ITEM SB

SUB-BASE AND BASE

SB-1-1

DESCRIPTION
This work shall consist of furnishing, spreading and compacting graded subbase and base
material, constructed on a prepared bed in accordance with these specifications and to the
lines, grades and cross-sections shown on the drawings and/or as directed by the Engineer.
Materials and construction requirements for this work are specified under Item SB1 and
SB2.

SB-1-2

SAMPLING AND TESTING

Sampling and testing, unless otherwise stated, shall be according to the standard methods
prescribed in the latest edition of the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard Specifications and methods of Sampling and
Testing. Any deviations from the methods and procedures prescribed therein may be made
only as directed in writing by the Engineer. Any materials, which do not conform to the
requirement of the specifications, will be rejected whether in place or not. They shall be
removed immediately from the site of the work at the Contractor's expense.

SB-1-2.1

Selection of Samples for Testing

The selection of representative samples for testing shall be by "random sampling method"
by which every part of a lot or unit has an equal chance to be selected. This sampling
method is fully described in the sub-clause 7.3.2 in Ist chapter named as General.

SB-1-2.2

Schedule for Sampling and Testing

The sampling frequency, acceptance limits and other pertinent information for proper
control of each work item shall conform to the following Table SB-2.The table provides the
minimums under normal conditions. If the materials or operations are variable and good
control is difficult to maintain, greater sampling frequency may be taken as directed by the
Engineer.

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TABLE-SB2
Quality Control Tests and their frequency for Sub Base
Item

Material
test

SB granular
Sub base

Aggregate

Name of
Test
Method
AASHTO

Gradation

T-27

3 per source plus

1 per 1000 M3

Plasticity
Index

T-89 and
T-90

3 per source plus as required

and
based
on
visual
observation

CBR

T-193

3 per source plus as required

based on variation in gradation

Moisture
Density
relationship

T-180

1 per 1000 M3

Abrasion

T-96

3 per source plus 1 per 500 M3

Field
Density

T-191
T-238 and
T-239
Note: For number of tests 3 or more
or greater than 100% and no individual test
location shall be located by random method.
SB-2-3

Sampling
and Testing
Frequency

1 per 100 m or minimum of

layer is km then 400m.
average value must be equal to
shall yield less than 98%. Test

TOLERANCES
The allowable tolerance for the subgrade prior to placing the overlying courses, together
with the allowable tolerances for the subbase and base are given in the following table. The
tolerances given are devised so as to control pavement shape and thicknesses.

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TABLE SB-1
Allowable Tolerances

Subgrade
Subbase
Base
Course

Thickness

Level
(mm)

3 m Straight
edge
(mm)

Crossfall
(%)

Longitudinal
Grade in 30 m
(%)

(mm)
NA
- 40
+ 10
- 20

+ 20

30

0.5

0.1

+ 10
- 30

20

0.3

0.1

+5
- 10

+5
- 10

0.2

0.1

(Granular, Asphaltic and soil cement)

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ITEM SB1 GRANULAR SUBBASE

SB-3-1

DESCRIPTION
This item shall consist of furnishing, spreading in one or more layers and compacting
granular subbase according to the specification and drawings and/or as directed by the
Engineer Granular subbase shall consist of natural or processed aggregates such as gravel,
sand or stone fragments which shall conform to the following requirements.

SB-3-2

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS
The subbase material shall be clean and free from organic matter and other deleterious
substances, and shall be of such nature that it can be compacted readily under watering
and rolling to form a firm, stable base.
The material shall comply with the following grading and quality requirements:
a)

The subbase material shall have a gradation curve within the limits for Grading C,
D or E given below:

