Specification for

S T O N E M A S T I C A S P H A L T (SMA)
WITH CELLULOSE FIBER

Description:

The Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a gap graded hot mix asphalt surface course
laid on the proposed base in accordance with this specification and in conformity with
the lines, grades and typical cross-section shown in the plan within the tolerances
specified or established by the Engineer.

Materials Requirements

Composition and Quality of Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixture

The Stone Mastic Asphalt shall be composed of high proportion of coarse aggregates,
fine aggregates, mineral filler and bituminous material mixed in a central plant. A pure
cellulose fiber which is non-polymer and bitumen coated type may be added to the mix
to absorb the excess binder and to improve the properties of the asphalt mix.

At least three weeks prior to construction, the Contractor shall submit in writing a job mix
formula for each mixture supported by laboratory test data along with samples and
sources of the components and viscosity-temperature relationships information to the
Engineer for testing and approval.

Each job-mix formula submitted shall propose definite single values for:

1. The percentage of aggregate passing each specified sieve size.

2. The percentage of binder material to be added.
3. The temperature of the mixture delivered on the road.
4. The kind and percentage of material filler to be used.
5. The kind and percentage of mineral filler to be used.

After the job-mix is established all mixtures furnished for the project shall conform
thereto within the following ranges of tolerances:

Permissible Variation from JMF (%)

Aggregate Fraction Individual Results Average of Three
Consecutive Results
Coarser than 2.36 mm ± 5 ± 3
2.36 mm- 0.075 mm ± 3 ± 2
Binder Content ± 0.5 ± 0.3

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Should a change in source of material be proposed or should Stone Mastic Asphalt
particle size distribution and asphalt content prove unsatisfactory, a new job-mix formula
shall be submitted by the Contractor in writing and be approved by the Engineer prior to
production.

Approval of a new job-mix formula may require laboratory testing and verification.

The mixture shall have an index of retained strength of not less than 70 when tested by
AASHTO 165. For aggregates having a maximum size over 25mm (1inch), ASSHTO
165 will be modified to use 150mm x 150mm (6x6 inches) cylindrical specimens. The
150mm (6 inches) cylinders will be compacted by the procedures outlined in AASHTO T
167 modified to employ 10 repetitions of a molding load of 9.6 Mpa. (1400 psi), with no
appreciable time after each application of the full load.

Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixture:

The kind of gap graded bituminous mixture to be used will be called for in the Bill of
Quantities while the type and grade will be as called for provisions. The grade may be
changed one step by the Engineer at no change in unit price. The bituminous material
shall be asphalt cement or modified bitumen and shall conform to the applicable
requirements of item 702, Bituminous Materials.

Coarse Aggregates:

Coarse aggregate retained on the 4.75 mm (No.4) sieve shall be crushed stone/rock,
crushed slag and unless otherwise stipulated, shall conform to the applicable
requirements of AASHTO M 79-74. It shall conform to the applicable requirements of
Section 703.5.1, Coarse Aggregates of Item 703.

Fine Aggregates:

Fine aggregates passing the 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve shall consist of natural sand, stone
screenings or slag screenings or a combination thereof and unless stipulated shall
conform to the quality requirements of AASHTO M 29 (ASTM D 1073). It shall conform
to the applicable requirements of Section 703.5.2, Fine Aggregates of Item 703.

Recommendation Gradation Target Value Ranges:

Table 1- Composition of Asphalt Mix

Maximum Aggregate Grading ‘A’ Grading ‘B”

Sieve Designation, mm

19.00 (3/4 inch) 90-100

12.5 (1/2 inch) 55-85 100
9.5 (3/8 inch) - 90-100

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 4.75 (No. 4) - 30-50
2.36 (No. 8) 18-35 20-30
0.60 (No. 30) - -
0.30 (No. 50) - -
0.075 (No. 200) 3-13 8-13
0.02 3 -
Binder Asphalt Content
% by Weight of Mix 4.8-5.0 6.8-7.0
Voids in Mix 4.0-8.0 3.0-5.0
Cellulose fibers 0.3-0.45 0.3-0.45
Layer Depth (mm) 60-80 20-40

Stabilizing Additives:

