UDC 6 2 4 ( 0 8 3 .

7 5 ) SABS 1200 MF-1981

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDIZED S P E C I F I C A T I O N

for

C I V I L ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

MF : BASE

A p p r o v e d by t h e O b t a i n a b l e f r o m the
COUNCIL OF THE S A BUREAU OF STANDARDS
SOUTH AFRICAN Private Bag X I 9 1
BUREAU O F STANDARDS Pretoria
on 20 May 1 9 8 1 0001 R e p u b l i c of S o u t h A f r i c a

T e l e g r a m s : C o m p a r a t o r , Pretoria
P u b l i s h e d and p r i n t e d i n t h e R e p u b l i c of S o u t h A f r i c a by t h e
S o u t h A f r i c a n B u r e a u of S t a n d a r d s

ISBN 0-626-05953-4
Gr6
 3 SAIiS 1 2 0 0 MF-1981
Base

CON'TENTS

Clause Page Number

I . SCOPE .........................................................................
...............................................................
5
...
) INTEKPCII'L'ATIONS 5
2.I Supporting Specifications ..................................................... 5
2.2 Application ...................................................................
D e f i n i t i o n s and A b b r e v i a t i o n s ................................................. 5
5
2.3
3 . NATERIALS .....................................................................
G r a v e l C l a s s i f i c a t i o n f o r E x c a v a t i o n P u r p o s e s .................................
5
5
3. I
3.1.1 Method o f c l a s s i f y i n g ......................................................... 5
3 I 2.. Classes oE e x c a v a t i o n ......................................................... 5
3.2 Graded Crushed S t o n e C l a s s i f i c a t i o n ........................................... 5
3.2. I C o a r s e a g g r e g a t e .............................................................. 5
3.2.2 F i n e a g g r e g a t e ................................................................ 5
3.2.3 Combined a g g r e g a t e ............................................................ 5
3.3 P h y s i c a l and Chemical P r o p e r t i e s .............................................. 6
3.3. I N a t u r a l g r a v e l ( s t a b i l i z e d o r u n s t a b i l i z e d ) ................................... 6
3.3.2 Craded c r u s h e d s t o n e .......................................................... 6
3.3.3 Graded c r u s h e d s t o n e and s o i l f i n e s ........................................... 6
3.3.4 C o a r s e a g g r e g a t e f o r waterbound macadam ....................................... 6
3.3.5 P i l l e r Eor waterbound macadam ................................................. 6
3.4 S t a b i l i z i n g A g e n t ( s ) ........................................................... 6
3.5 Water ......................................................................... 6
3.6 S e l e c t i o n ..................................................................... 6
4 . PLAN'I' ......................................................................... 7
4.1 G e n e r a l ....................................................................... 7
4.2 Coinpaction P l a n t .............................................................. 7
4.3 Transport .....................................................................
.................................................................. 7
5 . CONSTRUCTLON
...................................................................
7
.
5 I Precautions
b:xcavatioii ....................................................................
7
7
5.2
5.2. I Cuts .......................................................................... 7
5.2.2 Rorrow p i t s ................................................................... 7
5.2.3 Overburden .................................................................... 7
5.3 Processing .................................................................... 7
5.4 .........
P l a c i n g and Compaction of a Base o t h e r t h a n a Waterbound Macadam Ilase 7
5.4. I Placing ....................................................................... 7
5.4.2 Gravel ........................................................................ 7
5.4.3 ......................
Craded c r u s h e d s t o n e and g r a d e d c r u s h e d s t o n e w i t h f i n e s 7
5.4.4 Compaction .................................................................... 7
5.4.5 Surface preparation ........................................................... 7
5.5 Stabilization ................................................................. 7
5.6 P l a c i n g and Compaction o f a Waterbound Nacadain Ilase ........................... 8
5.6. I General ....................................................................... 8
5.6.2 Coarse aggregate .............................................................. 8
5.6.3 Filler ........................................................................ 8
5.6.4 ...........................................
S l u s l i i n g and p r e p a r a t i o n o f s u r f a c e 8
5.6.5 Finish required ............................................................... 8
5.7 ..................................................
J u n c t i o n s w i t h E x i s t i n g Work 8
5.8 ....................................................
P r o t e c t i o n and M a i n t e n a n c e 8
5.9 Transport
Freeliaul
.....................................................................
.......................................................................
8
8
5.9. I
5.9.2 Overhaul ...................................................................... 8
6 . TOLXKANCES .................................................................... 8
6.1 .......................................................
Dimensions. L e v e l s . e t c 8
6.1.1 General ....................................................................... 8
6. I 2
6. I 3
.. Crade
Width
.........................................................................
.........................................................................
8
8
6 I 4.. 'I'hickness ..................................................................... 8
6 I 5
6 I 6
..
..
Cross-section
Smoothness
.................................................................
....................................................................
9
9
6.2 ....................................................
Base C o n s t r u c t e d i n L a y e r s 9
6.3 ..................................................
E l o i s t u r e C o n t c n t and D e n s i t y 9
7 . TES'L'ING ........................................................................ 9
7.1 General ....................................................................... 9
7.2 Process Control ............................................................... 9
7.3 ................................................
R o u t i n e I n s p e c t i o n and ' r e s t i n g 9
7.4 Stabilization .................................................................
....................................................... 9
8 . PIEASUREPII.:NT AND PAYHIIN'I' 10
8 I
8.2
. llasic Principles ..............................................................
Computation of Qiianti t i e s .....................................................
10
10
8.3 Scheduled Items ............................................................... 10

APPENDIX A . APPLICABLE STANDAK1)S .......................................................... I2

 5 SABS 1200 MF-1981
Base

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDTZED SPECIFICATION

for

C I V I L ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

MF : BASE

I. SCOPE
1.1 This s p e c i f i c a t i o n covers the requirements f o r base f o r r o a d s , shoulders, footways, and paved a r e a s .
I t covers t h e procuring, f u r n i s h i n g , c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , p l a c i n g , compaction, and f i n i s h i n g of approved
n a t u r a l g r a v e l , s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l , o r crushed s t o n e , and waterbound macadam.
NOTE: The p u b l i c a t i o n s r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n a r e l i s t e d i n Appendix A.

