-~..--.-.

ular & Stabilised Subbase,

__,__e & Stabilised Subgrade

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 Ref. Title Page No.
3.1 Materials for Sub-Base and Base
Courses 3-1
3.1.1 Desc.-iption 3- 1
3.1.2 Materials 3-1
3.1.3 General Requirements for Materials 3-1
3. 1.3. 1 Sources and Production 3-1
3. 1.3.2 Stockpiling 3-1
3. 1.3.3 Sampling and Testing 3-1

3.2 Granular Sub-Base Course 3-1

3.2.1 Description 3-1
3.2.2 Materials 3- 1
3.2.3 Construction Requirements 3-2
3.2.3 . 1 Sub-grade Surface Preparation 3-2
3.2.3 .2 Equipment 3-2
3.2.3.3 Construction ofTrial Sections 3-2
3.2.3.4 Stockpiling of Granular Material 3-3
3.2.3.5 Mixing and Spreading 3-3
3.2.3.6 Compaction 3-3
3.2.3.7 Tolerances 3-3
3.2.3 .8 Maintenance of Completed Sub-base 3-4
3.2.3.9 Testing 3-4
3.2.4 Method of Measurement 3-4
3.2.5 Basis of Payment 3-4
3.2.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities 3-4

3_3 Aggregate Base Course 3-4

3.3.1 Description 3-4
3.3.2 Materials 3-4
3.3 .2. 1 Crushed Stone Aggregate 3-4
3.3.3 Construction Requiremen ts 3-5
3.3.3.1 Surface Preparation 3-5
3.3 .3.2 Equipment 3-5
3.3.3.3 Construction ofTrial Sections 3-5
3.3.3.4 Stockpiling of Aggregate Materials 3-5
3.3.3.5 Mixing and Spreading 3-5
3.3.3.6 Compaction 3-6
3.3.3.7 Tolerances 3-6
3.3.3.8 Maintenance of Completed Base Course 3-6
3.3.3 .9 Testing 3-6
3.3.4 Method of 1easurcment 3-7
3.3.5 Basis of Pa yment 3-7
3.3.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities 3-7

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Ref. Title Page No. Ref. Title Page No.
3.4 Stabilized Base Courses 3-7 3.4.3.21 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Mixed in Place
Procedures 3-11
3.4.1 Description 3-7
3.4.3.22 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Placing and
3.4.2 Materials 3-7
Spreading Stationary Plant Mixes 3-12
3.4.2. 1 Soil for Stabilization 3-7
3.4.3 .23 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Compaction and
3.4.2.2 Cement as Stabilizing Agent 3-7
Finishing 3-12
3.4.2.3 Bitumen as Stabilizing Agent 3-8
3.4.3.24 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Tolerances and
3.4.2.4 Lime as Stabilizing Agent 3-8
Replacement of Unsatisfactory Areas 3-12
3.4.2.5 Water 3-8
3.4.3.25 Testing of Lime Stabilized Courses 3-12
3.4.2.6 Mix Design for Cement Stabilized Base 3-8
3.4.4 Method of Measurement 3-12
3.4.3 Construction Requir·ements 3-8
3.4.5 Basis of Payment 3-12
3.4.3.1 Surface Preparation 3-8
3.4.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities 3-12
3.4.3.2 Construction of Trial Section 3-8
3.4.3 .3 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Plant Mixing 3-8 3.5 Recycled Aggregates for Roadworks 3-12
3.4.3.4 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Batch MixingJ-9
3.5.1 Description 3-12
3.4.3.5 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Continuous
3.5.2 Materials 3-13
Mixing 3-9
3.5.2. 1 Aggregate Material 3-13
3.4.3.6 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Mixed in Place
3.5.2.2 Sampling and Testing 3-14
Procedures 3-9
3.5.3 Construction Requirements for Recycled Fill,
3.4.3.7 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Placing of
Subgrade and S ubbase Course Layer·s 3-14
Stationary Plant Mixes 3-9
3.5.4 Meth od of Measurement 3-14
3.4.3.8 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Compaction and
3.5.5 Basis of Pa yment 3-14
Finishing 3-10
3.5.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities 3-14
3.4.3.9 Curing of Cement Stabilized Courses 3-10
3.4.3. 10 Testing of Cement Stabilized Courses 3-10
3.4.3 . 11 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Mix DesignJ-1 0
3.4.3. 12 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Stationary Plant
Mixing 3-11
3.4.3.13 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Mixed in Place
Procedures 3-11
3.4.3.14 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Placing and
Spreading Stationary Plant Mixes. 3-11
3.4.3.15 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Compaction and
Finishing 3-11
3.4.3. 16 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Tolerances and
Replacement ofUnsatisfactory Areas 3-11
3.4.3.17 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Testing of
Bitumen Stabilized Courses 3-11
3.4.3. 18 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Mix Design 3-11
3.4.3.19 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Safety Precautions
3-11
3.4.3.20 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Stationary Plant
Mixing 3-11

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 Granular & Stabilised Subbase,
Basecourse & Stabilised Subgrade
Ministry ofTransport & Communications . DGRLT
3.1 Materials for Sub-Base and Base
Courses
( 3.1.1 Description
This Sub-section describes general requirements for materials
for construction of granular sub-base, aggregate base and stabilized
base courses, all as and where shown on the drawings.
3.1.2 Materials
Materials for use in the construction of the sub-base and base
courses for flexible and rigid pavements may include any or all of the
following:
i. Screened or partially crushed granular material,
consisting of well graded gravel including sand and silt,
or crushed stone or crushed gravel for sub-base course
construction.
ii. Crushed stone for base course construction.
2 All material sources and the quality of materials shall be
( approved prior to procuring or processing material from such sources.
Inspection, sampling, testing and retesting as necessary, shall be as
specified hereunder for specific materials.
3 Storage and handling of all materials shall conform to the
relevant requirements of this specification and as approved by the
Engineer. Materials shall be stored on hard, clean surfaces or as
directed by the Engineer.
3.1.3 General Requirements for Materials
3.1.3.1 Sources and Production
The Contractor shall be responsible for locating sources and
manufacturers of materials in accordance with the requirements of this
Specification in the quantities and rates of production needed to
complete the work on time.
2 The Contractor shall satisfY himself as to the location, suitability
and quantity of materials available; extent of work necessary to obtain
the materials, and to crush, screen and wash them; and the length of
haul to the Site.
3 Prior to starting quarry or borrow pit operations; the Contractor
shall obtain written permission from the authorities or owners
concerned.
4 Screening plants or crushing and screening plants shall not be
put into operation until approved by the Engineer. If, after any plant is
put into operation, it fails to perform as intended, the Contractor shall
either rectifY the defects in the existing plant to the satisfaction of the
Engineer, or shall provide alternative approved plant.
5 Approval of the crushing and screening plants and other
equipment shall in no way relieve the Contractor of his responsibilities
in respect of producing granular materials and aggregates which
conform to this Specification and in the quantities required for the
completion of the work on time.
3.1.3.2 Stockpiling
Stockpile areas shall be surveyed prior to stockpiling to
establish control points and to obtain a record of existing cross
sections for future use in determining stockpile quantities. The areas
shall be adequately drained at all times.
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3
2 Stockpiling procedures shall not result in noticeable degradation
or segregation of the stockpiled material, or introduction of foreign
materials into the stockpile, or coning. Heights of granular material
and aggregate stockpiles shall not exceed 3 m benns.
3.1.3.3 Sampling and Testing
The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer, I 0 days prior to the
scheduled beginning of crushing and screening operations, a statement
of origin indicating the aggregate source and the quarry location and
qualifications, as well as the types and composition of all stone and/or
gravel aggregates and granular materials proposed for use in the work.
2 Samples for testing shall be taken by the Contractor, in the
presence of the Engineer. Duplicate samples shall be submitted to the
Engineer for future reference, if instructed. Sampling shall be in
accordance with ASTM D75/D75M. The Contractor shall conduct the
tests in the site laboratory, or have the tests carried out at an approved
external laboratory.
3 In order to ascertain the properties of granular and aggregate
materials, the Contractor shall submit for testing representative
samples of all materials intended for incorporation in the work, prior
to starting quarry or borrow pit operations. The representative samples
shall be taken by the Contractor in the presence of the Engineer.
4 Tests performed by the Contractor shall be utilized in assessing
the locations, extent of deposits and quantities of materials which,
when properly processed, will conform to this Specification, and shall
in no way obviate the need for further testing by the Engineer.
Approval of specific sources of materials shall not be construed as
final approval and acceptance of materials from such sources.
5 Processed materials shall be tested and approved before being
stockpiled on Site or incorporated in the work and may be inspected
and tested at any time during their preparation, storage and use.
Materials awaiting testing and approval shall not be unloaded and
mixed with materials previously approved. If the grading and quality
of any materials delivered to the Site do not conform to the grading
and quality of the established control samples, the Engineer will reject
such materials.
6 The Contractor shall permit the Engineer to inspect any and all
materials used or to be used, at any time during or after their
preparation, or while being used. Unsatisfactory materials, whether in
place or not, shall be removed promptly from the Site. The Contractor
shall furnish all necessary labor, transport, tools and equipment
required by the Engineer for such inspections.
3.2 Granular Sub-Base Course
3.2.1 Description
This Sub-section specifies standards for granular sub-base
material, mixing, spreading on prepared subgrade, compacting and
finishing.
3.2.2 Materials
Granular material for use in sub-base courses shall be naturally
occurring gravel, blended as necessary with fine or coarse material
and screened to produce the specified gradation. Crushing of natural
granular material shall not normally be required, unless for the
purpose of meeting the graduation requirements, or, when shown on
the
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 Granular & Stabilised Subbase,
Basecourse & Stabilised Subgrade > Highway Dt!sign Standards 2017
Sultanate of Oman I Ministry ofTransport & Communications . DGRLT

