15-TX DOT Specifications.pdf

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Foreword To purchase a copy of this book, go to the Department’s web page, http://www.txdot.gov, and search “TxDOT specifications” or call the Department’s Support Services Division.

For additional information on specifications or information on Departmental Materials Specifications (DMS), Material Producer Lists (MPL), Test Procedures, Material Inspection Guide, and other materials information, go to http://www.txdot.gov.

OUTLINE OF SPECIFICATIONS

Each specification is outlined by Articles and Sections. The basic Articles required for a specification are:

1. DESCRIPTION

2. MATERIALS

3. EQUIPMENT

4. CONSTRUCTION OR WORK METHODS

5. MEASUREMENT

6. PAYMENT

Some Articles are not used in every Item. Measurement and Payment Articles are combined when the work described is subsidiary to bid items of the Contract.

HIERARCHY OF ORGANIZATIONAL ELEMENTS

Here “XXX” represents the Item number. The hierarchy of organizational elements available below the Item level is as follows.

XXX.1., Article XXX.1.1., Section XXX.1.1.1., Section XXX.1.1.1.1., Section XXX.1.1.1.1.1., Section XXX.1.1.1.1.1.1., Section

The term Section is used for all breaks below the Article.

http://www.txdot.gov/

2024 Specifications 1

Item 1 Abbreviations and Definitions

1. APPLICABILITY

Wherever the following terms are used in these specifications or other Contract documents, the intent and meaning will be interpreted as shown below.

2. ABBREVIATIONS

AAR Association of American Railroads AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACI American Concrete Institute ACPA American Concrete Pipe Association AI Asphalt Institute AIA American Institute of Architects AISC American Institute of Steel Construction AISI American Iron and Steel Institute AITC American Institute of Timber Construction ALSC American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc.

AMPP Association for Materials Protection and Performance AMRL AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory ANLA American Nursery and Landscape Association ANSI American National Standards Institute APA The Engineered Wood Association API American Petroleum Institute APWA American Public Works Association AREMA American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association ASBI American Segmental Bridge Institute ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers ASLA American Society of Landscape Architects ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASNT American Society for Nondestructive Testing ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials AWC American Wood Council AWG American Wire Gage AWPA American Wood Protection Association AWPI American Wood Preservers Institute AWS American Welding Society AWWA American Water Works Association BMP Best Management Practices CFR Code of Federal Regulations CMP Corrugated Metal Pipe COE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CRSI Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprise DMS Departmental Materials Specification EIA Electronic Industries Alliance EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FHWA Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation FSS Federal Specifications and Standards (General Services Administration) GSA General Services Administration HUB Historically Underutilized Business

ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IESNA Illuminating Engineering Society of North America IMSA International Municipal Signal Association ISO International Organization for Standardization ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers ITS Intelligent Transportation System LRFD Load and Resistance Factor Design MASH Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware MPL Material Producer List NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program NCR Nonconformance Report NEC National Electrical Code (Published by NFPA) NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NESC National Electrical Safety Code NFPA National Fire Protection Association NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology NPCA National Precast Concrete Association NRM Nonhazardous Recyclable Material NRMCA National Ready Mixed Concrete Association NSBA National Steel Bridge Alliance OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor PCA Portland Cement Association PCI Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute PPI Plastics Pipe Institute PS&E Plans, Specifications, and Estimates PSL Project Specific Location PTI Post-Tension Institute QA Quality Assurance QC Quality Control RCP Reinforced Concrete Pipe RPLS Registered Public Land Surveyor RRC Railroad Commission of Texas SBE Small Business Enterprise SFPA Southern Forest Products Association SI International System of Units SPIB Southern Pine Inspection Bureau TAC Texas Administrative Code TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TDLR Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation TMUTCD Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices UL Underwriters Laboratory, Inc.

USC United States Code WRI Wire Reinforcement Institute WWPA Western Wood Products Association

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1. Abrasive Blasting. Spraying blasts of pressurized air combined with abrasive media.

3.2. Actual Cost. Contractor’s actual cost to provide labor, material, equipment, and project overhead necessary for the work.

3.3. Addendum. Change in proposal forms developed between advertising and bid submittal deadline.

3.4. Additive Alternate. A bid item contained in a proposal that is not a regular item or a replacement alternate bid item. The additive alternate item(s) include work that may be added to the base bid at the time of letting.

3.5. Advertisement. The public announcement required by law inviting bids for work to be performed or materials to be furnished.

3.6. Affiliates. Two or more Bidders are affiliated if they share common officers, directors, or stockholders; a family member of an officer, director, or stockholder of one Bidder serves in a similar capacity in another of the Bidders; an individual who has an interest in, or controls a part of, one Bidder either directly or indirectly also has an interest in, or controls a part of, another of the Bidders; the Bidders are so closely connected or associated that one of the Bidders, either directly or indirectly, controls or has the power to control another Bidder; one Bidder controls or has the power to control another Bidder; or the Bidders are closely allied through an established course of dealings, including, but not limited to, the lending of financial assistance.

