2016 Plant Mix Schedule Pilot Projects

Fifteen contracts were advertised in early 2016 that included pilot specifications for asphalt mix and field density consistency.  These contracts were spread across the state with at least one contract in each district.  For asphalt mix consistency, contractors who are able to maintain their AC content variability within a defined standard deviation can receive a five percent bonus on the mix price.  Likewise, variability on AC content and gradations outside the defined limits will see a larger penalty applied to the mix price.  Along with mix consistency at the plant, consistent field density will result in a five percent bonus on the mix price.  For each lot of material, the contractor must achieve an average density between 92.5 percent and 96.0 percent of the maximum theoretical density and have at least 80 percent of the sublots meeting these density targets.  Unlike normal maintenance paving projects, pavement cores will be used for acceptance and not the nuclear gauge.  To learn more about these and other spec changes, visit us on the VAA website.