisfied prior to the disposition of any mineral. By
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. agreement with the owner of the mineral rights, the Contractor may dispose of this material by direct sale and payment of royalty to the owner or by stockpiling for im mediate removal by the owner. The Contractor shall hold the State harmless in all matters pertaining to the disposition of any mineral.
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix
Asphalt (HMA) Pavement.
a.General. The following modifications apply only to the materials and work performed under Sections 327, 410, 420, 423 and 424. In all cases, the Department's testing will be separate from the Contractor's tes ting and both shall be conducted by certified technicians. All Quality Control aspects of this provision shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. Quality Control is defined as the activities that are related to the production of Hot Mix Asphalt Pavem ent which meet all the requirements of the Specifications, including mix design, process control testing, sampling and acceptance testing (when so designated by the Department) for determination of Pay Factors, and necessary adjustments to the production p rocess. All Quality Assurance aspects of this provision shall be the responsibility of the Department and will be accomplished in the following ways:
1.By conducting assurance/verification testing, on a random basis, of independent samples obtained by the Department, at a frequency of one or more per day;
2.By periodically observing tests performed by the Contractor;
3.By monitoring required Contractor control charts exhibiting test results of control parameters. All Superpave Gyratory Compactors shall h ave their angle of gyration verified by the Engineer following the procedure in AASHTO T 344, "Standard Method of Test for Evaluation of Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) Internal Angle of Gyration Using Simulated Loading". This includes all design, quality control, and quality assurance SGCs. The compactors shall tilt the specimen molds at an average internal angle of 20.2 ± 0.35 mrad (1.16± 0.02 degrees).
b.Quality Control. The Contractor shall provide and main tain a quality control system that will provide reasonable assurance that all materials, products, and completed construction submitted for acceptance conform to contract requirements whether manufactured or processed by the Contractor or procured from subcontractors or vendors. Quality control managers, laboratory technicians and roadway technicians will be certified by the Department as outlined in ALDOT- 374, "Certification Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt Technicians". This quality control system shall c onform to ALDOT -370, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures and Responsibilities f or Asphalt Plant Mix Production . The sampling and testing frequencies shall conform to the requirements given in Table 1 for a pay item when the accumulated amount of asphalt mix placed for that pay item exceeds 250 tons {250 metric tons}. The accumulated amount of asphalt mix shall be th e current total amount of asphalt mix that has been placed beginning from the start of construction. The sampling and testing frequencies given in Table 1 may be waived by the Area Materials Engineer and the asphalt mix may be accepted by visual observatio n for a maximum accumulated asphalt mix placement quantity of 250 tons {250 metric tons} or less for any individual pay item. The Engineer will record the results of the acceptance of the asphalt mix on form BMT -16 if sampling and testing is not required.
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. TABLE I SECTION 327 E and 420 MIXES SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR QC/QA PROJECTS Control Parameter Sample Size Sampling Methods Sampling Location Testing Methods ALDOT Testing Frequency Contractor Testing Frequency
1.Asphalt Content * ALDOT Sample = 55 lb {25 kg} Split into 2 equal samples AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -354 or AASHTO T 308 +++ 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
2.Mixture Gradation * * Contractor Sample = 55 lb {25 kg} Split into 2 equal samples AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -371 AASHTO T 308 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