Refer to 43 TAC § 9.12(g), “Affiliated Entities.”

3.7. Air Blasting. Spraying blasts of pressurized air free of oil and moisture.

3.8. Air Temperature. The temperature measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in the shade, not in the direct rays of the sun, and away from artificial heat.

3.9. Anticipated Profit. Profit for work not performed.

3.10. Apparent Low Bidder. The Bidder determined to have the numerically lowest total bid as a result of the tabulation of bids by the Department.

3.11. Architect of Record. A person registered as an architect or licensed as a landscape architect, in conformance with State law, exercising overall responsibility for the design or a significant portion of the design and performing certain Contract administration responsibilities as described in the Contract; or a firm employed by the State to provide professional architectural services.

3.12. Arterial Highway. A highway used primarily for through traffic and usually on a continuous route.

3.13. Available Bidding Capacity. The Contractor’s approved bidding capacity less uncompleted work on Department Contracts.

3.14. Award. The Commission’s acceptance of a Contractor’s bid for a proposed Contract that authorizes the Department to enter into a Contract.

3.15. Bid. The offer from the Bidder for performing the work described in the proposal.

3.16. Bid Bond. The security executed by the Contractor and the Surety furnished to the Department to guarantee payment of liquidated damages if the Contractor fails to enter into an awarded Contract.

3.17. Bid Error. A mathematical mistake made by a Bidder in the unit price entered into the proposal.

3.18. Bidder. An individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or joint venture submitting a bid for a proposed Contract.

3.19. Bidders Questionnaire. A prequalification form that reflects detailed equipment and experience data but waives audited financial data.

3.20. Bidding Capacity. The maximum dollar value a Contractor may have under Contract with the Department at any given time.

3.21. Blast Cleaning. Using one of the blasting methods including, but not limited to water blasting, low-pressure water blasting, high-pressure water blasting, abrasive blasting, water-abrasive blasting, shot blasting, slurry blasting, water -injected abrasive blasting, and brush blasting.

3.22. Bridge. A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction (e.g., water, a highway, or a railway) with a roadway or track for carrying traffic or other moving loads, and having an opening measured along the center of the roadway of more than 20 ft. between faces of abutments, spring lines of arches, or extreme ends of the openings for multiple box culverts.

3.23. Brush Blasting. Sweeping lightly with an abrasive blast to remove loose material.

3.24. Building Contract. A Contract entered under Transportation Code, Chapter 223, Subchapter A, “Competitive Bids,” for the construction or maintenance of a Department building or appurtenance facilities.

Building Contracts are considered construction Contracts.

3.25. Callout Work. Contracts, or work items in Contracts, that require a Contractor’s response on an as-needed basis (e.g., see Item 351, “Flexible Pavement Structure Repair”).

3.26. Certificate of Insurance. A form approved by the Department covering insurance requirements stated in the Contract.

3.27. Change Order. Written order to the Contractor detailing changes to the specified work, item quantities, or any other modification to the Contract.

3.28. Commission. The Texas Transportation Commission or authorized representative.

3.29. Concrete Construction Joint. A joint formed by placing plastic concrete in direct contact with concrete that has attained its initial set.

3.30. Concrete Repair Manual. Department manual specifying methods and procedures for concrete repair as an extension of the standard specifications.

3.31. ConcreteWorks©. Department-owned software for concrete heat analysis. Software is available on the Department’s website.

3.32. Confidential Questionnaire. A prequalification form that reflects detailed financial and experience data.

3.33. Construction Contract. A Contract entered under Transportation Code § 223.001(b)(1), for the construction, reconstruction, repair, or maintenance of a segment of the State highway system.

3.34. Consultant. The licensed professional engineer or engineering firm, or the architect or architectural firm, registered in the State of Texas and under Contract to the Department to perform professional services. The consultant may be the Engineer or architect of record or may provide services through and be subcontracted to the Engineer or architect of record.

3.35. Contract. The agreement between the Department and the Contractor establishing the obligations of the parties for furnishing of materials and performance of the work prescribed in the Contract documents.

3.36. Contract Documents. Elements of the Contract including, but not limited to, the plans, specifications incorporated by reference, special provisions, special specifications, Contract bonds, change orders, and supplemental agreements.

3.37. Contract Time. The number of working days specified for completion of the work, including authorized additional working days.

3.38. Contractor. The individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or joint venture and all principals and representatives with which the Contract is made by the Department.

3.39. Control of Access. The condition in which the right to access of owners or occupants of abutting land or other persons in connection with a highway is fully or partially controlled by public authority.

3.40. Control Point. An established point shown on the plans to provide vertical and horizontal references for geometric control for construction.

3.41. Controlled Access Highway. Any highway to or from which access is denied or controlled, in whole or in part, from or to abutting land or intersecting streets, roads, highways, alleys, or other public or private ways.

3.42. Cross-Sections. Graphic representations of the original ground and the proposed facility, at right angles to the centerline or base line.

3.43. Culvert. Any buried structure providing an opening under a roadway for drainage or other purposes. Culverts may also be classified as bridges. (See Section 1.3.22., “Bridge.”)