drawings, to produce a higher quality sub-base with improved mixed with the granular material. Additional fine material for these
mechanical stability. purposes shall be obtained from the crushing of stone, gravel, or slag.

2 Gravel shall consist ofhard, durable and sound stones, free from 10 The granular material shall be free of gypsum (zero gypsum
dirt, organic matter, shale or other deleterious substances. content), when tested according to BS 7533 Part 3 standard, and shall
be free from organic content, unless otherwise specified in the
3 Granular materials shall meet the requirements of Class A, B or
particular specifications.
C shown in Table 3.2.2.1, and as specified on the Drawings, when
tested in accordance with AASHTO T-27 after dry mixing and just II The granular material shall have a minimum sand equivalent
before spreading and compacting. The class of granular material shall value of28, when tested in accordance with ASTM D2419.
be as shown on the Drawings or otherwise as selected by the Engineer 12 The maximum permitted swell for the granular material used in
based upon the test results of the materials survey, and projected the sub-base courses shall be 1.0%, when tested in accordance with
traffic. The actual gradation shall, in all cases, be continuous and ASTM D4829.
smooth within the specified limits for each class. 13 The Granular Sub-base Course material shall have chloride
content ofless than 3.5 percent and sulphate content ofless than 2.0
Percent by weight passing
Sieve Designation percent when tested in accordance with BS 812.
(square openings) OassA ClassB ClassC 14 Only potable water shall be used for mixing granular sub-base
material.
63mm 100 - -
3.2.3 Construction Requirements
50mm 90- 100 100 -
3.2.3.1 Sub-grade Surface Preparation
37.5 mm - 70- 100 -
Prior to subgrade surface preparation, the sub-grade shall be
25mm - 55-85 100 constructed in accordance with the requirements of Sub-section 2.6
and properly maintained and kept well drained thereafter.
19mm - 50-80 -
2 At all special grade control points, such as at bridge structures,
9.5 mm - 40 - 70 50 - 85 existing pavements, etc the sub-grade shall be lowered to a depth
4.75 mm 35-70 30-60 35-65 sufficient to permit construction of the sub-base course to the specified
elevations and thickness. Transitions shall be of sufficient length to
2.00mm - 20-50 25- 50 avoid abrupt changes of grade and shall be within plus or minus 3%
0.425 mm - 10-30 15-30 of the final design grade unless otherwise directed. Surplus material
O.D75 mm 0- 10 4- 12 5- 15 shall be removed and disposed of
3 The sub-grade shall be inspected and approved immediately
Table 3.2.2.1: Gradation of Granular Sub-Base Material by
prior to commencement of sub-base construction. Any soft, yielding
Class
material shall be removed and replaced by approved topping material.
4 The material shall not contain more than 5% clay content at any Holes, depressions and other irregularities shall be made good as
stage of construction when tested in the Hydrometer Test in directed and the subgrade re-compacted as necessary and finished
accordance with AASHTO T88. ready to receive the sub-base course.

5 The loss in weight of granular material shall not exceed 40%
after 500 revolutions, when tested in accordance with ASTM
Cl31/Cl31M (Los Angeles Abrasion Test), unless otherwise
specified in the particular specifications.
6 The granular material shall have a4-day soaked CBR of not less
than 60% when compacted at 100% of modified proctor AASHTO (T
180-D) and tested in accordance withAASHTO T 193.
7 When tested for soundness in accordance with AASHTO T 104,
the material shall not show signs of disintegration, and the percentage
loss in weight after 5 cycles shall not exceed 12% in the case of the
sodium sulfate test and 18% in the case of the magnesium sulfate test.
8 The portion of granular material, including any blended material,
passing the 0.425 mm (No. 40) mesh sieve shall have a liquid limit
(L.L.) of not more than 25 and a plasticity index (P.I.) not greater than
6 when tested in accordance with AASHTO T 89 and T 90, unless
otherwise specified in the particular specifications.
9 If additional fine material is required to correct the gradation of
the granular material, or for adjusting the L.L. or P.l. of the fraction
passing 0.425 mm (No 40) sieve, it shall be uniformly blended and
3.2.3.2 Equipment
Equipment used to handle, place, spread, water, compact and
finish sub-base shall conform with the requirements of Section 19 of
these Specifications and with the Contractor's approved equipment list.
3.2.3.3 Construction of Trial Sections
If directed by the Engineer, before commencement of sub-base
construction, the Contractor shall lay and compact trial sections of
varying thickness of sub-base. Each trial section shall be 2 lanes wide
by 50 m long, at approved locations on or close to the Site. Each trial
section shall be laid using the same materials, mix proportions, mixing,
spreading and compaction equipment, and construction procedures,
proposed for use in the work.
2 The objectives of these trials shall be to determine the adequacy
of the Contractor's equipment and the loose depth measurements that
will result in the specified compacted layer depths, to verity the field
moisture content, and to identifY the relationship between the number
of compaction passes and the resulting density of the sub-base
material.

