The committee that oversees the "GreenBook" specifications for public works construction is moving forward with a draft specification that incorporates elements of "Superpave."

Publication of the Greenbook, a subscription-based technical publication formally known as the "Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction" and widely used in Southern California, is under the oversight of Public Works Standards, Inc. PWSI is made up of a number of associations, including local chapters of the American Society of Public Works. CalAPA is a longtime participant in the Greenbook's Asphalt Concrete Task Group.

The Greenbook Committee has been watching with great interest  the Caltrans adoption of Superpave into the department's Section 39 of its Standard Specifications. The group had hoped that Caltrans would follow through with a special specification for Superpave for local agencies, but so far the department has not done so. An industry-backed draft specification known as HMA for low-volume roads was developed jointly by Caltrans and industry for this purpose, but the department has so far said it will not post the specification on its website.

In lieu of Caltrans action on the matter, the Greenbook Committee has decided to move forward with the effort on their own. At the May 4 Greenbook Asphalt Concrete Task Group meeting, a Draft Standard Special Provision was distributed for first review. The effort takes the principles of Superpave and incorporates them into the current Greenbook specifications and test methods. In anticipation of the endeavor, the Greenbook has an open section for Alternative  Pavements available to address this if they so desired. This will be more applicable for local agencies and provides a vehicle for the participating jurisdictions to address new and innovative pavement designs and materials.

 

The intent of this effort, according to committee participants, is to cater to local agencies for use of Superpave, but not be as cumbersome as section 39 of the Caltrans Standard  Specifications.

This is relevant, for example, for smaller projects and areas where local agencies work adjacent to, or encroach upon state routes. The idea is to provide a reduced specification but still give confidence in the pavement by incorporating the principles of Superpave.

 

The first discussions on the Draft Standard Special Provision will happen at the June meeting of the Task Group. Asphalt Insider will report on future developments as conditions warrant. For more information on the Greenbook, click HERE. Questions or comments about CalAPA's participation in the Asphalt Concrete Task Group may be directed to CalAPAs Tony Grasso at (909) 362-9192.

A half-day class focusing exclusively on pavement smoothness, including delving into recent changes in Caltrans smoothness specifications, technology and paving practices, will be held on Tuesday, May 24 in Santa Rosa. Register for the morning class HERE. Register for the afternoon class HERE.

The class, taught by CalAPA member Mike Robinson, P.E., who has years of practical knowledge as having worked at Caltrans,

	Mike Robinson

for CalAPA-member companies and as a paving consultant. A flier that contains details about the half-day class can be downloaded HERE. Pavement designers, specifiers, paving contractors, inspectors and others are strongly encouraged to attend.

The first class will be held on Tuesday, May 24 from 8 a.m. to noon at the City of Santa Rosa, UFO Building Room F, in Santa Rosa. The class will be repeated in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the same location. The early-bird price for the classes are $99 for members and agency personnel, and $119 for all others.

The classes will cover spec changes and terminology, measuring smoothness, incentives and disincentives, inspection and acceptance, smoothness technology, effective use of the ProVal software, the Inertial Profiler, IRI, grinding plans, "Superpave" considerations and more. The course curriculum has been developed under the guidance of the CalAPA Technical Advisory Committee and reviewed by Caltrans.

Each attendee will receive a handy reference workbook, and also a certificate verifying that they have completed four (4) hours of Professional Development Hours (PDH) of technical instruction.

Watch the Asphalt Insider newsletter for announcements on other technical classes to be held around the state. To view the entire on-line calendar of all upcoming CalAPA technical classes, click HERE.

 

 

With all the recent activity iin California surrounding the transition to "Superpave," a federal initiative of the 1990s that is just now finding its way into specifications near you, perhaps a little history lesson may be in order.