SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-1
Part 400
ASPHALT PAVEMENTS — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS
401.01 Description.
This work includes constructing HMA pavements on prepared foundations. HMA includes a mixture of aggregate, performance graded asphalt binder ( PGAB), and filler if required. The aggregate is sized, graded, and combined in proportions necessary for the mixture to meet the gradation requirements of the job mix formula (JMF).
401.02 Materials.
Aggregates. Use aggregates that comply with Subsection M03.02.2 and AASHTO M 323. Ensure that no more than 10 percent of the aggregate in the HMA is natural sand with the exception of Class
4.75 HMA, which must include no more than 20 percent.
Performance Graded Asphalt Binder (PGAB). Use PGAB that meets AASHTO M 320, M 332, R 29, and R 92. PGAB Requirements Class of Mix PGAB Requirement 4.75, 9.5, 12.5, 19.0, and Base Courses PG 64S-28
19.0 and Base Course with less than 15 percent
RAP required PG 64S-22
19.0 and Base Course with 15 to 25 percent RAP
required PG 58S-22 All classes designated as “Modified” PG 64E-28 with a minimum 2.5 percent SBS polymer If a class of HMA is designated as “with WMA,” use a warm mix additive. Select the WMA from the RIDOT Approved Materials List. Do not use re-refined engine oil bottoms (REOB) in any PGAB. Supply binder from a facility compliant with AASHTO Product Evaluation and Audit Solutions (PEAS). Mix Design. Use HMA mixes that conform to AASHTO M 323, “Standard Specification for Superpave Volumetric Mix Design.” Follow the design procedure for AASHTO R 35, “Standard Practice for
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-2 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS Superpave Volumetric Design for Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA).” Determine the optimum binder content (OBC) as follows: • Determine the OBC for Class 4.75, Class 9.5, and Class 12.5 when not designated as base course using PG 64S-28. • Determine the OBC for Class 4.75, Class 9.5, and Class 12.5 when designated as b ase course with less than 15 percent RAP using PG 64S-22. • Determine the OBC for Class 4.75, Class 9.5, and Class 12.5 when designated as b ase course with 15 to 25 percent RAP using PG 58S-28. • Determine the OBC for Class 19.0 with less than 15 percent RAP using PG 64S-22. • Determine the OBC for Class 19.0 with 15 to 25 percent RAP using PG 58S-28. Provide the effective voids in the mineral aggregate (VMAeffective) for each asphalt content during the mix design process. An individual certified in mix design technology by the Asphalt Institute shall develop and sign the mix design. Provide new mix designs no later than two weeks before the date when production of the mixture is scheduled to begin and provide a copy of the individual’s certification. Do not produce a mixture for State projects until the mix design is approved by the Engineer. Provide mix designs on forms provided by the Engineer. The following specific requirements and exceptions to AASHTO M 323 apply: • Obtain the specific gravity, absorption, and consensus properties of the aggregates from RIDOT’s most recent sampling and testing or from a laboratory accredited by AASHTO to perform AASHTO T 84 and T 85. • Comply with the recommendations of Section 4.2 of AASHTO R 35. • Use a coarse-graded mix as defined in Section 6.1.3 of AASHTO M 323. • Ensure that t he dust to binder ratio (P 0.075/Pbe) is 0.5 to 1.0. Use t he effective binder content to calculate this ratio. • In addition to the sieves listed in Table 3 of AASHTO M 323, use the 0.600 mm, 0.300 mm, and 0.150 mm sieves. The 50.0 mm and 37.5 mm sieves are not required. • Design Class 19.0 and mixes designated as base course with a 0 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, or 25 percent RAP content. Do not use RAP in any other mix. • Ensure that Ninitial is 6, Ndesign is 50, and Nmax is 75 gyrations. • A moisture susceptibility test is not required. • Ensure that the design VMA, VFA, air voids, and minimum optimum binder content (OBC) meet the criteria in the following Table.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-3 HMA Properties Class of Mix VMA (minimum) VFA Air Voids Minimum OBC
4.75 17.5% 70% – 80% 4% 7.0
9.5 16.5% 70% -–80% 4% 6.0
12.5 15.5% 70% – 80% 4% 5.5
19.0 14.5% 70% – 80% 4% 5.0
Comply with the following procedures for each mix design: • Provide three aggregate trial blends gradations for approval. • After approval, blend the three trial aggregate blend gradations, and provide according to Section 4.2 of AASHTO R 35. • Provide all trial mixture data and calculations determined per Section 9 of AASHTO R 35 on forms provided by the Engineer . The Engineer will determine which trial mixture will be used for the mix design procedure. • After a new mix design is completed, provide to the Engineer for review and approval. • The Engineer will provide the correction factors for each mix for each ignition furnace in the plant lab. Provide the two gyratory cores (AASHTO T 312) and the theoretical maximum specific gravity sample (AASHTO T 209) at the optimum binder content to the Engineer. Before beginning production of a new HMA mix, perform a successful plant trial batch for that mix. The Engineer will test a split of the sample taken by the Contractor . Provide notification of the date and time of the trial batch to the Engineer 24 hours in advance. If there is a change in sources of materials, establish a new mix design before the new material is used. When the Engineer determines that unsatisfactory results or other conditions make it necessary, establish a new mix design and provide it to the Engineer for approval. Quality Assurance.
