Item 341, which is the most frequently used specification for laying asphalt pavements on TxDOT projects, has been the subject of many changes and improvements over the past few years. This week it was announced that a new special specification received approval. This special specification, which is listed as SS 3224, will be used in lieu of Item 341 on all future projects. This is the culmination of months of work led by Dale Rand and staff at the Flexible Pavement Branch of TxDOT's Construction Division (CST).
Special Specification 3224 was written to merge Item 341 and Special Provision 341-024. In addition, SS 3224 addresses numerous deficiencies in testing, reporting and sample custody that were brought to light by the 2008 FHWA stewardship assessment review and inspections by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in review of numerous "stimulus" projects constructed in 2009 & 2010. There were also a number of other changes that were incorporated into the SS 3224 based on documented recommendations from TxDOT Districts and Industry representatives. The Flexible Pavements Branch of CST began documenting these recommendations in 2004 when the Standard Specification Item 341 was implemented. It should be noted that SS 3224 also contains various incentives for contractors to use the PAVE-IR System.
Many thanks are in order to TxDOT employees, along with members of TxAPA, TxAPA's Specification Committee and members of the AGC who reviewed several draft versions of this Special Specification and made recommendations to Dale in support of this work. The cumulative efforts of everyone involved produced a Special Specification will enhance the viability and quality of HMA in Texas.
TxDOT is now in the process of writing very similar Special Specifications to replace all other HMA mixes (Items 340,342,344,346).
This fall, TxAPA and TxDOT will hold a series of seminars across the state that will further explain the latest changes. Information regarding the location and dates of these seminars should be available by mid-to-late summer of 2011.
The following is a brief description (and commentary) of major changes.