ONTARIO

PROVINCIAL METRIC
STANDARD OPSS 1151
SPECIFICATION NOVEMBER 2006

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION FOR

SUPERPAVE AND STONE MASTIC ASPHALT MIXTURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1151.01 SCOPE

1151.02 REFERENCES

1151.03 DEFINITIONS

1151.04 SUBMISSION AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

1151.05 MATERIALS

1151.06 EQUIPMENT

1151.07 PRODUCTION

1151.08 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1151.09 OWNER PURCHASE OF MATERIAL - Not Used

APPENDICES

1151-A Commentary

1151.01 SCOPE

This specification covers the requirements for the materials, equipment, and methods to be followed for
proportioning and mixing hot mix asphalt (HMA), recycled mixes, and mixes for miscellaneous work according
to the Superpave mix design methodology.

1151.01.01 Significance and Use of Appendices

Appendices are not a mandatory part of this specification unless invoked by the Owner.

Appendix 1151-A is a commentary appendix to provide designers with information on the use of the
specification in a Contract.

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1151.02 REFERENCES

This specification refers to the following standards, specifications, or publications:

Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications, Material

OPSS 1001 Aggregates - General

OPSS 1003 Aggregates - Hot Mix Asphalt
OPSS 1101 Performance Graded Asphalt Cement

Ministry of Transportation Publications

MTO Laboratory Testing Manual:

LS-282 Quantitative Extraction of Asphalt Cement and Analysis of Extracted Aggregate from
Bituminous Paving Mixtures
LS-292 Quantitative Determination of Asphalt Cement Content by Ignition and Analysis of Remaining
Aggregate From Bituminous Paving Mixtures
LS-306 Bulk Relative Density of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures Using Paraffin-Coated Specimens
LS-603 Resistance to Degradation of Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles
Abrasion Machine
LS-604 Relative Density and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
LS-605 Relative Density and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
LS-629 Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

M 320-05 Standard Specification for Performance Graded Asphalt Binder

MP 8-05 Standard Specification for Designing Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)
PP 28-03 Practice for Designing Superpave Volumetric Design for HMA
PP 41-02(2004) Standard Practice for Designing Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)
R 35-04 Standard Practice for Superpave Volumetric Design for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
T 84-00(2004) Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
T 85-91(2004) Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
T 166-05 Bulk Specific Gravity of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Saturated Surface-Dry
Specimens
T 209-05 Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
T 275-91(2000) Bulk Specific Gravity of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures Using Paraffin-Coated Specimens
T 283-03 Resistance of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures to Moisture Induced Damage
T 304-96(2004) Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate
T 305-97(2001) Determination of Draindown Characteristics in Uncompacted Asphalt Mixtures
T 312-04 Preparing and Determining the Density of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Specimens by Means of
the Superpave Gyratory Compactor

ASTM International

C 612-04 Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation
D 6752-03 Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Bituminous
Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method

Asphalt Institute Publications

Superpave Series:
SP-2 Superpave Mix Design Method

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National Cooperative Highway Research Program

NCHRP Report 452 Recommended Use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement in the Superpave Mix Design
Method, Technician’s Manual

1151.03 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this specification, the following definitions apply:

AMRL means the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory.

Binder Course means an HMA course between a surface course and either a granular base course or
stabilized base course, an existing pavement, or another HMA binder course.

CCIL means the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories.

Chip means an aggregate product, predominantly containing material passing the 6.7 mm sieve and retained
on the 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, and 1.18 mm sieves.

Draindown means that portion of SMA mix, fines, and asphalt cement that separates and flows downwards
through the mix.

Equivalent Single Axle Load (ESAL) means equating the damage to a pavement structure caused by the
passage of a non-standard load to a standard 80 kN axle load.

Field Adjustment to the JMF means adjustments to the target gradation or asphalt cement content or both of
a mix without a redesign of the HMA, resulting in a revised job-mix formula (JMF).

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Types means Superpave and SMA mixes, including Superpave 4.75, 9.5, 12.5,
12.5 FC1, 12.5 FC2, 19.0, 25.0, and 37.5 and SMA 9.5, 12.5, and 19.0.

Job-Mix Formula (JMF) means the percentage passing on each designated sieve of the total mass of
aggregate and the amount of asphalt cement as a percentage by mass of the mix that are based on specified
mix design procedures that when mixed result in a paving mix that is according to this specification.

Levelling Course means an HMA course of variable thickness used to eliminate transverse and longitudinal
irregularities on an existing surface prior to placing an HMA binder or surface course.

Maximum Aggregate Size means one sieve size larger than the nominal maximum size.

Mix Design means the design of the proportions of aggregates, asphalt cement, and additives when uniformly
mixed results in an acceptable HMA in accordance with the specified method.