2. INTERPRETATIONS
2. I SUPPORTING SPECIFICATIONS. Where t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n is r e q u i r e d f o r a p r o j e c t , t h e following s p e c i f i -
c a t i o n s s h a l l , i n t e r a l i a , form p a r t of t h e c o n t r a c t document:
a ) Project specification;
b ) SABS 1200 A o r SABS 1200 AA, as a p p l i c a b l e ;
c ) SABS 1200 C;
d ) SABS 1200 D ;
e ) SABS 1200 DM;
f ) SARS 1200 M ;
g) SABS 1200 NE.

2.2 APPLICATION. This s p e c i f i c a t i o n c o n t a i n s c l a u s e s t h a t a r e g e n e r a l l y a p p l i c a b l e t o c i v i l engineering

c o n s t r u c t i o n . I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s of and v a r i a t i o n s t o t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n a r e s e t o u t i n P o r t i o n 2 of t h e
p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n which precedes t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n i n a c o n t r a c t document.

2.3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS. For t h e purposes of t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n t h e d e f i n i t i o n s and abbrevia-

t i o n s given i n the a p p l i c a b l e of the s p e c i f i c a t i o n s l i s t e d i n 2.l(b)-(g) and t h e following d e f i n i t i o n s
s h a l l apply:
Graded crushed stone and s o i l base. A base constructed of a graded m a t e r i a l t h a t is g e n e r a l l y derived
from t h e crushing of unweathered o r c l e a n rock, c l e a n boulders, or c o a r s e g r a v e l , and t h a t may include
n a t u r a l f i n e s n o t derived from t h e crushing of t h e parent rock.
Graded crushed s t o n e base. A base constructed of a graded m a t e r i a l t h a t is g e n e r a l l y derived from t h e
crushing of unweathered q u a r r i e d rock, c l e a n rock irom mine rock dumps, or c l e a n boulders.
N a t u r a l gravel base. A base constructed of m a t e r i a l obtained by crushing n a t u r a l l y occurring g r a v e l o r
a mixture of n a t u r a l l y o c c u r r i n g g r a v e l and boulders.(A n a t u r a l g r a v e l base d i f f e r s from t h e graded
crushed s t o n e and s o i l base i n t h a t m o d i f i c a t i o n by t h e a d d i t i o n oE small q u a n t i t i e s of l i m e or
mechanical s t a b i l i z a t i o n by the a d d i t i o n of sand i s r e q u i r e d t o a d j u s t t h e Atterberg l i m i t s of a
natural gravel base. )
S i n g l e s i z e crushed stone base (waterbound macadam b a s e ) . A base constructed of m a t e r i a l t h a t is
g e n e r a l l y d e r i v e d from t h e crushing of unweathered q u a r r i e d rock, c l e a n rock from mine rock dumps, o r
c l e a n boulders, and t h a t has a grading t h a t is nominally of s i n g l e s i z e .

3. MATERIALS
3. I GRAVEL CLASSIFICATION FOR EXCAVATION PURPOSES
3.1.1 Method of C l a s s i f y i n g . The p r o v i s i o n s of Subclause 3 . 1 . 1 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply t o t h e method of
c l a s s i f y i n g m a t e r i a l excavated from c u t s and borrow p i t s f o r u s e i n t h e base.
3. I .2 C l a s s e s of Excavation. The provisions of Subclause 3 . 1 . 2 ( a ) ( l ) , ( b ) ( l ) , ( c ) ( l ) , (d) and ( e ) of SABS
1200 D s h a l l apply t o t h e c l a s s i f i c a t i o n of m a t e r i a l excavated from c u t s and borrow p i t s f o r u s e i n t h e
base. M a t e r i a l supplied from commercial sources f o r use i n t h e base w i l l n o t be c l a s s i f i e d .

3.2 GRADED CRUSHED STONE CLASSIFICATION

3.2. I Coarse Aggregate. Coarse aggregate s h a l l c o n s i s t of hard, d u r a b l e , and sound crushed s t o n e t h a t has
t h e p r o p e r t i e s s e t out i n 3 . 3 . 2 o r 3 . 3 . 4 , a s a p p l i c a b l e . I t s h a l l be f r e e from s h a l e , mica, c o a l ,
weathered and decomposed rock, c l a y , and o t h e r d e l e t e r i o u s m a t e r i a l .
3.2.2 Fine Aggregate. F i n e aggregate s h a l l be a product of t h e crushing process and s h a l l be m a t e r i a l
passing a s i e v e of nominal a p e r t u r e s i z e 2 , 3 6 mm. The crusher i n s t a l l a t i o n s h a l l be capable of
producing graded crushed s t o n e m a t e r i a l complying with 3 . 3 . 2 except t h a t , where t h e n a t u r e of the rock
i s such t h a t t h e m a t e r i a l i s d e f i c i e n t i n f i n e aggregate, t h e Engineer may allow t h e admixture of
approved s o i l f i n e s , c r u s h e r f i n e s , o r sand, i n l i m i t e d q u a n t i t i e s . The t o t a l amount of such admixed
f i n e s and sand s h a l l i n no case exceed 15 I by mass o f t h e aggregate.
3.2.3 Combined Aggregate. Combined coarse and f i n e aggregate s h a l l comply w i t 1 1 t h e requirements s e t o u t i n
3.3.3.
SABS 1200 11F-1981 6
Base

