NUMBER C04-S02

REV NO. 2
ENGINEERING STANDARD DATE DEC 2014
PAGE 1 OF 20

Construction of Asphaltic Concrete Paving

and Roadways

This document is issued by PE, SABIC E&PM, Jubail Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The information contained in this
document is the confidential property of SABIC. It cannot be disclosed, copied or used for any purpose without approval from SABIC.
If you are not authorized to posses this document, please destroy it immediately.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 2 OF 20

CONTENTS

1. SCOPE .............................................................................................................. 4
2. REFERENCES .................................................................................................. 4
3. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................... 5
4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS...................................................................... 6
5. MATERIAL ........................................................................................................ 6
5.1 General ...................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Base Course .............................................................................................. 7
5.3 Asphalt Prime Coat .................................................................................... 7
5.4 Sand Cover ................................................................................................ 8
5.5 Asphalt Cement ......................................................................................... 8
5.6 Tack Coat .................................................................................................. 9
5.7 Aggregate .................................................................................................. 9
5.8 Asphaltic Concrete Courses ...................................................................... 9
6. EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Mixing Plant ............................................................................................. 11
6.2 Asphalt Prime Coat and Tack Coat ......................................................... 11
6.3 Asphaltic Concrete Bearing Course ........................................................ 11
6.4 Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Courses ..................................................... 11
7. CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................................... 12
7.1 General .................................................................................................... 12
7.2 Placement Conditions and Requirements ............................................... 12
7.3 Subgrade ................................................................................................. 12
7.4 Base Course Placement .......................................................................... 12
7.5 Asphalt Prime Coat Application ............................................................... 13
7.6 Sand Cover .............................................................................................. 13
7.7 Tack Coat Application .............................................................................. 13
7.8 Preparing Asphaltic Concrete Mixture ..................................................... 14
7.9 Placing Asphaltic Concrete Mixture ......................................................... 14
7.10 Compacting Asphaltic Concrete Mixture ................................................. 15
7.11 Correcting Asphaltic Concrete Surfaces ................................................. 15
7.12 Joint Construction .................................................................................... 15
7.13 Tolerances ............................................................................................... 16
8. SAMPLING and TESTING .............................................................................. 17
8.1 Sampling Requirements .......................................................................... 17
8.2 Testing Requirements ............................................................................. 17
9. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS .............................................................. 19
9.1 General .................................................................................................... 19
9.2 Quality Control of Materials ..................................................................... 19
9.3 Density of Asphaltic Concrete ................................................................. 20
10. ROADWAY SIGNS.......................................................................................... 20
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Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
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11. PAVEMENT MARKING ................................................................................... 20

12. REVISION HISTORY ...................................................................................... 20

FIGURE
Figure 1 Layers of Asphaltic Concrete Roadways and Paving Systems .............. 6

TABLE
Table I Grading Requirements for Base Course ................................................. 7
Table II Asphalt Prime Coat ................................................................................. 8
Table III Grading Requirements for Sand Cover .................................................. 8
Table IV Grading Requirements for Asphaltic Concrete Bearing Course ........... 10
Table V Grading Requirements for Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Course .......... 10
Table VI Job-Mix Formula Tolerances per Single Test ....................................... 16
Table VII Mineral Aggregates Test Methods ........................................................ 18
Table VIII Material Quality Control Tests ............................................................... 19
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 4 OF 20

1. Scope
This standard details the materials, equipment and operations required for the construction of asphaltic
concrete paving and roadways.

2. References
Reference is made in this standard to the following documents. The latest issues, amendments, and
supplements to these documents shall apply unless otherwise indicated.

Any conflict(s) between this standard, SES and industry standards, engineering drawings, and contract
documents shall be resolved at the discretion of SABIC.

