MACADAM BASE: A LOW COST, QUALITY ALTERNATIVE FOR HARD PRESSED ROAD BUDGETS

Full-width roadways of one to five inch rock in depths of 6 to 12 inches (macadam base roadway) are described, in which the solid rock base is compacted with a vibratory roller, a choke course of minus 1-inch rock is laid, and a seal is applied if specified. The base is open graded thus allowing water to escape laterally to the ditches. The driving surface is hard and it is well suited to stage construction if a higher type surface is needed later. The benefits of Macadam bases are discussed, as well as the drawbacks. A demonstration project in Iowa is detailed. The importance is emphasized of an excellent subbase, and a good crew and blade operator.

• Corporate Authors:

  Mid-West Records, Incorporated

  P.O. Box 766, 2537 Madison Avenue
  Kansas City, MO  United States  64141
• Publication Date: 1976-3-24

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 16-20
• Serial:
  • Mid-West Contractor
  • Volume: 138
  • Issue Number: 3649
  • Publisher: Mid-West Records, Incorporated

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefits; Compaction; Macadam; Mechanical seals; Open graded aggregates; Pavement base course; Pavement subbase; Pavement surface course; Rocks; Rollers; Securing and joining equipment; Vibratory equipment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Base; Subbase; Vibratory rollers
• Old TRIS Terms: Crews; Low costs
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00141266
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 26 1976 12:00AM