3.Asphalt Draindown 12 lb {5 kg} AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck AASHTO T 305 As Required As Required * See ALDOT -370 “Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures and Responsibilities for Asphalt Plant Mix Production”. * * If the test results are out of specification tolerance on two consecutive tests for the same size sieve, production shall cease until proper plant adjustments are made. + Beginning each production day, no sample for acceptance purposes shall be taken prior to the production of 50 tons. If the random number selected falls within the first 50 tons, the sample shall be taken from the first loaded truck following the truck containing the fiftieth ton produced. ++ One sample for each 500 tons {500 metric tons} for Section 420 mixes. Note: The testing increment shall have a 150 ton buffer between each increment. +++ Under AASHTO T 308, mixture calibration shall be used. The ignition furnace shall be equipped with an internal weighing system with microprocessor co ntrol where sample weight {mass} and percent weight {mass} loss is computed and produced on hard -copy output. TABLE I (CONT’D. ) SECTION 423 MIXES (STONE MATRIX ASPHALT ) SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR QC/QA PROJECTS Control Parameter Sample Size Sampling Methods Sampling Location Testing Methods ALDOT Testing Frequency Contractor Testing Frequency
1.Asphalt Content * ALDOT Sample = 90 lb {40 kg} Split into 2 equal samples Contractor Sample = 90 lb {40 kg} Split into 2 equal samples AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -354 or AASHTO T 308 ++++ 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
2.Maximum Specific Gravity * AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck AASHTO T 209 ( Flask determination with dry back) 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
3.Air Void Content & VMA * AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -370 & ALDOT -307 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
4.Mixture * * Gradation * AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -371 AASHTO T 308 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
5.Retained Tensile Strength Note: The TSR test is not required for any pay item less than a full lot. 25 lb {12 kg} AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -361 1 set of 6 for the first full lot (2,800 tons {2,800 metric tons}) and 1 set of 6 for the next 10,000 tons {10,000 metric tons} and 1 set of 6 for each additional 20,000 tons {20,000 metric tons} or portion thereafter 1 set of 6 for the first full lot (2,800 tons {2,800 metric tons}) and 1 set of 6 for the next 10,000 tons {10,000 metric tons} and 1 set of 6 for each additional 20,000 tons {20,000 metric tons} or portion thereafter
6.Mat Density * ALDOT -210 Roadway ALDOT -222 & ALDOT -350 As per Contractor’s QC plan (ALDOT -370) ALDOT -403 AASHTO T 166 Method A AASHTO T 275 AASHTO T 331 °° 1/3000 lane feet/lift {1/900 lane m/lift
7.Clay Content Adequate Quantity AASHTO R 90 Aggregate Stockpiles AASHTO T 176 As required As required
8.Asphalt Draindown 12 lb {5 kg} AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck AASHTO T 305 As Required As Required * See ALDOT -370 “Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures and Responsibilities for Asphalt Plant Mix Production”. * * If the test results are out of specification tolerance on two consecutive tests for the same size sieve, production shall cease until proper plant adjustments are made. °° Cores shall be taken by the Contractor and the density will be determined by the Department. + Beginning each production day, no sample for acceptance purposes shall be t aken prior to the production of 50 tons. If the random number selected falls within the first 50 tons, the sample shall be taken from the first loaded truck following the truck containing the fiftieth ton produced. ++ The sample shall be one set of thr ee Marshall samples or one set of two gyratory samples +++. Note: The testing increment shall have a 150 ton buffer between each increment. +++ When slag is used as an aggregate in the mixture, four Marshall samples or three gyratory samples shall be c ompacted. The test result the furthest away from the average of the four test results shall be discarded and the remaining three test results shall be aver aged for use in the computation of air voids. ++++ Under AASHTO T 308 , mixture calibration shall be used. The ignition furnace shall be equipped with an internal weighing system with microprocessor control where sample weight {mass} and percent weight {mass} loss is computed and produced on hard -copy output.
