for Highway Construction Page 676 of 71 5 SECTION 71 1 – ROADSIDE IMPROVEMENT MATERIAL
711.01 to 711.03. Reserved .
711.04 Riprap .
Material for riprap consists of natural or quarry stones, that are durable, angular, sound, hard, without seams and other structural defects, resistant to weathering and water action, and meet the testing requirements of either set of criteria in Table 711.04-1 A or Ta ble 711.04 -1B. Table 711.04-1A – Rip Rap Quality Testing Criteria for Approved Aggregate Sources Property Test Method Requirement Idaho Degradation Idaho IT 15 8% Max Loss Los Angeles Abrasion AASHTO T 96 40% Maximum Ethylene Glycol Idaho I T 116 90% Minimum Retained Table 711.04 -1B – Rip Rap Quality Testing Criteria for All Other Sources Property Test Method Requirement Apparent Specific Gravity AASHTO T 85 2.5 Min imum Absorption AASHTO T 85 4% Maximum Coarse Durability Index AASHTO T 210 52 Minimum for Highway Construction Page 677 of 71 5 Provide riprap classes sized as shown in Table 711.04- 2: Table 711.04 -2 – Gradation Requirement for Riprap (a) Clas s Nominal Riprap Size, D 50 (b) (inches) Percent of Rock Equal or Smaller, D x Range of Intermediate Dimensions (c) (inches) III 12 100 24 (d) 85 15 - 19 50 11 - 14 15 7 - 11 V 18 100 36 (d) 85 23 - 28 50 17 - 21 15 11 - 16 VII 24 100 48 (d) 85 31 - 37 50 23 - 28 15 14 - 21 VIII 30 100 60 (d) 85 39 - 46 50 28 - 35 15 18 - 26 IX 36 100 72 (d) 85 47 - 56 50 34 - 42 15 22 - 32 X (e) 42 100 84 (d) 85 54 - 65 50 40 - 49 for Highway Construction Page 678 of 71 5 15 25 - 37 (a) Riprap class, size, and gradation consistent with FHWA – Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23. (b) The size for which 50% by weight of the particles are smaller. (c) Furnish rock with intermediate dimension (width and thickness) of at least one- third its length (longest axis). (d) Maximum intermediate dimension. (e) For any riprap larger than Class X, a qualified Engineer will determine the riprap size through an appropriate evaluation and provide a suitable gradation.
711.05 Seed .
Provide seed collected or harvested within 2 years of the targeted seeding date. Submit current certification documents and seed test results, including seed purity, germinati on/viability, an d free of noxious weeds. Seed will be true of genus and species, and will meet all provisions of the state of Idaho’s pure seed law and noxious weed rules, 22- 4 Idaho Code and IDAPA 02.06.22 respectively, and the Federal Seed Act, 7 CFR
Part 201 — .
Test all seed for prohibited and restricted noxious weed seed before delivery. The supplier must hold a current and valid Idaho seed dealer’s license. The Engineer will review requests for species or cultivar substitution( s); genus substitution is not allowed. Substitution requests need to be submitted at least 60 calendar days before delivery. Ensure each bag or container of individual seed species has labeling indicating seed classification (genus and species), lot number, purity, germination, percentage of weeds found, percentage of noxious weeds found, and test date. Provide a seed analysis report for each species issued from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture ( ISDA) or Associa tion of Official Seed Certifying Agency (AOSCA). The seed analysis report will include:
1.Test Date.
a.Seed germination tested within 8 months of the target seeding date.
b.Seed purity and noxious weed tested within 15 months of the target seeding date.
2.PLS. Seed germination percentage and purity percentage. Table 711.05 -1 – Minimum Allowable Rates for Seed by Species Material PLS Rate (a) All grass seed 0.800 All legume seed 0.785 All native wildflower and forb seed 0.765 Big sagebrush 0.160 Antelope bitterbrush 0.665 Rabbitbrush 0.160 for Highway Construction Page 679 of 71 5 Table 711.05 -1 – Minimum Allowable Rates for Seed by Species Material PLS Rate (a) Oregon Grape 0.500 Snowberry 0.580 Woods Rose 0.500 (a) Contact the Engineer for the minimum seed testing requirements for other shrub species. For certified or non- certified seed :
1.Noxious weed seeds prohibited.
2.Less than 1 percent by weight weed seeds including restricted noxious weed seed.