3.3 PllYSTCAL AND CIIEMICAL PROI’I!R’l’TES (See a l s o S u b c l a u s e 1.2.3 of S e c t i o n MP o f P a r t 3 o f SABS 0120.) ~ -,

3.3. I N a t u r a l G r a Z ( S t n b i 1 i z e d o r Unstabilizecl-). N a t u r a l g r a v e l p l a c e d i n t h e b a s e s h a l l , a f t e r compac-
t i o n , comply wiLh tlie a p p l i c a b l e r e q u i r e m e n t s o t h e r t h a n f o r g r a d i n g of SABS 1083 and w i t h t h e
following requirements:
a ) Tlie maximum d i m e n s i o n of t h e g r a v e l s h a l l n o t e x c e e d t w o - t h i r d s o f t h e t h i c k n e s s o f t h e compacted
layer.
b ) ‘The g r a d i n g limits of Lhe g r a v e l S h a l l conform to t h e v a l u e s g i v e n i n Column 2 o r 3 o f T a b l e I , as
relevant.
TAnLE 1 - CRADING L I M I T S 0P NATURAL CIUVI?,I.S

Nominal a p e r t u r e s i z e
of s i e v e , mni Stabilized

37,5 85 - 100 85 - 100

19.0 60 - 100 60 - 100
4,75 30 - 80 30 - 65
1.18 I6 - 57 16 - 43
0,30 9 - 36 9 - 27
0,07 5 5 - 20 5 - 15

c ) The maximum p l a s t i c i t y i n d e x (PI) s h a l l be

I ) i n t h e c a s e of s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l..................... 4 ; :1nd
2 ) i n the case o f u n s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l ................... 6.
NOTE: M a t e r i a l s d e r i v e d from w e a t h e r e d basic i g n e o u s r o c k s h a l l n o t be more t h a n s l i g h t l y p l a s t i c (SP)
a f t e r stabilization.
d ) T h e minimum CllK a t t h e a p p l i c a b l e d e n s i t y s p e c i f i e d i n 5.4.4 s h a l l b e
I ) i n t h e case of u n s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l , 8 0 X ; and
2 ) i n t h e c a s e of l i m e - s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l , 3 0 % b e f o r e s t a b i l i z a t i o n and
120 X a f t e r s t a b i l i z a t i o n .
e ) ”lie UCS a t 7 d f o r i n - p l a c e d e n s i t y of cement, PUFC, o r c e m e n t / s l a g s t a b i l i z e d materials s h a l l be
n o t l e s s t h a n 1 , 2 MPa and n o t more t h a n 5 MPa.
3.3.2 Craded Crushed S t o n e . The c r u s h e d s t o n e p l a c e d i n the b a s e s l i a l l comply w i t h t h e a p p l i c a b l e r e q u i r e -
ments of S A S 1083 and w i t h t h e f o l l o w i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s :
a) The maximum dinlension o f c r u s h e d s t o n e s h a l l n o t exceed t w o - t h i r d s of t h e t h i c k n e s s o f t h e compacted
layer.
b ) The ptl of t h e c r u s h e d s t o n e , d e t e r m i n e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h T e s t Method A20 o f TMlI I s h a l l , i n t h e
c a s e of u n t r e a t e d c r u s h e d s t o n e a n d , when r e l e v a n t , b e f o r e cement is a d d e d , be a t l e a s t 6.
c ) The p o r t i o n of c r u s h e d s t o n e p a s s i n g a s i e v e of nominal a p e r t u r e s i z e 4 , 7 5 mm s h a l l conform t o t h e
f o 11ow i n g r eqii i r einen t s :
I ) The p e r c e n t a g e by mass of s o l u b l e s a l t s s h a l l n o t exceed 0 , 2 I ;
2 ) The p e r c e n t a g e by mass of magnesium s u l p h a t e (as MgSO ) p l u s sodium s u l p h a t e (as N a SO ) s h a l l n o t
4 2 4
exceed 0 , 0 5 X .
3.3.3 Graded Crushed S t o n e and S o i l P i n e s . Craded c r u s h e d s t o n e t h a t i s admixed w i t h s o i l f i n e s s h a l l comply
w i t h 3.3.2 and tlie s o i l f i n e s s h a l l comply w i t h t h c f o l l o w i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s :
a) ‘The l i q u i d l i m i t s h a l l n o t exceed 25;
b ) t h e P I s h a l l n o t exceed 6;
c ) t h e l i n e a r s h r i n k a g e s h a l l n o t exceed 3.
3.3.4 C o a r s e A g g r e g a t e f o r Waterbound Macadam. Coarse a g g r e g a t e f o r waterliound macadam s h a l l have been
p r o d u r e d from s o l i d h a r d unweaLliered r o c k by c r u s h i n g and s h a l l
a ) h a v e a n a g g r e g a t e c r u s h i n g v a l u e n o t e x c e e d i n g 30 9. when measured o n m a t e r i a l c r u s h e d t o t h e
required size;
b ) h a v e a f l a k i n e s s i n d e x n o t e x c e e d i n g 35 when measured on t h e f r a c t i o n r e t a i n e d o n a s i e v e of nominal
a p e r t u r e s i z e 2 6 , 5 mm; and
c ) conform t o t h e f o l l o w i n g p r o p o r t i o n s :
Nominal a p e r t u r e s i z e of s c r e e n ( s q u a r e m e s h ) , mm P e r c e n t a g e p a s s i n g (by mass)
75,O 100
53,O 8 5 - 100
37,5 0 - 50
26,5 0 - 10
3.3.5 F i l l e r f o r Waterbound Macadam. P i n e a g g r e g a t e u s e d as f i l l e r i n a waterbound macadam b a s e s h a l l
c o n s i s t o f sandy s o i l , dune s a n d , o r o t h e r m a t e r i a l approved by t h e K n g i n e e r , which c a n b e v i b r a t e d i n
a d r y c o n d i t i o n and s l u s h e d to f i l l t h e v o i d s o f t h e compacted c o a r s e a g g r e g a t e . I t s h a l l have
a ) a l i q u i d l i m i t n o t e x c e e d i n g 25 X ;
b) a l i n e a r s hr i nka ge n o t exceeding 3 X ;
c ) a P I n o t e x c e e d i n g 6 ; and
d ) a maximum s i z e o f 4 , 7 5 nun. and t h e p e r c e n t a g e of t h e m a t e r i a l p a s s i n g a s i e v e o f nominal a p e r t u r e
s i z e 0 , 0 7 5 mm s h a l l n o t exceed 30 X.