a.Process Control. Exercise process control over all production operations. Provide constant monitoring of equipment, materials, and production activity such as testing and analysis to ensure that the HMA meets all applicable requirements and is produced within the allowable tolerances. Use personnel certified by Northeast Transportation Training and Certification Program (NETTCP) as an Asphalt Plant Technician. The technician is subject to RIDOT Independent Assurance sampling and testing.
b.A cceptance Testing. The Engineer will conduct acceptance testing. Take samples at the direction and in the presence of the Engineer according to AASHTO R 97. The Engineer will take immediate possession of the samples. Samples not provided to the Engineer immediately will not be used for acceptance.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-4 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS
1.Gradation, Binder Content, and Air Void Content . Perform gradations according to AASHTO T 30. A wet wash will not be performed. The requirements in the Table below apply to mixes with and without pay adjustments. During production of a specific mix, if two consecutive tests do not meet the gradation requirements of the Table below or if one test exceeds double the tolerance on the control sieve, cease production of that HMA mix. The Engineer will allow production to resume after the Contractor completes a successful trial batch for that class of mix. Acceptance sampling will resume with the subsequent sublot or as determined by the Engineer.
2.Gradation Requirements Class 19.0 Class 12.5 Class 9.5 Class 4.75
25.0 mm (1 in.) 100% 100% 100% 100%
19.0 mm (¾ in.) 90% – 100% 100% 100% 100%
12.5 mm (½ in.) 90% max 90% – 100% 100% 100%
9.5 mm (⅜ in.) — 90% max 90% – 100% 95% – 100%
4.75 mm (#4) — — 90% max 85% – 100%
2.36 mm (#8) ±5% from design ±5% from design ±5% from design —
1.18 mm (#16) — — — ±5% from design
0.075 mm (#200) ≥ 2% ≥ 2% ≥ 2% ≥ 2%
Control Sieve 2.36 mm (#8) 2.36 mm (#8) 2.36 mm (#8) 1.18 mm (#16) The Engineer will determine the binder content according to AASHTO T 308 and the air voids according to AASHTO T 269. The plant shutdown criteria in the Table below will apply for binder content and air voids that exceed the following tolerances. Plant Shutdown Criteria Pay Adjustments Shutdown Criteria One Test Two Consecutive Tests With Pay Adjustments Optimum Binder Content ±0.6% — Design Air Voids ±2.0% — Without Pay Adjustments Optimum Binder Content ±0.6% ±0.4% Design Air Voids ±2.0% ±1.0% Any combination of gradation, binder content, and voids that exceed specifications on two consecutive tests requires the Contractor to shut down the plant. Do not sample trial batches until acceptance testing is complete. The Engineer will allow production to resume after the Contractor completes a successful trial batch for that class of mix.
3.Mix Production — Lots and Sublots. A standard sublot is 600 tons for HMA sampled at the plant for each production run. A standard lot for each mix is 10 sublots. A sample will be randomly selected and tested for each sublot. At least five sublots will be used when calculating pay adjustments.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-5 If the quantity of HMA needed to finish a production run is projected by the Contractor to be less than the standard sublot size of 600 tons, the projected tonnage may be used to select a random sample. If the projected tonnage is not produced or a random sample is unable to be taken, the Engineer may select a sample at the end of the run or at the paver. If no sample is taken, the tonnage will be added to the previous sublot. Additional samples may be taken at the discretion of the Engineer. Gyratory cores and theoretical maximum density samples will be retained by the Engineer for two weeks after the results are reported to the Contractor.