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. TABLE I (CONT’D. ) SECTION 424 MIXES ( SUPERPAVE ) SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR QC/QA PROJECTS Control Parameter Sample Size Sampling Methods Sampling Location Testing Methods ALDOT Testing Frequency Contractor Testing Frequency 1.Asphalt Content * ALDOT Sample = 135 lb {60 kg} Split into 2 equal samples Contractor Sample = 135 lb {60 kg} Split into 2 equal samples AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -354 or AASHTO T 308 ++++ 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
2.Maximum Specific Gravity * AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck AASHTO T 209 ( Flask determination with dry back) 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
3.Air Void Content & VMA AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -384 ALDOT -388 ALDOT -370 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons % Gmm @ Nd * As needed
4.Mixture * * * Gradation & Dust to Asphalt Ratio * AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -371 AASHTO T 308 1 per day per LOT ++ 1 per 700 tons
5.Retained Tensile Strength Note: The TSR test is not required for any pay item less than a full lot. 25 lb. {12 kg} AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT -361 1 set of 6 for the first full lot (2,800 tons {2,800 metric tons}) and 1 set of 6 for the next 10,000 tons {10,000 metric tons} and 1 set of 6 for each additional 20,000 tons {20,000 metric tons} or portion thereafter 1 set of 6 for the first full lot (2,800 tons {2,800 metric tons}) and 1 set of 6 randomly for the next 10,000 tons {10,000 metric tons} and 1 set of 6 for each additional 20,000 tons {20,000 metric tons} or portion thereafter
6.Mat Density * ALDOT -210 Roadway ALDOT -222 & ALDOT -350 As per the Contractor’s QC plan (ALDOT -375) ALDOT -403 AASHTO T 166 Method A AASHTO T 275 AASHTO T 331 °° 1/3,000 lane feet/lift {1/900 lane m/lift}
7.Fine Aggregate Angularity * * FAA Note: The FAA test is not required for any pay item less than a full lot. Adequate quantity to run AASHTO T 304, Method A or ASTM C 1252,Method A AASHTO R 90 +Loaded Truck AASHTO T 304, Method A Or ASTM C 1252, Method A 1 for the first full lot (2,800 tons {2,800 metric tons}) and 1 for the next 10,000 tons {10,000 metric tons} and 1 for each additional 20,000 tons {20,000 metric tons} or portion thereafter 1 for the first full lot (2,800 tons {2,800 metric tons}) and 1 randomly for the next 10,000 tons {10,000 metric tons} and 1 randomly for each additi onal 20,000 tons {20,000 metric tons} or portion thereafter
8.Clay Content Adequate quantity AASHTO R 90 Stockpile AASHTO T 176 As required As required
9.Asphalt Draindown 12 lb {5kg} AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck AASHTO T 305 As Required As Required
10.Split Tensile *X* 35 lb. {17 kg} AASHTO R 97 & ALDOT -210 +Loaded Truck ALDOT 361 (Report the Unconditioned Sample for Split Tensile) N/A 1 for the first full lot and 1 randomly for each additional 10,000 tons thereafter
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. TABLE I (CONT’D. ) SECTION 424 MIXES ( SUPERPAVE ) SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR QC/QA PROJECTS * See ALDOT 370 “Quality Control and Quality Assurance Procedures and Responsibilities for Asphalt Plant Mix Production”. * * In virgin mixes, the sample may be taken from the cold feed conveyor. *** If the test results are out of specification tolerance on two consecutive tests for the same size sieve, production shall cease until proper plant adjustments are made. °° Cores shall be taken by the Contractor and the density will be determined by the Department. + Beginning each production day, no sample fo r acceptance purposes shall be taken prior to the production of 50 tons. If the random number selected falls within the first 50 tons, the sample shall be taken from the first loaded truck following the truck containing the fiftieth ton produced. ++ The sample shall be one set of two gyratory samples+++. Note: The testing increment shall have a 150 ton buffer between each increment. +++ When slag is used as an aggregate in the mixture, three gyratory samples shall be compacted. The test result the fu rthest away from the average of the three test results shall be discarded and the remaining two test results shall be averaged for use in the comp utation of air voids. ++++ Under AASHTO T 308, mixture calibration shall be used. The ignition furnace shall be equipped with an internal weighing system with microprocessor control where sample weight {mass} and percent weight {mass} loss is computed and produced on hard -copy output. *X* Testing in accordance with the requirements given in Section 410 is only required for Job Mix Formulas that have greater than 25 % RAP. Mix shall be tested by an AASHTO accredited laboratory.
1.Acceptance Procedures. All materials will be evaluated for acceptance and payment through the Department's Acceptance Procedures specified herein. The Department will be responsible for determining the acceptability and pay factor of the construction and materials incorporated t herein. The Department will utilize the Contractor’s QC System test results for liquid asphalt binder content and laboratory compacted air void content for pay purposes except where:
a.The Department’s Quality Assurance testing, as described in Item 3 be low and Subarticle 410.08, does not validate the quality of the material.