3.4 STARILIZINC A G E N T ( S ) . T h e r e q u i r e m e n t s o f S u b c l a u s e 3.3 o f SABS 1200 ME s h a l l a p p l y .

3.5 WATER. The r e q u i r e m e n t s o f S u b c l a u s e 3.4 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l a p p l y .

3.6 SELECTION. The r e q u i r e m e n t s of S u b c l a u s e 3.5 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l a p p l y .

 7 SAWS I200 MF-I 981
Base

4. PIANT
4. I GENEI:AL. The requirements of Subclause 4 . 1 of SABS 1200 I) s h a l l apply.

4.2 COMPACTION PLANT. The requirements of Subclause 4.2 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply.

4.3 TRANSPORT. 'rile requirements of Suhclause 4.3 of S t \ W 1200 D s h a l l apply.

5. CONSTRUCTION
5. I PRECAUTIONS. The requirements of Subclause 5.1 of SABS 1200 D slinll apply.

5.2 EXCAVATION
5.2.1 W. Glliere base m a t e r i a l i s obtained from a designated excavation on S i t e , t h e a p p r o p r i a t e provisions
of Subclause 5.2.2 of SAIIS 1200 1IM s h a l l apply.
5.7.2 Horrow P i t s . Where hase m n t e r i n l i s excavated from borrow p i t s by t h e Contractor, the a p p r o p r i a t e
p r o v i s i o n s of Subclause 5.2.2.2 of SABS 1200 1) s h a l l apply.
5.2.3 Overburden. The requirements of Subclause 5.2.3 of SAUS 1200 ME s h a l l apply.

5.3 PROCESSING. The r e l e v a n t requirements of Subclause 5.3 of SABS 1200 HI3 s h a l l apply.

5.4 PLACING AND COMPACTION OF A RASE OTllER THAN A WA'i'ERUOUNU MACADAM BASE
5.4. I Placing. Before c o n s t r u c t i o n of the base i s commenced t h e Contractor s h a l l ensure t h a t t h e underlying
l a y e r on which t h e base i s t o be constructed complies w i t h t h e requirements of t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n
covering t h a t l a y e r .
Where a nominal t h i c k n e s s exceeding 150 mni has been s p e c i f i e d . t h e base s h a l l be constructed i n
approximately equal l a y e r s of thickness not exceeding 150 mm each.
5.4.2 Gravel
a ) Where t h e base is t o be constructed of g r a v e l , the g r a v e l shall be dumped on t h e road and then
spread over t h e f u l l width of t h e l a y e r shown on t h e drawings and t o such depth t h a t a f t e r compaction
t h e t h i c k n e s s o f t h e l a y e r complies with t h e s p e c i f i e d requirements and t h e s u r f a c e of t h e l a y e r is
t r u e t o e l e v a t i o n , grade, and cross-section.
b) Oversize m a t e r i a l i n g r a v e l s h a l l be
I ) broken down on t h e road; or
2 ) bladed o f f t h e road during p l a c i n g and disposed o f ; o r
3) i f so d i r e c t e d , so crushed and screened t h a t , when f i n a l l y placed, i t complies with t h e a p p l i c a b l e
grading requirements of 3.3. I .
'The m a t e r i a l s h a l l be spread, prepared, watered,and mixed a s s p e c i f i e d i n Subclauses 5.4.2 and 5.4.3 of
SABS 1200 ME.
c ) Where the a d d i t i o n of a n a t u r a l binder m a t e r i a l is necessary t o improve t h e grading o r reduce t h e P I
of a hase g r a v e l , t h e Engineer may d i r e c t t h a t a s u i t a b l e binder he added t o and mixed with t h e g r a v e l
t o form a homogeneous m a t e r i a l .
5.4.3 Graded Crushed Stone and Graded Crushed Stone with Pines
a ) Idhere t h e base i s t o be constructed of graded crushed s t o n e o r graded crushed s t o n e with f i n e s , the
m a t e r i a l s h a l l he spread o u t t o a f l a t - s u r f a c e d l a y e r over t h e f u l l width shown on t h e drawings and t o
such s d e p t h t h a t a f t e r compaction t h e thickness o r t h e l a y e r complies w i t h t h e s p e c i f i e d requirements.
Any f i n e aggregate t o be added s h a l l be spread evenly on top. Then t h e m a t e r i a l s h a l l be prepared,
watered, and mixed as s p e c i f i e d i n Subclauses 5.4.2 and 5.4.3 of SAHS 1200 MI!.
b) Any excess crushed s t o n e s h a l l n o t be spread over t h e shoulders o r s i d e f i l l , but s h a l l be loaded
and removed from the road. It s h a l l not be used again, e i t h e r a l o n e or mixed w i t h approved m a t e r i a l ,
u n l e s s i t has been rescreened, t e s t e d , and approved f o r u s e .
5.4.4 Compact ion
5.4.4.1 Compaction s h a l l be done a t the optimum moisture content f o r t h e type of compaction equipment used and
a s s p e c i f i e d i n Subclause 5.4.4.1 of SABS 12UO ME.
5.4.4.2 The base s h a l l he compacted throughout t o a t l e a s t t h e following d e n s i t y :
a ) I n t h e case of n a t u r a l g r a v e l s , graded crushed stone, and graded crushed stone with f i n e s : 98 % of
modified AiSHTO maximrim d e n s i t y ;