3.Less than 3 percent by weight of allowable cheat, chess, or downy brome seed. To obtain the PLS rating, use this formula: PLS rating = (purity %) x (germination %) To obtain the bulk seed needed: Bulk pounds of seed needed per acre = PLS lb /acre required PLS rating
A.Approval. The Engineer will verify that all seed test results and laboratory reports are valid and comply with certification tags for each species before approval. Once approved, deliver seed to the project site unopened, in original and individually packaged bags or containers according to species type (i.e. one species per bag or container). If seed is received in opened packages, packages without certification tags, or packages or containers containing multiple species, the seed will not be approved for use.
B.Random Sampling. The Engineer may conduct random onsite sampling to verify species, purity percentage, germination percentage, and restricted and prohibited noxious weed seeds. The Engineer will weigh seed according to size, approximately 616 gram samples for lupine species and 125 gram samples of mostly native seed (550 gram samples of grain or similar size seed) from unblended and individually packaged seed containers of each species. Samples will be submitted to the ISDA for analysis and verification. The Engineer will reject seed not meeting specifications. Do not plant until the seed is accepted and the application method is approved. Measure and mix individual unopened seed packages onsite in the Engineer’s presence at the specified proportions.
711.06 Plants .
Provide plants that meet the applicable requirements of the current American Standard for Nursery Stock. Ensure plants are true to type and name in accordance with Standardized Plant Names prepared by the Ameri can Joint Committee on Horticultural Nomenclature. Ensure plants are grown from seed or stock collected within 500 feet elevation of the project site. for Highway Construction Page 680 of 71 5 Provide plants that are sound, healthy, vigorous, well branched, and densely foliated when leaves are present, and without disease or insects, including adult eggs, pupae, or larvae. Provide plants without damaged root systems, disfigured limbs, or containing knots, limb scars, sun scald, abrasions of the bark, wind or freezing damage, or other disfigurements. Do not cut back plants from larger sizes to meet specified sizes. The Engineer will reject plants with noxious weeds in the containers or at the source. Provide nursery grown plants unless collected plants are specified. Provide plants that are grown or conditioned to an environment similar to the project site, including elevation, annual precipitation, soil conditions, and climate. The term "nursery grown" consists of plants collected in the forest or natural seedling trees and shrubs, provided these trees and shrubs have been growing continuously in one nursery for the minimum time periods specified in Table 711.06- 1. Table 711.06-1 – Plant Age Plant Material Time in Nursery Trees 2 Growing Seasons Shrubs, Evergreens 2 Growing Seasons Shru bs, Deciduous 1 Growing Season Wetland Plants 2 Growing Seasons Vines 1 Growing Season Provide trees with straight trunks, well branched with symmetrical tops and no unhealed scars more than ¾ inch in diameter. Provide well established containerized plants with a root system sufficiently developed to keep its shape and hold t ogether when removed from the container. The Engineer may reject plants that are pot bound or have kinked, circling, or bent roots. Provide plants in pots or containers of sizes specified. Deciduous plants may be supplied bare root unless sp ecified otherwise. Provide bare- root plants that are one size group larger than the sizes specified before pruning and packed in moisture retaining mat erial. Provide broadleaf evergreen plants and conifers balled and burlapped (B&B) or in suitable containers. Provide B&B plants, except seedlings, in firm, natural earth balls of standard size in accordance with the American Standard for Nursery Stock, with the root collar located within the top 2 inches of the soil ball, and wrapped with burlap firmly held in place by a cord or wire wrapping. Handle B&B plants by the earth ball only and protect against drying and freezing. The Engineer will reject broken or loose earth balls or plants without an adequate root system. Do not dig collected plants until they have been inspected. Dig collected plants with a greater earth ball or root spread for the applicable plant type in accordance with the American Standard for Nursery Stock. Pack and ship the plants in accordance with the American Standard for Nursery Stock. Submit required state and federal plant shipment inspection certificates. for Highway Construction Page 681 of 715 Notify the Engineer in writing within 6 weeks of target planting date if any specified plant is not obtainable or available. The Engineer will evaluate the plant availability and may consider allowing the nearest available size and simila r variety, with corresponding adjustment to the contract unit price. Provide plants labeled in accordance with size and scientific plant name with durable and legible tags. Deliver plants with labels secur ely attached to plants, bundles, and plant material containers. Submit the actual or a copy o f the inspection certificate for injurious insects, plant diseases, and other plant pests for each plant material shipment or delivery. Write the name, address, and stock source on the certificate. Leave the labels on at least 1 plant of the same species for each group plantings and on each plant for individual plantings during and after planting operations within the same area. Acceptable antitranspirants include polymer gels, wetting agents, spray on chemicals, or natur al products.
