SPECIFICATIONS RELATED TO PROJECT SELECTION

This paper discusses the work done by Mn/DOT in the last several years to develop specifications designed specifically for the maximum use of salvageable materials in the rehbilitatio of pavements. It describes the steps leading to recent specifications for hot-mix recycling, the benefits derived, and the anticipated future of such projects. It also lists the problems involved with these specifications because of the general lack of historical information on projects involving recycling and/or rehabilitation. This report also presents information on Mn/DOT's sulfur extended asphalt projects including a sulfur extended asphalt-recycled project. The author recommends the changes that must be made before a specification is developed that allows competition between heater scarification, hot-mix recycling, and conventional hot-mixing. Other areas touched on are; removal, processing, storage and ownership of salvaged materials; different types of specifications; how to write new specifications; and the development of new specifications. The report contends that the design of a specification is so crucial that the very life of the concept (in this case, recycling and/or rehabilitation) may depend on it. One of the final conclusions is that the proper specification can lead to substantial savings. An example is offered where a savings of about 35% was experienced because a contractor was given the option of two specifications. (Author)