3.44. Cycle. The activity necessary for performing the specified work within the right of way project limits once.

3.45. Daily Road-User Cost. Damages based on the estimated daily cost of inconvenience to the traveling public resulting from the work.

3.46. Debar (Debarment). Disqualification of an entity from bidding on or entering into a Contract with the Department, from participating as a subcontractor under a Contract with the Department, and from participating as a supplier of materials or equipment to be used under a Contract with the Department. Refer to 43 TAC § 10.2, “Definitions.”.

3.47. Department. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

3.48. Departmental Materials Specifications. Reference specifications for various materials published by the Materials and Tests Division.

3.49. Detour. A temporary traffic route around a closed portion of a road.

3.50. Direct Traffic Culvert. Concrete box culvert whose top slab is used as the final riding surface or is to have an overlay or other riding surface treatment.

3.51. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. A for-profit small business certified through the Texas Unified Certification Program in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26, that is at least 51% owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or in the case of a publicly owned business, in which at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the individuals who own it.

3.52. Divided Highway. A highway with separate roadways intended to move traffic in opposite directions.

3.53. Easement. A real property right acquired by one party to use land belonging to another party for a specified purpose.

3.54. Electronic Vault. The Department’s bidding system where electronic bids are stored before bid opening.

3.55. Engineer. The Chief Engineer of the Department or the authorized representative of the Chief Engineer.

3.56. Equipment Watch. Publication containing equipment rental rates.

3.57. Escalation Ladder. A process to determine issue resolution during the course of the Contract.

3.58. Expressway. A divided arterial highway for through traffic with full or partial control of access and generally with grade separations at intersections.

3.59. Family Member. A family member of an individual is the individual’s parent, parent’s spouse, stepparent, stepparent’s spouse, sibling, sibling’s spouse, spouse, child, child’s spouse, spouse’s child, spouse’s child’s spouse, grandchild, grandparent, uncle, uncle’s spouse, aunt, aunt’s spouse, first cousin, or first cousin’s spouse. Refer to 43 TAC § 9.12(g), “Affiliated Entities.”

3.60. Force Account. Payment for directed work based on the actual cost of labor, equipment, and materials furnished with markups for project overhead and profit.

3.61. Freeway. An expressway with full control of access.

3.62. Frontage Road. A local street or road auxiliary to and located along an arterial highway for service to abutting property and adjacent areas and for control of access (sometimes known as a service road, access road, or insulator road).

3.63. Hazardous Materials or Waste. Hazardous materials or waste include, but are not limited to, explosives, compressed gas, flammable liquids, flammable solids, combustible liquids, oxidizers, poisons, radioactive materials, corrosives, etiologic agents, and other material classified as hazardous by 40 CFR 261, or applicable state and federal regulations.

3.64. High-Pressure Water Blasting. Water blasting with pressures between 5,000 and 10,000 psi.

3.65. Highway, Street, or Road. General terms denoting a public way for purposes of and related to vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle travel, including the entire area within the right of way including Intersections and Easements; all related structures, improvements, and appurtenances, including but not limited to the roadside and roadside facilities, drainage systems, signal systems, and other traffic in formation and control systems; or other structures or improvements that directly or indirectly serve public travel. Recommended usage in urban areas is highway or street, and in rural areas, highway or road.

3.66. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). A corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or joint venture formed for the purpose of making a profit certified by the Texas Building and Procurement Commission, and 51% owned by one or more persons who are economically disadvantaged because of their identification as members of certain groups, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Native Americans, or women, and have a proportionate interest and demonstrate active participation in the control, operation, and management of the business’ affairs. Individuals meeting the HUB definition are required to be residents of the State of Texas. Businesses that do not have their primary headquarters in the State of Texas are not eligible for HUB certification.

3.67. In Writing. Communication memorialized, including written or electronic documentation by email or letter only.

3.68. Incentive and Disincentive Provisions. An adjustment to the Contract price of a predetermined amount for each day the work is completed ahead of or behind the specified milestone, phase, or Contract completion dates. The amount of the incentive and disincentive is determined based on estimated costs for engineering, traffic control, delays to the motorists, and other items involved in the Contract.

3.69. Independent Assurance Tests. Tests used to evaluate the sampling and testing techniques and equipment used in the acceptance program. The tests are performed by the Department and are not used for acceptance purposes.

3.70. Inspector. The person assigned by the Engineer to inspect for compliance with the Contract any or all parts of the work and the materials used.

3.71. Intelligent Transportation System. An integrated system that uses video and other electronic detection devices to monitor traffic flows.

3.72. Intersection. The general area where two or more highways, streets, or roads join or cross, including the roadway and roadside facilities for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic movements within it.

3.73. Island. An area within a roadway from which vehicular traffic is intended to be excluded, together with any area at the approach occupied by protective deflecting or warning devices.

3.74. Joint Venture. Any combination of individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations submitting a single bid proposal.

3.75. Lane Rental. A method to assess the Contractor daily or hourly rental fees for each lane, shoulder, or combination of lanes and shoulders taken out of service.

