14-103.005. Supplemental Source Requirements for Alternate Open-Graded Friction Course (FC) Aggregate

Approval may be sought for coarse aggregate not specifically mentioned by name in the Department’s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction use in open-graded Friction Course Asphalt Mix, Type 5 (FC-5). The following approval requirements are in addition to the requirements of Rule 14-103.004, F.A.C., for such alternate materials having characteristics which will result in a friction course providing acceptable long-term frictional characteristics. Once approved, coarse aggregate may be submitted in all Department friction course mixes subject to specification requirements.

(1) A detailed description of the location within the overall mining site of the specific deposit proposed for use in an FC-5, and a description of the unique characteristics of this deposit which can be used to differentiate it from other material occurring at the site. These characteristics will include such things as color, texture, hardness, physical or chemical properties, and other properties determined in accordance with the Sampling and Testing Methods or in accordance with paragraph 14-103.006(14)(c), F.A.C.

(2) An estimate of the quantity of material available.

(3) A determination of the acid insoluble material retained on the No. 200 mesh sieve (FM 5-510) must be submitted on at least five samples.

(4) Submission of any test data which the producer considers significant to potential friction characteristics, such as wear tests, hardness, crushed faces, angularity, and other relevant characteristics.

(5) The construction of a trial section of FC-5 pavement from the material will be required by the State Materials Office based on history of use and performance. The construction of the FC-5 trial section will be the sole responsibility of the producer. The State Materials Office will design the mix, monitor construction, obtain samples for evaluation, and test the friction characteristics of the surface. The trial section will be a minimum of 500 feet in length to accommodate friction testing, and shall be constructed on a roadway not maintained by the Department. No minimum traffic volume will be required for approval of trial sections.

(6) The information supplied by the producer, the inspection of the mine, and any test results from a trial section will be reviewed by the State Materials Office. If the material indicates a potential for use in an FC-5, the producer will be notified and a test section will then be selected by the producer for Department evaluation of the wear characteristics of the material. The State Materials Office will assist the producer in the selection of a test section which meets the following criteria:

(a) Minimum 50 miles per hour speed limit.

(b) Minimum 14,000 Average Daily Traffic.

(c) No intersection, ramps, driveways or curves.

(d) Minimum of four lanes.

(e) Minimum length of 1,000 feet.

A control section meeting the test section criteria and adjoining the test section will be constructed with a Department approved aggregate.

(7) Following the selection of a suitable test section, the producer will then provide sufficient material and make the necessary arrangements with the paving contractor for construction of the FC-5 test section and FC-5 control section. Any additional costs incurred by the paving contractor for the test section and control section will be the responsibility of the producer. The State Materials Office will design the mixes, monitor construction and obtain samples for evaluation. Friction tests will be conducted by the State Materials Office on the test section immediately after construction, then monthly for two months and thereafter at intervals of two months until the accumulated traffic reaches six million (vehicles) coverage or the friction number stabilizes. Friction tests will be conducted at 40 mph in accordance with ASTM E274-97, effective 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference, using both E501 (Rib) and the E524 (Blank) test tires. In the event that the friction number falls below 30 or the test section is otherwise determined to be a threat to public safety within the first two years of construction completion, the evaluation will be terminated and the producer will bear the cost of removing the FC-5 and resurfacing the test section with an approved material. Prior to the construction of the test section, the producer must provide a signed and notarized statement agreeing to this responsibility. Pursuant to Section 837.06, F.S., the producer is subject to a charge of perjury if a written false statement is made to a public official.

(8) At the conclusion of the evaluation period the friction number in the test section will be compared to friction numbers obtained in the control section and with friction numbers obtained using previously approved FC-5 aggregates. If the test section is equivalent or better, the State Materials Office will grant approval of the proposed aggregate contingent upon:

(a) The aggregate consistently maintaining the unique characteristics established in subsection 14-103.005(4), F.A.C., that identify the specific deposit, and

(b) The friction course utilizing the aggregate consistently producing friction numbers and other performance characteristics (smoothness and texture) that the Department considers equivalent to the test section on a job by job basis.

Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), (10)(c) FS. Law Implemented 334.044(10), (13), (28), 337.105(1), 337.11 FS. History–New 10-20-92, Amended 7-20-05.