b.QC sampling and testing was not performed in accordance with specified procedures. The Department will determine the sample locations. The sampling and testing frequencies shall c onform to the requirements given in Table 1 for a pay item when the accumulated amount of asphalt mix placed for that pay item exceeds 250 tons {250 metric tons}. The accumulated amount of asphalt mix shall be the current total amount of asphalt mix that h as been placed beginning from the start of construction. The sampling and testing frequencies given in Table 1 may be waived by the Area Materials Engineer and the asphalt mix may be accepted by visual observation for a maximum accumulated asphalt mix plac ement quantity of 250 tons {250 metric tons} or less for any individual pay item. The Engineer will record the results of the acceptance of the asphalt mix on form BMT -16 if sampling and testing is not required. All conforming and nonconforming inspection s and test results will be monitored in accordance with ALDOT -370 and shall be recorded on approved forms and charts which shall be kept up to date and complete and shall be available at all times to the Department during the performance of the work. Only those tests designated by the Department in advance as acceptance tests will be utilized in the computation of pay factors. Test properties shall be charted on forms that are in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Department. A copy of each chart and form to be used by the Contractor will be furnished by the Department. The Contractor shall furnish his own supply of the charts and forms. The Contractor or Producer may design their own forms and charts; however, these must be approved by the Engineer prior to their use. A LOT is normally defined as 2,800 tons {metric tons} for Section 327, 423 and 424 mixes, and 2,000 tons {metric tons} for Section 420 mixes, consisting of four QC test sets of laboratory tests (liquid asphalt binder content and laboratory air voids or gradation), unless specifically stated otherwise in this item or elsewhere in the specifications. A LOT will usually consist of at least four density tests; however, a LOT may have fewer than four density tests. The Engineer wil l round a testing increment or a LOT to the nearest truckload of material. A LOT lasting longer than thirty calendar days or a LOT with inactivity for longer than 30 calendar days will be terminated. Mix produced after the completion of the last full LOT, a terminated LOT, and small production projects will be evaluated and pay factors computed and may be accepted on the basis of less than four laboratory tests (liquid asphalt binder content and laboratory air voids or gradation). Each LOT will be accepted on the basis of the actual number of test sets run for that LOT. If the production process is considered out of control (any individual test result for asphalt content, gradation (single sieve), or air voids has a pay factor equal to 0.80 computed from t he “1 Test” row
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Ass urance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. in Table II and Table III, or the “1 Test” column in Table VI, of Subarticle 410.08 whichever is appropriate), production shall be suspended and corrections made as outlined in Subarticle 410.08. Gradation pay factors are normally computed on each screen tested and then averaged, however, if any individual screen has a pay factor of 0.80 (before being averaged with the other screen(s)), the process is considered out of control. The Contractor may voluntarily terminate a LOT when the pay factor will be less than 0.90 when calculated using the one test row of Table II and Table III and the one test column of Table VI in Section 410. If the Contractor terminates a LOT, production shall be suspended and corrections made as outlined in Subarticle 410.08. The voluntary termination of a LOT may only be done once per pay item, per project. All sampling, testing and computations for a LOT will be completed and pay factors provided the Contractor as soon as possible. All sampling and testing of materials, including frequency of samples and tests for the Contractor's Quality Control and the Department's verification, shall be performed in strict conformance with the Department's Testing Manual as modified in Table I. This Manual (available on the ALDOT Internet Site) contains guidance for sampling and testing procedures from AASHTO, ASTM, and ALDOT procedures.
2.Acceptance or Rejection. The decision of the Engineer will be final as to the acceptance, rejection, or acceptance at an adjusted paymen t of each LOT. Rejected LOTS shall be removed at no cost to the Department and replaced at the contract unit bid price.