3.76. Letting. The receipt, opening, tabulation, and determination of the apparent low Bidder.

3.77. Letting Official. The Executive Director or any Department employee empowered by the Executive Director to officially receive bids and close the receipt of bids at a letting.

3.78. Licensed Professional Engineer. A person who has been duly licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to engage in the practice of engineering in the State of Texas; also referred to as a Professional Engineer.

3.79. Limits of Construction. An area with established boundaries, identified within the highway right of way and easements, where the Contractor is permitted to perform the work.

3.80. Local Street or Road. A street or road primarily for access to residence, business, or other abutting property.

3.81. Low-Pressure Water Blasting. Water blasting with pressures between 3,000 and 5,000 psi.

3.82. Major Item. An item of work included in the Contract that has a total cost equal to or greater than 5% of the original Contract or $100,000 whichever is less. A major item at the time of bid will remain a major item. An item not originally a major item does not become one through the course of the Contract.

3.83. Material Producer List. Department-maintained list of approved products, materials, laboratories, service providers, manufacturers, and producers.

3.84. Materially Unbalanced Bid. A bid that generates a reasonable doubt that award to the Bidder submitting a mathematically unbalanced bid will result in the lowest ultimate cost to the State.

3.85. Materials Contract. A Contract entered under Transportation Code § 223.001(b)(2) and (3) for roadway materials, maintenance materials, traffic control devices, or safety devices. These Contracts are designated as “MMC” and “TMC” for Maintenance Materials Contracts or Traffic Materials Contracts, respectively.

3.86. Materials Supplier’s Questionnaire. A prequalification form that reflects basic information, such as company contact, signature authority, and other requirements, but waives financial, equipment, and experience data.

3.87. Mathematically Unbalanced Bid. A bid containing bid prices that do not reflect reasonable actual costs plus a reasonable proportionate share of the Bidder’s anticipated profit, overhead costs, and other indirect costs.

3.88. Median. The portion of a divided highway separating the traffic lanes in opposite directions.

3.89. Milestone Date. The date that a specific portion of the work is to be completed before the completion date for all work under the Contract.

3.90. Monolithic Concrete Placement. The placement of plastic concrete in such manner and sequence to prevent a construction joint.

3.91. National Holidays. January 1, the last Monday in May, July 4, the first Monday in September, the fourth Thursday in November, December 24, and December 25.

3.92. Nonhazardous Recyclable Material. A material recovered or diverted from the nonhazardous waste stream for the purposes of reuse or recycling in the manufacture of products that may otherwise be produced using raw or virgin materials.

3.93. Nonresident Bidder. A Bidder whose principal place of business is not in Texas. This includes a Bidder whose ultimate parent company or majority owner does not have its principal place of business in Texas.

3.94. Nonresponsive Proposal. A proposal that does not meet the criteria for acceptance contained in the proposal form.

3.95. Non-Site-Specific Contracts. Contracts where a geographic region is specified for the work and work orders, with or without plans, detail the limits and work to be performed.

3.96. Notification. Either written or oral instruction to the Contractor. Voice mail is oral notification.

3.97. Pavement. That part of the roadway with a constructed surface for the use of vehicular traffic.

3.98. Pavement Structure. Combination of surface course and base course placed on a subgrade to support the traffic load and distribute it to the roadbed.

3.98.1. Base Course. One or more layers of specified material thickness placed on a subgrade to support a surface course.

3.98.2. Subgrade. The top surface of a roadbed upon which the pavement structure, shoulders, and curbs are constructed.

3.98.3. Subgrade Treatment. Modifying or stabilizing material in the subgrade.

3.98.4. Surface Course. Pavement structure layers designed to accommodate the traffic load. The top layer resists skidding, traffic abrasion, and the disintegrating effects of climate and is sometimes called the wearing course.

3.99. Payment Bond. The security executed by the Contractor and the Surety, furnished to the Department to guarantee payment of all legal debts of the Contractor pertaining to the Contract.

3.100. Performance Bond. The security executed by the Contractor and the Surety, furnished to the Department to guarantee the completion of the work in accordance with the terms of the Contract.

3.101. Plans. The drawings approved by the Engineer, including true reproductions of the drawings that may show the location, character, dimensions, and details of the work and are a part of the Contract. Documents may include drawings or digital files.

3.102. Power of Attorney for Surety Bonds. An instrument under corporate seal appointing an attorney-in-fact to act on behalf of a Surety in signing bonds.

3.103. Prequalification. The process for determining a Contractor’s eligibility to bid work.

3.104. Prequalification Statement. The forms on which required information is furnished concerning the Contractor’s ability to perform and finance the work.

3.105. Project Specific Location. A material source, plant, waste site, parking area, storage area, field office, staging area, haul road, or other similar location either outside the project limits or within the project limits but not specifically addressed in the Contract.

3.106. Proposal. The offer from the Bidder submitted on the prescribed form, including addenda issued, giving unit bid prices for performing the work described in the plans and specifications.