711.07 Commercial Fertilizer.
Provide natural organic commercial fertilizer products that include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, natural nutrients and micronutrients, or combinations that improve soil structure and have a salt index of 4 or less. Materials may also consist of Class A biosolids, plant nutrients derived from plant or animal residue, byproduct or natural material deposits (lime and gypsum), organic waste- derived material, or combinations that are currently registered in Idaho by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Provide fertilizer that is safe for the environment and does not infiltrate or pollute water sources including ground water, lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands. Provide fertilizer in containers or packages marked with the weight and/or volume along with the product label listing all ingredients and the manufacturer’s guaranteed content analysis. Ensure dry fertilizer products do not have material lumps or clumps.
711.08 Commercial Soil Conditioner.
Provide natural, organic mineral material, nutrients and micronutrients, or combinations that improve soil structure, enhance vegetative growth, incr ease pl ant’s ability to take in nutrients and have a salt index of 4 or less. Materials may include organic acids, compost, peat moss, vegetative waste material, sedge peat, gypsum, lime, diatomaceous earth, clay, vermiculite, wetting agents, absorbent pol ymers, biosolids, or other approved natural or organic materials that are free of wood substances and contain 50 percent organic matter by weight. Waste- derived products will have certification and product label stating the concentrat ion of metals or metalloids. Provide a laboratory report or other documentation verifying the levels of the metals or metalloids in the soil or plant amendment product. Provide soil conditioner certified in the state of Idah o by an authorized or approved state agency and declared noxious weed free. Submit a product inspection certificate from an approved commercial or state laboratory, or manufacturer’s certification . Ensure the sourc e is approved before shipping. for Highway Construction Page 682 of 71 5 711.09 Reserved .
711.10 Mulch .
Provide mulch material made from natural or organic based material consisting of grain, straw, grass, hay, wood fiber, coir or coconut fiber, or other certified natural and organic plant material. Provide mulch products that have been evaluated and meet testing specifications through NTPEP. Provide mulch products that have approximately 50 percent of the material exceeding 9⅞ inches in length where they are to be anchored by mechanical crimping. Provide mulch products listed on the QPL. Provide mulch that is water soluble and contains defibrated organic fibers. Provide mulch with a life expectancy and functionality of at least 3 months and up to a maximum of 24 months, as spec ified. Ensure mulch is certified in the state of Idaho by an authorized or approved state agency and declared noxious weed free. Ensure the mulch source is approved before shipping. Ensure bark mulch (granular and ornamental type) is reasonably free of strips and splinters. Provide manufacturer certification or documentation that the materials used are nontoxic to animals, soil microorganisms, aquatic and plant life, and will not interfere with or impede seed germination or vegetative growth and establishment. Provide shredded bark with a shredded or stringy texture. Apply wood and paper fiber to form a blotter -like ground cover.
711.11 Rolled Erosion Control Product s (RECP).
Provide RECPs that have been evaluated and meet testing specifications through NTPEP. Ensure RECPs are certified noxious weed free in the state of Idaho by an authorized or approved state agency. Ensure compliance with the specifications for rolled erosion control products as outlined by the Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC). Provide RECP products listed on the QPL. Submit manufacturer certification or documentation that the materials used in RECPs are nontoxic to animals, soil microorganisms, and aquatic and plant life, and will not interfere with or impede seed germination or vegetative growth and establishment. Provide RECPs in premanufactured rolls made from 100 percent biodegradable materials. Pr ovide RECPs with longevity appropriate for the work construction schedule, desired slope protection, and specifications.
711.12 Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRM).
Provide TRMs that have been evaluated and meet testing sp ecifications through NTPEP. Provide TRMs that consist of geotextiles, plastic, or durable synthetic materials. Ensure compliance with the specifications for TRM products as outlined by the Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC). Provide TRM products lis ted on the QPL. Submit manufacturer certification that the materials are nontoxic to animals, soil microorganisms, aquatic and plant life, and will not interfere or impede seed germination or vegetative growth and establishment. for Highway Construction Page 683 of 715 711.13 Irrigation Water. Provide an approved source for irrigation water that is without oil, acid, salt, pesticides or chemicals, or other substances harmful to plants .