4.Adjustments to Lots . If less than five sublots are tested after the end of the final standard lot, they will be added to that lot. Five or more sublots tested after the end of the final standard lot will constitute a separate lot.
5.P lant Pay Adjustments. If a class of HMA is designated with pay adjustments, the pay adjustments for deviation from the optimum binder content (established by the mix design) in the Table below and the design air void content in the second Table will apply. OBC Pay Adjustments Deviation from Optimum Binder Content Pay Adjustment Less than or equal to 0.1% +2% 0.2% +1% 0.3% 0% 0.4% -5% 0.5% -15% 0.6% -30% 0.7% -40% Greater than 0.7% -50% or Remove and Replace* Air Void Pay Adjustments Deviation from Design Air Void Content Pay Adjustment Less than or equal to 0.5% +1% 0.6% to 1.0% 0% 1.1% to 1.5% -5% 1.6% to 2.0% -10% 2.1% to 2.5% -30% 2.6% to 3.0% -40% Greater than 3.0% -50% or Remove and Replace* * The decision to make 50% payment or remove and replace will be made by the Engineer. Note: All deviation values will be rounded to the nearest 0.1 percent before applying pay adjustments.
6.Calculation of Pay Adjustments for Production Binder and Air Void Content. For each test, absolute deviations will be used when determining binder and air void content
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-6 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS pay adjustments. Absolute deviations are the values of deviation regardless of sign (±). The average of the absolute deviations from the optimum binder content of all sublots in each lot will be used to determine the appropriate pay adjustments for the lots. The same will apply for air void content. No payment will be made for any pavement that is removed.
7.Independent Assurance Testing. The Department will perform this testing according to the RIDOT publication, “Schedule for Sampling, Testing, and Certification of Materials.”
401.03 Construction Methods.
HMA Mixing Plant. Ensure that the HMA plant complies with AASHTO M 156 and SECTION 941. Hauling Equipment. Ensure that trucks or other equipment used for hauling HMA have tight, clean, smooth, metal beds, which have been thinly coated with an approved release agent. Do not apply diesel fuel or other petroleum based material to any portion of the vehicle that contacts the HMA. For each truck, provide a solid cover of canvas or other suitable material that protects the mixture from the weather and covers the entire length and width of the truck body. Load tri-axle trucks using a minimum of two drops, front and back. Load trailers using a minimum of three drops with the center drop always occurring last. Do not clean equipment (vehicles, truck beds, etc.) in areas to be pa ved. A material transfer vehicle (MTV) is required for the construction of all HMA friction, surface, intermediate, and base courses on all limited access highways listed in the Table below. Use the MTV on travel lanes, auxiliary lanes, climbing lanes, acceleration and deceleration lanes, ramps, collector/distributor roads and service roads. Ensure that the MTV independently delivers HMA from the hauling equipment to the paving equipment. Install a paving hopper insert with a minimum capacity of 14 tons in the hopper of conventional paving equipment when a MTV is used. As a minimum, use a MTV that has a high capacity truck unloading system that will receive HMA from the hauling equipment, a storage system in the MTV with a minimum capacity of 14 tons of HMA, and a discharge conveyor that can swivel to either side to deliver the mixture to the paver while allowing the MTV to operate from an adjacent lane. In addition, ensure that the paving operation contains a remixing system to blend the mixture before placement. Adjust the speed of the paver and MTV to coordinate with the availability of HMA. Failure to keep the MTV supplied with HMA may be cause to cease paving operations for this work. The Engineer may suspend paving operations if more than two stoppages occur. Operate the MTV from an adjacent lane unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer. When a MTV is used on a Project, investigate the possible movement of the fully or partially loaded MTV on the Project. If there are any structures that the MTV will traverse, request an Overweight Permit Check from the Department. Provide a copy of the request in writing to the
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-7 Engineer, and include the axle configuration, weights, and the Project limits. Do not restart operations until permission is received from the Engineer. The following Table is a list of roadways requiring the use of a MTV. Route Number Limits I-95 Connecticut State Line to Massachusetts State Line I-195 I-95 to Massachusetts State Line I-295 I-95 to Massachusetts State Line US Route 1 Prosser Trail to Wakefield Cut-Off RI Route 4 Route 1 to I-95 US Route 6 Route 102 to Route 101; Route 10 to I-295 RI Route 10 Park Avenue to Route 6 US Route 6/RI Route 10 Magnolia Street Bridge to I-95 RI Route 24 Route 114 to Massachusetts State Line RI Route 37 Natick Avenue to Post Road RI Route 78 Route 1 to Connecticut State Line RI Route 99 Route 146 to Mendon Road East Shore Expressway I-195 to Wampanoag Trail RI Route 114 East Shore Expressway to Forbes Street RI Route 138 Route 1 to Admiral Kalbfus Road RI Route 146 I-95 to Reservoir Road RI Route 146 Route 146A to Massachusetts State Line RI Route 403 Route 4 to Quonset Point Airport Connector I-95 to Post Road Henderson Bridge Access Roadway Waterman Street/So. Angell Street to Broadway Pavers. Spread mixtures using a self-powered paver capable of spreading to line, grade, and crown. Use auger extensions when the end of the screed extension is more than 2 ft from the end of the augers. Ensure that the screed and screed extenders continually vibrate while placing the mixture. Ensure that the screed is heated to maintain the HMA at the required placement temperature. Use automatic screed controls with sensors on both sides of the paver in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the controls are capable of sensing grade from an outside reference line, sensing the transverse slope of the screed and p roviding the automatic signals that operate the screed to maintain the desired grade and transverse slope. Ensure that the sensors can operate from a ski -type device or reference beam of not less than 25 ft in length. Ensure that the sensors can operate from a reference line, unless the ski-type device or reference beam can ride on an adjacent, newly placed lift of HMA.