3.107. Proposal Form. The form printed and sent to the Bidder by the Department or printed by the Bidder from the Department’s bidding system.

3.108. Proposal Guaranty. The security furnished by the Bidder as a guarantee that the Bidder will enter into a Contract if awarded the work.

3.109. Quality Assurance (QA). Sampling, testing, inspection, and other activities conducted by the Engineer to determine payment and make acceptance decisions.

3.110. Quality Control (QC). Sampling, testing, and other process control activities conducted by the Contractor to monitor production and placement operations.

3.111. Ramp. A section of highway for the primary purpose of making connections with other highways.

3.112. Recurring Maintenance Work Contracts. Contracts or work for which maintenance is needed at the same location on more than one occasion (e.g., mowing Contracts for which mowing cycles are requested on multiple occasions).

3.113. Referee Tests. Tests requested to resolve differences between Contractor and Engineer test results. The referee laboratory is the Materials and Tests Division.

3.114. Regular Item. A bid item contained in a proposal and not designated as an additive alternate or replacement alternate bid item.

3.115. Rental Rate Blue Book for Construction Equipment. Publication containing equipment rental rates.

3.116. Repair. Performed under Transportation Code §223, Subchapter A for Highway Improvement Contracts and includes restoration of a Highway, Street, or Road by replacing or putting together, in whole or in part, what is torn, broken, or otherwise damaged. Repair denotes the process of restoring all or part of a Highway, Street, or Road that has been subjected to decay, waste, injury, partial destruction, erosion, dilapidation, degradation, etc. Repair includes work in Construction and Routine Maintenance Contracts.

3.117. Replacement Alternate. A bid item identified the proposal form that a Bidder may substitute for a specific regular item of work.

3.118. Responsive Bid. A proposal that meets all requirements of the proposal form for acceptance.

3.119. Right of Way. A general term denoting land or property devoted to transportation purposes.

3.120. Roadbed. The graded portion of a highway prepared as foundation for the pavement structure and shoulders. On divided highways, the depressed median type and the raised median type highways are considered to have two roadbeds. Highways with a flush median are considered to have one roadbed.

Frontage roads are considered separate roadbeds.

3.121. Road Master. A railroad maintenance official in charge of a division of railway.

3.122. Roadside. The areas between the outside edges of the shoulders and the right of way boundaries. Unpaved median areas between inside shoulders of divided highways and areas within interchanges are included.

3.123. Roadway. The portion of the highway (including shoulders) used by the traveling public.

3.124. Routine Maintenance Contract. A maintenance Contract entered under Transportation Code Subchapter A for Highway Improvement Contracts let through and executed as a result of the routine maintenance contracting procedure, to preserve and repair roadways, bridges, and rights of way, with all its components to its designed or accepted configuration.

3.125. Sandblasting, Dry. Spraying blasts of pressurized air combined with sand.

3.126. Sandblasting, Wet. Spraying blasts of pressurized water combined with sand.

3.127. Shot Blasting. Spraying blasts of pressurized air combined with metal shot.

3.128. Shoulder. That portion of the roadway contiguous with the traffic lanes for accommodation of stopped vehicles for emergency use or for lateral support of base and surface courses.

3.129. Sidewalk. Portion of the right of way constructed exclusively for pedestrian use.

3.130. Slurry Blasting. Spraying blasts of pressurized air combined with a mixture of water and abrasive media.

3.131. Small Business Enterprise. A firm (including affiliates) whose annual gross receipts do not exceed the U.S.

Small Business Administration’s size standards for 4 consecutive yr.

3.132. Special Provisions. Additions or revisions to these standard specifications or special specifications.

3.133. Special Specifications. Supplemental specifications applicable to the Contract not covered by these standard specifications.

3.134. Specifications. Directives or requirements issued or made pertaining to the method and manner of performing the work or to quantities and qualities of materials to be furnished under the Contract. References to DMSs, ASTM or AASHTO specifications, or Department bulletins and manuals imply the latest standard or tentative standard in effect on the date of the proposal. The Engineer will consider incorporation of subsequent changes to these documents in accordance with Item 4, “Scope of Work.”

3.135. State. The State of Texas.

3.136. State Holiday. A holiday authorized by the State Legislature excluding optional State holidays and not listed in Section 1.3.91., “National Holidays.” A list of State holidays can be found on the Department’s website.

3.137. Station. A unit of measurement consisting of 100 horizontal ft.

3.138. Subcontract. The agreement between the Contractor and subcontractor establishing the obligations of the parties for furnishing of materials and performance of the work prescribed in the Contract documents.

3.139. Subcontractor. An individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or any combination thereof that the Contractor sublets, or proposes to sublet, any portion of a Contract, excluding a material supplier, a hauling firm hauling only from a commercial source to the project, a truck owner-operator, a wholly owned subsidiary, or specialty-type businesses such as security companies and rental companies.

3.140. Subsidiary. Materials, labor, or other elements that because of their nature or quantity have not been identified as a separate item and are included within the items on which they necessarily depend.

