C Technical

&
M Advisory
T Published as needed by the Construction and Bridge Divisions
October 31, 2001

Proof Rolling and Base Curing Advisory

Curing Flexible Base

The Department has experienced some pavement failures when asphalt pavement is placed
on flexible base. Analysis of these failures indicates that the prime coat was placed before the
flexible base had cured sufficiently. The moisture content of the base was still at or near
optimum. To resolve this problem, we recommend that flexible base be allowed time to cure,
until the moisture content of the base is at least 2% less than optimum, prior to placing the prime
coat. Use a nuclear gauge for a fast method to determine the drop in moisture content.
Many Districts are using MC-30, AE-P, EAP&T, or PCE for priming flexible base. Other
choices include SS-1, SS-1H, CSS-1 and CSS-1H.

Proof Rolling

Some pavement failures have been caused by soft subgrade beneath the flexible base.
Although density testing spot-checks an area, proof rolling checks 100% of the area for stability.
For this reason, we recommend that Item 216 Rolling (Proof) be included in contracts with
significant subgrade work if soil types and conditions could cause failures. Keep in mind that the
purpose of proof rolling is not to establish soil strength, but to assure that the subgrade soil will
provide uniform pavement support.
For maximum effectiveness, perform proof rolling when the moisture content of the
subgrade soil is near optimum or at the moisture content at which compaction was achieved. If
the subgrade is too wet, the material will displace and rut. If the subgrade is too dry, a hard
surface crust may carry the proof roller over soft wet underlying material without rutting or
deflection, and soft subgrade may not be detected.
It is important to choose the correct roller load for the soil type or situation. To start, the
gross ballasted weight and tire inflation pressure of the proof roller should be at the highest stress
level (shown in attached Table 1), based on the general description of the subgrade soil and the
relative subgrade support within the subgrade soil description range. Use Test Method Tex-142-
E, Laboratory Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes, to classify the type of subgrade.
In cut sections, the purpose of proof rolling is to determine the location and extent of areas
that require corrective undercutting. In these sections the roller should be loaded to 30 tons.
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Operate the roller briefly to determine its effect on the subgrade. If consistent lateral
displacement occurs, use a lower stress level. After an acceptable stress level is established,
make two complete passes over the subgrade surface. Operate the roller at a speed between 2
and 6 miles per hour (176 feet per minute to 528 feet per minute) as directed by the Engineer.
Determining failure is based on experience. If there is any doubt, the Engineer should be
consulted. These criteria can be used as a guide:
Rutting in excess of 2 inches constitutes a failure,
Elastic movement or rutting with substantial cracking or substantial lateral movement of
the soil constitutes a failure,
Rutting between 1 to 2 inches should be suspect, but may be left in place, and
Rutting less than 1 inch should not be of a concern.
These criteria should be modified in accordance with the type of roadway being constructed.
Correct failure areas in accordance with the applicable Item of work.
Proof rolling is not required over culverts, pipes, or other conduits that may be damaged by
the proof roller, and in areas where there is insufficient maneuvering space.
Direct questions concerning these issues to Hua Chen at 512.302-2123 in the Concrete
Pavement Design Branch, or Caroline Herrera, P.E. at 512.465-7505 in the Geotechnical Soils
and Aggregates Branch of the Construction Division.