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 Granular & Stabilised Subbase,
Basecourse & Stabilised Subgrade
Mini try ,/T•ar 'pr'r1 & Co•••rnu.1ic tion . DG>LT
(
3.2.3.4 Stockpiling of Granular Material
Stockpiling procedures shall conform to the requirements of
Sub-section 3 .I.
( 2 Methods used for stockpiling granular material and removing it
from stockpiles shall not result in significant degradation or
segregation or the introduction of significant amounts of foreign
materials or extraneous matter.
3 Granular material adversely affected, in the opinion of the
Engineer, by stockpiling or handling procedures, shall not be
incorporated in the work regardless of previous approval of such
material, until the deficiencies have been rectified in an acceptable
manner.
3.2.3.5 Mixing and Spreading
Mixing shall generally be performed in hatching plants. Mixing
in stockpiles shall be done only if approved by the Engineer and under
his supervision. The amount of water added, as approved by the
Engineer, shall be such that the material will be uniform and within
the specified moisture content range at the time of compaction.
Wetting of granular material in trucks before or during delivery to the
Site will not be permitted. However, water shall be added to the
material, if necessary, during placing and compaction of sub-base
material.
2 The sub-base material shall be placed on the subgrade in a
uniform layer or layers not exceeding 200 mm thickness (after
compaction) with the necessary control guide wire requirements.
Where the required thickness is greater than 200 mm but less than 400
mm, the material shall be placed in layers of equal thickness.
3 If approved by the Engineer, when heavy duty vibratory
compaction equipment is used the maximum layer thickness may be
increased up to 300 mm (after compaction) provided compaction tests
( with appropriate testing equipment based on successful Site trials
indicate that the specified compaction standard will be attained and
will be uniform through the thickness.
4 The sub-base material shall be placed to the required width
using an approved paver/finisher or grader if approved by the
Engineer. However, any pavers or graders used for placing the sub-
base material shall be equipped with calibrated sensors to maintain the
design levels and thicknesses. Water shall be applied by approved
spraying equipment and thoroughly mixed with the sub-base material.
5 The material shall not be handled in such a way as to cause
segregation. If the spreading equipment causes segregation in the
3.2.3.7
material, or leaves ridges or other objectionable marks on the surface
which cannot be readily eliminated or prevented by adjustment of the
equipment, the use of such equipment shall be discontinued and it
shall be replaced by a spreader or grader capable of spreading the
material in a proper manner.
6 All segregated material shall be removed and replaced with
well-graded material. 'Skin' patching will not be permitted. Only
minor surface manipulation and watering to achieve the required
surface tolerances will be permitted during the compaction process.
7 Neither hauling nor placement of material will be permitted
when, in the judgment of the Engineer, the weather or surface
conditions are such that hauling operations will cause cutting or
rutting of the subgrade or cause contamination of the sub-base
material.
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3
3.2.3.6 Compaction
The Contractor shall plan the sequence of operations so that the
least amount of water will be lost by evaporation from uncompleted
surfaces. If the uncompleted surface material loses water due to
evaporation, the Contractor shall apply additional water as required to
prevent raveling or excessive drying.
2 The sub-base material shall be compacted by means of approved
compaction equipment, progressing gradually from the outside
towards the center, with each succeeding pass uoiformly overlapping
the previous pass.
3 Rolling shall continue until the entire thickness of each sub-base
layer is thoroughly and uniformly compacted to 100% AASHTO T
180 (Method D) maximum density. Final rolling of the completed
course shall be by means of an approved self-propelled roller. Rolling
shall be accompanied by sufficient blading, to insure a smooth surface,
free from ruts or ridges and having the proper shape. When additional
water is required, it shall be applied in an approved manner.
4 Any areas inaccessible to normal compaction equipment shall
be compacted by use of portable mechanical tampers until the required
standard of compaction is achieved.
5 Each layer shall be completely compacted and approved prior
to delivery of materials for the subsequent layer.
6 Prior to placing a subsequent layer, the existing surface shall be
made sufficiently moist as directed, to ensure proper bond between the
layers.
7 The edges and edge slopes of the sub-base course shall be
bladed or otherwise dressed to conform to the lines and dimensions
shown on the Drawings and to present straight, neat lines and slopes
as free ofloose material as practicable.
8 Material which has dried out prior to final compaction, or which
has dried and de-compacted subsequent to final compaction, shall be
watered and re-compacted using approved equipment and procedures.
If the Contractor is unable to return the material to its original or
specified condition with respect to compaction, thickness and surface
tolerances, the Contractor shall remove the material and reconstruct
the sub-base course on a re-approved subgrade.
9 The water shall be clean and free from deleterious substances.
Water from doubtful sources shall not be used until tested in
accordance with ASTM Cl602/Cl602M and approved.
I 0 Sea, brackish or saline water shall not be used in the mixing,
spreading and compacting operations for aggregate sub-base course.
Tolerances
The fully compacted and completed sub-base course shall
conform to the lines, grades and cross sections as shown on the
Drawings.
2 The elevations of the finished sub-base course shall be checked
by the Contractor in the presence of the Engineer at maximum
intervals of20 m and at intermediate points as directed.
3 The tolerances on elevations of finished surface shall be plus 10
mm to minus 20 mm. Minus tolerance shall be compensated by the
subsequent layer.
4 When the finished surface is tested with a 3 m long straightedge,
placed parallel to, or at right angles to the centerline, the maximum
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 Granular & Stabilised Subbase,
Basecourse & Stabilised Subgrade > HighW.JY De5ign Stjfl(i rds 2017
Sultan te of Oman I , t1inistry ofTr~nsport & Communication . DGRLT
deviation of the surface from the testing edge between any 2 contact
points shall not exceed 10 mm.
5 All areas which exceed the specified tolerances shall be
corrected by removing the defective sections of sub-base and
reconstructing them or, if approved, by scarifYing, adding new
material, or removing extra material, mixing and re-compacting and
finishing to the specified standard.
3.2.3.8 Maintenance of Completed Sub-base
Following completion and acceptance of the sub-base course, it
shall be maintained in good condition prior to laying the base course ..
The sub-base shall be bladed, broomed and otherwise maintained,
keeping it free from raveling and other defects until such time as the
base course is placed. Water shall be applied at such times and in such
quantities as directed by the Engineer.
3.2.3.9 Testing
Every 1000 cu.m. of sub-base material, or whenever there is a
change in the material source, shall be subject to a full set of tests as
listed in Table 3.3.3 .1 after placing and, if found satisfactory, shall be
approved for compaction. This approval shall not be deemed to
constitute acceptance of the sub-base course.
2 Sampling and testing shall conform with the relevant
requirements of this specification and to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
3 Compaction shall be tested in accordance with AASHTO T 191
or ASTM 02167. If there is a delay between the construction of any
layer and the following layer, if necessary and required by the
Engineer the compaction of the lower layer may be re-verified to
ensure that it has not loosened due to traffic, passage of construction
equipment, adverse weather conditions or otherwise.
3.2.4 Method of Measurement
Granular sub-base course is measured by cu.m. of compacted
sub-base. Measurement shall be of volumes computed from the cross
sections shown on the Drawings and shall be calculated from the top
surface area of each layer, excluding the tapered edges.
2 No measurement shall be made for direct payment of overdepth
construction, regardless of the Engineer's permission for it to remain
in place.
3.2.5 Basis of Payment
The amount of completed and accepted work, measured as
provided for above, will be paid for at the unit rates for the various
items in the Bill of Quantities, which rate shall be full compensation
for equipment, tools, labor, locating sources of supply, supplying
materials, sampling and testing, screening, crushing, transporting,
stockpiling, laying, mixing and compacting and for extra material in
tapered edges, and other items necessary for the proper completion of
the work.
3.2.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities
i. Granular Sub-Base Course (Class A) cu.m
ii. Granular Sub-Base Course (Class B) cu.m
iii. Granular Sub-Base Course (Class C) cu.m
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3.3 Aggregate Base Course
3.3.1 Description
This Sub-section specifies standards for crushed aggregate base
course material, mixing, spreading on prepared sub-base course or
sub-grade, compacting and fmishing.
3.3.2 Materials
3.3.2.1 Crushed Stone Aggregate
Aggregate for use in base course construction shall be either
crushed stone or crushed gravel. The fine aggregate shall consist of
screenings obtained from crushed stone, gravel, or sand. Aggregate
may be washed, if directed, to remove excessive quantities of clay,
silty clay or salts.
2 Crushed stone shall consist of hard, durable particles or
fragments of stone, free from dirt or other objectionable matter, and
shall contain no more than 8% of flat, elongated particles when tested
according to ASTM 04791 and, soft, or disintegrated pieces when
tested according to ASTM Cl23/Cl23M.
3 Crushed gravel shall consist of hard durable stones, rocks, and
boulders crushed to specified sizes and shall be free from excess flat,
elongated, soft or disintegrated pieces, dirt, or other objectionable
matter
4 The method used in production of crushed gravel shall be such
that the finished product shall be as uniform as practicable. The
crushing of the gravel shall result in a product, which shall have at
least 90% by weight of particles with at least one fractured face. All
stones, rocks, and boulders of inferior quality occurring in the pit shall
be wasted.
5 Any material passing 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve and produced in
the crushing process shall be incorporated in the base material up to
the gradation limits required for the base course aggregate.
6 Crushed aggregate for base course delivered to road site shall
meet the requirements of Class A, B or C gradations as shown in Table
3.3.2.1 when tested in accordance with AASHTO T 27 after mixing
with water and just before spreading and prior to compacting. The
class of aggregate shall be as shown on the Drawings. The actual
gradation shall, in all cases, be continuous and smooth within the
specified limits for each class. Gap graded aggregate will not be
accepted. If gradation is tested after compaction a tolerance of 3% is
allowed in upper limit for percentage of material passing sieve 200.
7 The amount of the fraction of material passing the 0.075mm (No.
200) mesh sieve shall not exceed one half the fraction passing the
0.425mm (No. 40) mesh sieve.
8 The loss in weight shall not exceed 35% after 500 revolutions,
when tested in accordance with ASTM Cl31/Cl31M (Los Angeles
Abrasion Test), unless otherwise specified in the particular
specifications.
9 The crushed aggregate base course material shall have a 4-day
soaked CBR of not less than 80% when compacted at 100% of
modified proctor AASHTO (Tl80-D) and tested in accordance with
AASHTO T 193.
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 Granular & Stabilised Subbase,
Basecourse & Stabilised Subgrade
M;-lislly ofTr nspo'1 & Com111Wication~ . DGRLf
3
Per cent by weigbt passing irregularities shall be made good as directed and the sub-base re-
Sieve Designation compacted as necessary and finished ready to receive the base course.
(square openings) Class A Class B ClassC
3 Where no sub-base course is required or shown on the Drawings,
63mm 100 ... ... and the aggregate base course is placed directly on completed sub-
( grade, preparation of the subgrade surface shall be as specified in
50mm 90 ... 100 ... ...
Paragraph 3.2.3.1 .
37.5 mm 60-90 100 ...
3.3.3.2 Equipment
25mm 42 -77 60 . . 100 100
19mm 35 -70 55 . . 85 80 . . 100 Equipment used to handle, place, spread, water, compact and
finish base course shall conform with the requirements of Section 19
12.5mm 25 . . 60 ... ...
and with the Contractor's approved equipment list.
4.75 mm 15 . . 40 35 . . 60 30 . . 60
2.00mm 10 . . 25 25 . . 50 20 . . 45 3.3.3.3 Construction of Trial Sections