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-8 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS Provide r eference lines for the control of horizontal alignment , subject to the approval of the Engineer. Ensure that the transverse slope controller can maintain the screed at the desired slope within ±0.1 percent. Ensure that the paver is equipped with automatic feeder controls, properly adjusted to maintain a uniform depth of materials ahead of the screed. Manual operation will be permitted in the construction of irregularly shaped and minor areas or where otherwise allowed by the Engineer. Conditioning of Existing Surfaces. Remove all striping on existing surfaces before applying the tack coat. Provide a thin, even coating of tack to surfaces of curbs, gutters, vertical faces of existing pavements, and all structures that will contact the HMA. Avoid the splattering of surfaces that will not contact the HMA. When a tack coat is required, provide a type and grade and application method that conforms to SECTION M03 and SECTION 403. Spreading and Finishing. Lay t he mixture on an approved clean surface, which has been spread and struck off to the established grade and elevation. Use HMA pavers to distribute the mixture either over the entire width or over a partial width approved by the Engineer. Ensure that transverse joints are clean, smooth, uniform, vertical, and constructed using a fixed depth road saw. Ensure that t he practices and guidelines for placing HMA comply with the Asphalt Institute Publication MS-22, “Construction of Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements.” Do not allow unnecessary walking on the uncompacted HMA mat. Before beginning a new lane, heat the screed to the proper operating temperature and remove any clumps of cold material in the paver hopper. Do not allow trucks or other equipment on freshly placed HMA, unless permitted by the Engineer. Where irregularities or unavoidable obstacles make the use of mechanical spreading and finishing equipment impractical, place the mixture as close to its final position as possible. S pread, rake, and lute with hand tools to minimize segregation and provide the required compacted thickness. Protect catch basins to prevent HMA from entering the basin and to enable the grate to be easily removed after paving. If paving results in HMA entering the catch basin or in bonding the grate to the frame preventing its normal removal, remove all HMA from the catch basin and clean the grate to debond the two. If unforeseen circumstances cause the paving operation to cease, provide a minimum of three loaded trucks on site before paving will be allowed to resume.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-9 Compaction. Immediately after the HMA has been spread, struck off, and surface irregularities adjusted, uniformly compact by rolling. Roll the surface when the mixture is in the proper condition and when rolling does not cause undue displacement, cracking, and shoving. Compact HMA used on bridge decks with an oscillatory roller. Compact HMA used as leveling course with a pneumatic roller. Use a minimum of two rollers for all paving operations that exceed a daily total of 500 tons, except for driveway, sidewalk, and bridge deck paving operations. Provide a number, weight, and type of roller(s) sufficient to compact the mixture to the required density before it reaches the minimum compaction temperature. Use rollers in the vibratory or oscillatory mode for asphalt placed on soil. Use rollers in the oscillatory mode on bridge decks. Finish rollers may be used in static mode. Provide rollers used for compaction with a minimum operating weight of 10 tons or greater. Do not use equipment that results in excessive crushing of the aggregate. Ensure that the speed of a roller does not exceed 5 mph. Do not park rollers on HMA. Only stop rollers on HMA when reversing direction. When reversing direction, ensure that the action is smooth, not abrupt. Ensure that the drive wheel approaches the new mix, not the tiller wheel. When a vibratory roller is used for finish rolling, use the roller in the static mode. Continue finishing rolling until all roller marks are eliminated. Do not allow traffic on newly placed pavement until the temperature falls below 130 degrees F. Ensure that the motion of the rollers is sufficiently slow to avoid displacement of the hot mixture. Ensure that the wheels of steel-wheel rollers remain moist and clean to prevent adhesion of the fresh material; however, do not apply an excess of water. If satisfactory density cannot be obtained in any lift, and if the Engineer determines that it is structurally inadequate and/or incapable of maintaining material integrity, remove and replace the area(s) at no additional cost to the Department. Remove and replace any mixture that becomes loose and broken, mixed with dirt, or is otherwise defective and place fresh hot mixture, which must be compacted to conform to the surrounding area. Remove and replace any area demonstrating an excess or deficiency of PGAB.