SABIC Engineering Standards (SES)

C02-S01 Site Preparation, Excavation and Backfill Specification
C04-C01 Roadway Typical Details

American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

M 81 Standard Specification for Cut-Back Asphalt (Rapid-Curing Type)
M 82 Standard Specification for Cut-Back Asphalt (Medium-Curing Type)
M 147 Materials for Aggregates and Soil-Aggregate Sub-base, Base and Surface Courses
T2 Standard Methods of Sampling Aggregates
T 11 Standard Method of Test for Materials Finer Than 75-Micrometers (No. 200) Sieve in
Mineral Aggregates by Washing
T 19 Standard Method of Test for Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate
T 27 Standard Method of Test for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
T 30 Standard Method of Test for Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
T 37 Standard Method of Test for Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for Hot Mix Asphalt
T 96 Standard Method of Test for Resistance to Degradation of Small Size Coarse Aggregate by
Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine
T 104 Standard Method of Test for Soundness of Aggregate by Use of Sodium Sulfate or
Magnesium Sulfate
T 164 Standard Method of Test for Quantitative Extraction of Asphalt Binder from Hot Mix Asphalt
T 168 Standard Method of Test for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
T 176 Standard Method of Test for Plastic Fines in Graded Aggregates and Soils by Use of the
Sand Equivalent Test
T 195 Standard Method of Test for Determining Degree of Particle Coating of Asphalt Mixtures

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

C 29 Standard Test Method for Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate
C 88 Standard Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or
Magnesium Sulfate
C 117 Standard Test Method for Material Finer than 75-Micrometer (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral
Aggregates by Washing
C 127 Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
C 131 Standard Test Methods for Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregates by
Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine
C 136 Standard Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
D 75 Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
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Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
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D 140 Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials

D 242 Standard Specification for Mineral Filler for Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D 546 Standard Method for Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for Bituminous Paving Mixture
D 946 Standard Specification for Penetration - Graded Asphalt Cement for Use in Pavement
Construction
D 979 Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D 1188 Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Bituminous
Mixtures Using Coated Samples
D 1557 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified
Effort
D 1883 Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory Compacted Soils
D 2027 Standard Specification for Cut-Back Asphalt (Medium-Curing Type)
D 2028 Standard Specification for Cut-Back Asphalt (Rapid-Curing Type)
D 2041 Standard Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous
Paving Mixtures
D 2172 Standard Test Method for Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen from Bituminous Paving
Mixtures
D 2419 Standard Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate
D 2489 Standard Test Method for Degree of Particle Coating of Bituminous-Aggregate Mixtures
D 2726 Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Bituminous
Mixtures Using Saturated Surface-Dry Specimens
D 2995 Standard Practice for Estimating Application Rate of Bituminous Distributors
D 4318 Standard Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils

Asphalt Institute (AI)

MS-2 Mix Design Methods for Asphalt Concrete and Other Hot-Mix Types
MS-22 Construction of Hot-Mix Asphalt Pavements

Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu

Section 02760 Paving Specialties
Section 02891 Traffic Signs

Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO)

SASO 915 Asphaltic (Bituminous) Materials Used in Pavement: Asphaltic Materials Classified
According to Penetration Grade
SASO 916 Methods of Sampling Bituminous Materials

3. Definitions
For the purpose of understanding this standard, the following definitions apply together with Figure 1.
Asphaltic Concrete. High-quality, thoroughly-controlled hot mixture of asphalt and well-graded, high-
quality aggregate, thoroughly compacted into a uniform dense mass.
Bearing Course. For a multi-layered paving system, a layer directly below the wearing course, and
composed of intermediate sized aggregate with a lesser amount of asphalt than the wearing course.
Base Course. A layer of well graded granular material that supports the paving and distributes wheel
loads over a greater area.
 NUMBER C04-S02
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Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 6 OF 20

Subgrade. Foundation soil placed and/or compacted during the rough grading work. Typically consist
of natural soils found on site, unless soil strength is inadequate and imported soils are required.
Wearing Course. A layer of fine aggregate or course sand held together by an asphalt and designed
to resist wear from traffic. The layer which directly supports traffic.

4. Submission Requirements
4.1 Following documents shall be submitted by Contractor for SABIC review and approval.
a. List of all materials to be used in the construction of asphaltic concrete paving and
roadways,
b. Equipment list,
c. Test reports as in 8.2,
d. Job-Mix formula.

4.2 List of materials shall be submitted prior to testing.

4.3 Equipment list shall be submitted at least fourteen days prior to commencement of mobilization.

4.4 Test results and reports shall bear the seal and signature of independent testing agency and be
submitted at least one month prior to use on the project.

4.5 Job-Mix Formula, which indicates exact percentages of aggregates and asphalt cement, shall be
submitted at least fourteen days prior to the start of asphalt operations.

