VOLUME 3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIVISION 3 – PAVEMENT WORKS

3.8 PRIMER SEAL

3.8.1 Description

The work shall consist of an application of bituminous material followed by spreading

of pea-gravel, a cover coat material, in accordance with these Specifications to the
area shown on the Drawings or as directed by the Engineer.

3.8.2 Materials

3.8.2.1 Bituminous Material

Cutback bitumen conforming to the requirements of section 3.4 as appropriate, shall

be used for the purpose. The 80-100 penetration grade bitumen may be converted
into cutback by fluxing and thoroughly mixing 4% diesel with the bitumen after it is
heated. The method of mixing or fluxing for cutback from 80-100 penetration grade
bitumen shall be approved by the Engineer.

3.8.2.2 Cover Coat Material

Cover coat material used for this work shall be screened Pea gravel conforming to the
Specification and graded so that 100% of the materials falls within the size range of
2.4 mm to 6.3 mm. Pea-gravel shall be washed by water, dried and be free from any
organic matter, clay or any other objectionable matter and completely dust free.
Samples of the Pea gravel proposed for use shall be submitted for approval of the
Engineer.

3.8.3 Construction Methods

3.8.3.1 Cleaning Surface

The contractor shall furnish all labour and equipment required for thoroughly cleaning
the surface to be primed. The cleaning shall be done in such a manner as to
thorough remove all mud, dust and other foreign materials. The sweeping on a water
bound surface shall be just sufficient to expose the pattern of the coarse aggregate.
Any surplus bituminous materials shall be removed from the surface.

Special care shall be taken to clean the edges of the road to be primed in order to
ensure uniform application of the bituminous materials, directly on the existing base of
pavement material.

3.8.3.2 Applying Bituminous Materials

Primer seal work shall be carried out only when the surfaces and aggregates are dry
and shall only be commenced in areas which can be completed in dry conditions. Any
work which becomes wet by rain or other causes before rolling is completed may be
rejected.

Fluxed bitumen, at a temperature as given in table 3.4-6 , shall be applied uniformly

to the prepared surface at a rate of 1.0 L/m2 or as directed by the Engineer.

Application may be approved by labour intensive methods in which case the following
procedure will be adopted.

• The surface to be sprayed will be marked into 1 metre wide strips for the full
width of the pavement.

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VOLUME 3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIVISION 3 – PAVEMENT WORKS

• Using a container constructed to hold the quantity of bituminous materials

required for the area of 1 strip, apply the fluxed bitumen using a rubber
squeegee.

• The contractor shall furnish a thermometer at each mixing unit to ensure that
temperature of cutback bitumen is always within specified range.

3.8.3.3 Spreading and Rolling

Screened pea gravel aggregate, shall be spread uniformly to the required density
over the bitumen prime as soon as possible after application of the bitumen to provide
a dense uniform cover one stone thick. Brooming or other methods shall be used if
necessary to achieve a uniform spread rate. The aggregate application rate will be
approximately 10kg/m², or as directed by the Engineer. Rollers shall comply with
section 3.5.3 of this Specification.

The time between application of the bitumen at any location and the completion of
spreading the aggregate over it at that location shall ensure that the bitumen is still
within the specified temperature range and shall not exceed 3 minutes. The
aggregate shall be rolled into the bitumen immediately using a rubber tyred roller for
at least 4 passes and the road shall not be opened to traffic if this will cause any
damage to the works.

3.8.4 Measurement

Surface dressing work shall be measured under this item by the number of square
metres of acceptable work completed.

3.8.5 Payment

The quantity measured as provided above shall be paid for at the contract unit price
per unit of measurement as shown in the Bill of Quantities, or on the drawings. The
prices and payments shall be full compensation for cleaning, application of bitumen,
compaction, furnishing the materials, testing, site trials and for all labour, tools,
equipment and incidentals necessary to complete this item.

Pay item shall be:

3/8/1 Primer Seal Square Metre

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