0.425 mm 5 . . 15 15-30 - If directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall lay and compact
O.o75 mm 2-9 4- 10 6- 12
Table 3.3.2.1: Gradation by Class of Aggr·egatt Base Course
10 When tested for soundness in accordance with AASHTO T 104,
the material shall not show signs of disintegration and the loss by
weight shall not exceed 12% in the case of the sodium sulfate test and
( 18% in the case of the magnesium sulfate test.
11 The aggregate material shall be free of gypsum (zero gypsum
content), when tested according to BS 7533 Part 3 standard, and shall
( be free from organic content, unless otherwise specified in the
particular specifications.
12 The aggregate material shall have a minimum sand equivalent
value of 50, when tested in accordance with ASTM 02419.
13 The maximum permitted swell for the aggregate material used
in the base courses shall be 0.5%, when tested in accordance with
ASTMD4829.
14 The portion of aggregate, including any blended material,
passing the 0.425 mm (No. 40) mesh sieve shall have a liquid limit
( (L.L.) of not more than 25 and plasticity index (P.I) of not more than
4 when tested in accordance with AASHTO T 89 and T 90, unless
otherwise specified in the particular specifications.
15 If additional fine material is required to correct the aggregate
gradation, or for adjusting the L.L. or P.L of the fraction passing the
0.425 mm (No. 40) sieve, it shall be uniformly blended and mixed
with the aggregate material plant at the crushing plant or by an
approved plant. Reworking of the material in situ to obtain the
specified gradation will not be permitted. Additional fine material for
these purposes shall be obtained from the crushing of stone, gravel, or
slag.
16 The Aggregate Base Course material shall have chloride content
ofless than 3.5 percent and sulphate content ofless than 2.0 percent
when tested in accordance with BS 812.
17 Only potable water shall be used for mixing aggregate base
material.
3.3.3 Construction Requirements
3.3.3.1 Surface Preparation
The sub-base course shall be in accordance with the
requirements of Sub-section 3.2 and properly maintained and kept
well drained thereafter.
2 The sub-base surface shall be inspected and approved prior to
commencement of base construction. Holes, depressions and other
trial sections of varying thickness of base. Each trial section shall be
2 lanes wide by 50 m long, at approved locations on or close to the
Site. Each trial section shall be laid using the same materials, mix
proportions, mixing, spreading and compaction equipment, and
construction procedures, proposed for use in the Works.
2 The objectives of these trials shall be to determine the adequacy
of the Contractor's equipment and the loose depth measurements that
will result in the specified compacted layer depths, to verity the field
moisture content for compaction, and to identifY the relationship
between the number of compaction passes and the resulting density of
the base course material.
3.3.3.4 Stockpiling of Aggregate Materials
Stockpiling procedures shall conform to the relevant
requirements of Sub-section 3 .1.
2 Methods used for stockpiling aggregate materials and removing
them from stockpiles shall not result in significant degradation or
introduction of significant amounts of foreign materials or extraneous
matter.
3 Aggregate materials adversely affected, in the opinion of the
Engineer, by stockpiling or handling procedures, shall not be
incorporated in the work regardless of previous approval of such
material, until the deficiencies have been rectified in an acceptable
manner.
3.3.3.5 Mixing and Spreading
All components of base course material shall be premixed with
water in a pugmill mixing plant. The amount of water added, as
determined, shall be such that the material will be uniform and within
the specified moisture content range at the time of compaction. Other
methods of mixing will be allowed only if directed by the Engineer,
provided such method(s) do not reduce the quality of work The
Contractor shall demonstrate, in the presence of the Engineer, his
ability to attain the requirement given in this Specification.
2 The premixed material shall be placed on the sub-base in a
uniform layer or layers not exceeding 200 mrn in thickness (after
compaction) with the necessary control guide wire requirements.
Where the required thickness is greater than 220 mm but less than 400
mm, the material shall be placed in layers of equal thickness.
3 If approved by the Engineer when heavy duty vibratory
compaction equipment is used, the maximum layer thickness may be
increased up to 300 mm (after compaction) provided compaction tests
with appropriate testing equipment based on successful Site trials

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indicate that the specified compaction standard will be attained and
will be uniform through the thickness.
4 The base course material shall be placed to the required width
using an approved paver/finisher. However, any pavers or finishers
used for placing the base material shall be equipped with calibrated
sensors to maintain the design levels and thicknesses. The material
shall be delivered such that it is ready for compaction without further
shaping.
5 The material shall not be handled in such a way as to cause
segregation. If the spreader causes segregation in the material, or
leaves ridges or other objectionable marks on the surface which cannot
be readily eliminated or prevented by adjustment of the spreader
operation, the use of such spreader shall be discontinued and it shall
be replaced by a spreader capable of spreading the material in a proper
manner.
6 All segregated material shall be removed and replaced with
well-graded material. ' Skin' patching will not be permitted. Only
minor surface manipulation and watering to achieve the required
surface tolerances will be permitted during the compaction process.
7 Hauling or placement of material will not be permitted when, in
the judgment of the Engineer, the weather or surface conditions are
such that hauling operations will cause cutting or rutting of the sub-
base or subgrade or cause contamination of the base course material.
3.3.3.6 Compaction
The Contractor shall plan the sequence of operations so that the
least amount of water will be lost by evaporation from uncompleted
surfaces. If the uncompleted surface loses water due to evaporation,
the Contractor shall apply additional water as required to prevent
raveling or excessive drying.
2 The base course material shall be compacted by means of
approved compaction equipment, progressing gradually from the
outside towards the center, with each succeeding pass uniformly
overlapping the previous pass.
3 Rolling shall continue until the entire thickness of each base
layer is thoroughly and uniformly compacted to 100% AASHTO T
180 (Method D) maximum density. Final rolling of the completed
course shall be by means of an approved self-propelled roller. Rolling
shall be accompanied by sufficient blading, to ensure a smooth surface,
free from ruts or ridges and having the proper shape. When additional
water is required, it shall be applied in an approved manner.
4 Any areas inaccessible to normal compaction equipment shall
be compacted by use of portable mechanical tampers until the required
standard of compaction is achieved, or to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
5 Each layer shall be completely compacted and approved prior
to delivery of materials for the following layer.
6 Prior to placing a following layer, the surface shall be made
sufficiently moist as directed, to ensure proper bond between the
layers.
7 The edges and edge slopes of the base course shall be bladed or
otherwise dressed to conform to the lines and dimensions shown on
the Drawings and to present straight, neat lines and slopes as free of
loose material as practicable.
8 Material which has dried out prior to final compaction, or which
has dried and de-compacted subsequent to final compaction, shall be
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watered andre-compacted using approved equipment and procedures.
If the Contractor is unable to return the material to its original or
specified condition with respect to compaction, thickness and surface
tolerances, for the final layer only the Contractor shall scarify the
material and reconstruct the base course on a re-approved sub-base
surface or to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
3.3.3.7 Tolerances
The fully compacted and completed base course shall conform
to the lines, grades and cross sections as shown on the Drawings.
2 The elevations of the finished base course shall be checked by
the Contractor in the presence of the Engineer at intervals of I Om on
straight lines and of 5m on curves, and at intermediate points as
directed.
3 The tolerances (for fmal layer only) on elevations of finished
surface shall not exceed +5mm or -IOmm.
4 When the finished surface is tested with a 4m long straightedge,
placed parallel to, or at right angles to the centerline, the maximum
deviation of the surface from the testing edge between any 2 contact
points shall not exceed I Omm.
5 The tolerances on layer thickness, after being compacted and
finished, shall not exceed+ 1Omm and -5mm.
6 The thickness of the fmished base course shall be checked at
20m intervals along the road by taking levels on the centerline and
both shoulders.
7 All areas which exceed the specified tolerances shall be
corrected by removing the defective sections of base course and
reconstructing them or if approved, by scarifying and adding new
material, or removing extra material, and re-compacting and finishing
to the specified standard.
3.3.3.8 Maintenance of Completed Base Course
Following completion and acceptance of the base course, it shall
be maintained by the Contractor until the subsequent pavement layers
are laid. The surface shall be broomed, rolled and otherwise
maintained, keeping it free from raveling and other defects until such
time as the following course is placed. Water shall be applied at such
times and in such quantities as directed.
3.3.3.9 Testing
Every 1000 cu.m. of base course material, or whenever there is
a change in the material source, shall be subject to a full set oftests as
listed in Table 3.3 .3.1 after placing and if satisfactory shall be
approved for compaction and use. This approval shall not be deemed
to constitute acceptance of the base course for full payment purposes.
2 Sampling and testing shall conform to the requirements of this
specification.
3 Compaction shall be tested in accordance with AASHTO T 191
or any acceptable method. If there is a significant delay between the
construction of any layer and the following layer, the Engineer may
require the compaction of the lower layer to be re-verified to ensure
that it has not loosened due to traffic, passage of construction
equipment, adverse weather conditions or otherwise.
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cross sections shown on the Drawings and shall be calculated from the
Sourc:e of Materials Control on Site (fbe Road) top surface area of each layer, excluding the tapered edges.
2 No measurement shall be made for direct payment of overdepth
Repetition
Required Required Repetition construction, regardless of the Engineer's pennission for it to remain
( Tests
Required
for all Tests
Tests Required for in place.
(A) (B) all Tests in (B)
in(A)
3.3.5 Basis of Payment
I. Gradation Minimum I. Proctor Minimum one
of Materials one test for AASHTO test for every The amount of completed and accepted work, measured as
AASHTO each source Tl80-0 1000 cu.m. of provided for above, will be paid for at the unit rates for the various
T27 every layer, or
items in the Bill of Quantities, which rate shall be full compensation
whenever
Materials for equipment, tools, labor, locating sources of supply, supplying
changed, materials, sampling and testing, screening, crushing, transporting,
whichever is stockpiling, laying, mixing and compacting and for extra material in
less tapered edges, and other items necessary for the proper completion of
the work.
2. Plasticity .. 2. Gradation
.
Index of Materials 3.3.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities
AASHTO AASHTO
T89& T90 T27 i. Aggregate Base Course (Class A) cu.m