Mixes for Miscellaneous Work means HMA used for miscellaneous work such as the paving of shoulders,
boulevards, and sidewalks and the construction of curb and gutter and spillways. These mixes do not meet
normal HMA gradation and mix design requirements.

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS) means one sieve size larger than the first sieve to retain more
than 10%.

Performance Graded Asphalt Cement (PGAC) means an asphalt binder that is an asphalt-based cement
produced from petroleum residue, either with or without the addition of non-particulate modifiers according to
AASHTO M 320.

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Primary Control Sieve (PCS) means the sieve defining the break point between fine and coarse-graded
mixes for each nominal maximum aggregate size.

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) means the processed HMA material that is recovered by partial or full
depth removal.

Surface Course means the HMA wearing course of any flexible or composite pavement.

Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) Hot Mix Types means SMA 9.5, 12.5, and 19.0 mixes.

Stone Mastic Asphalt or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) means HMA consisting of two parts of a coarse
aggregate skeleton and an asphalt binder rich mortar. The mix has a gap graded aggregate skeleton with
coarse aggregate stone-on-stone contact.

Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) Mortar means a mix of asphalt cement and any additives; filler, including all
material passing the 75 μm sieve from the dry sieving of all aggregate components, including any commercial
filler; and fibres blended by volume to the proportions required by the JMF.

Superpave means an acronym for Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements. It is an alternative system to the
Marshall method for specifying material components and asphalt mix design using the Superpave gyratory
compactor.

Voids in the Coarse Aggregate (VCA) means the volume in-between the coarse aggregate particles which
includes filler, fine aggregate, air voids, asphalt binder, and fibres. For SMA, the coarse aggregate particles
refer to that portion retained on the 4.75 mm sieve.

1151.04 SUBMISSION AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

1151.04.01 Mix Requirements for Design Purposes

The Superpave mix designs shall be according to the requirements specified in Tables 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9.

The SMA mix designs shall be according to the requirements specified in Tables 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8.

The JMF for Superpave mixes shall be according to the requirements specified in Tables 2, 4, and 5.

The JMF for SMA mixes shall be according to the requirements specified in AASHTO MP 8 and Tables 3 and
6.

1151.04.01.01 RAP Proportions

The use of RAP is allowed, as follows:

a) Up to 15% by mass of RAP is permitted for Superpave 4.75, 9.5, and 12.5 surface course mixes.

b) Up to 30% by mass of RAP is permitted for Superpave 19, 25, and 37.5 binder mixes.

c) When 31% to 50% by mass of RAP is proposed for Superpave 19, 25, and 37.5 binder mixes, written
approval by the Contract Administrator must be obtained for the mix design, including PGAC modification.

d) Over 50% by mass of RAP is not permitted for any mix.

e) RAP is not permitted in SMA, 12.5 FC1, and 12.5 FC2 mixes.

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1151.04.02 Mix Design

1151.04.02.01 General

The mix design shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The JMFs selected for use by the Contractor shall
produce HMA that is in accordance to the requirements of this specification.

1151.04.02.02 Mix Design Method

1151.04.02.02.01 General

The Contractor shall use a laboratory that has current CCIL Type A Certification with CCIL Superpave
Certified Technicians or AMRL equivalent certification or other equivalent certified laboratory acceptable to the
Contract Administrator to conduct all mix designs, designate the mix proportions, and prepare the JMFs.

The aggregate gradations used for the mix design may be provided by the Contractor or may be from the
actual gradations of the mix design aggregate samples. However, when the mix is to be produced from a
plant that returns fines to the mix or the aggregate gradations change during production due to aggregate
breakdown, appropriate adjustments shall be made to the mix design gradations.

When a mix contains additives and the source of asphalt cement changes from that used in the mix design,
tests shall be re-done to verify the dosage of such additives.

1151.04.02.02.02 Superpave Mix Design Method

Superpave mixes shall be designed using procedures specifying in AASHTO R 35 with the exception that all
references to AASHTO T 84 and T 85 will be replaced by LS-604 and LS-605 respectively. Reference to
AASHTO T 304 will be replaced by LS-629. The density of each coarse and fine aggregate of any single-
sized chip fraction if warranted, shall be determined using the procedures in this LS test methods. However,
the mix design shall also include the determination of the density of the blended coarse and blended fine
aggregate.

The calculation of Voids in Mineral Aggregated (VMA) shall be based on the densities of the blended coarse
and blended fine aggregate.

RAP as processed and ready for use in an HMA shall be tested by the Contractor using test LS-282 or LS-292
to determine the average percentage asphalt cement and the average gradation for the extracted reclaimed
asphalt pavement aggregates.