Cellulose fibers may be used as additives to Stone Mastic Asphalt to inhibit the loss of
bituminous binder by drainage from the aggregate. Pure cellulose fiber, in pellets form
shall conform to the following data sheet:

a. Appearance Grey cylindrical fiber pellets

b. Residue on Ignition ( % ) 15 (approx.)

c. Moisture Content ( % ) 6 (approx.)

d. Ph Value ( % ) 7 (approx.)

e. Bulk Density (g/l) 25 (approx.)

f. Bitumen/Polymer Content ( % ) 0

g. Cellulose Fiber (% by Weight) 0.3-0.45 (3-4.5 kgs./m.t.)

h. Sieve Analysis
(Alpine Air Draught Sieve)
< 800 um (%) 85 (approx.)
< 200 um (%) 50 (approx.)
< 32 um (%) 15 (approx.)

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Mineral Filler:

Mineral filler shall be the fraction of fine aggregates that predominantly passes the 0.075
mm (No. 200) sieve. It may consists of finely divided mineral matter such a rock, dust,
slag dust, hydrated lime, hydraulic cement, fly ash or other suitable mineral matter. It
shall be free from organic impurities and at the time of use, shall be sufficiently dry to
flow freely and shall be essentially free from agglomerations. It shall conform to the
applicable requirements of Item 703-A, Mineral Filler.

Proportioning of Mixture:

The proportion of bituminous materials, on the basis of total dry aggregate, shall be from
4.8 to 7.0 mass percent. The exact modified bitumen percentage to be used shall be
fixed by the Engineer in accordance with job-mix formula and other quality control
requirements.

Pure cellulose fibers, in pellets form, are usually added to the dry mix aggregates in the
amount of 0.3 to 0.45 percent by weight (3 to 4.5 kgs. per metric tonnes) of bituminous
mixture. Mineral filler shall be added to the mixture during the mixing operation in the
amount of one-half to one (0.5 to 1.0) mass percent, dry aggregate basis. The lower
percentage limit is applicable to aggregates which are predominantly calcareous.

Construction Requirements:

The construction requirements shall be in conformance, whenever applicable,

with Section 307.3 of Item 307.

Weather limitations:

Bituminous stone mastic plant mix shall not be placed on any wet surface or when
weather conditions would prevent the proper handling or finishing of the bituminous
mixtures.

Mixing Procedures with Cellulose Fiber Additives:

a. Heat the aggregates into the pug mill at 180 deg. C and mix continuously for
10 minutes.

b. Add the mineral filler to the aggregates and mix thoroughly for 5 minutes.

c. Add the cellulose fiber and mix for 5 seconds.

d. The standard wet mixing time shall be observed to ensure adequate blending
with asphalt cement.

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Laying:

The mixture shall be placed at a temperature of not less than 130ºC and a maximum of
180ºC measured in the truck before dumping into the spreader.

The mixture shall be spread and struck off to the grade and elevation established.
Bituminous pavers shall be used to distribute the mixture either over the entire width or
over such partial width as may be practicable.

Compaction:

Rolling shall be continued until roller marks are eliminated and a maximum of at least
97% of the theoretical density has been obtained. After the in-placed density have been
achieve, rolling operations should stop at least 8 passes, to avoid migration of asphalt
cement and filler to the compacted pavement.

An 8-10 tonnes static/tandem roller compaction shall only be used for compaction,
pneumatic tire roller is not permitted in the final rolling.

The newly paved section shall be closed to vehicular traffic until such time that the
temperature lowers to 60-70ºC.

Marshall Mix Design Criteria:

Table 2- Properties of Asphalt Mix

Medium Traffic Heavy Traffic

Test Surface & Base Surface & Base
Min. Max. Min. Max.
Compaction, no. of blows 50 75

Marshall Stability (N) 5338 8006

(lbs.) 1200 1800

Flow, 0.25mm (0.01 in.) 8 16 8 14

Air Voids, % 3 5 3 5

Voids in Mineral Aggregate, % - -

Voids Filled with Asphalt, % 65 78 65 75

Immersion Compression Test For Item 310

Stability, Kpa

Dry 1400 min.

Wet -

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Index of retained Strength,% 70 min.