Grading Requirements for Subbase Material

Sieve designation
Standard/Alternate
mm

Grading
A

Mass Percent Passing

Grading
B

60.0
50.0
25.0
9.5
4.75
2.0
0.425
0.075

100
90-100
50-80
-35-70
--5.15

-100
55-85
40-70
30-60
20-50
10-30
5.15

(2.1/2) inch
(2) inch
(1) inch
(3/8) inch
No. 4
No. 10
No. 40
No. 200

Grading
C
--100
50-85
35-65
25-50
15-30
5.15

The coefficient of Uniformity D60/D10 shall be not less than 3, where D60 and D10 are the
particle diameters corresponding to 60% and 10% respectively, passing (by weight) in a
grain size analysis, curve.
b)

The Material shall have a CBR value at least 30% determined according to
AASHTO T193. The CBR value shall be obtained at a density corresponding to
98% of the maximum dry density determined according to AASHTO T180 Method
D.

c)

The coarse aggregate material retained on sieve No.4 shall have a percentage of
wear by the Los Angeles Abrasion to (AASHTO T96) of not more than 50 percent

d)

In order to avoid intrusion in the subbase of silty and clay material from the
subgrade, it will require that the ratio D15 (subbase)/D85 (Subgrade) is less than 5.
D85 and D15 mean the particle diameters corresponding to 85% and 15%,
respectively, passing (by weight) in a grain size analysis.
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SB-4-3
SB-4-3.1

e)

The fraction passing the 0.075 mm (No 200) sieve shall not be greater than two
third of the fraction passing the 0.425 mm (No.40) sieve. The fraction passing the
0.425mm sieve shall have a liquid limit not greater than 25 and a plasticity index of
6 or less.

f)

Unless ohterwise directed by the Engineer to suite the particular climatic conditions
of the area in which the road is located, the material shall have a liquid limit of less
than 45, a plasticity idex of less than 12 and a linear shrinkage of less than 6 when
tested in accordance with AASHTO M145-91.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Spreading
Granular subbase shall be delivered to the roadbed as a uniform mixture. Segregation shall
be avoided during spreading and the final compacted layer shall be free from concentration
of coarse or fine materials.
Granular subbase shall be deposited on the roadbed in a quantity which will provide the
required compacted thickness without resorting to spotting, picking up or otherwise shifting
the subbase material.
Where the required thickness is 15 cm (6 in) or less, the aggregates may be spread and
compacted in one layer. Where the required thickness is more than 15 cm (6 in), the
aggregates shall be spread and compacted in 2 or more layers of approximately equal
thickness, and the maximum compacted thickness of any one layer shall not exceed 15 cm
(6 in.) All subsequent layers shall be spread and compacted in a similar manner.
Granular subbase shall be spread manually by labour and such tools that a uniform layer
conforming to the specified item both transversely and longitudinally within the tolerances
as specified in Item SB-7-3.5 is obtained.

SB-5-3.2

Compacting
The moisture content of subbase material shall be adjusted prior to compaction by watering
with approved sprinklers mounted on trucks or by drying out, as required, in order to obtain
the required compaction.
The subbase material shall be compacted by means of approved vibrating rollers or steel
wheel rollers (rubber type rollers may be used as a supplement) progressing gradually from
the outside towards the center except on superelevated curves, where the rolling shall begin
at the low side and progress to the high side. Each succeeding pass shall overlap the
previous pass by at least one third of the roller width. While the rolling progresses, the entire
surface of each layer shall be properly shaped and dressed with a motor grader, to attain a
smooth surface conforming to the required lines and grades.
Any area inaccessible to rolling equipment shall be compacted by means of mechanical
tampers.
The compaction of the subbase layer shall be continued until the result is satisfactory to the
Engineer.
If the layer of subbase material, or part thereof does not conform to the required finish, the
Contractor shall, at his own expense, rework, water, and recompact the material before next
layer of the pavement structure is constructed.
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Immediately prior to the placing of first layer of base course the subbase layer (both under
the travelled way and the shoulders) shall be to the required level and shape. Any watering
and reshaping of the surface of the subbase will be at the Contractor's expense.
No material for construction of the base shall be placed until the subbase has been
approved by the Engineer.
SB-6-3.3

Compaction Requirements
The relative compaction of each layer of the compacted subbase shall not be less than 100
percent of the maximum dry density determined according to AASHTO T180 Method D.
The field density shall be determined according to AASHTO T191 or other approved
method. For all materials, containing oversize particles, the "targeted" density obtained in
the laboratory by using AASHTO T180 shall be adjusted to account for such oversize
particles by using procedure described in AASHTO T-224-67 (1982) or equivalent
procedure approved by the Engineer.