5. Material
5.1 General

5.1.1 The asphaltic concrete paving system or roadways shall consist of an asphaltic concrete
wearing course over an asphaltic concrete bearing course, and prepared and compacted base
course over the subgrade. See Figure 1 for layers of material and construction.

FIGURE 1
Layers of Asphaltic Concrete Roadways and Paving System
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 7 OF 20

5.2 Base Course

5.2.1 Base course material shall be clean, hard and durable.

5.2.2 Base course material shall consist of a uniform mixture of crushed coarse aggregate,
fine aggregate and filler.

5.2.3 The grading of the base course material shall meet the requirements of Table I which is
based on Grading C of AASHTO M147-65.

Table I
Grading Requirements for Base Course

SIEVE SIZE
TOTAL PERCENT PASSING
STANDARD BY WEIGHT
ALTERNATE
(mm)

25.0 1 in. 100

9.50 3/8 in. 50 - 85

4.75 No. 4 35 - 65

2.00 No. 10 25 - 50

0.425 No. 40 15 -30

0.075 No. 200 8 - 15

5.2.4 Base course shall have a CBR value of minimum 70 in accordance with ASTM D 1883.

5.3 Asphalt Prime Coat

5.3.1 Asphalt prime coat shall be Grade MC-70 as specified in ASTM D 2027 and AASHTO M
82. SABIC approval shall be sought, if local conditions dictates one of the other grade shown in
Table II.

5.3.2 The grades, specification references and application temperatures for the liquid asphalt
prime coat shall be as shown in Table II.
 NUMBER C04-S02
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Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
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Table II
Asphalt Prime Coat

APPLICATION
GRADE SPECIFICATION
TEMPERATURES

MC-70 ASTM D 2027, AASHTO M 82 40 to 80 °C

RC-70 ASTM D 2028, AASHTO M 81 49 to 88 °C

MC-30 ASTM D 2027, AASHTO M 82 30 to 107 °C

RC-250 ASTM D 2028, AASHTO M 81 74 to 132 °C

MC-250 ASTM D 2027, AASHTO M 82 74 to 132 °C

5.4 Sand Cover

5.4.1 Sand cover shall be clean, granular and mineral material.

5.4.2 Grading requirements shall be as shown in Table III.

Table III
Grading Requirements for Sand Cover

SIEVE SIZE
TOTAL PERCENT PASSING
STANDARD BY WEIGHT
ALTERNATE
(mm)
4.75 No. 4 100

0.075 No. 200 0-2

5.5 Asphalt Cement

5.5.1 Asphalt cement shall be prepared from petroleum.

5.5.2 Asphalt cement shall meet Grade 60-70 as specified in ASTM D 946 or SASO 915.

5.5.3 Asphalt cement shall be uniform in character, free from water and shall not foam when
heated to 175 C.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
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5.6 Tack Coat

5.6.1 The tack coat shall be liquid asphalt Grade RC-70 (cut-back) as specified in
AASHTO M 81.

5.7 Aggregate

5.7.1 The mineral aggregate for the asphaltic concrete mixture shall be crushed stone,
crushed gravel, crushed slag, sharp-edge natural sand, mineral filler, or a combination of two or
more of these materials.

5.7.2 All aggregates shall be free from vegetable matter and lumps or balls of clay.

5.7.3 Coarse aggregate is defined as the material passing 25 mm sieve and retained on 2 mm
(No. 10) sieve.

5.7.4 50 percent by weight of the combined coarse aggregate, other than naturally occurring
rough-textured aggregate, shall consist of crushed pieces having one or more faces produced by
fracture.

5.7.5 Fine aggregate is defined as the material passing 2 mm (No. 10) sieve and retained on
0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve.

5.7.6 Mineral filler is defined as the material passing 0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve and meeting
the requirements of ASTM D 242.

5.7.7 If mineral filler in addition to that naturally present in the aggregate is necessary, it shall
consist of thoroughly dry stone dust, volcanic ash or Portland cement. Up to 1 percent of
hydrated lime may be used in the mix, particularly with aggregates that are subject to stripping.