Dynamic Stability, pass/mm -

Rate of Deformation, mm/minute -

Draindown Test, % 0.3% max.

Method of Measurement:

The bituminous mixture (Stone Mastic Asphalt) will be measured by square meter
(sq.m.). the quantity to be paid for shall be the number of square meters of the mixture
placed and compacted in the accepted pavement. No deduction shall be made for the
weight of bituminous material in the mixture.

Batch weights will not be permitted as a method of measurement.

Basis of Payment:

The accepted quantity shall be paid for at the contract unit price for stone Mastic Asphalt
Surface Course, Hot-laid which price shall be full compensation for furnishing all
materials, handling, mixing, hauling, placing, rolling, compacting, labor, equipment, tools
and incidentals necessary to complete this item of work.

Payment will be made under:

Payment Item Number Description Unit of Measurement

SPL – SMA with Stone mastic Asphalt with Square Meter
Cellulose Fiber Cellulose Fiber Surface
Course hot Laid

References:

1. DPWH Standard Specification for Highways, bridges and Airports, Volume II

(1995)

2. Specification for Stone mastic Asphalt Material, New Zealand Bitumen

Contractors Association

3. Research on Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) with Cellulose Fibers by RDD-

DPWH

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DESIGN FORMULATION FOR SMA WEARING COURSE
RECOMMENDED GRADING 3/8”

SEIVE
DESIGNATION GRADING OPTIMUM TOLERANCE
½ 12.5mm 100 100 -+4
3/8 9.5mm 94-100 97 -+4
4 4.75mm 37-43 40 -+4
8 2.36mm 21-25 23 -+4
16 1.18mm - - -
30 .600mm - - -
50 .300mm - - -
200 .075mm 8-‘11 10 -+2

TEST ITEM

Asphalt Content 6.4 – 7.0

Asphalt Penetration 60/70
Number of blows each face 50
Compaction Temperature, 135 min.
Air Voids % by Vol. 3-5
Mixing temperature ºC 160-175
180 max
Laying Temperature 150 min.
Thickness 3cm, min.
Dosage/ MT Asphalt 3.0 kgs.

MIXING PLANT
Mixing Procedure

1. Mix hot aggregate plus filler into pug mill.

a.) At the same time add through an opening in the pugmill.
b.) If there is no opening add into weighing scale on top of weighed
aggregates.
2. Dry mix aggregate, filler and for approximately 2 – 5 seconds.
3. Add asphalt.
4. Increase normal wet mixing time (same with conventional asphalt) for an
additional 5 seconds.

Maximum temperature of hot mix: 180º C

Maximum temperature of hot mix: 160º C (after leaving pugmill)

*If the filler is humid, it is necessary to dry mix the hot aggregate and filler for about 10-
15 seconds to avoid lumping, then add asphalt.

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TRANSPORT OF STONE MASTIC ASPHALT
Mix has to well-covered while on the truck to avoid a decrease in temperature.

PLACEMENT OF STONE MASTIC ASPHALT – (guidelines for laying of SMA)

Tack Coating – same with conventional mix

Paving – tamper compaction plus vibratory screed necessary.

Temperature of SMA hot mix:

Minimum (hopper of paver) : 160ºC
Maximum (hopper of paver) :180ºC
Minimum (after screed): 150ºC
Maximum (after screed): 170ºC

Breakdown Compaction:
Immediately behind the paver screed, if the temperature is below 160ºC (after screed)

Rollers:
Requirement per lane (3 – 4 meters per lane)
1. Two static, heavy rollers (steel tandem), weighing 8-12 tons – WITH WATER
SPRAY
2. Pneumatic rollers are not recommended for use (may cause pickup of
aggregates).

Important:
2 Roller : Compaction applied directly behind screed (mean compaction)
1 Roller : Behind 1st and 2nd Roller - for finishing.

No. of Passes:
Will normally require 8-12 single passes to (with two rollers together)

Remarks:
1. SMA has maximum compactibility only if temperature is not below 135ºC (after
screed)
2. Stop compaction immediately if the surface begins to bleed (a result of over
compaction).

Opening Traffic:
SMA layer should be cooled down to less than 80ºC (at the center of the layer).