3.Sampling of Lots and Sublots. It is the intent of these specifications that ea ch LOT (for mixture testing) and each SUBLOT (for mat density testing) will meet specification requirements at the time of initial evaluation. No resampling or retesting (other than referee testing described below) will be allowed. The Department will, how ever, perform at least one liquid asphalt binder content, one maximum specific gravity, one mixture gradation, and one set of laboratory compacted samples for air void content tests per day per Lot, as specified in Table I, to verify the Contractor's test results. If the Contractor is not required to perform a test that day (the tonnage calculated by the random number is not reached), the Department will not run a verification test. The Department will perform a verification test for each LOT, even where th ere is more than one LOT per day. The Contractor will be notified by the Engineer at the point in production to procure mixture acceptance samples. The Contractor shall sample the mixture and split it into two samples: the Contractor's primary sample and a referee sample. The portions of mixture for the referee sample shall be bagged, labeled, and stored for testing, if required. All referee samples will be kept by the Department until they are tested (if required). The Contractor shall obtain a verificati on testing sample from each LOT each day for testing by the Department. The verification testing samples shall be taken at locations directed by the Engineer. These locations will be different from the Contractor’s mixture acceptance sample locations. The Contractor may take half of each sample for verification testing. The Department will compare the verification sample to the closest (in tonnage) Contractor’s primary sample. The sampling of Hot Mix Asphalt is outlined in ALDOT -380, Forms and Examples for Sampling and Computing Pay Factors for Hot Mix Asphalt.
4.Testing and Lot Verification. Air voids shall be computed on the Contractor’s sample by using the running average of the Contractor’s last four maximum specif ic gravities. If slag is used as an aggregate in the mixture, the running average of the Contractor’s four most recent determinations for the bulk specific gravity of the compacted mixture shall be used in the computation of the air voids for the Contracto r’s sample. The calculation of the running averages of both maximum specific gravity and bulk specific gravity shall start with the first LOT. The test strip is independent of the LOTs. Air voids shall be computed on the Department’s sample by using the D epartment’s individual maximum specific gravity and bulk specific gravity. The Department and the Contractor shall compare test results with each other for the above mentioned testing increments. If there are no differences or if the differences are within the tolerances listed in Tables V or VI, Section 410, for each parameter, no further testing and analysis will be necessary and the Contractor’s test values will be used in the computation of the appropriate LOT pay factor.
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. If the Contractor’s air voids d o not compare with the Department’s test results, the Contractor shall re -compute test results using the individual maximum specific gravity for that particular testing increment and re- compare with the verification test result. If the results compare with in the tolerances in Table V, Section 410, using the individual maximum specific gravities, no further testing will be required and the Contractor’s running average of the last four maximum specific gravities will be used to compute air voids for pay facto r determination. Also, if the Contractor’s air voids do not compare with the Department’s test results, and the Contractor is using slag as an aggregate, the Contractor shall re -compute test results using the individual bulk specific gravity for that particular testing increment and re- compare with the verification test result. If the results compare within the tolerances in Table V, Section 410, using the individual bulk specific gravity, no further testing will be required and the Contractor’s running average of the last four bulk specific gravities will be used to compute air voids for pay factor determination. If the results of the Department’s verification test and the Contractor’s test do not compare within the tolerances in Tables V or VI, Section 4 10, but yield the same pay factor for the LOT when the Department’s result is substituted for the Contractor’s result, no further testing will be required. Where the Contractor’s test results and the Department’s test results do not compare and cannot be resolved by the above mentioned methods but the pay factor dispute is between 1.00 and 1.02 the Contractor may elect to accept the 1.00 pay factor and waive referee testing. When differences between test results of the verification samples are not within the tolerances listed in Tables V or VI, Section 410, and cannot be resolved by the above mentioned methods, referee testing will be required. All referee samples will be tested by the Bureau of Materials and Tests, Central Laboratory, 3704 Fairground Ro ad, Montgomery, AL 36110. The Bureau of Materials and Tests Central Laboratory is an AASHTO accredited laboratory (see AASHTO R 18, Recommended Practice for Establishing and Implementing a Quality System for Construction Materials Testing Laboratories).
5.Referee Testing
a.Laboratory: All testing increments of the referee samples for the entire LOT shall be tested in the Bureau of Materials and Tests Hot Mix Laboratory for the pay factor parameter(s) (liquid asphalt binder content, laboratory compacted air voids, or gradation) in question. The Contractor’s results (using the individual air voids and maximum specific gravities) will be compared to the Bureau of Materials and Tests results (using Materials and T ests individual bulk and maximum specific gravities) for each testing increment in the LOT. When the Contractor’s results and the Bureau of Materials and Tests results are within the tolerances listed in Tables V or VI, Section 410, the Contractor’s result s will be used. When the Contractor’s results are not within the tolerances listed in Tables V or VI, Section 410, the Bureau of Materials and Tests Central Laboratory results will be used for final pay factors. The Bureau of Materials and Tests Central Laboratory will record the Contractor’s field results and the Central Laboratory’s results of the parameter(s) in question on form BMT -135. For each testing increment these results, either the Contractor’s or the Bureau of Materials and Tests’, will be use d in the computation of the appropriate LOT pay factor. Should differences between test results, that are not within the tolerances listed in Table V or VI, Section 410, for liquid asphalt binder content, air voids, or gradation continue for two consecutiv e days, operations shall be halted until testing discrepancies can be resolved. The Bureau of Materials and Tests will monitor testing procedures by Department and Contractor technicians until consistent test results are achieved.
