Suggested Preconstruction Topics – Seal Coat Projects
Seal Coat Projects
- Schedule and Time Charges
- Establish the start date (including latest start date) and proposed work sequence.
- Roadway Preparation
- Based on the sequence and schedule, review if all roads are ready to be sealed.
- If all roads are not prepared, discuss timeline to finish prep work and adjustments to the proposed sequence.
- If repairs require a change in sequence, discuss the time impact to the proposed schedule.
- Go over potential impacts that roadway repairs (i.e. strips seals, crack seal, etc.) will have on asphalt rates for a section of roadway.
- Determine a point of contact for updates on late repairs.
- Are there areas where thermoplastic has built up and needs to be removed prior to seal coat? If so, determine means of removal.
- Asphalt and Aggregate Rates
- Review Aggregate plan spread rates per grade of rock.
- Establish a plan for adjusting aggregate and asphalt rates in the field. Clarify the level of authority TxDOT field personnel have to adjust those rates before escalation.
- Go over factors that can affect the planned asphalt rate such as traffic, time of year, temperature, type of asphalt, grade and type of aggregate, and roadway conditions.
- Barricades and Traffic Control
- Discuss traffic control that will be used when existing pavement markings are removed, and tabs are being placed.
- Discuss traffic control for intersections.
- Discuss importance of covering signs when condition(s) are not present. For example, NO CENTER STRIPE and LOOSE GRAVEL should not be visible when those conditions do not exist.
- Discuss locations and/or situations that will necessitate unique Traffic Control. This should include items such as school zones, intersections, high volume roadways, work in cities/towns, etc.
- Clarify the process to remove barricades from a section of roadway. Items to include should be partial acceptance procedure, placement of striping, punch list work, and when all barricades can be removed.
- Discuss roadway closure procedures.
- Pavement Markings
- Verify the required asphalt cure time needed before placement of permanent pavement markings will be allowed.
- Discuss any proposed pavement changes (i.e., new turn lanes).
- Discuss the potential impact of weather and placement of centerline markings as it relates to the 14-day striping requirement.
- Discuss time suspension for pavement curing. In addition, establish if there is a need for additional pavement markings or changes to existing markings.
- Discuss other items such as removal of existing stripe, the use of temporary markings, and the placement of different marking types (i.e., profile markings).
- Payment for Asphalt and Aggregate
- On jobs where aggregate is paid by the ton, review how to pay for partial loads that are transferred from one job/reference section to another.
- Review options to measure Asphalt Distributors to confirm asphalt rates. Examples are strapping, distributor gauges, distributor computers, or a combination of these items. Documentation of distributor calibration and spray bar is also vital.
- On jobs where aggregate is paid by the cubic yard (CY), review items such as premeasurement of trucks, verification of aggregate placed based upon agreed measured truck volume, and the striking off of loads. These are critical items to determine before work begins.
- Discuss dry/loose unit weights of all aggregate and the anticipated conversion factor.
- Confirm aggregate MOH quantities per reference section. Confirm plan rates/plan quantity of aggregate.
- Review how field adjustments in aggregate/asphalt rates or reductions in square yards impact the contractor and how the excess aggregate on hand is compensated.
- Discuss how remainder aggregate not carried forward is to be handled.
- If remainder of aggregate is to be bought by TxDOT, determine measurement of quantities.
- Corrective Measures
- Major corrective measures should be addressed prior to leaving a roadway or reference section.
- Patching, stockpile condition acceptance and other items related to clean up should be discussed with contractor representatives prior to leaving a roadway or reference section.
- Miscellaneous
- Discuss shared ownership of the contract (partnership) and that the outcome of the work reflects on both TxDOT and the Contractor.
- Include suppliers at the preconstruction meeting and at the job site. They have a vested interest in the performance of their product and often provide helpful insight.
- Review the Seal Coat Manual and include printed copies on the job site. This is a helpful resource to all parties involved.