1151.04.02.02.03 Stone Mastic Asphalt Mix Design Method

SMA mixes shall be designed in accordance with AASHTO MP 8 and PP 41.

1151.04.02.03 Mix Design Submission

The proposed mix design and JMF shall be submitted in writing to the Contract Administrator a minimum of 10
Business Days prior to the start of the paving operation. The mix shall not be placed until the Contract
Administrator provides permission to construct hot mix using the submitted JMF. The Contract Administrator
shall provide in writing the above permission or the reason why the permission is being withheld within 10
Business Days, which commence when all of the required samples and documents have been submitted.

1151.04.02.04 Changes to the Job-Mix Formula and the Mix Design

Changes to the JMF shall be permitted when it has been determined that the mix properties specified in the
Contract Documents are not being met. All changes are subject to the conditions specified below.

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Changes to the material proportions based on process control test results shall be permitted without a new mix
design, but further hot mix production shall be subject to conditions imposed by the Contract Administrator. In
this situation, when the Contractor changes the JMF, the revised JMF shall be submitted to the Contract
Administrator. The Contract Administrator shall review the revised JMF for conformance to the mix properties
with the Contract requirements. Within 1 Business Day of the modified JMF being received in full by the
Contract Administrator, the Contract Administrator shall provide in writing conditional permission to construct
HMA or the reason why permission is being withheld.

When the Contractor submits a new mix design it must be accompanied by samples for monitoring purposes,
if required; a Mix Design Report; and the supporting documents as detailed in the Documents subsection.
New mix design and mix designation documents and a new JMF shall be completed when:

a) A material is eliminated.

b) A new material is added.

c) Changes to the material proportions have not resulted in correction of the problems with the mix.

d) The net impact of all adjustments to the original JMF exceed any of the maximum field adjustments
specified in Table 10.

New mix design, new JMF documents, and new samples for monitoring purposes shall be delivered to the
Contract Administrator. The new mix design shall be accepted or rejected within 5 Business Days, which
commence when all of the required samples and documents have been submitted.

1151.04.03 Samples for Monitoring Purposes

Representative samples of the materials to be used in the work shall be provided to the Contract Administrator
at the same time that the mix design and JMF documents are submitted.

The samples shall be labelled with the Contract number, material type, material source, and date of sampling.
The samples of coarse aggregate and fine aggregate shall be identified.

Each material sample shall be packaged separately and the samples shall be in clean, closed containers that
shall not rupture when lifted or handled. Each filled sample container shall have a maximum mass of 25 kg.

The minimum sample quantities shall be as specified in Table 11.

1151.04.04 Density of Hot Mix Aggregates

Density testing of the coarse and fine aggregates shall be carried out in accordance with LS-604 and LS-605
respectively using the procedure for blended aggregates.

1151.04.05 Documents

The Contract Administrator shall be provided with a copy of the mix design and JMF documents that shall be
signed, dated, and certified correct by the person accountable for the engineering and management
responsibility for the laboratory that conducted the work. When the Owner has a Bituminous Mix Design
Report form, the Contract Administrator shall provide it to the Contractor for submission along with other
supporting documents. Information shall be provided in a legible manner. For Superpave mixes, the
documentation required with the mix design submission is covered by AASHTO PP 28. The documents shall
include, but are not limited to, the following information:

a) Contract number, item number, and mix type for which the mix design and JMF were completed and a
description of the usage of the mix on the Contract.

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b) All test results, mix design work sheets, and graphs.

c) Material proportions and sources, including the Owner’s Mineral Aggregate Inventory for the aggregate
sources, when such information is available. The amount of RAP in percent by mass and volumetric data
shall also be included.

d) Designation of the fine aggregate and the coarse aggregate.

e) PGAC and source and percent by mass of the required new asphalt cement.

f) A graph of the temperature-viscosity relationship for the PGAC that is to be used in the mix.

g) Information on additives, including source, type, percent by mass of asphalt cement, and test results
according to AASHTO T 283, with specimens prepared according to AASHTO T 312.

h) Information regarding fines that are returned to the mix, aggregate breakdown during production, and the
resultant change in the aggregate gradations.

i) Complete gradations for all coarse and fine aggregates.

j) For Superpave mixes, excluding SMA, the volumetric properties for the mix selected in accordance with
Table 5. Graphs shall be submitted for the air voids, voids in mineral aggregate, voids filled with asphalt,
dust-to-asphalt ratio, bulk relative density, maximum relative density, and the gyratory curves of the mix
plotted against asphalt cement content.

k) For SMA mixes, the volumetric properties for the mix selected in accordance with Table 6. Graphs shall
be reported for the air voids, voids in mineral aggregate, bulk relative density, and maximum relative
density plotted against asphalt cement content.

l) Aggregate absorptions.