b.Cores: If the Contract or believes that the core density values determined by the State are in error, the Contractor shall notify the Area Materials Engineer in writing that referee testing is requested. Using the original cores, the Area will again determine the densities of th e cores in question using a technician different from the technician who originally determined the core density. If these new densities result in a different pay factor, the new pay factor shall be applied to the tonnage in question (this may increase or decrease the Contractor’s pay adjustment).
6.Adjusted Payment for Deficiencies. The payment for each LOT will be adjusted on the basis of acceptance test results in accordance with the requirements given in this Sectio n. Accurate records shall be kept of the quantity (tonnage) of plant mix in each LOT.
106.09 Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Requirements for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Pavement. Pay factors shall be determined for each LOT from the values given in Tables II, III, IV, and VI, Section 410, in accordance with the following: Pay Factor For: Mix 327 Mix 420 Mix 423 Mix 424 Air Voids N/A N/A Table II Table III Asphalt Content Table II Table II Table II Table III Mat Density N/A N/A Table IV Table IV Gradation N/A Table VI N/A N/A The lowest numerical pay factor in a Lot will be applied to the contract price for the total tonnage {metric tonnage} in the LOT. This will result in an adjustment to the compensation for the Lot that will be shown in a separate line item on the payment es timates. Pay factors above 1.00 will not be applied to mixes that are tested on fewer than three characteristics or when there are less than four laboratory tests (percent liquid asphalt binder and laboratory air voids or gradation) per characteristic; i t is not necessary to obtain four roadway densities to obtain a pay factor above 1.00. When the pay factor is calculated to be greater than 1.00, a pay factor of 1.00 will be applied. Pay factors above 1.00 will not be applied to mixes where the roadway density requirement has been lowered below 94%.
d.Adjustment Period. During start -up operations, an adjustment period (test strip) as described below shall be required when producing a new job mix formula. The purpose of the adjustment period will be to permit the Contractor to adjust his production process and for Contractor QC personn el and ALDOT QA personnel to calibrate and coordinate their testing procedures. The Contractor has the option of running a test strip or waiving the test strip, if the proposed job mix formula has been produced satisfactorily on previous projects. The waiv er of a test strip shall be in writing to the Project Manager and the Area Materials Engineer prior to any production and placement of the previously produced job mix design. The Contractor assumes the risk of milling and relaying unacceptable mix with no additional compensation if the test strip is not utilized. A test strip of not more than 500 tons {500 metric tons} shall be constructed. If the placement of a test strip is not completed the same day it is begun, the Contractor shall construct a new test strip. Production shall stop until the Contractor has completed one liquid asphalt binder content, one air void content, and four mat density tests for mixes other than 327 and 420. For 327 and 420 mixes the Contractor shall complete one liquid asphalt bin der content and one gradation. The pay factors for liquid asphalt binder content, air void content, and gradation will be calculated using the one test row of Table II and Table III and the one test column of Table VI, and the pay factor for mat density wi ll be calculated using the four test column of Table IV in Section 410. The production point at which the mix shall be sampled shall be determined by the Contractor. This sample does not have to be randomly selected, but should be representative of the mix produced. Contractor mat density tests shall be performed with non -destructive density testing devices, meeting the requirements of Section 306, which have been calibrated for the layer being placed according to ALDOT- 222, ALDOT -350, or Section 306. The C ontractor shall cut cores at these locations and immediately turn the cores over to the Department for density measurements and determination of the pay factor. The Department will conduct the same tests for verification at the same time the Contractor is conducting his tests. If a pay factor of less than 1.00 is obtained using the one test row of Table II and Table III and the one test column of Table VI, and using the four test column of Table IV in Section 410, a second test strip consisting of 200 tons {200 metric tons} shall be constructed. If a pay factor of less than 1.00 is obtained using the one test row of Table II and Table III and the one test column of Table VI, and using the four test column of Table IV in Section 410 in the second test strip, additional 200 ton {200 metric ton} test strips shall be constructed until pay factors are equal to 1.00, at which time production can begin. A test strip is determined to be complete when the results of the tests are known. The Engineer may require any test strip to be removed and replaced at no cost to the Department if the pay factor determined from the four test row for mat density or the one test row for other tests is 0.80. For actual payment purposes, a pay factor of 1.00 will be used for all first a nd second test strips allowed to remain in place. Pay factors will be applied to the third and all subsequent 200 ton test strips at the average of the computed rate (using the one test row) and 1.00.