a.In-Place Density for Classes of HMA not designated as “with Pay Adjustments.” For HMA not designated with Pay Adjustments, ensure that the in-place density is a minimum of 92 percent of the theoretical maximum density obtained at the plant. Acceptance testing will be performed with a nuclear or non-nuclear gauge. If a class of HMA is designated for bridge decks, use an oscillatory roller with a minimum operational weight of 8 tons . For HMA designated for bridge decks and with Pay Adjustments, the pay adjustments will only apply to binder content and air voids. In-place density will not be used for acceptance testing.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-10 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS If a class of HMA is designated for leveling, place the HMA with a paver. Use a pneumatic roller with a minimum operational weight of 8 tons . In-place density will not be used for acceptance testing. For HMA designated for leveling and with Pay Adjustments, the pay adjustments will apply only to binder content and air voids. If a class of HMA is used for patching, miscellaneous work, or paved waterways, place the HMA by hand. Use a vibratory plate compactor or roller . Use a hand tamper only if approved by the Engineer. In-place density will not be used for acceptance testing.
b.In-Place Density for Classes of HMA designated as “with Pay Adjustments.” Compaction density will be measured using cores of in- place pavement extracted according to AASHTO R 67. Extract cores under the direction of and witnessed by the Engineer. Otherwise, the cores will not be used for acceptance. The Engineer will determine the location of all cores . Each lot and sublot for in- place density cores will be matched as near as practical to each production lot and sublot used at the plant. The average Gmm for the paving session will be used to determine the in-place density of the cores extracted for that session. Extract all cores after completion of rolling operations and before the paved section is open to traffic. The Engineer will take immediate possession of the cores upon extraction. If the Contractor does not obtain cores before a sublot is open to traffic , no bonus (pay adjustment resulting in more than 0 percent) will be paid for the sublot but disincentives will still apply. Bulk specific gravities will be determined according to AASHTO T 166, regardless of whether the absorption exceeds 2.0 percent. The Engineer will retain the cores for four weeks after the results are reported to the Contractor. For HMA used on bridge decks, cores will not be required or allowed. The Contractor may extract its own cores for QC to monitor in- place density and production quality; however, these cores will not be used for acceptance.
1.Mat Density. A standard sublot is 600 tons. A non-standard sublot is the quantity of HMA placed if there is less than 600 tons produced after the final standard sublot. Under the direction of and witness by the Engineer, extract two stratified, randomly selected cores (diameters between 3.75 in. and 4 in.) from the mat for each standard sublot. One core is taken for sublots less than 450 tons. The Table below will be used to determine the minimum number of cores extracted from the mat. The center of each core used to determine mat density will be at least 1 ft away from the edge of pavement, transverse or longitudinal joints, or drainage structures. MAT Density Core Quantities Expected Daily Production Tonnage Minimum Number of Mat Cores 450 or Less 1 451 – 750 2 751 – 1050 3
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-11 1051 – 1350 4 1351 – 1650 5 1651 – 1950 6 1951 – 2250 7 2251 – 2550 8 2551 – 2850 9 2851 – 3150 10
2.Joint Density. Extract one joint density core for every 3000 ft or less when a joint is formed. Extract joint cores so that the center is within 2 in. of the middle of the sloped portion of a notched- wedge joint or within 1 in. of the middle of a butt joint. Ensure that cores taken from butt joints are 6 in. in diameter.
