SECTION 939 — STONE WALLS IN HISTORIC, SCENIC, OR RURAL AREAS — STONE WALLS IN HISTORIC, SCENIC, OR RURAL AREAS
939.01 Description.
This work includes the resetting and construction of stone walls in historic, scenic, or rural areas at the required locations.
939.02 Materials.
Stones. Stones for walls to be reset include stones in the existing wall, with additional stones as required to complete the wall construction. Ensure that additional stones conform to the stones in the existing wall relative to shape, color, texture, and geological composition. Ensure that stones for new walls conform to stones found in nearby walls relative to the aforementioned characteristics. Stones used below grade, for the core, or for the back of a retaining wall need not meet these criteria. However, use stones that conform to SECTION M14 and that are appropriately sized and shaped to permit proper interlocking with the existing stones. Retain any special features such as lintels, gate posts, copings, markers, etc., for resetting. Mortar. Use mortar that conforms to Subsection M04.03.5.
939.03 Construction Methods.
General Requirements. Ensure that the laying of stones conforms to Subsections 911.03 and 912.03. For the construction of walls in historic areas , use stone masons with demonstrated proficiency in historic stone masonry construction/restoration practices. Submit documentation to the Engineer of professional certifications and the locations of at least three successfully completed stone walls similar in type to the work to be performed no less than 30 days before the start of work. This documentation must be approved by the Engineer in consultation with the RIDOT Historic Preservation Specialist for the masonry contractor to be allowed to perform the work. Ensure that t he approved mason(s) complete the entire work item for which the approval was given. Documentation. Before dismantling historically significant walls, measure and record their width and height at 25-ft intervals and at locations where characteristics of the wall change. Take a minimum of six digital color photographs of each wall to be dismantled in locations that are representative of the walls original type. If no representative wall sections exist, the Engineer in consultation with the RIDOT Historic Preservation Specialist will determine the finished appearance/dimensions. Submit two copies of the measurements and two sets of photographs to the Engineer. This documentation must be reviewed and approved by the Engineer in consultation with the RIDOT Historic
Part 900 — Incidental Construction and Services August 2025
SECTION 939 — STONE WALLS IN HISTORIC, SCENIC, OR RURAL AREAS 900-111 Preservation Specialist for accuracy before the walls are dismantled. Once approved, this record of the walls will be referenced during the reconstruction of the walls and will remain the property of the Department. Dismantling. Carefully dismantle historically significant walls to be removed and reset to avoid fracturing and chipping the stones. Stockpile the stones in the area where the wall will be rebuilt. If the stones must be temporarily moved to a different location, keep the stones separate from any other stones. Do not use a dump truck to transport stone from historically significant walls. The Contractor will be responsible for protecting all stockpiled stones from damage, theft , and vandalism. Resetting. Ensure that exposed face(s) consist of stones from the extant walls. During resetting , keep weathered stone faces exposed. Blend additional stones required to complete the walls with the existing stone to reduce any incompatibility in the appearance of the walls. Duplicate the original wall and any special features such as lintels, gateposts, openings, copings, markers, etc. New Walls. When new stone walls are required in the vicinity of historic properties and districts, construct a 5-ft long sample section of wall. The Engineer in consultation with the RIDOT Historic Preservation Specialist will approve the stone, joint construction, and overall character of installation of the sample section. The approved sample section may be part of the finished work. Demolish and rebuild any rejected sample section. Weep Holes. Use weep holes constructed of solid, gray PVC pipe that includes the resetting and construction of stone walls in historic, scenic, or rural areas. These walls require special treatment as indicated herein. Cleaning. Remove all excess material and leave the site in a presentable condition. If surplus stones exist, the Engineer will determine whether to transport the surplus stones to an offsite, permanent stockpile area or to dispose of the material.
939.04 Method of Measurement.
Stone Walls in Historic, Scenic, or Rural Areas will be measured by the number of cubic yards of masonry placed.
Part 900 — Incidental Construction and Services August 2025
900-112 SECTION 939 — STONE WALLS IN HISTORIC, SCENIC, OR RURAL AREAS
939.05 Basis of Payment.
The Department will pay for the completed and accepted quantities as follows: Pay Item Pay Unit Stone Walls in Historic, Scenic, or Rural Areas CY The price constitutes full compensation for all labor, materials, and equipment, including documenting and dismantling of the existing wall, stockpiling of stone, removal of stones from the stockpile, all necessary cutting/dressing of stones, reconstruction of special features, construction of weep holes, cleaning, and all incidentals required to finish the work, complete and accepted. Special site preparation such as clearing and grubbing or gravel base courses will be paid for under other appropriate items of the Contract. Removal and stockpiling of surplus stone at an offsite, permanent stockpile location will be paid for under an appropriate item in the Contract. Stones required to construct new walls or to supplement quantities of stones in existing walls will be paid for under separate item(s) in the Contract.
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