m) Bulk specific gravity and saturated surface dry density for each aggregate.

n) Mix bulk specific gravity by AASHTO T 166. If the percent water absorbed by the specimen is found to
exceed 2% by volume as described in AASHTO T 166, then the bulk specific gravity is according to
AASHTO T 275, LS-306, or ASTM D 6752.

o) Theoretical maximum specific gravity by AASHTO T 209.

p) When RAP is permitted for use, extracted bulk relative density, percentage asphalt cement, and gradation
for the RAP used in the mix.

q) All visual observations made during the design process with particular attention and comments regarding
stripping and coating for both the coarse and fine aggregates.

r) The mixing and compaction temperature used in the mix design and the compaction temperature of the
reheated mix to be employed in the testing of the production mix.

s) The typical mix weight to produce a gyratory specimen with a height of 115 mm ± 5 mm.

t) For SMA mixes, the draindown test results according to AASHTO T 305.

1151.04.06 Anti-Stripping Additives

The Contractor shall determine the need for and the amount of anti-stripping additive required using AASHTO
T 283.

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The need for and the amount of anti-stripping additive required shall not be affected by any previous
determination made with respect to the same or any other aggregate source.

Regardless of the hot mix type, the amount of anti-stripping additive either specified in the Contract
Documents or determined through mix design procedure shall be a percentage of the total asphalt cement
required.

The amount of anti-stripping additive required shall be as follows:

a) For Superpave mixes, excluding SMA, amount required to provide a minimum of 80% Tensile Strength
Ratio as determined by AASHTO T 283.

b) For SMA mixes, amount required to provide a minimum of 70% Tensile Strength Ratio as determined by
AASHTO T 283.

c) Minimum dosage requirements specified in the Contract Documents.

Whenever an anti-stripping additive is required, the following applies:

a) For all Superpave 12.5 FC2 and SMA mixes, or other mixes consisting of more than 75% dolomitic
sandstone or meta-arkose aggregates, the anti-stripping additive shall be hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) with a
minimum dosage requirement of 1% by mass of the total dry aggregate.

b) For all other aggregates, the anti-stripping additive may be hydrated lime or a chemical agent.

Anti-stripping additive shall be used according to supplier information. The following information on the
hydrated lime anti-stripping additive shall be provided to the Contract Administrator:

a) Documentation that the hot mix shall be produced in accordance to the Contract Documents.

b) Amount of hydrated lime to be used as determined in the mix design procedures expressed as a
percentage of the specified aggregate.

c) Complete information on how the hydrated lime is to be used and how the hydrated lime is to be
incorporated into the mix.

1151.05 MATERIALS

1151.05.01 Asphalt Cement

Asphalt cement shall be performance graded asphalt cement according to OPSS 1101.

The supply and use of performance graded asphalt cement shall be as specified in the Contract Documents.

1151.05.02 Aggregates

Aggregates shall be according to OPSS 1003.

Both the coarse and fine aggregates used for SMA shall be crushed from the same source of traprock,
diabase, dolomitic sandstone, or meta-arkose. The aggregate source used shall be as specified in the
Contract Documents.

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1151.05.02.01 Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

RAP, when permitted in a Superpave HMA, shall be according to the aggregate requirements of OPSS 1003
for the HMA type specified in the Contract Documents. Absorption, freeze thaw, and magnesium sulphate
requirements do not apply to RAP.

RAP that is contaminated with deleterious material shall not be used and shall be removed from the Work.
RAP shall be stockpiled conforming to the stockpiling requirements for coarse aggregates according to
OPSS 1001.

Process control sampling and testing of the RAP shall be as specified in the Contract Documents.

1151.05.03 Silicone

When added to the asphalt cement, silicone oil shall be less than five parts per million of asphalt cement.

1151.05.04 Filler

Filler shall be according to OPSS 1003.

1151.05.05 Fibres

Cellulose or mineral fibres shall be used as a stabilizing additive in dosage rates of 0.3% or 0.5% by mass of
the total mix respectively. Cellulose and mineral fibres shall meet the properties shown in Tables 7 and 8
respectively.

1151.06 EQUIPMENT

1151.06.01 Requirements for All Mixing Plants

The equipment shall be such that the HMA produced shall meet this specification and shall demonstrate
adequate control and documentation of the HMA materials, mixing temperature, and storage for monitoring
and production purposes.

When required by the Contract Administrator, all equipment shall be on the site and available for inspection
before operations are commenced and during production operations.

1151.06.02 Truck Scales

Truck scales shall be as specified in the Contract Documents.

1151.07 PRODUCTION

1151.07.01 General

The HMA shall be produced to meet the submitted JMF or the adjusted JMF that was accepted in writing by
the Contract Administrator.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality and characteristics of the mix. If the hot mix produced does
not meet the requirements of this specification, hot mix production shall stop and appropriate corrections shall
be made to the process.