3.In-P lace Density Pay Adjustments. In-place density will be measured and reported as a percent of theoretical maximum density. The pay adjustments from the Table below will be made for in-place mat density. MAT Density Pay Adjustments In-Place Mat Density Pay Adjustment 95.0% and greater +2% 94.0% to 94.9% +1% 93.0% to 93.9% 0% 92.0% to 92.9% -5% 91.0% to 91.9% -15% 90.0% to 90.9% -25% 89.0% to 89.9% -35% Below 89.0% Remove and Replace The pay adjustments from the Table below will be made for in-place joint density. Joint Density Pay Adjustments In-Place Joint Density Pay Adjustment 93.0% and greater +2% 92.0% to 92.9% +1% 91.0% to 91.9% 0% 90.0% to 90.9% -5% 89.0% to 89.9% -15% 88.0% to 88.9% -25% 87.0% to 87.9% -35% Below 87.0% -100% Note: All density values will be rounded to the nearest 0.1% before applying pay adjustments.
4.Calculation of Pay Adjustments for In-Place Density. • Mat Density. For each sublot, the bulk specific gravity (Gmb) of the mat density core(s) will be averaged and then compared to the average of the corresponding plant
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-12 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS theoretical maximum specific gravities (Gmm) for that paving session to calculate the in-place density for each sublot. The average of the sublot densities in a lot will be used to determine the appropriate pay adjustment for that lot. Lot pay adjustments will be applied to the respective quantity of HMA in each lot. • Joint Density. For joint density pay adjustments, a joint lot will be defined as 10 joint density results. However, if less than five joint density results are remaining after the final full joint lot is formed, they will be added to the previous joint lot. Five or mor e joint density results remaining after the final full joint lot will constitute a separate joint lot. A minimum of five joint density cores will be used to calculate pay adjustments. If five cores are not available, the joint density pay adjustments will not be used and the joint quantity will be added to the mat quantity. Calculation of in-place joint density will be determined using the Gmb of joint density cores and the project average plant Gmm of the respective mix. The average of the individual joint density results in a joint lot will be used to determine the appropr iate pay adjustment for that joint lot. The calculation of material quantity used to construct the joints will be based on the joint core density, the specified thickness, a width of one ft and the total length of the joints on the Project. This quantity will be deducted from the total tonnage. Quality control (QC) for paving operations include measurement of in‐place mat and joint density using a nuclear or non ‐nuclear density gauge calibrated and operated in accordance with AASHTO T 343 or T 355 as applicable. The operator of the gauge shall direct and guide both the paver and roller operators to ensure conformance with density specifications. This QC operation shall be performed for all paving sessions greater than 300 tons or if the mix being placed includes pay adjustments. It is not required for leveling course but is required for all dense graded mixes, Friction Courses and PPEST. Take acceptance cores at the direction of the Department. Joints. Ensure that the placement of the HMA is as continuous as possible. Do not allow rollers to pass over the unprotected end of a freshly laid mixture, unless authorized by the Engineer. Stagger both longitudinal and transverse joints in successive courses so that neither is above the other. Stagger longitudinal and transverse joints a minimum of 6 in., and ensure so that the longitudinal joint in the top course is at the location of the line dividing the traffic lanes. Rake any HMA that falls on the cold side of the mat onto the hot side during paving operations. Ensure that the material pushed onto the hot side of the joint remains in the joint area and is not broadcast over the pavement. Use a notched wedge joint maker on all longitudinal drop-offs, regardless of whether they are on the left, right, or both sides of the pavement. Construct joints so that the height of the notch is the same as the nominal maximum aggregate size. Provide a width of the sloped portion of the joint that is at least 12 in. Use a notched wedge joint maker on ramps when they are paved in two passes.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-13 Pavement Samples. As directed, cut samples from the compacted pavement for testing by the Engineer. Extract samples of the mixture for the full depth of the course at the locations directed by the Engineer. Where samples have been taken, place and compact new material to conform to the surrounding area. Weather Limitations. Do not place HMA on any wet surface or when weather conditions otherwise prevent the proper handling or finishing of the HMA. For lifts with a target compacted lift thickness less than or equal to 1.5 in., only place HMA when both the air and surface temperature in the shade is 45°F or greater. If an approved WMA (warm mix additive) is used, ensure that the temperatures are 40°F or greater. For lifts with a target compacted lift thickness greater than 1.5 in., only place HMA when both the air and surface temperature in the shade is 40°F or greater. Do not place HMA on frozen ground. Ensure that the HMA mat is at least 265°F when placed. If, after mobilization, the weather limitations have an impact, assume all costs associated with the stopping, delaying, or canceling of operations. Cold-Weather Paving. If the existing pavement is removed before the winter shutdown, do not close the Project for the season until a new HMA layer has been placed and striped with temporary epoxy pavement markings. If paving cannot be performed because temperatures do not rise above 40 oF, then the pavement will be designated as temporary. Repave that segment of roadway in the spring when temperatures exceed 40oF. Drop-Offs.