ii. Aggregate Base Course (Class B) cu.m

3. Abrasion
.. 3. Plasticity ..
iii. Aggregate Base Course (Class C) cu.m
ASTM Index
CJ31/Cl31M AASHTO
T89& T90 3.4 Stabilized Base Courses

3.4.1 Description
4. C.B.R.
..
4 . C.B.R.
.
This Sub-section specifies stabilized base courses composed of
AASHTO AASHTO
Tl93 Tl93 sand, sandy gravel, sandy clay soil or similar, stabilized with cement

( or bitumen or lime as appropriate and as shown on the Drawings.

5.Sand .. 5. Abrasion .. 3.4.2 Materials

equivalent ASTM
( ASTM
02419
CJ31 /Cl31
M
3.4.2.1 Soil for Stabilization

Sand and gravel soils shall have the following particle size
distribution given in Table 3.4.2.1.
6. Percentage .. 6. Sand ..
of fractured equivalent AASHTO Sieve "'o passing (by mass)
Grains ASTM
50mm 100
02419
4.75 mm 50- 100
7. Thin and .. 7. Clay .. 1.80 mm 37-80
elongated lumps& 15-50
425 J.!ffi
pieces friable
ASTM 75 ).liD 0-20
particles
04791 ASTM 2J.!m 0-3
Cl23/Cl23 Table 3.4.2.1: Soil for Stabilization
M

8. Field .. 2 The mix-in-place method of construction shall be used only on

Density sites with naturally occurring sand and gravel mixture. For the central
plant method of construction, the materials shall be selected by the
9. Thickness Test for every Contractor from other sources complying with the requirements of this
2000 sq.m. and Clause and shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer.
for every layer
Table 3.3.3.1: Hequirtd Tests and .\linimum Htpetition for Base 3.4.2.2 Cement as Stabilizing Agent
and Sub- Base Course '\'latcrials Cement for stabilization shall be ordinary Portland cement or
sulfate resisting cement, as shown on the Drawings, or as instructed
3.3.4 Method of Measurement by the Engineer. Portland cement shall confonn to the requirements
Aggregate base course shall be measured by cu.m. of compacted ofBS EN 197-1 Type CEM I 42.5N or AASHTO M85 Type I for
base course. Measurements shall be of volumes computed from the ordinary and rapid hardening types, and BS EN 197-1 Type CEM I