5.7.8 Fly ash shall not be used as a filler material.

5.7.9 If steel slag aggregates are used to make asphaltic concrete, no aggregates greater
than 4.75 mm (No. 4 sieve) shall be used in the mixture. Up to 50 percent of the material
passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve may consist of iron blast furnace slag aggregates or natural
aggregates or a combination thereof. The rate of feed of each type of aggregate shall be
maintained within 20 percent of the amount set. Adequate means shall be provided for
controlling and checking the accuracy of the feeder.

5.8 Asphaltic Concrete Courses

5.8.1 Asphaltic concrete bearing and wearing course shall be hot-mixed and hot laid asphaltic
concrete composed of graded aggregates uniformly coated with asphalt cement. The materials
used and densities acquired shall conform to this specification.

5.8.2 The job-mix formula shall be determined by actual trial mixes or previous experience
with the same materials. Changes may be directed by SABIC when deemed necessary.

5.8.3 The job-mix formula for asphaltic concrete bearing course mixture shall be within the
limits of Table IV. Asphalt cement content shall be 4.0 to 6.0 percent by weight of total mix.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 10 OF 20

Table IV
Grading Requirements for Asphaltic Concrete Bearing Course

SIEVE SIZE
TOTAL PERCENT PASSING
STANDARD BY WEIGHT
ALTERNATE
(mm)
25.0 1 in. 100

19.0 3/4 in. 75 - 90

12.5 1/2 in. 65 - 80

9.5 3/8 in. 55 - 65

4.75 No. 4 35 - 60

2.00 No. 10 20 - 35

0.425 No. 40 7 - 20

0.180 No. 80 5 - 15

0.075 No. 200 3-7

5.8.4 The job-mix formula for asphaltic concrete wearing course mixture shall be within the
limits of Table V. Asphalt cement content shall be 4.5 to 6.0 percent by weight of total mix.

Table V
Grading Requirements for Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Course

SIEVE SIZE
TOTAL PERCENT PASSING
STANDARD BY WEIGHT
ALTERNATE
(mm)
19.0 3/4 in. 100

12.5 1/2 in. 90 - 100

9.5 3/8 in. 75 - 85

4.75 No. 4 46 - 60

2.00 No. 10 30 - 42

0.425 No. 40 14 - 25

0.180 No. 80 8 - 16

0.075 No. 200 3-7

 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 11 OF 20

6. Equipment
6.1 Mixing Plant

6.1.1 The mixing plant shall have a capacity sufficient to produce the asphalt mixture at the
rate required for the satisfactory execution of the job and within the specified time.

6.1.2 Mixing plant equipment shall be approved by SABIC.

6.2 Asphalt Prime Coat and Tack Coat

6.2.1 Equipment for the application of asphalt prime coat and tack coat shall include:
a. Power broom,
b. Power blower,
c. Mechanical or self-propelled aggregate spreading equipment that can be adjusted
to uniformly spread the sand cover,
d. Equipment for heating the asphaltic material,
e. Pressure distributor.

6.2.2 The pressure distributor shall be equipped with devices and charts to provide for
accurate and rapid determination and control of the amount of bituminous materials being
applied per square meter of surface under the operation conditions, and shall have a
tachometer, reading speeds in meters per minute.

6.3 Asphaltic Concrete Bearing Course

6.3.1 Equipment for construction of asphaltic concrete bearing course shall include:
a. Asphalt mixing plant,
b. Self-powered pavers,
c. Smooth metal-bedded haul trucks with covers when required,
d. Asphalt pressure distributor,
e. Steel-wheeled, pneumatic-tired, or vibrating rollers capable of attaining the required
density and smoothness,
f. Power broom or power blower.

6.4 Asphaltic Concrete Wearing Courses

6.4.1 Equipment for construction of asphaltic concrete wearing course shall include:
a. Asphalt mixing plant,
b. Self-powered pavers,
c. Smooth metal-bedded haul trucks with covers when required,
d. Asphalt pressure distributor,
e. Flat rollers capable of attaining the required density and smoothness,
f. Power broom or power blower.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 12 OF 20

7. Construction
7.1 General

7.1.1 Asphalt Institute MS-2 Mix Design Methods and MS-22 Construction of Hot-Mix-Asphalt
Pavements are part of this specification.

