SECTION 411 - STABILIZED GRAVEL SURFACE COURSE (Last Revised January, 2020)
411-1 DESCRIPTION. The work shall consist of placing a stabilized gravel surface course with
additive, if specified, on a prepared base in accordance with these specifications and in conformance with the lines and grades shown on the plans or as directed by the Engineer.
411-2 Materials
411-2.01 Gravel. The gravel shall conform to the following gradation requirements:
Sieve Size Percent Passing by Weight 2 in 100 1/4 in 30 - 65 No. 200 10 - 20 Particles passing the No. 40 sieve size shall have a maximum liquid limit of 30 and a plasticity index ranging from 3 to 8. The maximum loss in 4 cycles of the Magnesium Sulfate Soundness Test shall be
30.If the gravel as obtained from the bank is deficient in any of the requirements specified, such deficiency shall be corrected by screening, processing and/or blending with other acceptable materials before stockpiling. The requirements of §733-04 B, Stockpiling shall apply to all gravel furnished for this work.
411-2.02 Chemical Additives. Chemical additives, if required, shall meet the applicable requirements of
the following subsections:
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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2 Calcium Chloride 712-02 Sodium Chloride 712-03
411-3 Construction Details
411-3.01 Placement. After the base has been brought to grade and cross section, as shown on the plans,
thoroughly compacted, and approved by the Engineer, the Contractor shall place the stabilized gravel surface course. When calcium or sodium chloride additives are specified, they shall be added by an approved mechanical distributor after the gravel has been spread and prior to the addition of water. Calcium chloride shall be added in the amount of 1/2 pound per square yard per inch of compacted thickness of the course. Sodium chloride shall be added at a rate of 2 pounds per square yard per inch of compacted thickness of the course which is equivalent to approximately 2% of sodium chloride based on dry weight of aggregate. Water shall then be added to the material in amounts as directed by the Engineer. If the Contractor so elects, only the calcium chloride may be added to the gravel material as a water solution. In such cases the Contractor shall submit to the Engineer a detailed description in writing of the proposed procedure of operations. Construction shall not be started until the Engineer`s approval is obtained in writing.
411-3.02 Mixing
A.Gravel Without Additive. Water shall be thoroughly dispersed by any appropriate methods which will insure a uniform consistency and moisture content within the limits for proper compaction.
B.Gravel With Additive. The water and the chemical additive shall be thoroughly and uniformly incorporated with the gravel for the full depth of the course, by mixing with an approved power- driven rotary type mixing machine. Mixing shall continue until the material is of uniform composition. The Contractor may elect to mix the materials in an approved plant of the pugmill type. Mixing by blading, shoveling and/or scooping will not be permitted.
411-3.03 Compaction. When the in-place material is of uniform consistency and has a moisture content
within the limits for proper compaction, as determined by the Engineer, it shall be thoroughly compacted by the use of self-propelled pneumatic tired or vibratory compactor in accordance with the requirements of Section 203, Compaction. During the compaction operation, light grading shall be done as required to maintain the surface of the course true to grade and cross-section. In confined areas, inaccessible to rollers, mechanical rammers shall be used to obtain the compaction required in §203-3.03C. The finished surface of the stabilized gravel course shall be rolled in a float of free water with a smooth steel wheeled roller weighing not less than 10 tons. In all cases, the material must be so thoroughly compacted that it will not displace under the roller. This course shall not be placed in excess of 500 linear feet without being shaped, compacted and finish rolled. When posts for guide railing are to be installed adjacent to a stabilized gravel surface course, extreme care shall be taken during installation of the posts so that the stabilized gravel surface course is not disturbed.
411-3.04 Surface Preparation for Treatment
A.Calcium Chloride Stabilized Gravel Surface Course. After the calcium chloride stabilized gravel surface course has been completed, water shall be applied to the surface in amounts as directed by the Engineer. Immediately following the application of water, calcium chloride shall be applied on the surface with an approved mechanical spreader at the rate of 1/2 pound per square yard.
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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
B.Sodium Chloride Stabilized Gravel Surface Course. After the sodium chloride stabilized gravel surface course has been brought to final grade and cross section and rolling has been completed, the course shall be permitted to cure for a minimum of 10 days at a minimum temperature of 60°F before any additional pavement courses are applied. The cured completed surface course shall be broomed to remove dust, before application of the overlying course.
C.Gravel Without Additive. No surface preparation required for treatment.
411-4 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT. The quantity for payment, in cubic yards of material, shall be
computed within the payment lines shown on the plans or otherwise ordered in writing by the Engineer, and in accordance with the plans and specifications.
411-5 BASIS OF PAYMENT. The unit bid price per cubic yard shall include the cost of furnishing all
labor, materials and equipment necessary to complete the work, except that the water, the calcium chloride, and the sodium chloride shall be paid for under their appropriate items. No direct payment will be made for any losses of material which may result from shrinkage, compaction, foundation settlement, waste, overflow, erosion, leakage, or any other causes; the cost of such losses shall be included in the price bid for this work. Payment will be made under: Item No. Item Pay Unit 411.01 Stabilized Gravel Surface Course Cubic Yard 411.02 Calcium Chloride Stabilized Gravel Surface Course Cubic Yard 411.03 Sodium Chloride Stabilized Gravel Surface Course Cubic Yard
Referenced in this section
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Source: Standard Specifications (US Customary Units), 2026 (Jan) Edition. Pages 380–382 of 1,489. View official source ↗