3.141. Substantial Completion of Work. The date (day) when all project work requiring lane or shoulder closures or obstructions is completed, and traffic is following the lane arrangement as shown on the plans for the finished roadway; all pavement construction and surfacing are complete; and traffic control devices and pavement markings are in their final position, unless otherwise shown on the plans. The Engineer may make an exception for permanent pavement markings provided the lack of markings does not cause a disruption to traffic flow or an unsafe condition for the traveling public, and work zone pavement markings are in place.

3.142. Substructure. The part of the structure below the bridge seats but not including bearings, drilled shafts, or piling. Parapets, back walls, wing walls of the abutments, and drainage structures are considered parts of the substructure.

3.143. Superintendent. The representative of the Contractor who is available at all times and able to receive instructions from the Engineer or authorized Department representatives and to act for the Contractor.

3.144. Superstructure. The part of the structure above the bridge seats or above the springing lines of arches and including the bearings. Flatwork construction may be considered superstructure.

3.145. Supplemental Agreement. Written agreement entered into between the Contractor and the State and approved by the Surety, covering alterations and changes in the Contract. A supplemental agreement is used by the Department whenever the modifications include assignment of the Contract from one entity to another or other cases as desired by the Department.

3.146. Surety. The corporate body or bodies authorized to do business in Texas bound with and for the Contractor for the faithful performance of the work covered by the Contract and for the payment for all labor and material supplied in the prosecution of the work.

3.147. Surplus Materials. Any debris or material related to the Contract not incorporated into the work.

3.148. Suspension. Action taken by the Department or federal government pursuant to regulation that prohibits a person or company from entering into a Contract, or from participating as a subcontractor, or supplier of materials or equipment used in a highway improvement Contract as defined in Transportation Code, Chapter 223, Subchapter A.

3.149. Traffic Lane. The strip of roadway intended to accommodate the forward movement of a single line of vehicles.

3.150. Traveled Way. The portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.

3.151. Truck Owner-Operator. An individual who owns and operates one truck for hire.

3.152. UT-Bridge. Department-owned software for steel girder erection. Software is available on the Department’s website.

3.153. UT-Lift. Department-owned software for steel girder erection. Software is available on the Department’s website.

3.154. Utility. Privately, publicly, or cooperatively owned lines, facilities, and systems for producing, transmitting, or distributing communications, power, heat, gas, oil, water, waste, or stormwater that are not connected with the highway drainage, signal systems, or other products that directly or indirectly serve the public; the utility company.

3.155. Verification Tests. Tests used to verify accuracy of QC and QA and mixture design testing.

3.156. Water-Abrasive Blasting. Spraying blasts of pressurized water combined with abrasive media.

3.157. Water Blasting. Spraying blasts of pressurized water of at least 3,000 psi.

3.158. Water-Injected Abrasive Blasting. Abrasive blasting with water injected into the abrasive and air stream at the nozzle.

3.159. Wholly Owned Subsidiary. A legal entity owned entirely by the Contractor or subcontractor.

3.160. Work. The furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals necessary for the successful completion of the Contract.

3.161. Work Order. Written notice to the Contractor to begin the work. The work order may include the date when work and time charges will begin, the allowable number of working days, and plan sheets providing details specific to a location or to an item of work for non-site-specific work. A work order is part of the Contract.

3.162. Written Notice. Written notice is considered to have been duly given if delivered in person to the individual or member to whom it is intended or if sent by regular, registered, or certified mail and delivered to the last known business address; sent by facsimile to the last known phone number; or sent by email to the last known address. The date of the letter will serve as the beginning day of notice. Unclaimed mail or failure to provide current contact information will not be considered a failure to provide written notice.

2024 Specifications 416

Item 416 Drilled Shaft Foundations

1. DESCRIPTION

Construct foundations consisting of reinforced or non-reinforced concrete drilled shafts.

2. MATERIALS

Use materials that meet the requirements of the following Items.

Item 421, “Hydraulic Cement Concrete” Item 440, “Reinforcement for Concrete” Item 448, “Structural Field Welding”

Use concrete for drilled shafts that meets the requirements shown in Table 1 unless otherwise shown on the plans.

Table 1 Concrete for Drilled Shafts

Drilled Shaft Type Concrete Non-reinforced Class A

Reinforced Class C Slurry and underwater concrete placement Class SS

Use coarse aggregate Grade 4, 5, or 6 for drilled shaft concrete in reinforced drilled shafts. Grade 2 or Grade 3 may be used if the shaft is dry and reinforcing steel has a 5 in. minimum clear spacing.

Use a water-reducing, retarding admixture in accordance with DMS-4640, “Chemical Admixtures for Concrete,” in all concrete when using casing that will be pulled or when placing shafts under water or under slurry.

Use concrete with slump that meets the requirements shown in Table 2 as determined in accordance with Tex-415-A.

Table 2 Slump Requirements

Placement Type

Min Acceptable Placement Slump

(in.)

Recommended Design and Placement Slump

(in.)

Max Acceptable Placement Slump

(in.)