7.1.2 Layers of asphaltic concrete roadways and paving systems construction, including
subgrade, base course, asphaltic concrete bearing and wearing course, shall conform to SES
C04-C01 and the lines, grades and typical cross-section given on the design drawings.

7.1.3 Stage construction may be employed by initially constructing the aggregate base course
and asphaltic concrete bearing course to accommodate construction traffic. Asphaltic concrete
wearing course may then be constructed near completion of project upon correction of
deficiencies and re-preparation of the base course and asphaltic concrete bearing course.

7.2 Placement Conditions and Requirements

7.2.1 No construction shall be permitted during sand storms.

7.2.2 Asphalt prime coat shall be applied when the surface of base course is dry and air
temperature is above 10 C and rising. The air temperature shall be measured in the shade and
away from artificial heat.

7.2.3 Asphaltic concrete bearing or wearing courses shall not be placed on wet surfaces and
when weather conditions will prevent their proper handling or finishing.

7.2.4 Asphaltic concrete bearing and wearing courses shall be placed when base surface
temperature is at least 10 C.

7.2.5 The minimum air temperature, in the shade, at which asphaltic concrete bearing or
wearing course may be laid shall be 5 C if rising or 10 C if falling. At the time of laying, the
maximum air temperature shall not be greater than 40 C.

7.3 Subgrade

7.3.1 The paving and roadways shall be built on SABIC approved subgrade.

7.3.2 Subgrade surface shall have minimum CBR value of 20 as per ASTM D 1883.

7.3.3 Subgrade line shall conform to design drawings and SES C04-C01.

7.4 Base Course Placement

7.4.1 Base course shall be placed over approved subgrade.

7.4.2 Minimum thickness of base course shall be in accordance with SES C04-C01.

7.4.3 Base course shall be compacted to at least 95 percent of maximum modified proctor
density determined in accordance with ASTM D 1557.
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Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 13 OF 20

7.4.4 Base course shall be maintained in a damp condition and within the specified density
requirements, until asphaltic concrete bearing course is placed.

7.5 Asphalt Prime Coat Application

7.5.1 The base course to receive asphalt prime coat shall be substantially true to line and
grade. It shall have a dry or slightly damp, firm, and properly prepared surface before priming
operations begin. Loose and foreign material shall be removed.

7.5.2 The approved base course shall be spray-treated with asphalt prime coat of Grade MC-
70, unless other grade is approved by SABIC, at a temperature of 40 to 80 C. Asphalt prime
coat application temperature should be maintained as close to 70 C as practical.

7.5.3 The approximate application rate of asphalt prime coat shall be 1.0 to 2.0 L/m2, and shall
be such that the amount applied will be completely absorbed by the surface in a period of 24
hours. The appropriate application rate shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 2995.

7.5.4 Application of asphalt prime coat shall be made uniformly with a pressure distributor,
and within the temperature ranges specified in Table II. When heating is required, precautions
shall be taken to avoid fire hazard.

7.5.5 Application shall be made only when the surface is dry or slightly damp.

7.5.6 Before beginning application, building paper shall be spread over the surface from the
joint and back for a sufficient distance for the spray bar to begin spraying and be operating at full
force when the surface to be treated is reached.

7.5.7 The spray bar shall be shut off instantaneously at each construction joint to assure a
straight line and the full application of asphalt prime up to the joint. If necessary to prevent
dripping, a drip pan shall be inserted under the nozzle when the application is stopped.

7.5.8 A hand spray shall be used to apply asphalt prime coat to touch-up-spots unavoidably
missed by the pressure distributor.

7.5.9 After application of asphalt prime coat, at least 24 hours shall elapse before applying the
sand cover if required.

7.6 Sand Cover

7.6.1 If asphalt prime coat has not been completely absorbed by the treated surface in
24 hours after application, sufficient sand shall be spread over the surface with a mechanical
spreader to blot the excess asphalt primer.

7.6.2 Before placing an asphaltic concrete course, loose sand shall be swept from the surface.

7.7 Tack Coat Application

7.7.1 Tack coat of Grade RC-70 shall be applied to the surface of asphaltic concrete bearing
coarse prior to placement of wearing course.

7.7.2 Tack coat shall be applied on only as much base as can be covered with asphaltic
concrete mixture in the same day.
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Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 14 OF 20

7.7.3 Tack coat shall have a temperature of 49 to 88 °C during application. A temperature-

volume correction shall be applied.