5.4.5 Surface P r e p a r a t i o n
-
b ) i n t h e c a s e of s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l s : 97 % of modified AASHTO maximuni d e n s i t y .

5.4.5.1 . . . -
After cotnoaction of a base t h a t has not been s t a b i l i z e d , t h e s u r f a c e s h a l l be slushed bv snravine i t
with water and r o l l i n g t i l l a l l excess f i n e s have been brought t o t h e s u r f a c e and a f i r m well k n i t
s u r f a c e has been obtained. Any a r e a s d e f i c i e n t i n f i n e s s h a l l he c o r r e c t e d by brooming i n approved
f i n e s . A l l excess f i n e s s h a l l be swept off t h e s u r f a c e and the hase allowed t o dry out.
5.4.5.2 After compaction of s t a b i l i z e d base, a r e a s d e f i c i e n t i n f i n e s s h a l l be c o r r e c t e d by brooming i n an
approved mixtiire of f i n e s and s t a b i l i z i n g agent. The layer s h a l l be kept w e t a s s p e c i f i e d i n Subclause
5.5.6 of SAHS 1200 ME f o r 4 d and primed a f t e r the a p p l i c a b l e of t h e following periods:
a ) Base s t a b i l i z e d w i t h unslaked l i m e : a f t e r a t l e a s t 7 d ;
b) base s t a b i l i z e d w i t h cement, slaked lime, o r s l a g mixtures: a f t e r 24 h and p r e f e r a b l y w i t h i n 7 d.

5.5 STABII.IZATION. When r e q u i r e d i n terms of t h e drawings o r t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n o r when ordered,

t h e base s h a l l he s t a b i l i z e d a s s p e c i f i e d i n Subclause 5.5 of SAUS 1200 ME. The s t a b i l i z e d base s h a l l
be compacted throughout t o t h e d e n s i t y s p e c i f i e d i n 5.4.4.2.
SABS I200 EIF- I98 1 8
Base

5.6 PIACING AND COEIPACTION OF A WATERBOUND MACAI)AM BASE

5.6. I General. Before constriiction o f the base i s coinnicnced t h e ContracLor s h d l ensure t h a t t h e underlying
layer on which t h e base i s t o be constructed coniplics w i t h t h e requirements of t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n
covering t h a t layer. The m a t e r i a l f o r the base s h a l l be placed i n an a r e a confined on e i t h e r s i d e t o
c o n t a i n t h e m a t e r i a l during t h e compact!on p r o r e s s . The confinement may be achieved w i t h kerbing,
edging, c o n c r e t c s t r u c t u r e s , o r preconstructed shoulders.
5.6.2 Coarse Aggregate. When a nominal thickness not exceeding 150 nun 113s been s p e c i f i e d , t h e waterbound
niacadam may be constructed i n one l a y e r . When a nominal t h i c k n e s s exceeding 150 mm has been s p e c i f i e d ,
t h e waterbound macadam s h a l l be constructed i n approximately equal l a y e r s of thickness n o t exceeding
150 mm each. The coarse aggregate s h a l l be dumped on t h e road and spread evenly t o such a depth t h a t
a f t e r compaction the l a y e r w i l l have t h e s p e c i f i e d thickness and shape.
The coarse aggregate s h a l l be l i g h t l y r o l l e d w i t h a f l a t r o l l e r , a f t e r which t h e s u r f a c e s h a l l be
checked and any necessary c o r r e c t i o n s made by adding o r removing stone.
After t h a t , compaction s h a l l be c a r r i e d o u t w i t h s u i t a b l e r o l l e r s ( i n c l u d i n g v i b r a t i n g r o l l e r s ) capable
of compacting the c o a r s e aggregate t o form a firm and r i g i d l a y e r . Compaction s h a l l be continued u n t i l
t h e coarse aggregate has been thoroughly compacted, movement of t h e aggregate under t h e r o l l e r s has
been reduced t o a minimum, and t h e c o n d i t i o n of t h c l a y e r i s acceptable.
5.6.3 F i l l e r . After Lhe shaped and compacted coarse aggregate l a y e r has been approved, a l a y e r of a i r - d r y
f i l l e r matcAria1 of t h i c k n e s s ahout 20 nun s h a l l be spread evenly over t h e s u r f a c e of t h e c o a r s e
aggregate. The l a y e r s h a l l then be r o l l e d w i t h a v i b r a t i n g r o l l e r t o work t h e f i l l e r m a t e r i a l i n t o t h e
voids o f the coarse aggregate. The process of spreading and working i n f u r t h e r l a y e r s of f i l l e r
m a t e r i a l s h a l l be repeated u n t i l no more f i l l e r can be worked i n t o t h e v o i d s i n t h e c o a r s e aggregate.
5.6.4 Slushin and Pre a r a t i o n of Surface. When no more f i l l e r can be worked i n d r y , the l a y e r s h a l l be well
watered: WnLeri&, rollTng, and sweeping with s u i t a b l e brooms s h a l l be c a r r i e d out and e x t r a f i l l e r
added a s necessary, u n t i l the v o i d s i n the coarse aggregate have been completely f i l l e d with f i l l e r and
a f i r m base w i t h a c l o s e l y k n i t s u r f a c e i s obtained, f r e e from a r e a s of segregated m a t e r i a l s , loose
aggregate, and o t h e r i r r e g u l a r i t i e s . A l l excess f i n e s s h a l l be swept o f f , and t h e base allowed t o d r y
out t o p r e s e n t an exposed mosaic of r e g u l a r stone f a c e s f r e e of f i n e aggregate and f o r e i g n m a t e r i a l .
When i t i s necessary t o enable e x r e s s slrished f i n e s and water t o be removed t o prevent s a t u r a t i o n of
t h e base l a y e r , t h e Contractor s h a l l provide temporary openings i n t h e confining s t r u c t u r e ( s e e 5.6. I )
and make good t h e openings when t h e o p e r a t i o n has been completed.
5.6.5 F i n i s h Required. 'l'he f i n i s h e d base, ready f o r t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of t h e bituminous s u r f a c e , s h a l l be t r u e
t o l r v c l and cross-section. uniform and smooth, f r e e from c o r r u g a t i o n s , humps. and d e p r e s s i o n s , and
shaped t o w i t h i n t h e t o l e r a n c e s s p e c i f i e d i n 6.1.