SB-6-3.4

Trial Sections
At least 10 days before the main work of subbase construction is started the Contractor
shall spread and compact a trial section as directed by the Engineer. The object of the trial
section is to check the suitability of the materials and the efficiency of the equipment and
construction method that is proposed to be used by the Contractor. Therefore, the
Contractor shall use the same material, equipment and procedures that he proposes to use
for the main work. One trial section of about 500 square meter (5400 square feet) shall be
made for every type of material and/or construction equipment/procedure proposed for use.
After final compaction, the Engineer may carry out compaction test, field CBR tests and
such other tests, which he finds necessary.
If a trial section shows that the proposed material, equipment or procedures in the
Engineer's opinion are not suitable for subbase, the material shall be removed at the
Contractor's expense, and a new trial section shall be constructed.
If the basic condition regarding type of material, equipment or procedures change during
the execution of the main work, new trial sections shall be constructed when directed by the
Engineer.
The Engineer may allow that the compaction requirements by changed based on results
from the trial sections.

SB-7-3.5

Tolerance
The subbase shall be compacted to the desired level and cross slope as shown on the
drawings. The allowable tolerance shall be according to Item SB 2-3.

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SB-7-3.6

Acceptance Sampling and Testing

Acceptance sampling and testing with respect to materials and construction
requirements shall be in accordance with Table SB-1-2.2 given under item SB.

SB-7-4
SB-7-4-1

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Measurement
The quantity of subbase to be paid for shall be measured by the theoretical volume in
place as shown on the drawings or as directed and approved for construction by the
Engineer, placed and accepted in the completed granular subbase course. No allowance
will be given for materials placed outside the theoretical limits shown on the
cross-sections. Trial sections shall not be measured separately but shall be included in
the quantities above.

SB-7-4-2

Payment
The accepted quantities measured as provided above shall be paid for at the contract
unit price per unit volume of GRANULAR SUBBASE, for the Pay Item listed below and
shown in the Bill of Quantities, which price and payment shall constitute full
compensation for furnishing all materials, hauling, placing, watering, rolling, labour,
equipment, tools and incidentals necessary to complete the item.
Pay Item No.
SB

Description

Measurement

Granular Subbase

M3

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ITEM BC-1 AGGREGATE BASE COURSE

BC-1-1

DESCRIPTION
This item shall consist of furnishing, spreading and compacting a course of aggregate
base on a prepared subgrade, subbase, or existing road surface in one or more layers, in
accordance with the specifications and the drawings and/or as directed by the Engineer.

BC-1-2

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS
Material for aggregate base course shall consist of crushed or partly crushed hard
durable gravel, rock or stone fragments. It shall be clean and free from organic matter,
lumps of clay and other deleterious substances. The material shall be of such a nature
that it can be compacted readily under watering and rolling to form a firm, stable base for
both flexible and rigid pavements.
The aggregate base shall comply with the following grading and quality requirements.
a)

The gradation curve of the material shall be smooth and within the
envelope limits for Grading A or B given below.

Sieve Designation
mm

in

Mass Percent Passing

GradingGrading
A
B

50.0
25.0
9.5
4.75
2.00
0.425
0.075

2
1
3/8
No.4
No.10
No.40
No. 200

100
70-95
30-65
25-55
15-40
8-20
2-8

Note:

100
75-95
40-75
30-60
20-45
12-25
5-15

1.