7.7.4 The application rate of tack coat shall be 0.1 to 0.3 L/m2. The tack coat shall be allowed
to cure prior to placing asphaltic concrete wearing course.

7.8 Preparing Asphaltic Concrete Mixture

7.8.1 Coarse and fine aggregates shall be stored separately at the mixing plant in a manner
that will prevent intermingling.

7.8.2 Stockpiles shall be built in a manner that will prevent segregation of aggregate sizes. If
the aggregate tends to segregate during handling, it shall be supplied and stockpiled in two or
more sizes.

7.8.3 When necessary to blend aggregates from one or more sources to produce the
combined gradation, each source or size of aggregate shall be stockpiled individually. Aggregate
from the individual stockpiles shall be fed through separate bins to the cold elevator feeders.

7.8.4 The aggregate shall be dried and heated to provide asphaltic concrete mixture
temperature within the range of 130 C to 175 C immediately after mixing.

7.8.5 Heated and dried aggregates shall be screened and stored in sizes that may easily be
recombined into a gradation meeting the requirements of the job-mix formula.

7.8.6 The heated and dried aggregates shall not contain so much moisture as to cause the
mixture to slump, the asphalt to foam, or the aggregate to segregate during hauling and placing.

7.8.7 Mixing time shall be the shortest time that will produce a satisfactory mixture. It shall be
established by the testing laboratory based on the procedure for determining the percentage of
coated particles described in AASHTO T 195 (ASTM D 2489).

7.8.8 The mixing times for asphaltic concrete mixtures shall be set to achieve 95 percent of
coated particles for dense aggregate and 90 percent of coated particles for honeycombed
aggregate.

7.9 Placing Asphaltic Concrete Mixture

7.9.1 The area to be paved shall be substantially true to line and grade. It shall have a dry,
firm, and properly prepared surface before paving operations begin. Loose and foreign material
shall be removed.

7.9.2 Asphaltic concrete courses shall be constructed in one or more layers to conform to the
lines, grades, thickness, and typical cross sections shown on the design drawings.

7.9.3 When the asphaltic concrete mixture is to be placed on a compacted asphaltic concrete
course, the base surface shall receive a tack coat as in 7.7.

7.9.4 Asphaltic concrete mixture shall be placed only when the specified density can be
obtained. Precautions shall be taken to compact the mixture before it cools too much, to obtain
the required density.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 15 OF 20

7.9.5 Asphaltic concrete mixture shall be placed with a self-powered asphalt paver.

7.9.6 The temperature of asphaltic concrete mixture shall be between 110 C and 150 C at
the time of placing.

7.9.7 The minimum lift thickness shall be at least double the maximum particle size or 50 mm,
whichever is more.

7.9.8 The maximum lift thickness shall be that which can be laid in a single lift and compacted
to the required uniform density and smoothness.

7.9.9 Placing asphaltic concrete mixture shall be a continuous operation. Irregularities shall be
corrected before final compaction of the mixture.

7.9.10 When the weather condition may prevent proper leveling and thorough consolidation,
the contractor shall stop the laying of asphaltic concrete mixture. The restart of work shall be
after SABIC approval.

7.10 Compacting Asphaltic Concrete Mixture

7.10.1 Asphaltic concrete mixture shall be compacted immediately after placing.

7.10.2 Initial rolling with a steel-wheel tandem roller, steel three-wheeled roller, vibratory roller,
or a pneumatic-tired roller shall follow the paver as closely as possible.

7.10.3 If needed, intermediate rolling with a pneumatic-tired roller shall be done immediately
behind the initial rolling.

7.10.4 Final rolling shall eliminate marks from previous rolling.

7.10.5 No kerosene, naphtha, oils or similar products shall be used to clean the roller wheels
while the roller is on the mixture.

7.10.6 In areas too small for the roller, a vibrating plate compactor or a hand tamper weighing
not less than 12 kilograms and having a bearing area not exceeding 300 cm 2 shall be used to
achieve thorough compaction.

7.11 Correcting Asphaltic Concrete Surfaces

7.11.1 Any depressions or irregular spots shall not be visible until the final compaction has
been made.

7.11.2 Any depressions or irregular spots that may develop on the finished asphaltic concrete
surface after the first rolling shall be remedied by loosening the surface depressions and laying
sufficient new material to form a true even surface.