a.Longitudinal Drop-Offs. A longitudinal drop-off is the difference in elevation between the top of recently placed or milled HMA pavement and the top of adjacent ground or pavement. Ensure that drop-offs on recently placed pavements conform to Subsection 401.03.7. Construct all longitudinal drop-offs using a notched wedge joint maker, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. See the RIDOT Standard Details.
b.Tr ansverse Drop-Offs. Transverse drop-offs occur as follows: ● Pavement Removal. A transverse drop-off occurs when pavement removal operations begin or end on a working day. The drop-off is the difference in elevation between the bottom of the excavated pavement and the top of the existing pavement. ● Pavement Overlay. A transverse drop-off occurs when pavement overlay operations begin or end on a working day. The drop-off is the difference in elevation between the top of the overlay pavement and the top of the underlying pavement or soil. Construct
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-14 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS drop-offs using a bond breaking material between the drop- off and the underlying pavement or soil. If traffic is allowed across any transverse drop-off before the resumption of pavement removal or pavement overlay operations, provide tapers as follows: ● Construct all tapers with HMA conforming to the requirements of SECTION 401. ● For Posted Speeds of 35 mph or Less. Transverse drop-offs in place at the end of a working day shall be graded at a slope not steeper than 2 feet horizontal to 1 inch vertical. ● For Posted Speeds Greater than 35 mph. Transverse drop-offs in place at the end of a working day shall be graded at a slope not steeper than 5 feet horizontal to 1 inch vertical. ● Place BUMP signs according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for each drop-off for each direction of traffic. ● Before the resumption of pavement overlay operations, remove the transition slope as follows: Saw cut the pavement overlay back approximately 6 in. to expose a fresh, full thickness vertical face. Brush paint or pressure spray this face with tack coat, a fter which the HMA paving may resume. The sawcut work will be considered incidental to pavement operations.
401.04 Method of Measurement.
Measurement of HMA Pavement. HMA pavements will be measured by the number of tons placed.
a.Determination of Thickness. Before the determination of the in- place thickness, ensure that the roadway exhibits acceptable workmanship and that all defects have been corrected. The placed thickness of HMA pavement will be determined by cutting or coring holes. For courses with in-place density cores specified, the thickness of the density cores will be used to determine the in- place thickness. For courses placed on bridge decks, bike paths, or sidewalks, neither final nor density cores will be required. Cores will be measured according to ASTM D3549, “Standard Test Method for Thickness or Height of Compacted HMA Paving Mixture Specimens .” The depth measurement will apply to the full width of the lane. Measurements will be made at random locations as determined by the Engineer. For the determination of thickness, a shoulder width of 8 ft or greater will be considered to be a separate lane of the roadway. A shoulder width of less than 8 ft will be considered part of the adjacent lane. For cores taken by the Contractor, fill all holes with a compacted, dense HMA that is acceptable to the Engineer. If required by the Engineer, maintain and control traffic while pavement samples are taken and while the holes are being filled and compacted.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-15
b.Adjustment of Tonnage Quantity. The pavement thickness will be considered acceptable if both of the following requirements are met: ● The total HMA tonnage delivered and placed does not exceed the tonnage calculated from the approved area measured from the final surface course width by the P roject length and the specified pavement thickness by more than 5 percent. ● When “Specification Conformity Analysis,” FHWA Technical Advisory T5080.12, ” dated June 23, 1989, is applied to the entire roadway or sections thereof as determined by the Engineer, at least 80 percent of the total HMA pavement will have a thickness that meets the minimum pavement thickness. The minimum pavement thickness is that contained in the Contract minus ½ in. (e.g., a total pavement thickness of 7 in. will have a minimum pavement thickness requirement of 6.5 in.). If the first requirement is not met, no payment will be made for all tonnage exceeding 5 percent, unless unusual field conditions are present and documented (e.g., pavement rutting). If the second requirement indicates that the pavement thickness is deficient, place a correction course, with the permission of the Engineer and at no additional cost to the State, not less than 1 in. in depth after compaction, provided that an acceptable grade and cross section can be achieved. Where an acceptable grade and cross section cannot be achieved through the above means, reconstruct