This work shall consist of saw cutting, cleaning, drying, and sealing transverse joints in new bituminous surfaces.

Materials

Joint Sealant Material

The Contractor shall provide certification that the sealant meets the requirements of ASTM D-3405 with the following modifications:

• Penetration at 77 degrees F
• 90-150 Bond at -20 degrees F
• Sandard Specimen
• 3 cycles
• 200% extension

The sealant material shall weigh not less than 9.00 nor more than 9.35 lbs/gallon.

Mixing of different Manufacturers' brands or different types of sealants shall be prohibited.

Bond Breaker Tape

Bond breaker tape shall consist of regular masking tape or other suitable bond breaker tape designed for use with hot pour sealants. The width of the tape may be equal to but not more than 1/8 inch narrower than the width of the saw cut.

Weather Limitations

Sealant materials may be placed during a period of rising temperature after the air temperature in the shade and away from artificial heat sources has reached 40 degrees F and indications are for a continued rise in temperature. During a period of falling temperature, placement of the sealant material shall be suspended until the above conditions are met.

Equipment Requirements

The melting kettle shall be double jacketed boiler type, equipped with both agitation and recirculation systems capable of melting and applying the sealant through a pressure-fed hose and wand. The melter shall be capable of starting at ambient temperature and bringing the sealing material to application temperature in hour or less, while continuously agitating and recirculating the sealant. The melter shall be equipped with automatic thermostatic controls and temperature gages to monitor the sealant temperature in the applicator lines and temperature of heat transfer oil in the kettle jacket.

A self-propelled power saw capable of providing a straight cut uniform depth and width shall be used. Diamond saw blades with wither single or gang blade arrangements shall be used. The saw blade or blades shall be of such size and configuration such that the desired joint reservoir shape and deep saw cut are achieved in one pass of the saw. Two pass cutting will not be allowed. No spacers between blades shall be allowed unless the Contractor can show that the desired reservoir and saw cut can be obtained with them. Either wet or dry sawing will be permitted provided the above conditions are met.

The air compressor shall be capable of producing a continuous stream of clean, dry air through the nozzle at 100 psi and 125 ft3/minute (CFM) minimum. The compressed air unit shall be equipped with water and oil traps and must produce sufficient air volume and pressure to remove all debris from the sawed joint and all adjacent road surfaces in a safe manner such that the debris will not reenter the joint prior to the sealing operation.

The heat lance shall operate with propane and compressed air in combination and be capable of achieving a temperature of heated air at the exit orifice of 1,800 degrees F and a discharge velocity of 3,00 ft/second.

Construction Detail

1. General

   The Contractor shall conduct the operation so that saw cutting of transverse joints, cleaning, and sealing are a continuous operation. Traffic shall not be allowed to knead together or damage the sawed joints. Sawed joints not sealed before traffic is allowed on the pavement shall be resawed, if necessary, when sawing and sealing operations resume at no additional cost to the customer. Saw cutting, cleaning, and sealing shall not be done within 48 hours of placement of the wear course.

2. Saw Cutting of Transverse Joints

   The transverse saw cut joints shall normally extend the full width of the pavement and shall extend into the asphalt shoulder a distance of 1 foot beyond the edge of the mainline pavement, unless otherwise detailed on the Plans, in the proposal or directed by the Engineer. The transverse saw cut joints shall be spaced at 40 feet intervals.

3. Cleaning Operation

   Dry sawed joints shall be thoroughly cleaned with an air compressor meeting the requirements previously outlined. Cleaning shall continue until the joint is day and all dirt, dust, or deleterious matter is removed from the joint and adjacent pavement to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

   Wet sawed joints and adjacent pavement shall be thoroughly cleaned with a water blast (50 psi minimum) immediately after sawing to remove any sawing slurry, dirt, or deleterious matter adhering to the joint walls or remaining in the joint cavity. The joints shall then be dried with an air compressor. Cleaning shall continue until the joint is dry and all dirt, dust, or deleterious matter is removed to satisfaction of the Engineer. If the air compressor produces dirt or other residue from the joint cavity, the Contractor may be required to reclean the joint with a water blast.

   Following cleaning, the sawed joints shall be dried and warmed with a hot air lance. The Contractor shall be careful not to burn the pavement surface. After the hot air lance has been used to warm and fry the joint, the backer tape shall be placed into the bottom of the reservoir.

4. Sealing Operation

   The joints shall be sealed when the sealant material is at the pouting temperature recommended by the manufacturer. The Contractor shall fill the joint such that after cooling, the sealant is flush with the adjacent pavement along the edges and the center does not sag more than 1/8 inch below the pavement or shoulder surface. Care shall be taken in the sealing of the joints so that the joints are not overfilled and the final appearance shall present a neat fine line.

   The Engineer may require the Contractor to use a squeegee to force the sealant material into narrow joint shapes if in the opinion of the Engineer the sealant material is not flowing into the joint properly. Sand shall not be spread on the sealed joints to allow for opening to traffic. The sealant shall be tack free before opening to traffic.