711.14 and 711. 15. Reserved.
711.16 Mulch Tackifier.
Mulch tackifiers are natural or organic based mater ial consisting of cross -linked hydro- colloidal polymers, cross- linked tackifiers, guar gum, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, polyacrylamide, starch, psyllium, or other natural fiber blends that create a physical bond of fibers or matrix with polymer application when added to mulch. Tackifiers physically bind to mulch and soil, and do not allow the mulch to wash or blow away after application. Use organic, biodegradable, non- polluting, non- volatile, and non- toxic tacki fier that is transparent, flexible and retains flexibility after curing, water soluble, and makes a porous lattice- like membrane struc ture within the upper soil layer. Use tackifier that is mixable in water and nontoxic to animals, soil micr oorganisms, aquatic and plant life, and does not interfere with or impede seed germination, vegetative growth and establishment, and is non -staining to concrete or painted surfaces. Use tackifier products listed on the QPL. Ensure the tackifier is not re -emulsifiable when cured.
711.17 Mulch Plus Tackifier.
Mulch plus tacki fier or mulch with tackifier is a hydraulically applied blend of natural fibers, natural or manufactured or ganic materials, or other natural ingredients or combinations combined with a natural or organic -based tackifier or binding agent. Provide organic, biodegradable, non- polluting, non- volatile, and non- toxic mulch and tackifier that is transpar ent, flexible and retains flexibility after curing, water soluble, and makes a porous lattice- like membrane structure within the upper soil layer. Obtain mulch and tackifier or mulch with tackifier products listed on the QPL. Use a mulch plus tackifier as a premixed, prepackaged wood fiber mulch with a tackifier blended before application. Mix in accor dance with the manufacturer’s written instructions. Provide mulch plus tackifier as specified in 711.10 and 711.16.
711.18 Soil Amendments.
Soil amendments are natural or manufactured organic materials. Provide a soil amendment that is a commercially avai lable, pre- packaged, hydraulically applied blend of natural fibers, regional specific mycorrhizal species, growth stimulants, and other biologically active material designed to improve seed germination and vegetation establishment. Soil amendm ents will be processed thermally and mechanically from straw and flexible flax fibers, sphagnum peat moss, and other biological additives at the following volumes:
1.40 percent by volume of thermally and mechanically processed straw and flexible flax fibers. for Highway Construction Page 684 of 71 5 2. 57 percent by volume of professional grade sphagnum peat moss.
3.1.26 percent by volume of other biological additives, including trace minerals, sugars, starches, proteins, folic acid, vitamin A, triacontanol, and triacontanol growth stimulants/regulators.
4.At least 1% (1% or higher) of multiple species of fungal mycorrhizal and beneficial bacteria. Provide a pre- packaged commercially available powder tackifier specifically designed and manufactured for use with the specified hydraulically applied soil amendment. The tackifier will be formulated from long chain and cross -linking molecules in conjunction with a hydrocolloid vegetable gum. Provide a continuous and uniform cover at least 0.20 inches thick over seeded areas. Supplement thin or bare soil areas with additional soil amendment at no additional cost.
711.19 Mulch Mixture.
Mulch mixture is a hydraulically applied blend of qualified weed- free organic mulch, natural or manufactured organic fibers, qualified protein- rich nutrient source, biological soil stimulant, soil microorganisms, humic substance, other plant nutrient ingredients or combinations combined with a natural or organic, light -duty tackifier, a heavy -duty soil binder, or tackifier/binder reinforcing fibers as a complete package. Each product is specified based on its own ability to perform in combination with the other specified products. Provide mulch mixture that is a commercially available, pre- packaged, hydraulically applied blend of nat ural fibers, growth stimulants, biological soil stimulants, soil microorganisms, bonding fibers, tackifiers, reinforcing fibers, or combinations as specified. Provide organic, biodegradable, non- polluting, non- volatile, and non- toxic mulch , biological soil stimulants, protein- rich nutrient source, and binding agents and tackifier that is transparent, flexible and retains flexibility after curing, water soluble, and makes a porous lattice- like membrane structure within the upper soil layer. Obtain mulch mixture products listed on the QPL.
