Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
(OP)
A 4" thick (2" base/2" top coat) asphalt parking lot was constructed last winter in New England. Subsequent lab testing of core samples revealed air void content above DOT specs and compaction below DOT specs. Areas where the air voids are highest and the density lowest are visible on the surface.
We suspect that the temp. of the mix may have contributed, at least in part, to the poor compaction. The work was not inspected during the construction so no data is available. However, we do know that the air temp. was below freezing when the base was laid and about 50 deg. F when the top coat was laid.
So the question is what does this mean and what can be done to remedy the situation? Will this parking lot rapidly deteriorate or can it be expected to last 10 or 20 years? Does it need to be torn up or is there another alternative?
Thanks for any input you can give.
We suspect that the temp. of the mix may have contributed, at least in part, to the poor compaction. The work was not inspected during the construction so no data is available. However, we do know that the air temp. was below freezing when the base was laid and about 50 deg. F when the top coat was laid.
So the question is what does this mean and what can be done to remedy the situation? Will this parking lot rapidly deteriorate or can it be expected to last 10 or 20 years? Does it need to be torn up or is there another alternative?
Thanks for any input you can give.





RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
Thanks for your help.
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
As BigH has requested. More information.
The full specification is required. Is this a Marshall design or a Hveem Design (like Superpave, using a Stabilometer)? Is this using the Marshall or Rice as the basis for max. density.
Also the subgrade conditions and section design method will have some bearing (pun intended)as to weather the existing material may suffice. If the section requires a wear surface of asphalt (strong, stable subgrade) vs. the asphalt provided a large proportion of the pavement strength (soft or unstable subgrade).
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
jimbo
Buy a dictionary, keep it nearby and USE it. Webster's New World Dictionary of American English is recommended, and Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
1) There aren't really any defined areas that could be identified and replaced. There are some visible spots but not enought to delineate the problem areas. It's pretty spotty.
2) There is no design specs for this project. The contractor used standard DOT details, which is what's typically done in Rhode Island.
I guess the most critical thing I need to know is should my client be concerned and try to make the contractor tear it up and redo it or is it "good enough for government work" as is?
RE: Any recommendations for poorly compacted Asphalt?
You can ask for an extended warranty but that will only be good as long as the construction company is in business. Lowering the payment may allow the client to assume the risk and have the funds to replace the paving at some time in the future.
In any case it should be the client’s decision, put the options in front of him and let him make the final decision.
However my recommendation would lean towards remove and replace unless the reduction in payment was substantial (50 to 75% or more).
If the pavement fails in 5 years then the client will never remember your caveats on accepting the pavement but will remember that the construction product that you specified and inspected did not meet the requirement.
Document yourself very carefully for the possibility of a future law suit.
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng
Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com