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The Contractor is responsible for the process control and condition of all materials during the handling,
blending, and mixing operations. The Contractor is responsible for determining and making all necessary
adjustments in proportioning materials used to produce HMA to meet the Contract requirements.

1151.07.02 Operational Constraints

The JMF is the target to which the HMA shall be compared to determine the acceptance of the aggregate
gradation and asphalt cement content. HMA shall not be placed until the Contract Administrator provides
permission in writing to proceed with a submitted JMF.

The JMF shall remain in effect until the Contract Administrator receives any requested changes in writing and
approves them.

1151.07.03 Handling of Materials

1151.07.03.01 Aggregate Stockpile Requirements

Before any production of the mix is started, stockpiles of each size and gradation of aggregate shall be
provided at the asphalt plant site. Each stockpile shall contain sufficient aggregate for one full day's
production of hot mix, before that day's paving begins.

1151.07.03.02 Aggregates

1151.07.03.02.01 General

Aggregates shall be loaded into the cold feed bins in a manner that prevents the mixing of separate sizes of
aggregates.

1151.07.03.02.02 Batch and Continuous Mixing Plants

When delivered to the mixing plant, the heated and dried aggregate shall be at a temperature consistent with
proper mixing and laying of the mix. Surfaces of all dried aggregates shall be free of carbon or unburnt fuel oil.

1151.07.03.03 Anti-Stripping Additives

1151.07.03.03.01 Liquid Anti-Stripping Additives

Anti-stripping additive shall be handled and mixed with the asphalt cement according to the manufacturer's
recommendations.

The Contractor shall provide the Contract Administrator with the following documentation:

a) Verification that the chemical anti-stripping additive shall remain stable in the heated asphalt cement for a
minimum of 4 Days.

b) Type and dosage of anti-stripping additive used.

c) Time, date, and temperature when anti-stripping was added to the asphalt cement.

If the liquid anti-stripping additive is added to the asphalt cement at the refinery or asphalt cement depot, the
Contractor shall provide the Contract Administrator with the above documentation in the form of a waybill or bill
of lading that accompanies each tanker of asphalt cement delivered.

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If liquid anti-stripping additive is added to the asphalt tank at the hot mix plant, the liquid agent may be added
to the asphalt tank by an in-line metering device or by another means, provided the above documentation is
given to the Contract Administrator for each batch of asphalt cement to which anti-stripping agent is added.

If a liquid anti-stripping additive is not added to the asphalt tank, a continual record of the process for adding
the additive shall be provided to the Contract Administrator in addition to the above documentation each time
liquid anti-stripping additive is metered into the asphalt cement.

The Contract Administrator shall be provided with an approved statement of calibration for any metering
device used to add the liquid anti-stripping additive.

1151.07.03.03.02 Hydrated Lime

When hydrated lime is added to the mix, it shall be added to all aggregates requiring an anti-stripping agent by
one of the following methods:

a) Hydrated lime slurry shall be homogeneously mixed with the aggregate in a pugmill or tumble mixer, prior
to entering the asphalt plant.

b) Hydrated lime shall be homogeneously mixed with wetted aggregate in a pugmill or tumble mixer, prior to
entering the asphalt plant. The wetted coarse and fine aggregate shall have a sufficient moisture content
to ensure uniform and complete adhesion of lime to the aggregate.

c) Hydrated lime shall be homogeneously mixed with the aggregate at the pit or quarry, prior to delivery of
the limed aggregate to the hot mix plant.

Regardless of the mixing equipment or procedure used, the aggregate must possess a uniform and
homogeneous coating of hydrated lime. Aggregate treated with hydrated lime shall be used within the same
construction season it is treated. Aggregate that was treated and stored from a previous construction season
may be used only if the Contract Administrator agrees to a written proposal from the Contractor. The written
proposal must verify the effectiveness of the stored aggregate, indicate the sampling protocol used, and
include the current test results from samples that indicate the aggregate meets the Contract requirements for
retained stability.

1151.07.04 Preparation of the Mix

Proportioning and mixing of materials shall be of sufficient accuracy and duration to produce a uniform
homogeneous mix in which all particles of the aggregate are thoroughly and uniformly coated.

1151.08 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1151.08.01 General

The Contractor shall obtain for the Contract Administrator, within 1 Business Day of submission of request in
writing, the right to enter upon the premises of any of the material manufacturers, suppliers, plants,
laboratories, or equipment for purposes pertaining to the work, to carry out such inspection, sampling, and
testing as specified or as requested by the Contract Administrator.