5.7 JUNCTIONS WITtl EXISTING WORK. A t j u n c t i o n s w i t h exisLing work, t h e e x i s t i n g work i n t h e v i c i n i t y of

t h e j o i n t s h a l l be s o r u t back as t o ensure an o v e r a l l compacted t h i c k n e s s of new base a t t h e j o i n t of
a t l e a s t 100 nun. (The new base s h a l l not be f e a t h e r e d off t o o b t a i n c o n t i n u i t y of grade.)

5.8 PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE. The Contractor s h a l l p r o t e c t and maintain the completed base. He s h a l l
without d e l a y and i n such a manner a s t o ensure an even and uniform s u r f a c e , r e p a i r any damage o r
d e f e c t s t h a t may occur. Unless otherwise a u t h o r i z e d , no unnecessary c o n s t r u c t i o n t r a f f i c and no p u b l i c
t r a f f i c s h a l l be allowed on any unprimed base.

5.9 TRANSPORT
5.9. I Freehaul. The p r o v i s i o n s of Suhclause 5.2.5.1 of S A M 1200 D s l ~ a l lapply.
5.9.2 Overhaul. The provisions f o r truck haul of Subclause 5.2.5.2 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply.

6. TOLERANCES
6.I DIMENS IONS, LEVELS, ETC.
6.1.1 General. Subiect t o the requirements of Subclauses 6.2 and 6.3 of SABS 1200 M , t h e dimensions, l e v e l s ,

6.1.2

I 2

Length of grade me;rsured (in) Maximum d e v i a t i o n from s p e c i f i e d

grade, %

2 0,34
5 0,27
10 0,21
20 0 , I3
30 0.08

6. I . 3

6. I . 4
 9 SABS 1200 MF-1981
Base

6.1.5 Cross-Section. A t any cross-section t h e a c t u a l d i r i e r e n c e i n l e v e l between any two p o i n t s s h a l l not

d i f f e r by more than 25 mm from t h e d i f f e r e n c e i n l e v e l computed f o r those p o i n t s from t h e cross-
s e c t i o n s shown on the drawings.
6. I .6 Smoothness. lJhen a s t r a i g h t - e d g e of l e n g t h 3 m i s l a i d on t h e f i n i s h e d s u r f a c e p a r a l l e l with t h e
c e n t r e l i n e of t h e road, the d i s t a n c e between t h e s u r f a c e and the s t r a i g h t - e d g e s h a l l be nowhere
g r e a t e r than 6 nun f o r a base o t h e r than a waterbound macadam base and 10 mm f o r a waterbound macadam
base.
Where t h e base i s constructed i n two o r more l a y e r s t h e d i s t a n c e a t any p o i n t between t h e s u r f a c e of
t h e lower l a y e r and t h e straight-edge may he u p t o 20 nun.

6.2 RASE CONSTRUCTED I N LAYERS. Where t h e base i s constructed i n two or more l a y e r s t h e requirements f o r
t h i c k n e s s and width s p e c i f i e d i n 6.1 s h a l l apply t o the combined l a y e r s as a whole.

6.3 bIOISTLlRE CONTENr AND DENSITY. The p r o v i s i o n s of Suhclause 6.2 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply.

7. TESTING
7.1 GENERAL. The r e l e v a n t requirements of Clause 7 of S A W 1200 M s h a l l apply.

7.2 PROCESS CONTROL. The t e s t i n g frequency s h a l l be n o t l e s s than t h e a p p l i c a b l e frequency s e t o u t i n

Column 2 or Column 3 of Table 3, whichever i s t h e g r e a t e r .