7.12 Joint Construction

7.12.1 Joints shall be well-boned and sealed.

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Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
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7.12.2 Joints between successive days' work shall be made in a way that ensures a through
and continuous bond between the surfaces.

7.12.3 The edge of the previously laid course, in transverse or longitudinal direction, shall be
cut back to its full depth to expose a fresh surface for proper bonding.

7.12.4 Hot smoothers or tampers shall be used to heat up the pavement sufficiently to ensure a
proper bond.

7.12.5 Before placing asphaltic concrete mixture, the contact surfaces of cold longitudinal
joints, curbs, gutters, headers and manholes shall be cleaned and painted with a thin uniform
tack coat.

7.12.6 Hot asphaltic concrete mixture shall be placed in full contact with the joint and raked to a
proper height and bevel to receive the maximum compression under rolling.

7.12.7 Edges on new paving shall not be feathered.

7.13 Tolerances

7.13.1 Tolerances shall be as shown in Table VI for the job-mix formula per single test.

Table VI
Job-Mix Formula Tolerances per Single Test

SIEVE SIZE
PERCENT
INGREDIENTS
STANDARD (By Weight)
ALTERNATE
(mm)
25.0 1 in.

19.0 3/4 in.

Coarse Aggregate 12.5 1/2 in. ±5

9.5 3/8 in.

4.75 No. 4

2.00 No. 10

Fine Aggregate 0.425 No. 40 ±4

0.180 No. 80

Filler 0.075 No. 200 ±2

Asphaltic Cement 1 ---- ---- ± 0.3

Notes:
(1) By percentage of total mixture weight.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 17 OF 20

7.13.2 The thickness of asphaltic concrete shall be measured by means of core samples
extracted from the compacted bearing and wearing courses. Tolerances for the thickness of
asphaltic concrete courses shall be as follows:
Bearing Course Thickness : ± 6 mm
Wearing Course Thickness : ± 6 mm

7.13.3 The finished pavement surface shall show no deviation from the general surface in
excess of 3 mm/m or a maximum of 5 mm. Measurement shall be taken by means of 3 m long
straight edge placed parallel to the centerline of the roadway so as to bridge any depression.
Ordinates measured from the face of the straight edge to the surface of the pavement shall not
exceed 3 mm for each meter in distance from the nearest point of contact, or a maximum of
5 mm.

8. Sampling and Testing

8.1 Sampling Requirements

8.1.1 Sampling of bituminous materials shall be in accordance with AASHTO T 40

(ASTM D 140) or SASO 916.

8.1.2 Sampling of sand cover and mineral aggregate shall be in accordance with AASHTO T 2
(ASTM D 75).

8.1.3 Sampling of asphaltic concrete mixture shall be in accordance with AASHTO T 168
(ASTM D 979).

8.2 Testing Requirements

8.2.1 Material samples shall be tested for the requirements of section 4 by the applicable
methods specified below.

8.2.2 Bituminous materials shall be tested by the test methods of AASHTO designated in the
applicable bituminous specification. If an AASHTO method of test procedure is not available, the
equivalent ASTM method shall be used.

8.2.3 Sieve analysis of sand cover material shall be in accordance with AASHTO T 27
(ASTM C 136).

8.2.4 Mineral aggregates shall be tested by the test methods from Table VII.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 18 OF 20

Table VII
Mineral Aggregates Test Methods

TEST METHOD
CHARACTERISTIC
AASHTO ASTM
Amount of Material Finer than No. 200 Sieve
T 11 C 117
in Aggregate
Unit Weight of Aggregate T 19 C 29

Sieve Analysis, Fine and Coarse Aggregates T 27 C 136

Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler T 37 D 546

Abrasion of Coarse Aggregate, Los Angeles
T 96 C 131
Machine
Soundness of Aggregates T 104 C 88
Plastic Fines in Graded Aggregates and Soil
T 176 D 2419
by Use of Sand Equivalent Test

8.2.5 Asphaltic concrete mixture shall be tested for asphaltic cement content by
AAHSTO T 164 (ASTM D 2172).

8.2.6 Asphaltic concrete mixture shall be tested for compliance with aggregate grading
requirements by AASHTO T 30.

8.2.7 If the mixture is produced in a mixing plant having automatic controls and a printout
system and the controls are in proper calibration, asphalt content compliance shall be
determined from recorded data. Hot-bin analysis together with batch-weight readout data shall
be used to determine composition compliance.

