Cape Seal
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Pre-Construction Testing

Chip Seal Portion

Performing a mix design is crucial to the success of your project. The following tests are applicable when performing a mix design for either the McLeod Method or Kearby Method. Refer to the mix design section for more details on these design methods.

AGGREGATE

Gradation AASHTO T27/ASTM C136 Required
Absorption AASHTO T84-94 Required for McLeod
Bulk Specific Gravity AASHTO T84-94 Required
Flakiness Index CFLHD DFT-508 Required for McLeod
Loose Unit Weight ASTM C29 Required

ASPHALT CEMENT OR ASPHALT EMULSION

Residue by Distillation AASHTO T59/ASTM D6997 Required

MIXTURE

Sweep Test ASTM D7000 Recommended

The below are some of the tests that could be required or recommended when developing a specification.  Please review your local specifications for area specific tests.  Materials should be qualified before construction starts. Refer to ISSA A165 for the below guideline values.

AGGREGATE

Gradation AASHTO T27/ASTM C136 Required
LA Abrasion AASHTO T96/ASTM C131 Required
Fractured Faces AASHTO T335/ASTM D5821 Required
Flat and Elongated ASTM D4791 Required
Flakiness Index CFLHD DFT-508 Optional
Soundness of Aggregate AASHTO T104/ASTM C88 Optional

ASPHALT EMULSION

Tests on Emulsion

Viscosity AASHTO T72 Required
Storage Stability AASHTO T59/ASTM D6930 24 hour storage stability recommended if not used in 72 hours
Residue by Distillation AASHTO T59/ASTM D6997 Required
Particle Charge AASHTO T59 Optional
Sieve AASHTO T59 Required
Demulsibility AASHTO T59 Required

Tests on Residue

Ductility AASHTO T51 Required
Penetration AASHTO T49/ASTM D5 Required
Elastic Recovery AASHTO T301/ASTM D6084 Required for Modified Emulsions
Float Test AASHTO T50 Required for High Float Emulsions

HOT ASPHALT CEMENT

Viscosity AASHTO T202 Required
Penetration AASHTO T49 Required
Ductility AASHTO T51 Required
Elastic Recovery AASHTO T301 Required
Softening Point AASHTO T53 Required
Flash Point AASHTO T48 Required
Solubility AASHTO T44 Required
DSR AASHTO T315 Modified Tire Rubber Only

Slurry Seal/Micro Surfacing Portion

Performing a mix design is crucial to the success of your project. The following tests are applicable when performing a micro surfacing mix design, please refer to AASHTO resource for further information on the proper administration of these tests. Refer to ISSA A105 or ISSA A143 for the below target values.  If placing slurry seal over the chip seal, please refer to the Slurry Seal/Micro Surfacing Resource Center for testing requirements.

AGGREGATE

Sand Equivalency AASHTO T176/ASTM D2419 Required
Soundness of Aggregate AASHTO T104/ASTM C88 Recommended
LA Abrasion AASHTO T96/ASTM C131 Required for high traffic application, optional for leveling course/rut filling or low traffic application.
Gradation AASHTO T27/ASTM C136 Required
Gradation AASHTO T11/ASTM C117 Required if a washed gradation is required
Bulking Effect AASHTO T19/ASTM C29 Optional

ASPHALT EMULSION

Settlement and Storage Stability AASHTO T59/ASTM D6930 Waive 5 day Settlement; 24 hour storage stability recommended if not used in 72 hours
Distillation AASHTO T59/ASTM D6997 Required
Softening Point AASHTO T53/ASTM D36 Required unless Elastic Recovery is specified
Penetration AASHTO T49/ASTM D5 Required

MIXTURE

Mix Time ISSA TB 113 Required
Wet Cohesion ISSA TB 139 Required
Wet Stripping ISSA TB 114 Optional
Wet Track ISSA TB 100 Required
Lateral Displacement ISSA TB 147 Required
Loaded Wheel Test ISSA TB 109 Recommended
Classification Compatibility ISSA TB 144 Optional, Recommended if boiling waived

Construction Testing

Chip Seal Portion

Periodic Checks of the application rate (aggregate and asphalt) Recommended
Sampling and testing of the asphalt emulsion of binder Recommended
Sampling and testing of the aggregate Recommended

Micro Surfacing Portion

Periodic Checks of the application rate Recommended
Sampling and testing of the mix as it is discharged from the paver to check asphalt content Recommended

Post-Construction Testing

Chip Seal Portion

Percent Embedment     Sand Patch Test     Recommended