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 TABLE 1
Superpave and SMA Design Traffic Categories by ESALs

Ontario Traffic Category 20-Year Design ESALs Typical Applications

(Note 1)
Low volume roads, parking lots,
A Less than 0.3 million
driveways, and residential roads.

B 0.3 to 3 million Minor collector roads.

C 3 to 10 million Major collector and minor arterial roads.

D 10 to 30 million Major arterial roads and transit routes.

Freeways, major arterial roads with

heavy truck traffic, and special
E Greater than 30 million
applications such as truck and bus
climbing lanes or stopping areas.
Note:

1. Equivalent Single Axle Load (ESAL) for the projected traffic level expected in the design lane over a
20-year period, regardless of the actual design life of the pavement.

TABLE 2
Superpave Aggregate Gradation Control Points

Percentage Passing by Dry Mass of Aggregates

Hot Mix
Sieve Size
Asphalt
mm
Type
50.0 37.5 25 19.0 12.5 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.075
Superpave
- - - - 100 95-100 90-100 - 30-60 6-12
4.75
Superpave
- - - - 100 90-100 32-90 32-67 - 2-10
9.5
Superpave
- - - 100 90-100 28-90 - 28-58 - 2-10
12.5
Superpave
12.5 FC1
- - - 100 90-100 45-90 45-60 28-58 - 2-10
and
12.5 FC2
Superpave
- - 100 90-100 23-90 - - 23-49 - 2-8
19.0
Superpave
- 100 90-100 19-90 - - - 19-45 - 1-7
25.0
Superpave
100 90-100 15-90 - - - - 15-41 - 0-6
37.5

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 TABLE 3
SMA Aggregate Gradation Control Points

Percentage Passing by Dry Mass of Aggregates

Hot Mix
Sieve Size
Asphalt
mm
Type
37.5 25 19.0 12.5 9.5 4.75 2.36 0.075

SMA 9.5 - - - 100 70-95 30-50 20-30 8-12

SMA 12.5 - - 100 90-100 50-80 20-35 16-24 8-11

SMA 19.0 - 100 90-100 50-88 25-60 20-28 16-24 8-11

Note:

A. For the SMA 9.5 mm the Upper Gradation Control Points are 21, 18, and 15 percent passing for the
1.18 mm, 0.600 mm, and 0.300 mm sieves, respectively.

TABLE 4
Superpave Gradation Primary Control Sieve (PCS) Points

Primary Control Sieve PCS Control Point At

Hot Mix Asphalt Type
mm % Passing

Superpave 4.75 - -

Superpave 9.5 2.36 47

Superpave 12.5, 12.5 FC1, and

2.36 39
12.5 FC2

Superpave 19.0 4.75 47

Superpave 25.0 4.75 40

Superpave 37.5 9.5 47

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 TABLE 5
Superpave HMA Volumetric Properties
% of Theoretical Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA)
Maximum Specific % minimum Voids
Dust to
Ontario Gravity (Note 4) Filled With
Binder
Traffic Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size Asphalt
Ratio
Category mm (VFA)
NinitialN designN max (Note 1)
%
37.5 25.0 19.0 12.5 9.5 4.75
70-80
A ≤91.5
(Note 2)
B ≤90.5 65-78

C 96.0 ≤98.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 0.6-1.2

65-75
D ≤89.0
(Note 3)
E

Notes:

1. For Superpave 4.75 mixes, the dust-to-binder ratio shall be 0.9 to 2.0. Superpave mixes with gradations
that pass beneath the PCS Control Point specified in Table 4, the dust-to-binder ratio shall be 0.8-1.6.

2. For Traffic Category A, Superpave 25.0 mixes shall have a VFA range of 67% to 80%.

3. Superpave 4.75 mixes shall have a VFA range of 75% to 78%.

Superpave 9.5 mixes shall have a VFA range of 73% to 76%.
Superpave 37.5 mixes shall have a VFA range of 64% to 75%.

4. Density testing of the coarse and fine aggregate shall be carried out in accordance with LS-604 and
LS-605 respectively using the procedure for blended aggregates.

TABLE 6
SMA Hot Mix Asphalt Volumetric Properties
Voids in Mineral Aggregate
(VMA) Maximum
% minimum Voids in Coarse Draindown at
% Air Voids Nominal Maximum Aggregate (VCA) of the Production
(Note 1) Aggregate Size Compacted Mix Temperature
mm % (Note 2)
%
19.0 12.5 9.5
Less than the VCA in the
4.0 17 0.3
dry rodded condition.
Notes:

1. SMA mixes shall be designed with 100 gyrations unless the mix aggregates have a LS-603 value greater
than 30%, then the SMA mix shall be designed with 75 gyrations.