TABLE 3 - TESTING FREQUENCY

2 3

Test Area or volume Number of t e s t s

t o which one t e s t per l o t , min.
i s a p p l i e d , max.

a ) Natural g r a v e l , processed g r a v e l , and

crushed stone:
Densitv * .................................... I 500 m
2
Indicator t e s t s
1) i n road .......................... ........ I 500 m
2
2) i n s t o c k p i l e ..................... ........ 1 500 m3
b) Natural g r a v e l and processed grave
C a l i f o r n i a Bearing R a t i o (CBI{) ...... ........ 5 000 m2
Unconf ined Compressive S t r e n g t h (UCS)
(cement-st-abilized g r a v e l s ) ......... ........ 5 000 m
2
c ) Crushed stone:
Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) ...... ........ 3 000 m
3
Flakiness ........................... ........ 3 000 m3

R. Although t h e determination of d e n s i t y implies t h a t one modified MSiI'I'O maximum d e n s i t y determination

i s c a r r i e d o u t f o r each f i e l d d e n s i t y determination, t h i s r a t i o may, s u b j e c t t o t h e approval of t h e
Engineer, he decreased t o one modified AASHTO maximum d e n s i t y d e t e r m i n a t i o n f o r u p t o four f i e l d
d e n s i t y determinations when the m a t e r i a l is homogeneous.

7.3 ROUTINE INSPECTION AND TESTING

7.3.1 The Contractor s h a l l u s e the a p p r o p r i a t e of the methods given in TMli I t o check t h a t t h e m a t e r i a l s
comply w i t h t h e a p p l i c a b l e of t h e requirements given i n 3.2.1-3.3.5 (inclusive).
7.3.2 Should t h e average and minimum d e n s i t i e s of a l o t equal o r exceed t h e a p p l i c a b l e v a l u e s given i n Table
4 , t h e l o t s h a l l be deemed t o comply w i t h t h e requirements f o r d e n s i t y .

TABLE 4 - DENSITY OF BASE

I I 2 l 3 4

Specified density Number of Mi.nimuni Minimum d e n s i t y f o r any

(7: of modified t e s t s per l o t average single t e s t , X
AASfl'l'O maximum d e n s i t y ) d e n s i t y , 7:

98 ( u n s t a b i l i z e d ) 98,5 95,3
98,7 95, I
OR, 8 94,9
97 ( s t a b i l i z e d ) 97,s 93,s
97,7 93,4
97.8 93,3

7.4 STABZ1J7ATION. The r e l e v a n t requirements of Suhclause 7 . 3 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l apply.

SABS I 200 )IF-I981 10
Base

8. M E A S U R ~ I ' : N AND
T i',mmrr
8. I UASlC PItINCIPLES. The b a s i c p r i n c i p l e s given i n Subclause 8.1 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l apply t o t h e base.

8.2 COMPUTATION OF QUANTITIES

8.2.1 The p r o v i s i o n s of Subclause 8.2 of SABS 1200 ME shall apply t o Lhe bdse, s u b j e c t . i n t h e c a s e of
waterbound macadam. t o t h e r e l e v a n t requirements of 8.2.2.
8.2.2 Waterbound Macadam
8.2.2.1 The volume of tlie waterbound macadan and f i l l e r w i l l be computed from tlie width shown on t h e drawings
o r ordered, t h e length and, s u b j e c t t o t h e p r o v i s i o n s of 8.2.2.2 and 8.2.2.3, t h e a c t u a l compacted
depth.
a. 2 . 2 . 2 The Engineer may accept any t h i c k n e s s of waterbound macadam i n excess of t h e s p e c i f i e d t o t a l t h i c k n e s s
b u t no measurement o r payment w i l l be made f o r any m a t e r i a l placed that i s more t h a n 15 mn i n excess of
t h e s p e c i f i e d t o t a l t h i c k n e s s ( i . e . nut more than 165 nm o r 215 mm f o r s p e c i f i e d t h i c k n e s s e s of 150 o r
200 mm r e s p e c t i v e l y ) ,
8.2.2.3 M a t e r i a l added t o f i l l e r w i l l be measured a t t h e p o i n t of d e l i v e r y on t h e road by mass ( i n tons) i n t h e
c a s e of cement and slaked lime and by volume ( i n cubic metres) i n t h e c a s e of o t h e r f i n e m a t e r i a l , and
o n l y t h a t amount a c t u a l l y added and accepted w i l l be measured f o r payment. No account w i l l be taken of
any m a t e r i a l added i n excess of t h a t ordered o r approved.