Not less than 10% should be retained between each pair of successive
sieve except the two largest sizes.

2.

To meet the requirements consistently, screening and crushing of the

large sizes may be required. The gravel fraction should consist of
particles with more than 10% of angular, irregular of crushed faces.

3.

The fines of these materials should preferably be non-plastic. The

plasticity index of fines shall not exceed a PI of 6.

The material shall be well graded such that the Coefficient of Uniformity
D60/D10 shall be greater than 4 and the Coefficient of Curvature, D30/
(D10xD60) shall be between and 1 and 3.

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b)

The coarse aggregates (material retained on sieve No. 4) shall

consist of material
of which at least 50% by weight shall be crushed particles, having a minimum of
one fractured face.

c)

The coarse aggregates shall have a percentage of wear by the Los

Angeles Abrasion Test (AASHTO T96) of not more than 40.

d)

The material shall have a loss of less than 12 percent when subject to
five cycles of the Sodium Sulphate Soundness test according to
AASHTO T104.

e)

The sand equivalent determined according to AASHTO T176 shall not be less
than 50 or
The material shall have a Liquid limit of not more than 25 and plasticity index of
not more than 6 as determined by AASHTO T89 and T90.

f)

BC-2-3.1

The material passing the 19mm (3/4 in) sieve shall have a CBR value of
minimum 80%, tested according to the AASHTO T193. The CBR value shall be
obtained at the maximum dry density determined according to AASHTO T180,
Method D.

FILLER FOR BLENDING

If filler in addition to that naturally present in the aggregate base material is necessary
for meeting the grading requirement or for satisfactory bonding of the material, it shall be
uniformly blended with the base course material at the crushing plant or in a pugmill
unless otherwise specified or approved. The material for such purpose shall be obtained
from sources approved by the Engineer, shall be free from hard lumps and shall not
contain more than 15 percent of material retained on the No. 4 sieve.

BC-4-3
BC-4-3.1

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Spreading
Spreading shall conform in all respects to the requirements specified under this heading
in Item SB Subbase SB-4-3.1. No material shall be spread on a soaked surface.

BC-4-3.2

Compacting
Compacting shall conform in all respects to the requirements specified under this
heading in item SB (SB-5-3.2).

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ITEM BC-2 CRUSHED STONE BASE COURSE

BC-4-1

DESCRIPTION
This work shall consist of furnishing and placing one or more courses of crushed stone
base with filler on a prepared surface in conformity with the lines, grades, thickness and
typical cross-sections.

BC-4-2

MATERIAL REQUIREMENT
Coarse aggregate shall conform to the quality requirements specified under the BC-1
except the following:
The gradation curves of the coarse aggregate shall be within the envelope limits given
below.
Grading Requirements for Crushed Stone Base Course
Sieve Designation
mm

inch

Mass Percent Passing

GradingGrading
A
B

75.0
62.5
50.0
37.5
25.0
20.0
12.5

3
2
2
1
1
3/4
1/2

100
95-100
35-70
0-15
0-5

100
90-100
35-70
0-15
0-5
-

Fine aggregate (filler material or screening) shall consist of natural sand or crushed
stone screening free from clay lumps dirt and other objectionable material. The fine
aggregate shall be of the following gradation.

BC-5-3
BC-5-3.1

No.4 to No.100

Percent Passing by Weight

Passing 3/8" sieve

Passing No. 4 sieve
Passing No. 100 sieve

100
85 - 100
10 - 30

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Equipments
Any combination of machines or equipment that will produce the results meeting these
specifications may be used. These include mechanical spreaders, water/sprinklers and
rollers/compactors.

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BC-5-3.2

Surface Preparation
The surface on which the base material is to be constructed shall be approved and
accepted by the Engineer prior to placing the crushed stone base aggregate.