107.05 Federal Aid Participation.
SECTION 107 LEGAL RELATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC
107.01 Laws to be Observed.
The Contractor shall keep fully informed of all Federal and State laws, all local laws, ordinances, and regulations and all orders and decrees of bodies or tr ibunals having any jurisdiction or authority, which in any manner affect those engaged or employed on the work, or which in any way affect the conduct of the work. He shall at all times observe and comply with all such laws, ordinances, regulations, orders , and decrees; and shall protect and indemnify the State and its representatives against any claim or liability arising from or based on the violation of any such law, ordinance, regulation, order, or decree, whether by himself or his employees. The Contra ctor shall provide for the safety of his employees and the public along with protection of property in the performance of the work. Particular reference is made to the Federal Occupation Safety and Health Act Title 29, CFR Part 1926 (Published December 16, 1972, and all applicable amendments) for construction work and Part 1910 (Published May 29, 1971, and all applicable amendments) for general industry standards for those materials not covered in Part 1926, which is a condition of the contract and shall be a condition of any subcontract entered into pursuant thereto. All ocean shipping of materials and products used on Federal -aid highway projects shall comply with the requirements of Part 381, Title 46, CFR. The prime Contractor shall submit copies of all commercial ocean bills of lading to the Maritime Administration in Washington at the following address: Chief, Division of National Cargo MAR 822 Maritime Administration 400 7th Street, S.W. Washington, DC The Contractor's letter of transmittal shall show his address, the project number, project location, and the type materials involved.
107.02 Permits, Licenses and Taxes.
The Contractor shall procure all permits, and licenses, pay all charges, fees, and taxes, and give all notices necessary and incidental to the due and lawful prosecution of the work.
107.03 Patented Devices, Materials, and Processes.
If the Contractor employs any design, device, material, or process covered by letters of patent or copyright, he shall provide for such use by suitable legal agreement with the patentee or owner. The Contractor and the Surety shall indemnify and save harmless the State, any affected third party, or political subdivision from any and all claims for infringement by reason of the use of any such patented design, device, material or process, or any trademark or copyright, and shall indemnify the State for any costs. expenses, and damages which it may be obliged to pay by reason of an infringement, at any time during the prosecu tion or after the completion of the work.
107.04 Restoration of Surfaces Opened by Permit.
The right to construct or reconstruct any utility service in the highway or street or to grant permits for same, at any time, is hereby expressly reserved by the Department for the proper authorities of the municipality in which the work is done. When an individual, firm or corporation is authorized through a duly executed permit from the Department, the Contractor shall allow parties bearing such permits, and only th ose parties, to make openings in the highway. When ordered by the Engineer, the Contractor shall make in an acceptable manner, all necessary repairs due to such openings and such necessary work will be paid for as extra work, or as provided in these specif ications, and will be subject to the same conditions as original work performed.
107.05 Federal Aid Participation.
When the United States Government participates in the cost of the work covered by the contract, the work shall be under the supervision of th e State but subject to the inspection and approval of the proper officials of the United States Government and in accordance with the applicable Federal Statutes and rules and regulations made pursuant thereto (Reference Title 23, U.S. Code as amended).
Source: Alabama Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2022 Edition. Pages 45–57 of 934.