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Suit nate of Oman I Ministry ofTran pr>rt & Corl'fnunic tion . f'lGRLT
42.5N/SR or AASHTO M85 Type V for sulfate resisting cement.
2 At least two silos shall be used for cement storage. Before
recharging a silo it shall be emptied completely and cleaned out.
During the time of charging a silo shall not be used for batching.
3 The stored cement shall be free-flowing and free of lumps.
Cement shall not be stored for longer than 4 months. Cement that has
remained in store for a period greater than 4 months, or of which there
is doubt as to quality shall be re-tested by standard mortar tests to
determine whether it still meets the requirements of the standards.
4 Curing seal shall consist of approved proprietary curing
compound, or MC-70 cutback bitumen to prime coat standard as
specified in Section 4.
3.4.2.3 Bitumen as Stabilizing Agent
Bitumen may include straight run (penetration grade) bitumen;
RC cutback bitumen, MC cutback bitumen, or cationic emulsified
bitumen, Type SS. Penetration grade, cutback bitumen and emulsified
bitumen shall conform to all relevant requirements herein.
2 The selection of suitable bitumen will depend on the properties
of the material to be stabilized and shall be subject to laboratory and
field trials by the Contractor, under the supervision of the Engineer.
3 When the material moisture content is high, the material must
be dried before the use of penetration grade bitumen or viscous
cutback bitumen and plant mixing of materials as appropriate.
4 When the natural moisture content of the material is low, use
cutback bitumens or emulsified bitumens as appropriate.
3.4.2.4 Lime as Stabilizing Agent
Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) and quicklime (calcium
oxide) shall conform to AASHTO M216. Mixing of different brands
oflime or use oflime from different mills will not be permitted.
2 Lime slurry shall be a homogeneous pumpable mixture oflime
and water. Slurry shall be a premixed material in which the lime solids
content shall be not less than 30% by weight.
3.4.2.5 Water
The water shall be clean and free from impurities, oil, acid, salts,
alkali, organic matter, and other potentially deleterious substances.
Water from doubtful sources shall not be used until tested in
accordance with ASTM Cl602/Cl602M and approved.
3.4.2.6 Mix Design for Cement Stabilized Base
Before starting the work of stabilization, soil-cement trial mixes
shall be carried out. The proposed mix design shall be submitted by
the Contractor for approval by the Engineer. It shall show the
percentage of cement and water to be used with the naturally occurring
soil so as to obtain a stabilized mixture with the following properties:
i. The minimum cube compressive strength shall be 5.0
N/mm2 after molding and storage at a minimum
humidity of 95% for a period of 7 days . The molding
shall be in accordance with AASHTO Tl34 and the
strength testing shall be in accordance with BS 1881. The
cement content of trial mixes shall be adjusted until this
strength is achieved.
ii. The maximum volume change (swelling) shall be 2%
and the maximum loss in weight shall be not more than
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8%, when cylinders are molded and tested in accordance
with AASHTO T 135, Method B.
iii. Cement content and water content of the mix on the Site
shall each be within- 0.2% to +2% of the approved mix
design.
iv. The total salt content of the cement stabilized base
course mixture shall meet the following requirements:
The total chloride content (sum of both acid soluble and
water soluble chlorides) expressed as chloride ion, when
tested in accordance with BS 1881 , shall not exceed 0.10
percent by weight of dry cement. The total sulfate
content expressed as S03, when tested in accordance
with BS 1881, shall not exceed 3 percent by weight of
dry cement.
3.4.3 Construction Requirements
3.4.3.1 Surface Preparation
Prior to placing of stabilized base on sub-base or subgrade, the
subgrade shall have been properly completed and approved as
specified in Sub-section 2.6 and the sub-base shall have been properly
completed and approved as specified in Sub-section 3.2.
3.4.3.2 Construction of Trial Section
If instructed by the Engineer before commencement of
stabilization work and after completion of laboratory mix design, the
Contractor shall lay a trial section of stabilized material 2 lanes wide
by 50m long, at an approved location on or near to the Site.
2 This trial section shall be laid using the same materials, mix
proportions, mixing, spreading and compaction equipment, and
construction procedures that are proposed for use in the work.
3 The trial section shall serve as a field verification of the
laboratory mix design. The results of the dry density and moisture
content measurements made in the trial section will be used in
association with the laboratory tests to establish the moisture content
and minimum per cent compaction to be attained in the stabilization
work.
4 The trial section shall also demonstrate the adequacy of mixing,
spreading and compaction equipment and the suitability of the
methods and organization proposed.
3.4.3.3 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Plant Mixing
When cement and granular or crushed material are to be mixed
in a stationary plant, the plant shall be an approved type pugmill
mixing plant of either the batch mix type with revolving blade or
rotary drum, or the continuous mixing type. Proportioning ofmaterials
and of water may be by either weight or volume.
2 Cement shall be added in such a marmer that it is uniformly
distributed during the mixing operation. Safe, convenient facilities
shall be provided for sampling cement in the supply line to the weigh
hopper or pugrnill.
3 Means shall be provided whereby the Engineer may verifY the
amount of water per batch or the rate of flow for continuous mixing.
The time of the addition of water and the points at which it is
introduced into the mixer shall be as approved.
4 The charge in a batch mixer, or the rate of feed to a continuous
mixer, shall not exceed that which will permit complete mixing of all
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Granular & Stabilised Subbase,
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Ministry ofTransport & Communications. DGRLT
of the material. Dead areas in the mixer, in which the material does
not move or is not sufficiently agitated, shall be corrected.
5 The moisture content of the completed mixture shall be not
( more than one per cent below optimum moisture content at the point
of delivery to the work area.
3.4.3.4 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Batch Mixing
Batch mixing plants shall be equipped with a sufficient number
of paddles of a type and arrangement to produce a uniformly mixed
batch.
2 The mixer platform shall be of ample size to provide safe and
convenient access to the mixer and other equipment.
3 The mixer shall be equipped with a timing device which will
indicate by a definite audible or visual signal the expiration of the
mixing period. The device shall be accurate to within 2 seconds.
4 The time of mixing a batch shall begin after all ingredients are
in the mixer and shall end when the mixer is half emptied. Mixing
shall continue until a homogeneous mixture of uniformly distributed
and properly coated materials of uniform appearance is produced. The
time of mixing shall not be less than 30 seconds. When blending of
different sizes is required, the materials shall be blended as they enter
the mixer.
( 5 Cement for each batch shall be weighed on scales separate from
the aggregate hatching scales. Each cement scale graduation shall be
approximately 0.001 times the total capacity ofthe scales. The total
capacity shall not be greater than twice the amount of cement required
when the plant is operated at full capacity. No scale shall be used with
a capacity less than 500 kg.
( 3.4.3.5 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Continuous Mixing
Continuous mixing plants shall be designed such that granular
( materials are drawn from the storage facility by feeders which
continuously supply the correct amount of granular material in
proportion to the cement and so arranged that the proportion of each
size of granular material can be separately adjusted if more than one
size is used. Storage facilities containing fme material shall be
equipped with vibrating units which shall vibrate the side walls of the
feeder to prevent any hang-up of materials while the plant is operating.
2 A control system shall be provided that will automatically close
down the plant when the material in any storage facility approaches
( the strike-off capacity of the feed gate. The plant will not be permitted
to operate unless the control system is in proper working order.
3 The feeder for the granular material shall be mechanically or
electrically driven. Mechanically driven feeders shall be directly
connected with the drive on the cement feeder. The drive shaft on the
feeder shall be equipped with a revolution counter reading to 0.1 of a
revolution. Electrically driven feeders shall be actuated from the same
circuit that services the motor driving the cement feeder.
4 The cement feeder and the granular material feeders shall be
equipped with devices by which the rate of feed can be determined
while the plant is in full operation.
3.4.3.6 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Mixed in Place
Procedures
Mixed in place procedures will normally be permitted when the
granular material to be stabilized is in-situ site material.
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2 Plant and equipment for pulverizing (if required) and for mixing
all materials will be approved on the basis of preliminary trials to
establish that such plant and equipment are capable of producing the
specified degree of mixing and uniformity of stabilized material for
the full thickness of each layer. Single pass or multi-pass equipment
maybe used.
3 The mixing equipment shall be equipped with a device for
controlling the depth of processing and the mixing blades shall be
maintained or reset periodically so that the correct depth of mixing is
obtained at all times. Cement shall be spread ahead of the mixer by
means of a cement spreader, fitted with a device to ensure a uniform
and controllable rate of spread of cement transversely and
longitudinally.
4 lfmulti-pass equipment is utilized, the fine cohesive fraction (if
any) of the material shall first be pulverized to the required depth with
successive passes and the moisture content adjusted if it is more than
3% below the value required for compaction. Cement shall then be
spread and mixing continued with successive passes until the required
depth and uniformity have been achieved.
5 If it is necessary to adjust the moisture content of the material
to the optimum for compaction, water shall be added during the
mixing operation using a water sprayer of such design that the water
is added in a uniform and controllable manner both transversely and
longitudinally.
6 The mixing equipment shall be set so that it cuts slightly into
the edge of any adjoining completed lane so as to ensure that all
material forming the layer has been properly processed. The Engineer
may approve the use of scarifiers or preparizers ahead of the mixing
equipment. The output of the mixing equipment shall be such that a
minimum rate of 20 lin.m./h measured longitudinally of completed
stabilized layer can be maintained in order to permit satisfactory
compaction of the mix.
3.4.3.7 Cement Stabilization Procedures- Placing of Stationary
Plant Mixes
Immediately prior to depositing the mix, the surface area to be
covered shall be moistened and kept moist.
2 The cement stabilized mix shall be protected against moisture
loss during transporting, by use of suitable covers. The mix shall be
deposited on the roadbed at a prescribed quantity which shall provide
the compacted thickness for the width being spread without resort to
spotting, picking up, or otherwise shifting the mixture. Segregation
shall be prevented and the mix shall be free from pockets of coarse or
fine materials.
3 The mix shall be spread in widths of not less than 2 lanes,
insofar as the width of surface permits. Longitudinal construction
joints shall fall within 300 mm of lane lines. The mix shall be spread
by one or more spreaders operating in a staggered position across the
surface. If traffic conditions require that less than 2 lanes be spread,
not more than 2 hours shall elapse between the times of placing the
material in adjacent lanes.
4 The compacted thickness of any one layer shall not exceed 200
mm and shall be not less than 80 mm. When more than one layer is
placed, the surface of the lower layer of compacted mix shall, until
covered with the next layer, be kept moist with water or a curing seal
as specified.
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5 In the case of areas inaccessible to mechanical spreading
equipment, the mix may be spread in one layer by approved methods
only. After spreading, the material shall be thoroughly compacted to
the required lines, grades, and cross section by means of pneumatic
tampers, or other approved compacting equipment
6 Use of motor graders will not be permitted during spreading or
compacting operations. Motor graders may be used only to trim the
edges and surface after compaction in order to finish within the
specified tolerances.
7 A motor grader may be classified as a self-propelled mechanical
spreader if it has been equipped with end wings on the blade, has the
blade locked in a position perpendicular to the direction of travel, and
is equipped with cross slope and automatic grade controls that meet
the requirements for the specified type of spreading.
8 Each layer of the mix shall be spread in one operation with an
approved type self-propelled mechanical spreader such that the layer
is made ready for compaction without further shaping. The spreader
shall be provided with a fully automatic and adjustable screed that
strikes off and distributes the material to the full width being spread
and to the surface tolerances specified.
9 The spreader shall be equipped with grade sensing controls to
automatically control the longitudinal grade and transverse slopes of
the screed. Screed action includes any cutting, crowding, or otherwise
that produces a finished surface texture of uniform appearance.
3.4.3.8 Cement Stabilization Procedures - Compaction and
Finishing
Immediately upon completion of spreading or spreading and
mixing in place operations, and completion of shaping, the mix shall
be initially compacted by one complete pass using approved type
rollers.
2 If the finished surface after initial compaction is outside the
specified tolerance, all high spots shall be trimmed off to within the
specified tolerance. Filling of low areas by drifting or hauling of
trimmed material will not be permitted.
3 Following trimming, the finished surface shall be finally
compacted to not less than 100% of the laboratory density of the
approved job mix specimens as determined by AASHTO T 134. Final
compaction shall be accomplished in such a manner that no loose
material remains on the surface and all tear marks are eliminated.
4 The surface tolerances shall conform with the tolerance
requirements for Aggregate Base Course. Where any areas are lower
than the allowable tolerance, the stabilized layer shall be removed and
fresh stabilized mix placed and properly compacted and finished,
unless filling of the low areas with bituminous concrete or cement
concrete is approved.
5 If the superimposed course will be cement concrete, the low
areas may, if approved, be filled with concrete at the time and during
the same operation that the concrete pavement is placed.
6 When the superimposed course will be bituminous concrete, the
low areas may, if approved, be filled with bituminous concrete to the
same standard. This filling shall be carried out as a separate operation
prior to placing the bituminous concrete course (unless the thickness
to be placed is too small to make this practicable).
7 Not more than 2 hours shall elapse between the time water is
added to the mixed materials and the time of completion of initial
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compaction. Final compaction shall be completed within 30 minutes
of initial compaction.
8 At the end of each day's work and when operations are delayed
or stopped for more than 2 hours, a vertical construction joint shall be
made in the fully compacted layer, perpendicular to the centerline.
Additional mix shall not be placed until the construction joint has been
approved.
9 One hour after the stabilized mix has been finally compacted;
vertical longitudinal joints shall be constructed by cutting into the
existing edge to a depth of approximately 100 mm. The mix cut away
shall be discarded. The face of the cut joints shall be moistened in
advance of placing the adjacent lane.
3.4.3.9 Curing of Cement Stabilized Courses
Curing seal as specified shall be applied uniformly to the
completed surface at a rate of between 0.5 and 1.2 kgJ sq.m. , or as
determined by the Engineer. The curing seal shall be applied on the
same day that final compaction is performed and as soon as practicable
thereafter. The surface shall be kept moist until the seal is applied.
2 Damage to the curing seal or stabilized surface shall be
promptly repaired by an approved manner.
3.4.3.10 Testing of Cement Stabilized Courses
For every 5,000 sq.m. of each stabilized layer or for each day's
completed area (whichever is smaller) the following sampling and
testing shall be carried out
In situ density of a minimum of 3 samples (taken
immediately after final compaction) determined in
accordance with AASHTO T 191 or T 205 and which
shall be not less than 100% of the density of the approved
laboratory mix.
Cement content in accordance with AASHTO T 211.
Gradation of mix in accordance with AASHTO T 27.
Moisture - density relationship for mix sampled fresh
from the Site, in accordance with AASHTO T 134 if the
source of the material is changed.
Compressive strength of a set of3 test specimens molded
and cured in accordance with AASHTO T 134 and
ASTM Cl92/Cl92M, and tested in accordance with
AASHTOT22.
3.4.3.11 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Mix Design
The material to be stabilized shall be a sand, sandy gravel or
silty or clayey gravel and sand material with a P.L not exceeding 12%
and LL not exceeding 25% and with not more than 30% passing a
0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve.
2 Bitumen-soil mix proportions shall be established by field
laboratory trial mixes, carried out in the presence of the Engineer. The
compressive strength shall be determined in accordance with
AASHTO T 167 and in such a way as to ensure that the optimum
composition of the mix is established.
3 The laboratory trial mixes, after being air cured for a period of
7 days and tested in accordance with AASHTO T 167, shall have a
minimum compressive strength at 25 degrees C, of2 MN/sq.m. (20
kg/sq.cm.) and a Marshall stability at 60 degrees C, of2,000 N (204
kg). The Index of Retained Strength when tested using a Marshall
mould shall be not less than 70%.
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Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Stationary Plant
Mixing
When approval is given to utilize stationary plant for mixing,
whether batch mixing plant or continuous type mixing plant, the plant
and equipment and handling and mixing procedures shall conform
with the relevant requirements of Section 4- "Bituminous Pavement"
and with the appropriate requirements specified herein for plant
mixing of cement stabilized materials.
3.4.3.13 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Mixed in Place
Procedures
Approved type multi-pass or approved type purpose-built,
single-pass equipment shall be utilized for on Site mixing and placing.
Operators shall be trained and fully experienced in the operation of
such equipment.
2 Multi-pass equipment may consist of suitable bitumen
distributor and motor graders or as otherwise approved.
3 The process of pulverizing the fine grained cohesive fraction (if
( any) of the granular material shall be as specified for cement stabilized
courses. Bitumen, of the type and grade selected by the Engineer,
shall then be applied to the surface using approved type heating and
( pressure distribution equipment. Emulsified bitumen shall not
normally require heating.
4 Spreading and mixing of the bitumen and granular or other
material shall be carried out as specified for cement stabilized courses.
3.4.3.14 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures- Placing and
( Spreading Stationary Plant Mixes.
The placing and spreading of stationary plant mixes shall be as
specified for cement stabilized courses.
3.4.3.15 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Compaction and
Finishing
Compaction of bitumen stabilized courses to I 00% of
laboratory density of approved job mix specimens, finishing, and
provision of longitudinal joints, shall be as specified for cement
stabilized courses.
3.4.3.16 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Tolerances and
( Replacement of Unsatisfactory Areas
Finished surface tolerances and the rectification procedures for
any areas which fail to meet such tolerances, shall be as specified for
cement stabilized courses.
2 Where high spots require trimming after initial compaction,
raking or similar procedures may be required. If the area is unduly
damaged or pitted, the stabilized mix shall be removed and replaced
with fresh stabilized mix spread and properly compacted and finished.
3.4.3.17 Bitumen Stabilization Procedures - Testing of Bitumen
Stabilized Courses
For every 5,000 sq.m. of each stabilized layer or for each day's
completed area (whichever is the smaller) the following sampling and
testing shall be carried out:
i. In situ density of a minimum of 3 samples (taken
immediately after completion of final compaction)
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determined in accordance with AASHTO T 191 or T 205
and which shall be not less than 100% of the density of
the approved laboratory mix.
ii. Composition of the mix by extraction in accordance with
AASHTO T 164. The variation from the approved job-
mix, based on results of 4 tests, shall not exceed the
following:
Aggregates passing
No. 200 (0.075 mm) ±1 percent
Asphalt content ±0.2 percent
iii. Compressive strength in accordance with AASHTO T
167, of samples before compaction. The minimum
compressive strength value shall be not less than the
value specified under Item 3 of Paragraph 3.4.3.11.
iv. Marshall stability in accordance with AASHTO T245, of
samples before compaction. The minimum Marshall
stability value shall be not less than the value specified
under Item 3 of Paragraph 3.4.3.11.
3.4.3.18 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Mix Design
The material to be stabilized shall be a clayey gravel, clayey
sand or lean clay soil with not more than 50% passing 0.425 mm (No.
40) sieve and plasticity index greater than I 0%.
2 The lime content and optimum moisture content shall be
determined in the field laboratory and in the presence of the Engineer.
Cylinders molded in accordance with AASHTO T 220 shall be cured
and tested at 7 days and 28 days. Load rate of application shall be in
accordance with AASHTO T 22. The minimum compressive strength
at 7 days after molding shall be one MN/sq.m. (10 kg./sq.cm.).
3 Lime content and water content of the mix shall each be within
-0.2% to +2.5% of the approved mix design percentages.
3.4.3.19 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Safety Precautions
Special precautions shall be taken when handling quicklime as
it will rapidly corrode equipment and can inflict severe skin burns to
personnel coming in contact with it.
2 Suitable methods for handling quicklime shall be adopted,
including fully mechanized or bottom dump handling equipment and
protective clothing worn by the operators. Working operations should
take into account the wind direction to minimize the dust problem and
consequent eye or skin irritation to any personnel in the vicinity.
3 When hydrated lime is used, precautions shall also be taken
against the effects of prolonged exposure to the skin.
3.4.3.20 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Stationary Plant
Mixing
When approval is given to utilize stationary plant for mixing,
whether batch mixing plant or continuous type mixing plant, the plant
and equipment and handling and mixing procedures shall be as
specified for cement stabilization and as specified herein for plant
mixing oflime stabilized materials.
3.4.3.21 Lime Stabilization Procedures -Mixed in Place
Procedures
Mixed in place procedures will normally be permitted when the
soil to be stabilized is in-situ site material.
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2 Spreading and mixing of the lime and soil material shall be 2 Curing seal shall be measured by sq.m. of areas computed from
carried out as specified for cement stabilized courses. the length and width of the completed sections shown on the Drawings.