BC-5-3.3

Spreading and Compaction

Crushed stone shall be deposited and spread on the prepared surface to the proper
depth so that the compacted layer will not exceed 10cm (4 inch) maximum thickness.
Each layer shall be inspected thoroughly before rolling to detect high or low spots.
Crushed stone shall be added or shifted to provide a true surface. The coarse aggregate
layer, after being laid to proper thickness, shall be lightly rolled sufficient only to establish
the required grade and level of the stones.
Spreading of the coarse aggregates shall be followed by rolling with a smooth wheel
roller weighing 10tons minimum. Rolling shall begin at the lower edge of the shoulders to
lock the stones firmly at the edge, then progress gradually towards the other edge.
Rolling shall continue until the aggregate is well keyed and does not creep ahead of the
roller.
Following the initial rolling, dry screening shall be applied uniformly over the surface. Dry
rolling shall be continued while screening is being applied. The surface shall be swept
with mechanical or hand brooms to aid spreading of the screening.
When the interstices in the coarse aggregate are filled with screening the surface shall
be sprinkled with water until it is saturated. The rolling, sprinkling and application of
additional screening shall continue until a grout is formed that fills all the voids and forms
a wave of grout in front of the roller.
When one than more layer is required to complete the base coarse to the thickness
shown on the drawings, each layer shall be constructed as before prescribed.

BC-6-4

COMPACTION REQUIREMENT (FOR BOTH AGGREGATE & CRUSHED STONE BASE)

The relative compaction of each layer of the compacted base shall not be less than 100
percent of the maximum dry density determined according to AASHTO T180, Method D
(Modified AASHTO). The field density shall be determined according to AASHTO T191
or other approved method. For all materials, containing oversize particles, the "targeted"
density obtained in the laboratory by using AASHTO T180 shall be subjected to account
for such oversize particles by using procedure described in AASHTO T224-67 (1982) or
equivalent procedure approved by the Engineer.

BC-6-4.1

Trial Sections
Trial section shall conform in all respects to the requirement specified under this heading
in Item SB Subbase (SB-6-3.4).

BC-6-4.2

Tolerance
The base shall be compacted to the desired level and cross slope as shown on the
drawings or as directed by the Engineer. The allowable tolerances shall be according to
item SB-2-3.

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BC-7-4.3

Acceptance Sampling and Testing

Acceptance sampling and testing with respect to materials and construction
requirements shall be governed by Table BC-1.
TABLE-BC-1
Quality control test and their frequency for Base coarse

Item

Material

Name of
Test

Test
Method
AASHTO

Sampling
and Testing
Frequency

BC

Aggregate

Gradation

T-273

3 per source plus EM3

Aggregate
Plasticity
T-89
and
3
per
source plus
Base/crushed
T-90
as
required and based on
visual
stone
base

observation

CBR
T-193
-doMoisture
T-180
1

per

1000 M3
Density
relationship
Abrasion
T-96
3
per
source plus 1 per 5000
M3
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Soundness
T-104
-doFlat
and
Visual
3
per
source plus
Elongation
required
based on visual

and

observation
Bitumen
-doAdhesion
Specific
-doGravity
Field
T-191
1

per

100 m
Density
BC-7-5
BC-7-5.1

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Measurement
The quantity of base to be paid for shall be measured by the theoretical volume in place
as shown on the drawings or as directed and approved for construction by the Engineer,
placed and accepted in the completed crushed aggregate base course. No allowance will
be given for materials placed outside the theoretical limits shown on the cross sections.

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BC-7-5.2

Payment
The accepted quantities measured as provided above shall be paid for at the contract
unit price per unit volume of AGGREGATE BASE/CRUSHED STONE BASE, for the pay
item listed below and shown in the Bill of Quantities, which price and payment shall
constitute full compensation for furnishing all materials, hauling, placing, watering,
rolling, labour, equipment, tools and incidentals necessary to complete.
Pay Item No.

Description

Measurement

BC1

Aggregate Base

M3

BC2

Crushed Stone Base

M3

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