Description

Construction acceptance plans can reward or penalize contractors based upon the quality of their work. For asphalt pavement construction work, the goal of the acceptance plan is to encourage contractors to focus on materials and construction factors that help achieve better performance and longer life. For hot-mix asphalt (HMA) paving, there are three primary factors that affect performance:

  • Gradation of the aggregate.
  • Asphalt binder content.
  • Compacted density.

In 2016, under the sponsorship of the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), researchers at the University of Nevada Reno’s Western Regional Superpave Center developed a tool to use as an alternative to the conventional mix acceptance procedure in the state’s Standard. The new methodology applies a statistical-based, percent within limits (PWL) approach to determine if the as-constructed mix properties fall within acceptable limits and if the contractor is eligible for a bonus or incurs a penalty.  (Note that the assessment is made on a lot-by-lot basis). Read NDOT Research Report No. 206-10-803, “Develop a PWL System for Dense Graded Hot Mix Asphalt Construction, Including Pay Factors” (Jan 2015) to learn more about the tool.

During this 2-hour webinar, learn more about the tool and how it can be applied at your agency.

Instructors

Two nationally recognized pavement engineers will serve as the instructors for the webinar.

  • Mr. Steve Seeds, Senior Engineer for Applied Pavement Technology, will describe the application of the tool on two local pavement reconstruction projects and make a case for use of the methodology at the local level.
  • Dr. Peter Sebaaly, the primary author of the NDOT report, will describe the development of the tool, including a description of the technology, the use of the tool on a construction project, and the advantages of using the new method HMA acceptance over conventional methods.

Who Should Attend

The participants who will benefit the most from the webinar include engineers involved with preparing pavement construction specifications, overseeing pavement construction, and determining final contractor payment. Participants will receive digital version of the NDOT report and the mix acceptance tool.

Dates and Registration

The webinar is April 29, 9:00–11:00 am PT. Click here to register.