2. Tested according to AASHTO T 305.

Page 14 Rev. Date: 11/2006 OPSS 1151

 TABLE 7
Physical Requirements for Cellulose Fibres
According to AASHTO MP 8

Property Requirement
Sieve Analysis, Method A or B:

Method A, Alpine Sieve Analysis (Note 1)

Fibre Length 6 mm maximum

Passing 0.150 mm sieve 70% ± 10%

Method B, Mesh Screen Analysis (Note 2)

Fibre Length 6 mm maximum

Passing 0.850 mm sieve 85% ± 10%

0.425 mm sieve 65% ± 10%
0.106 mm sieve 30% ± 10%
Ash Content (Note 3) 18% ± 5% non-volatiles

pH (Note 4) 7.5 ± 1.0

Oil Absorption (Note 5) 5 ± 1.0, times fibre mass

Moisture Content (Note 6) Less than 5%, by mass

Notes:

1. Method A, Alpine Sieve Analysis - This test is performed using an Alpine Air Jet Sieve, Type 200 LS. A
representative 5 gram sample of fibre is sieved for 14 minutes at a controlled vacuum of 75 kPa of water.
The portion remaining on the screen is weighed.

2. Method B, Mesh Screen Analysis - This test is performed using standard 0.850, 0.425, 0.250, 0.180,
0.150, and 0.106 mm sieves, nylon brushes, and shaker. A representative 10-gram sample of fibre is
sieved, using a shaker and two nylon brushes on each screen. The amount retained on each sieve is
weighed and the percentage passing calculated.

3. Ash Content - A representative 2-3 gram sample of fibre is placed in a tared crucible and heated between
595 and 650 °C for not less than 2 hours. The crucible and ash are cooled in a desiccator and
reweighed.

4. pH Test - 5 grams of fibre is added to 100 ml of distilled water, stirred and let sit for 30 minutes. The pH
is determined with a probe calibrated with pH buffer of 7.0.

5. Absorption Test - 5 grams of fibre is accurately weighed and suspended in an excess of mineral spirits
for not less than 5 minutes to ensure total saturation. It is then placed in a screen mesh strainer with an
approximately 0.5 mm2 opening size and shaken on a wrist action shaker for 10 minutes, approximately
32 mm motion at 240 shakes per minute. The shaken mass is then transferred without touching to a
tared container and weighed. Results are reported as the amount the fibres are able to absorb, i.e., the
number of times its own weight.

6. Moisture Content - 10 grams of fibre are weighed and placed in a 121 °C forced air oven for two hours.
The sample is then reweighed upon removal from the oven.

Page 15 Rev. Date: 11/2006 OPSS 1151

 TABLE 8
Mineral Fibre Quality Requirements
According to AASHTO MP 8

Property Requirement
Sieve Analysis

Fibre Length (Note 1) 6 mm maximum mean test value

Thickness (Note 2) 0.005 mm maximum mean test value
Shot Content (Note 3)

Passing 0.250 mm sieve 90% ± 5%

Passing 0.063 mm sieve 70% ± 10%
Notes:

1. The fibre length is determined according to the Bauer McNett fractionation of AASHTO MP 8.

2. The fibre thickness is determined by measuring at least 200 fibres in a phase contrast microscope.

3. Shot content is a measure of non-fibrous material. The shot content is determined on vibrating sieves.
Two sieves, 0.250 mm and 0.063 mm are typically used. For additional information see ASTM C 612.

TABLE 9
Superpave Compactive Effort

Ontario Traffic Number of Gyrations

Category
(Note 1) Ninitial Ndesign Nmax

A 6 50 75

B and C 7 75 115

D 8 100 160

E 9 125 205

Note:

1. The traffic categories are according to Table 1.

Page 16 Rev. Date: 11/2006 OPSS 1151

 TABLE 10
Permitted Field Adjustment to a JMF

Maximum Field
JMF Property Adjustment
(Note 1)
Percent asphalt cement content, all mixes except SMA ± 0.2

Percent asphalt cement content, SMA only ± 0.4

Percent RAP - 5.0

Percent passing 26.5 mm, 25.0 mm, 19.0 mm, and 16.0 mm
± 5.0
sieves
Percent passing 13.2 mm, 12.5 mm, and 9.5 mm sieves ± 4.0

Percent passing 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, and 1.18 mm sieves ± 3.0

Percent passing 600 μm, 300 μm, and 150 μm sieves No limits

Percent passing 75 μm sieve, all mixes except SMA ± 1.0

Percent passing 75 μm sieve, SMA only ± 2.0

Note:

1. The maximum field adjustment is applied against the actual JMF property value.

TABLE 11
Minimum Sample Quantities for Mix Design Monitoring

Material Quantity

Asphalt cement 4 litres evenly split between 2 containers

Aggregate 75 kg of each type

RAP 75 kg required when RAP contained in the mix

5 kg when the mix is to be produced with a plant that
Fines material passing 75 μm sieve
returns fines to the mix
Mineral Filler 5 kg sample for SMA
Any other material samples, including anti-stripping Quantity large enough to allow for a complete mix
agents and fibres, to be used in HMA design

Page 17 Rev. Date: 11/2006 OPSS 1151

Appendix 1151-A, Commentary for OPSS 1151, November 2006

Note: This appendix does not form part of the standard specification. It is intended to provide
information to the designer on the use of this specification in a Contract.