8.2.8 Asphaltic concrete theoretical maximum density shall be determined in accordance with
ASTM D 2041M.

8.2.9 Actual bulk density for full depth of compacted asphaltic concrete shall be determined in
accordance with ASTM D 1188 or ASTM D 2726, whichever applicable.

8.2.10 Actual bulk density of compacted asphaltic concrete shall be based on the average of
five density determinations for each lot of asphalt mixture placed. Cores drilled from the surface
course shall be used to determine the density.

8.2.11 A lot shall be equal to one day’s production.

 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 19 OF 20

9. Performance Requirements
9.1 General

9.1.1 The finished pavement surface shall show no deviation from the general surface and
shall be within the tolerances as in 7.13.

9.1.2 Any portions of the completed pavement that are defective in finish, density, or
composition, or that do not comply in all respects with the requirements of the specifications,
shall be taken up, removed and replaced with suitable material, properly laid in accordance with
this specification.

9.1.3 Any depressions, unevenness, irregular spots or other failures occurring within 12
months after acceptance, shall be repaired by the Contractor at his own expense.

9.2 Quality Control of Materials

9.2.1 Materials in various uses shall meet the limits of Table VIII.

Table VIII
Material Quality Control Tests

ASPHALTIC ASPHALTIC
CONCRETE CONCRETE AGGREGATE
TEST PROCEDURE
WEARING BEARING BASE COURSE
COURSE COURSE
Percent Absorption ASTM C 127 0.5% - 1% 0.5% - 1% ≤ 3%

Soft Particle - 1% 3% 5%

Liquid Limit 1 ASTM D 4318 ≤ 6% ≤ 6% ≤ 35%

Plastic Limit 1 ASTM D 4318 ≤ 6% ≤ 6% 4% - 9%

CBR 2 ASTM D 1883 - - ≥ 70%

Asphalt Concrete ASTM D 1188 4 4
95% 95% -
Density ASTM D 2726
Soundness Abrasion 3 ASSHTO T 104 ≤ 10% 10% -15% ≤ 15%

Los Angeles Machine ASTM C 131 ≤ 35% ≤ 40% ≤ 50%

Notes:
(1) For soil fractions passing No. 40 sieve.
(2) For aggregate base course.
(3) For soil fractions retained on No. 10 sieve or greater sieve openings.
(4) Minimum value for an individual specimen; average density shall be equal to or greater than 97%.
 NUMBER C04-S02
Construction of Asphaltic Concrete REV. NO. 2
Paving and Roadways DATE DEC 2014
ENGINEERING STANDARD
PAGE 20 OF 20

9.3 Density of Asphaltic Concrete

9.3.1 Density of compacted asphaltic concrete for each lot shall accepted when the average of
the five density determinations is equal to or greater than 95 percent of the theoretical maximum
density in accordance with ASTM D 2041M, and when no individual determination is lower than
93 percent.

9.3.2 A lot is equal to one day's production.

10. Roadway Signs

10.1 Roadway signs as detailed in design drawings shall be furnished and installed.

10.2 SES C04-C01 and Royal Commission Section 02891 shall be used as a guide for detailing and
erecting.

11. Pavement Marking

11.1 Pavement and roadway markings as detailed in design drawings shall be provided.

11.2 Royal Commission Section 02760 shall be used as a guide for detailing and marking.

12. Revision History

Revision No.1, January 2011
Revised and Updated: References (Appendix A)
Revised: Paragraph 3.1.2, 4.6.1.1, 4.6.1.2, 4.6.1.3, 5.1, 5.2, 8.2.1,
9.3, 12.2.1, 14.2, 15.2
Revised: Tables II, III, V
Added: Table VIII

Revision No.2, December 2014 Completely refined and restructured.

Deleted: Appendix A
Added: Definition section;
Modified: All tables in general
Revised: Grading requirements for aggregate base course and
asphaltic concrete wearing course.