3.4.3.22 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Placing and Spreading
Stationary Plant Mixes
Placing and spreading of stationary plant mixes shall be as
specified for cement stabilized courses.
3.4.3.23 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Compaction and
Finishing
Compaction of lime stabilized courses to I 00% of laboratory
density of approved job mix specimens, finishing and provision of
longitudinal joints, shall be as specified for cement stabilized courses
with the following modifications:
i. When quick lime is used, the layer shall not be compacted
immediately after spreading the lime, as hydration of the
lime will cause damage to the compacted layer. The time
within which the compaction shall be completed will be as
estimated in the laboratory.
ii. Compaction shall not take place after lime hydration. Any
lime stabilized material that has been mixed or deposited
after lime hydration, shall be removed and replaced with
fresh material, mixed and treated as specified.
3.4.3.24 Lime Stabilization Procedures - Tolerances and
Replacement of Unsatisfactory Areas
Finished surface tolerances and the rectification procedures for
any areas which fail to meet such tolerances shall be as specified for
cement stabilized courses.
3.4.3.25 Testing of Lime Stabilized Courses
For every 5,000 sq.m. of each stabilized layer or for each day's
completed area (whichever is the smaller) the following sampling and
testing shall be carried out:
i. In situ density of a minimum of 3 samples (taken
immediately after completion of final compaction)
determined in accordance with AASHTO T 191 or
ASTM D2167 and which shall be not less than 100% of
the density of the approved laboratory mix.
ii. Lime content in accordance with AASHTO T 232.
iii. Gradation of mix in accordance with AASHTO T 27.
iv. If the source of materials changes, the moisture -density
relationship in accordance with AASHTO T 134 and
gradation of the new mix in accordance with AASHTO
T27.
v. Compressive strength of a set of3 test specimens molded
and cured in accordance with AASHTO T 134 and
ASTM C192/Cl92M, and tested in accordance with
AASHTOT22.
3.4.4 Method ofMeasurement
Cement stabilized course, bitumen stabilized course and lime
stabilized course shall each be measured by cu.m. of compacted
stabilized course. Measurements shall be of the area and thickness
dimensions shown on the Drawings.
3.4.5 Basis of Payment
The amount of completed and accepted work, measured as
provided for above, will be paid for at the unit rates for the various
items in the Bill of Quantities, which rate shall be full compensation
for equipment, tools, labor, locating sources of supply, supplying
materials, sampling and testing, screening, crushing, transporting,
stockpiling, laying, mixing and compacting and for extra material in
tapered edges, and other items necessary for the proper completion of
the work.
3.4.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities
I. Cement Stabilized Base Course (thickness) cu.m
ii. Bitumen Stabilized Base Course (thickness) cu.m
iii. Lime Stabilized Base Course (thickness) cu.m
IV. Curing Seal sq.m
3.5 Recycled Aggregates for Roadworks
3.5.1 Description
This Sub-section specifies the requirements of recycled
aggregate material resulting from the crushing of demolishing and
excavation wastes for use in embankment fill layers, subgrade layers
and subbase courses under flexible and rigid pavements of roads
receiving low traffic volumes, and that are classified as: Secondary
Roads, Service Roads, Residential Access Roads and Agricultural
Roads, provided that the material satisfies the specification
requirements stated here below.
2 The prime environmental advantage of recycling is that they
reduce the haulage from quarries and hence reduce the consumption
of non-renewable hydrocarbons and the consequential emission of
greenhouse gases. However, collecting demolition debris, transferring
it to a reprocessing facility, crushing, removing steel and other
impurities, grading, testing, and transporting to the construction site
each uses substantial energy and combine to armul the advantage. The
distances for transportation and the mode of transport are therefore
critical and the Contractor shall carry out a Life Cycle Cost Analysis
and justifY the environmental advantages of using recycled material in
the project.
3 Recycled materials from construction processes or from
existing pavement layers shall be separated according to type or
processing and shall be stockpiled at suitable locations to allow proper
separation of the different sources of material and to ensure uniformity
and consistency of the material properties. The separated processed
material shall be stored in stockpiles and separated for testing and
approval by the Engineer prior to use in the construction works.
4 Recycled aggregate shall consist of clean, hard, durable, angular
fragments of concrete, rock and sand particles of uniform quality and
shall be free from organics, deleterious material, and inert material
such as pieces of steel, plastic or wood which may affect its reuse. The
aggregate material shall be non-plastic and chemically stable