Dry 5-1/2 6-1/2 7-1/2

Underwater and under slurry 7 8 9

Perform a slump loss test in accordance with Tex-430-A before beginning work when casing is to be pulled or concrete is to be placed underwater or under slurry. Provide concrete that will maintain a slump of at least 4 in. throughout the entire anticipated time of concrete placement. Time of concrete placement is in accordance with Section 416.3.6., “Concrete,” and Section 416.3.7., “Additional Requirements for Slurry Displacement or Underwater Concrete Placement Methods.” Note the temperature of the concrete mix at the beginning of the slump loss test. Place the concrete if its temperature at the time of placement into the drilled shaft is no more than 10°F higher than the slump loss test temperature. Use ice or other concrete-cooling ingredients to lower concrete temperature or run additional slump loss tests at the higher temperatures.

Slump loss testing will be waived if anticipated time of concrete placement is less than 90 min.

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/DMS/4000_series/pdfs/4640.pdf http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/400-A_series/pdfs/cnn415.pdf http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/400-A_series/pdfs/cnn430.pdf

Use mineral drilling slurry that meets the requirements shown in Table 3, as determined in accordance with Tex-130-E. Determine pH of slurry in accordance with Tex-128-E or using pH paper strips.

Table 3

Mineral Slurry Requirements Before Introduction into Excavation Sampled from Bottom of

Excavation Before Concreting Specific Gravity

Sand Content pH Specific

Gravity Viscosity

(sec.)

Sand

Content ≤1.10 ≤1% 8–11 ≤1.15 ≤45 ≤4%

Use mineral slurry consisting of processed bentonite or attapulgite clays mixed with clean fresh water. Do not use partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) polymeric slurry or any other fluid composed primarily of a polymer solution.

If approved, water may be used as the drilling fluid. In this case, all the provisions shown in Table 3 must be met, except that the maximum specific gravity is not to exceed 1.12.

Sample slurry from the bottom of the hole, before placing concrete, and test it in accordance with Tex-130-E.

Use a pump or air lift to remove slurry that does not meet the requirements shown in Table 3 while adding fresh clean slurry to the top of the hole to maintain the slurry level. Continue this operation until the slurry sampled from the bottom of the hole meets the requirements.

3. CONSTRUCTION

Submit drilled shaft installation plan for review no later than 1 mo. before drilled shaft construction. Include the following in the plan:

name and experience record of the drilled shaft superintendent who will be in charge of drilled shaft operations for the project;

list of proposed equipment to be used, including cranes, drills, augers, bailing buckets, final cleaning equipment, de-sanding equipment, slurry pumps, core-sampling equipment, tremies or concrete pumps, and casing;

details of overall construction operation sequence and the sequence of shaft construction in bents or groups;

details of shaft excavation methods;

when the use of slurry is anticipated, details of the slurry mix design and its suitability for the subsurface conditions at the construction site, mixing and storage methods, maintenance methods, and disposal procedures;

details of methods to clean the shaft excavation;

details of reinforcement placement, including support and centralization methods;

details of concrete placement, including proposed operational procedures for free-fall, tremie, or pumping methods; and details of casing installation and removal methods.

The installation plan will be reviewed for conformance with the plans, specifications, and special provisions.

The Contractor will be notified within 14 days of receipt of the installation plan of any additional information required or changes necessary to meet the Contract requirements. All procedural approvals will be subject to trial in the field and will not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to satisfactorily complete the work as shown on the plans and in conformance with specifications.

Place the shaft to within the following tolerances.

Vertical plumbness: 1 in. per 10 ft. of depth Center of shaft located under column: 1 in. of horizontal plan position http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/100-E_series/pdfs/soi130.pdf http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/100-E_series/pdfs/soi128.pdf http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/100-E_series/pdfs/soi130.pdf

Center of shaft located under footing: 3 in. of horizontal plan position

Complete the embankment at bridge ends before installing drilled shafts that pass through the fill. Refer to Item 423, “Retaining Walls,” for provisions for drilled shafts passing through the structural volume of retaining walls.

3.1. Excavation. The plans indicate the expected depths and elevations for encountering satisfactory bearing material. Excavate as required for the shafts through all materials encountered to the dimensions and elevations shown on the plans or required by the site conditions. Removal of man-made obstructions not shown on the plans will be paid for in accordance with Article 9.7., “Payment for Extra Work and Force Account Method.” Adjust the bottom of the shaft or alter the foundation if satisfactory founding material is not encountered at plan elevation, as approved, to satisfactorily comply with design requirements. Blasting is not allowed for excavations.

Stop drilling if caving conditions are encountered and adopt a construction method that stabilizes the shaft walls.

Do not excavate a shaft within two shaft diameters (clear) of an open shaft excavation, or one in which concrete has been placed in the preceding 24 hr.

Dispose of material excavated from shafts and not incorporated into the finished project as shown on the plans and in conformance with federal, state, and local laws.

Provide suitable access, lighting, and equipment for proper inspection of the completed excavation and checking of the dimensions and alignment of shaft excavation.