711.20 Fiber Wattles.
Provide fiber wattles made from 100 percent biodegradable materials that consist of certified noxious weed free material manufactured from natural straw, coir (coconut), composted material, wood fibers, or a combination of these, and wrapped in approved biodegradable netting made of natural fiber (e.g., jute, sisal, cotton, hemp, burlap). Ensure material, including netting, has a life expectancy of approximately 1 year. Provide fiber wattles with a minimum 8- inch diameter. Ensure fiber wattles that are 8 to 11 inches in diameter have a minimum weight of 1 pound per linear foot. Ensure fiber wattles with a diameter greater than 11 inches have a minimum weight of 3 pounds per linear foot. Secure ends tightly with biodegradable twine. Ensure stakes are biodegradable.
711.21 Compost Socks.
Provide compost socks made from 100 percent biodegradable materials that consist of certified noxious weed free material manufactured from composted material wrapped in woven netting or mesh tube made of approved biodegradable fiber (e.g., jute, sisal, cotton, hemp, burlap). Ensure material, including netting, has a life expectancy of approximately 1 year. for Highway Construction Page 685 of 71 5 Provide compost socks with a minimum 8- inch diameter that is without preservative. Provide a clean, evenly woven compost sock made of a mesh tube, oval to round in cross -section, and free of encrusted concrete or other contaminating materials. Ensure sock is without cuts, tears, broken or missing yarns, and does not have thin, open, or weak places. Provide sock with a minimum tensile strength of 44 psi. Secure ends tightly with biodegradable twine. Ensure compost products used in compost socks meet the compost requirements in 654. Ensure stakes are biodegradable.
711.22 Hydraulic Erosion Control Produc ts (HECP).
HECPs are hydraulically applied blends of erosion control mixtures that consist of certified hydraulic mulch , stabilized mulch matrix, bonded fiber matrix, and fiber reinforced matrix. Provide HECPs made of certified straw, cellulose fiber, wood fiber, coir or coconut fiber, or other certified natural and organic materials that meet certified life expectancy or longevity requirements. Provide HECPs that have been evaluated and meet testing specifications through NTPEP or other authorized third- party laboratories. Ensure HECPs are certified noxious weed free in the state of Idaho by an authorized or approved state agency. Ensure compliance with the specifications for rolled erosion c ontrol products as outlined by the Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC). Obtain HECP products listed on the QPL. Submit a manufacturer certification that the ma terials are nontoxic to animals, soil microorganisms, aquatic and plant life, and will not interfere with or impede seed germination or vegetative growth and establishment.
711.23 Inlet Protection.
Use approved inlet protection. for Highway Construction Page 686 of 71 5 SECTION 712 – SIGNING MATERIALS
712.01 Plywood for Type E Signs.
Meet U.S. Product Standard for Construction and Industrial Plywood.
712.02 Retroreflective Sheeting.
Supply retroreflective sign sheeting meeting ASTM D4956 standards for class ification , color, and performance.
1.Sheet Aluminum and Plywood Signs. Provide Type IV direct applied retroreflective sheeting for signs with white backgrounds. Provide Type XI direct applied retroreflective sheeting for all other backgrounds. Provide XI direct applied retroreflective sheeting for white sign legends.
2.Extruded Aluminum Sign Panels. Provide Type XI direct applied retroreflective sheeting for the background and legend.
3.Temporary Traffic Control Devices. Provide Type IV (minimum) direct applied retroreflective sheeting.
4.Delineator s and Snow Pole Reflectors. Provide Type IV (minimum) direct applied retroreflective sheeting.
712.03 to 712 .06 Reserved.
712.07 Silk Screen Opaque Inks.
Apply opaque silk screen inks in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions, waterproof for outdoor use, and dry within 18 hours to a film without running, streaking, bubbling, or sagging. Visually match opaque colored silk screen inks within the limits of the current color tolerance charts pr epared by the FHWA.
712.08 Silk Screen Transparent Inks.
Apply transparent silk screen inks of the desired color onto reflective sheeting background meeting the requirements of 712.02.
712.09 Direct Applied Nonreflective Sheeting and Direct Applied Transparent Films .
Direct applied nonreflective sheeting consists of flexible, glossy sheeting. Direct applied transparent films consist of transparent, acrylic colored films. Use solvent resistant sheeting and films that are precoated with Class 1 pressure sensitive, tack -free adhesive on the back side. Ensure the sheeting and films are applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions, to form a durable bond with the background enabling it to withstand severe weather conditions.
712.10 Flexible Posts for Deli neators.
Provide flexible posts for delineators as follows:
1.White or as otherwise specified.
2.Drivable with a steel stub or sleeve.
Source: Idaho Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2023 Edition. Pages 712–721 of 768.