Joints:
See conventional mix

Thickness:
SMA 3/8” : 3-5 cm (30 – 50 mm)

Note: Potholes and other depressions should be filled and compacted (with SMA mix).
Cracks and joints should be cleaned and filled with asphalt-cement sealing material.

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SMA WEARING/ BINDER COURSE
STONE MASTIC ASPHLAT

RECOMMENDED GRADING 3/4”

SIEVE
DESIGNATION GRADING OPTIMUM TOLERANCE

¾ 16mm 90 – 100 95 -+4

½ 12.5mm 50 – 60 55 -+4
3/8 9.5mm 33 – 43 38 -+4
4 4.75mm 10 – 18 14 -+4
8 2.36mm 6 – 10 8 -+4
16 1.18mm 5–9 7 -+4
30 .600mm 4–8 6 -+3
50 .300mm 4–8 6 -+3
200 .075mm 3–7 5 -+2

TEST ITEM:

Asphalt content 4.8-5.0

Asphalt penetration 60/70
Number of blows each face 50
Compaction Temperature ºC 155 -+5
Air Voids % by Vol. 4–6
Mixing Temperature ºC 155 -+5
Laying Temperature ºC 125 min.
Thickness 6 – 8 cm
Dosage 3.0 kgs/MT asphalt

LABWORK RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.Mix design/ JMF (laboratory)

a.) Marshall Compaction: 50/50 blows at 155 ºC +/-5 ºC
b.) Recommended Marshall-Airvoids: 4% +/-2% by volume
c.) Recommended Air voids in the compacted road: ma 6% by volume
d.) Check and ensure that Asphalt is penetration 60/70

2. Production Lab-Mix
a.) Heat up the aggregates in the lab oven at 155ºC-+5
b.)Fill the aggregate into the bowl of the lab mixer mix dry for approx. 10 seconds
c.) Then add the hot bitumen and mix for 3 – 4 minutes.
d.) For the production of SMA you need additional Filler (<sieve No. 200)
Note: The filler content in the fine aggregates is not enough.

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MIXING PLANT:
Mixing Procedure

1.) Mix hot aggregate plus filler into pug mill.

a.) At the same time add through an opening in the pug mill.
b.) If there is no opening add into weighing scale on top of weighed
aggregates.
2.) Dry mix aggregate, filler and for approximately 2 – 5 seconds
3.) Add asphalt.
4.) Increase normal wet mixing time (same with conventional asphalt) for an
additional 5 seconds.
Maximum temperature of hot mix : 170ºC
Minimum Temperature of hot mix : 155ºC (after leaving pugmill)

*If the filler is humid, it is necessary to dry mix the hot aggregate and filler for about 10 –
15 seconds to avoid lumping, then add asphalt.

TRANSPORT OF SMA:
Tack Coating:
As used in conventional mix.
Paver:
Temper compaction plus vibratory screed necessary.
Temperature of SMA hot mix:
Minimum (hopper of paver) : 155ºC
Maximum (hopper of paver) : 165ºC
Minimum (after screed) : 165ºC
Maximum (after screed) : 155ºC

Breakdown Compaction:
Immediately behind the paver screed, if the temperature is below 160ºC (after screed)

Rollers:
Requirement per lane (3 – 4 meters per lane)
1. Three static, heavy rollers (steel tandem), weighing 8-12 tons.-with water spray
2. Pneumatic rollers are not recommended for use (may cause pickup of
aggregates).

Important: No vibrating rollers, SMA mix is very sticky, and water spray on all rollers is
necessary.

Rolling:
2 Roller : Compaction applied directly behind screed (mean compaction)
1 Roller : Behind 1st and 2nd Roller – for finishing.

Number of Passes:

Will normally requires 12 single passes (with three rollers together).

Remarks:

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 1. SMA has maximum compactibility only if temperature is not below 125ºC (after
screed)
2. Stop compaction immediately if the surface begins to bleed (a result of over
compaction).

Opening Traffic:

SMA layer should be cooled down to less than 80ºC (at the center of the layer).

Joints:
See conventional mix.

Thickness:
SMA ¾” : 6 – 8 cm

Note: Potholes and other depressions should be filled and compacted (with SMA Mix).
Cracks and joints should be cleaned and filled with asphalt-cement sealing material.

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