3.2. Core Holes. Take cores to determine the character of the supporting materials if directed. Use a method that will result in recovery of an intact sample adequate for judging the character of the founding material. Such cores should be at least 5 ft. deeper than the proposed founding grade or a depth equal to the diameter of the shaft, whichever is greater. Take these cores when the excavation is complete.

3.3. Casing. Use casing when necessary to prevent caving of the material, excluding groundwater, when slurry is used for hole stabilization, or when required in conformance with the Contractor’s safety plan. Provide casing with an outside diameter not less than the specified diameter of the shaft. The portion of shaft below the casing may be as much as 2 in. smaller than the specified shaft diameter. No extra compensation will be made for concrete required to fill an oversized casing or oversized excavation. Use casing strong enough to withstand handling stresses and pressures of concrete and of the surrounding earth or water, and that is watertight, smooth, clean, and free of accumulations of hardened concrete.

Use construction methods that result in a minimal amount of disturbed soil trapped outside the casing. This does not apply to temporary undersized casings used to protect workers inside shafts or to drilled shafts designed for point bearing only.

Leave casing in place only if authorized or shown on the plans. Extract casing only after placing the concrete to an appropriate level. Always maintain enough concrete in the casing to counteract soil and water pressure.

Rotate or move the casing up or down a few inches if necessary before and during concrete placement to facilitate extraction of the casing.

3.4. Requirements for Slurry Displacement Method. When soil conditions warrant, use the slurry displacement method to construct drilled shafts, unless otherwise shown on the plans. Use this method to support the sides of the excavation with processed mineral slurry that is then displaced by concrete to form a continuous concrete shaft.

Install surface casing to at least 10 ft. below existing ground before introducing slurry. Do not use casing other than surface casing. Do not use surface casing longer than 20 ft. without approval. Do not extract the surface casing until after placing the concrete.

Pre-mix slurry in a reservoir with enough capacity to fill the excavation and for recovery of the slurry during concrete placement. Do not mix slurry in the shaft excavation or other hole. Allow adequate time for hydration of the slurry before introduction into the excavation.

Maintain a head of slurry in the shaft excavation at or near ground level or higher, as necessary, to counteract groundwater pressure during and after drilling.

Use an air lift or proper size cleanout bucket, just before placing reinforcing steel, to remove any material that may have fallen from the sides of the excavation or accumulated on the bottom after the completion of drilling. Use a cleanout bucket if material is too large to be picked up using an air lift.

Re-process the hole using the auger as directed if concrete placement is not started within 4 hr. of the completion of the shaft excavation. Then clean the bottom using an air lift or cleanout bucket and check the slurry at the bottom of the hole for compliance with slurry requirements in accordance with Article 416.2., “Materials.”

Agitate the congealed slurry to liquefaction if the slurry forms a gel before concrete placement, and whenever directed.

Recover and dispose of all slurry as approved, and in conformance with all federal, state, and local laws. Do not discharge slurry into or in close proximity to streams or other bodies of water.

3.5. Reinforcing Steel. Completely assemble the cage of reinforcing steel and place it as a unit immediately before concrete placement. The cage consists of longitudinal bars and lateral reinforcement (spiral reinforcement, lateral ties, or horizontal bands). Connect individual segments with couplers or by lapping steel as approved if overhead obstacles prevent placement of the cage as a single unit.

Extend the reinforcing steel cage as follows if the shaft is lengthened beyond plan length, unless directed otherwise.

Extend the cage to the bottom for shafts supporting structures other than bridges.

Extend the cage to 25 ft. or to the bottom, whichever is shorter, for bridge shafts with plan lengths less than 25 ft.

Do not extend the cage for bridge shafts with plan lengths at least 25 ft. that are lengthened less than

33% of plan length.

Extend the cage as directed for bridge shafts with plan lengths at least 25 ft. that are lengthened more than 33% of plan length.

If the cage does not reach the bottom of the shaft, it may be suspended, or a portion of the longitudinal steel may be extended to support the cage on the bottom of the shaft. Bars used to extend or support the cage may be lap spliced or welded by a qualified welder. Place the extension at the bottom of the shaft.

Tie spiral reinforcement to the longitudinal bars at a spacing no more than 24 in., or as required for a stable cage. Ensure lateral reinforcement is not welded to longitudinal bars unless otherwise shown on the plans.

Center the reinforcing steel cage in the excavation using approved “roller”-type centering devices unless otherwise approved. Use concrete or plastic chairs to keep the reinforcing cage off the bottom of the hole.

Use centering devices starting at 1.5 ft. off from the bottom of the cage and spaced vertically at intervals not exceeding 10 ft. Use at least three centering devices per level at a spacing not to exceed 30 in. Flat or crescent-shaped centralizers (“sleds”) are not allowed.

Support or hold down the cage to control vertical displacement during concrete placement or extraction of the casing. Use support that is concentric with the cage to prevent racking and distortion of the steel.

Check the elevation of the top of the steel cage before and after concrete placement or after casing extraction when casing is used. Downward movement of the steel up to 6 in. per 20 ft. of shaft length and upward movement of the steel up to 6 in.