Construction quality acceptance performance-related specifications for chip seals

Abstract

The research described herein details the establishment of a framework for construction quality acceptance performance-related specifications (PRS) for chip seal surface treatments. This paper establishes acceptance quality characteristics (AQCs) and relationships between the AQCs and related chip seal performance measures. This work is a critical step in developing PRS for constructed chip seal treatments and establishing suitable guidelines for the PRS. The main objective of this paper is to determine appropriate test methods to evaluate each defined AQC. The relationships that are established between the AQCs and chip seal performance are used to define performance ranges and threshold values for a particular performance measure. These performance ranges and threshold values then can be used to define pay factors for the constructed chip seal section. The threshold values and pay factors for each AQC described herein are preliminary recommendations and require further validation prior to implementation. However, this research demonstrates how these PRS would be utilized to ensure acceptable chip seal construction quality in the field. The developed construction quality acceptance PRS framework uses the percent within limits (PWL) concept to determine whether a chip seal lot passes the PRS threshold values and whether the contractor receives full pay, is subject to a pay penalty, or fails the construction PRS and must correct the chip seal within the first year in service, which constitutes the typical warranty period for contracted chip seal work. Finally, recommendations are made as to the next steps in the development and validation of these construction quality acceptance PRS that are needed for implementation by contractors and state roadway maintenance agencies. • A framework is developed for the performance-related specification of chip seal surface treatments. • Relationships are identified between acceptance quality characteristics (AQCs) and critical chip seal performance measures. • Practical test methods are identified to measure the AQCs. • Recommendations are made for the establishment and future implementation of pay factors for chip seal construction.