by cutting back and into the pavement a sufficient distance to permit the placement of an acceptable depth, and place new material to achieve the proper depth, cross section, and profile. Where a corrective course is placed or reconstruction of the pavement is performed, these areas will be measured again as though originally constructed. No compensation will be made for the material removed; or removal of materials and disposal thereof; or for restoration of the affected supporting base or adjacent construction; or for traffic control; or for adjusting all utility appurtenances in the roadway; or for correcting pavement striping. Compensation will be made for the additional pavement correction course accepted in place. Determination of the quantity to be used for adjusted payment or exclusion for payment will be based on tons per square yard per inch thickness as determined using in- place density cores or 96 percent of the plant core (AASHTO T245) densities if in-place densities are not available. If both in-place and plant core densities are not available, 94 percent of the plant theoretical maximum density results will be used. Sweeping and cleaning, as included in the items covered by this Section , only refers to the normal removal of dust, debris, etc. Work described in Subsection 401.03.4 will be paid for at the Contract unit prices for the material used.
c.Tolerance Limitation. Electronic tickets marked “Delivered” by the Department’s representative at the point of placement will be used in the determination of total tonnage delivered and placed. Payment will be made at the Contract unit bid prices with pay adjustments for all accepted HMA up to 105 percent of the Contract quantity tonnage. Accepted HMA quantities above 105 percent and up to 110 percent of the Contract quantity tonnage will be paid at 50 percent of the Contract unit bid price and, with the
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
400-16 SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS resultant adjusted price, will be further modified by additional pay adjustments as applicable according to the following formula: Pay adjustments will apply to 50 percent of the Contract unit bid price for quantities above 105 percent and up to 110 percent. No payment will be made for quantities above 110 percent. Measurement of HMA Preparation. HMA preparation will be measured by SY. This includes asphalt emulsion tack coat, cleaning and sweeping, removal and disposal, micro milling, and removing pavement markings.
401.05 Basis of Payment.
The Department will pay for the in-place, completed and accepted quantities at the Contract unit prices as follows. Pay Item Pay Unit Hot Mix Asphalt Ton Hot Mix Asphalt Preparation – Partial Depth SY Hot Mix Asphalt Preparation – Full Depth SY The price for HMA constitutes full compensation for all labor, materials, and equipment, and all other incidentals required to finish the work, complete and accepted. Includes labor & materials for asphalt berm. The price for HMA Preparation – Partial Depth constitutes full compensation for all labor, materials, and equipment, including cleaning and sweeping, micro milling, removal & disposal of flexible pavement, removing pavement markings , saw cutting of pavement, placement and subsequent removal of temporary covers and structures , tack coat, and all other incidentals required to finish the work, complete and accepted. The price for HMA Preparation – Full Depth constitutes full compensation for all labor, materials, and equipment, including cleaning and sweeping, saw cutting of pavement, removal & disposal of flexible pavement and rigid base, scarifying, mixing, pulverizing, spreading, reshaping, calcium chloride and water for compaction and dust control, regrading, rolling, compacting, trimming and fine grading of subgrade and subbase, the removal and disposal of unsuitable materials, hauling or other handling of recyclable materials off-site, the movement of surplus asphalt-stabilized base material from one location to another within the Project limits, placement and subsequent removal of temporary covers and structures, tack coat, and all other incidentals required to finish the work, complete and accepted. Pay adjustments for binder content, air voids, and in- place density will be added together to determine a final pay adjustment for both the mat and the joint. If more than one pay adjustment is negative, then only the most negative adjustment will be added to the remaining non-negative adjustments to determine the final pay adjustment. Pay adjustments will be addressed using Item Code 416.0100. Disincentives will be addressed using a Report of Change.
Part 400 — Asphalt Pavements August 2025
SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS 400-17 All construction associated with drop-offs and the installation and removal of tapers is incidental and is not paid for separately. Fines for Joints and QC are addressed in SECTION 110.
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (Blue Book), 2022 (Aug 2025 compilation) Edition. Pages 220–236 of 951. View official source ↗