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5 The optimum percentage of recycled material in the Swell(%), - 2.0 max 1.0 max .
soil/aggregate mixtures should be determined based on the results of (ASTM 04829)
laboratory testing on the recycled aggregate/soil blends to determine Clay Lumps(%), 3.0 max. 2.0 max. Free
(ASTM C l42)
( the relevant strength and the deformation and quality properties of the
end product. The actual percentage of recycled aggregate content Requirement Embankment Subgrade Aggregate
would depend on various factors including: gradation, quality Fill Layer Subbase
requirements and engineering properties of the processed material as Layer
well as on the Contractor' s experience and resources (plants, Gypsum Content 3.0 max. 1.0 max. Free
equipment, and expertise). (%), (BS 7533-3)
6 The use of recycled aggregate material shall be prohibited in Elongation Index - - 35 max.
areas and locations subject to sever exposure conditions such as highly (%), (BS 812)
sulphate contaminated exposures. Flakiness Index - - 35 max.
(%), (BS EN
3.5.2 Materials 933-3)
Los Angeles - - 40 max .
3.5.2.1 Aggregate Material Abrasion Wear
(%), (ASTM
The recycled aggregate subbase material shall be crushed and
Cl31)
mixed with virgin aggregates so as to conform to the requirements of
Tables 3.5.2.1 and 3.5.2.2.
Soundness, (%), - - 15 max.
(5 cycles of
2 Aggregates retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve shall be Magnesium
capable of withstanding the effects of handling, spreading, and Sulphate),
compacting without degradation production or deleterious fmes. (ASTMC88)
( 3 Natural sand, or finer mineral matter, or both, may be added Crushed - - 50 min.
where available and suitable. Aggregate (%
Material
Requirement Embankment Subgnde Aggregate Retained on 3/8
Fill Layer Subbase inch sieve (9.5
Layer mm)bywt.,
( Particle Size Less than Less than - having at least
two (2) fractured
75mm and not 75mm and
more than Y, not more faces)
the layer than Y, the Maximum% 40 max. 35 max. 9.0 max
thickness layer passing No. 200
thickness (75 Jllll)
Grading, (ASTM - - Table Sand Equivalent 35 min. - 35 min.
Cl36) 3.5.2.2 Value, (ASTM
Organic Material 2.0 max. 2.0 max. Free 02419)
(%)(AASHTO Table 3.5.2.1: Required Properties for Recycled Aggregate
T267) Material for Roadworks
Liquid Limit 35 max. 30 max. 25 max. 4 The fine and coarse aggregate material in the aggregate subbase
(%), (ASTM course mixture shall be combined proportionally to meet the gradation
04318) requirements of Table 3.5.2.2.
Plasticity Index 15 max. lOmax. 4 max .
(%), (ASTM
AASHTO Sieve Reeycled Aggregate
04318)
Opening Size, mm Subbase Course-
Chloride Content 2.0 max. l.Omax. l .Omax.
•.4 Passing (by mass)
(water soluble)
50mm 100
(%), BS 812
37.5 95- 100
Sulphates 2.0 max. 1.5 max . 1.5 max.
25 90- 100
Content (Water
9.5 50-85
Soluble)(%), BS
4.75 mm 25-45
812
4-days Soaked 2.36 mm 15-40
15 min. 25 min. 120min.
CBR Value, 4251-lm 10-25
(AASHTO Tl80, 751-lm 2-9
Tl93) Table 3.5.2.2: Gradation Rcquir·ements for Recycled
Aggregate Subbase Material

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3.5.2.2 Sampling and Testing

A sample of material delivered to the project shall be taken for

each 700 cu.m. placed or for each day' s placement, whichever is
greater, and shall be tested for the set of properties and gradation
specified under Tables 3.5.2.1 and 3.5.2.2 above, depending on the
area of application of the material.
2 Noncompliant material shall be resampled and retested for
compliance. Material not in compliance after the initial and follow-
up testing shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor at no cost
to the Contract.

3.5.3 Construction Requirements for Recycled

Fill, Subgrade and Subbase Course Layers
The construction requirements for the embankment fill layer,
subgrade layer and subbase layer, including surface finishing, mixing
and spreading, laying and compaction of each layer, protection of
surfaces, acceptable tolerances and field quality control testing, shall
comply with those specified under Section 2 "Earthworks" and
Section 3 "Granular Subbase, Aggregate Base Course and Stabilized
Base Courses" of the Sultanate of Oman Standard Specifications for
Road and Bridge Construction.

3.5.4 Method of Measurement

The method of measurement of recycled material used in
embankment shall comply with the requirements of sub-section 2.5.2
of Specification Section 2 "Earthworks" of the Standard
Specifications.
2 The method of measurement of recycled material used in
subgrade layer shall be in accordance with sub-section 2.6.4 of
Specification Section 2 "Earthworks" of the Standard Specifications.
3 Recycled aggregate subbase course shall be measured in
accordance with subsection 3.2.4 above.

3.5.5 Basis of Payment

The amount of completed and accepted work, measured as
provided for above, will be paid for at the unit rates for the various
items in the Bill of Quantities, which rate shall be full compensation
for equipment, tools, labor, locating sources of supply, supplying
materials, sampling and testing, screening, crushing, transporting,
stockpiling, laying, mixing and compacting and for extra material in
tapered edges, and other items necessary for the proper completion of
the work.

3.5.6 Items in the Bill of Quantities

i. Recycled Subgrade layer in cut cu.m

ii. Recycled Aggregate Subbase Course cu.m

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