Designer Action/Considerations

The designer should refer to the Superpave and Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) hot mix types and typical uses
are provided in the following table:

Hot Mix Asphalt Type Typical Hot Mix Use and Properties
Fine, surface, and levelling mixes similar to the traditional sand mixes for
Superpave 4.75
miscellaneous applications.
Fine, surface, padding, and levelling mixes for Traffic Category A and B
Superpave 9.5
roads and driveways.
Surface mix for Traffic Category B and C roads. Superpave 12.5 is similar
Superpave 12.5 to the traditional HL 3, HL 3 Fine, and HL 4 mixes according to OPSS
1150.
Surface mix for use on Traffic Category C roads that provides superior
rutting resistance and skid resistance through aggregate selection.
Superpave 12.5 FC1
Superpave 12.5 FC1 is similar to the traditional HL 1 mix according to
OPSS 1150.
Surface mix for use on Traffic Category D and E roads that provides
superior rutting resistance and skid resistance through aggregate
Superpave 12.5 FC2
selection. Superpave 12.5 FC2 is similar to the traditional DFC mix
according to OPSS 1150.
Binder course mix for Traffic Category A, B, C, D, and E roads.
Superpave 19.0 Superpave 19.0 is similar to the traditional HL 4, HL 8, and HDBC mixes
according to OPSS 1150.
Large stone binder course mixes for use when thicker binder lifts are
Superpave 25.0 and 37.5
required.
Gap-graded premium surface course mix with high frictional resistance,
enhanced rutting resistance, water spray reduction, and potential noise
SMA 9.5 and 12.5
reduction for Traffic Category D and E roads. 100% crushed aggregates
from the DSM are used for both fine and coarse fraction.
Gap-graded premium binder course mix with enhanced rutting resistance
SMA 19.0 for Traffic Category D and E roads. 100% crushed aggregates are used
for both fine and coarse fraction.
Note:

A. The traffic categories are according to Table 1 of OPSS 1151.

The designer should specify the following in the Contract Documents:

- Amount of anti-stripping additive, if required, i.e., as outlined in the Ministry’s Designated Sources for
Materials (DSM) manual for asphalt aggregates. (1151.04.05)

- Supply and use of performance graded asphalt cement. (1151.05.01)

Page 18 Rev. Date: 11/2006 OPSS 1151

Appendix 1151-A

Coarse graded Superpave mixes generally tend to have lower asphalt cement (AC) contents. To promote
adequate compaction in the field and for long-term durability, it is recommended that Superpave mixes be
designed below the primary control sieve (PCS), i.e., coarse gradation should be placed with a lift thickness of
3 to 4 times the nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). SMA mixes are designed as coarse graded
mixes, therefore, SMA should also be placed at 3 to 4 times NMAS.

The designer should specify the minimum suggested lift thickness for each HMA type as provided in the
following table:

Asphalt Layer Hot Mix Asphalt Type Minimum Suggested

Compacted Layer Thickness
(Note 1)
mm
Superpave 4.75 25

Superpave 9.5 30 - 40
Superpave 12.5, 12.5 FC1, and
Surface Course Mixes 40 - 50
12.5 FC2
SMA 9.5 30 - 40

SMA 12.5 40 - 50

Superpave 19.0 50 - 80

Superpave 25.0 60 - 100

Base Course Mixes
Superpave 37.5 100 - 150

SMA 19.0 60 - 80
Note:

1. The designer should be aware that the lower minimum value is for finer graded mixes and the upper
minimum value is for coarser graded mixes.

Mixes with VMA exceeding the minimum value specified in OPSS 1151, Table 4, by more than 2% may be
prone to flushing and rutting. Unless, satisfactory experience with high VMA mixes is available, mixes with
VMA greater than 2% above the minimum specified should be avoided.

For SMA mixes, the designer should refer to the appropriate guidelines according to National Asphalt
Pavement Association (NAPA), QIS 122, Designing and Constructing SMA Mixes, State-of-the-Practice.

The designer should ensure that the Ontario Provincial Standards General Conditions of Contract and the 100
Series General Specifications are included in the Contract Documents.

Related Ontario Provincial Standard Drawings

None.

Page 19 Rev. Date: 11/2006 OPSS 1151