8.3 SCHEDULED ITEMS

8.3. I Construct base with g r a v e l n!dterial from borrow p i t s ....................................... Unit: m 3
Separate items w i l l be scheduled f o r designated borrow p i t s and borrow p i t s t o be located by t h e
Contractor. (See 8.3.10 f o r opening up arid r e h a b i l i t a t i o n . )
The r a t e s h a l l cover the c o s t of l o c a t i n g t h e m a t e r i a l , complying w i t h a l l p r e c a u t i o n s r e q u i r e d i n
terms of 5.1, o p e r a t i n g tlie borrow p i t s , excavation, b a s i c s e l e c t i o n , t r a n s p o r t i n g , spreading,
watering, compacting, f i n a l grading, complying w i t h t h e t o l e r a n c e s , and t e s t i n g , a l l i n accordance with
t h e requirements o f the s p e c i f i c a l i o n .
8.3.2 Construct base with m a t e r i a l from designated excavations
a ) Excavate from designated excavations, s e l e c t , and s t o c k p i l e f o r base .................... Unit: m
3
b) Construct t h e base w i t h m a t e r i a l from t h e s t o c k p i l e and compact t o modified M S H T O maximum d e n s i t y
a s s p e c i f i e d i n 5.4.4.
I ) Gravel m a t e r i a l ......................................................................... Unit: ni
3
2 ) Graded crushed stone .................................................................... Unit: m3
3) Graded crushed stone and s o i l f i n e s .................................................... Unit: m3
The r e l e v a n t provisions of Subclauses 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 of SARS 1200 D s h a l l apply t o the r a t e f o r ( a )
above.
The r a t e f o r (b) s h a l l cover t h e c o s t of b a s i c s e l e c t i o n , loading from s t o c k p i l e s , t r a n s p o r t i n g ,
spreading, watering, compacting, f i n a l grading, complying w i L h t h e t o l e r a n c e s , and t e s t i n g .
8.3.3 Construct b a s e w i t h m a t e r i a l from commercial sources or designated borrow a r e a s
Compact m a t e r i a l t o modified MSIlTO maximum d e n s i t y as s p e c i l i e d i n 5 . 4 . 4 .
a ) Gravel m a t e r i a l ........................................................... ".............Unit: m
3
b) Graded crushed stone .................................................................... Unit: m
3
c ) Graded crushed stone and s o i l f i n e s .................................................... Unit: m3
The r a t e s h a l l cover t h e c o s t of l o c a t i n g t h e source, complying w i t h a l l t h e r e l e v a n t precautions
r e q u i r e d i n terms of 5.1, procuring t h e m a t e r i a l , b a s i c s e l e c t i o n , t r a n s p o r t i n g from source t o p o i n t of
d e p o s i t i o n on t h e road, spreading, watering, compacting, f i n a l grading, complying with t h e t o l e r a n c e s .
and t e s t i n g .
8.3.4 Extra over 8.3.1 and 8.3.2, a s a p p l i c a b l e , f o r c l a s s of excavation
a ) Intermediate excavation ................................................................. Unit: m
3
b) Hard rock excavation .................................................................... Unit: m3
c ) Boulder excavation Class A .............................................................. Unit: n13
d ) Boulder excavation Class B .............................................................. Unit: m3
Each r a t e s h a l l cover t h e a d d i t i o n a l c o s t s a p p l i c a b l e t o t h e r e l e v a n t c l a s s of excavation ( s e e 3.1).
8.3.5 Process base m a t e r i a l by the following processes, as relevant,and use i n base ( a p p l i c a b l e t o
8.3.1 o r 8.3.2, or both)
a ) Screening ............................................................................... Unit: m
3
h ) Heavy g r i d r o l l i n g ...................................................................... Unit: m3
c ) Mechanical m o d i f i c a t i o n ................................................................. Unit: m3
d) Stabilization ........................................................................... Unit: m3
I n the case of mechanical m o d i f i c a t i o n no allowance w i l l be made i n measurement f o r any r e d u c t i o n i n
volume of t h e combined mixture over t h a t of t h e i n d i v i d u a l m a t e r i a l s compacted t o t h e s p e c i f i e d
density .
'Phe r a t e s s h a l l cover t h e a d d i t i o n a l c o s t s of processing t h e m a t e r i a l i n accordance with t h e r e l e v a n t
s p e c i f i e d or ordered method. I n t h e case of s t a b i l i z a t i o n the r a t e s h a l l not cover t h e supply of t h e
s t a b i l i z i n g agent ( s e e 8 . 3 . 8 ) .
8.3.6 Screening p l a n t / c r u s h e r p l a n t ( p r o v i s i o n a l ) . The terms of Subclause 8.3.6 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l apply.
8.3.7 Screened-out m a t e r i a l not used i n base. The terms of Subclause 8.3.7 of SAUS 1200 ME s h a l l apply.
8.3.8 S t a b i l i z i n g agent. The terms of Subclause 8.3.8 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l apply.
8.3.0 Overhaul. T l x r m s of Subclausc 8.3.9 of SABS 1200 ME s h a l l a p.p l y..
8.3.10 h r row p i t s
a ) Oi,rninc: - u .p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U n i t . Sum
b) Rehabilitation .......................................................................... Unit: Sum
The terms of Subclause 8 . 3 . 6 ( b ) of SAUS 1200 U s h a l l apply.
 II SABS 1200 HP-1981
Base

8.3. I I Waterbound niacadaiii

a ) 150 nmi t h i c k ............................................................................ Unit: nl
3
b ) 200 mm t h i c k ............................................................................ Unit: m 3
The r a t e s h a l l cover the c o s t of
I ) supplying, loading, t r a n s p o r t i n g , off-loading a t t h e s i t e of p l a c i n g , p l a c i n g , spreading, shaping,
l e v e l l i n g , and compacting t h e coarse aggregate;
2 ) supplying. loading, t r a n s p o r t i n g , o f f - l o a d i n g a t the s i t e of p l a c i n g , p l a c i n g , spreading, and
working i n t h e f i l l e r ( s e e 8.3.12 f o r m a t e r i a l added t o t h e f i l l e r ) ;
3) supplying, t r a n s p o r t i n g , and applying the water; and
4 ) s l u s h i n g , sweeping and preparing the f i n a l s u r f a c e of t h e l a y e r t o t h e s t a g e where i t is ready f o r
t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of the bitumen s u r f a c e .
8.3.12 M a t e r i a l added t o f i l l e r
a) Cement .................................................................................. Unit: t
b) Slaked lime ............................................................................. Unit: t
.....................................................................
c ) Other f i n e m a t e r i a l Unit: m3
The r a t e s h a l l cover t h e c o s t of supplying, t r a n s p o r t i n g from t h e p o i n t of supply t o t h e p o i n t of o f f -
loading a t t h e s i t e of p l a c i n g , s t o r a g e , placing, spreading, and mixing with t h e f i l l e r .
SARS 1200 MF-1981 12
Base

APPENDIX A. Al’PLICAB1.E STANDARDS

Reference i s made t o t h e l a t e s t i s s u e s of the following p u b l i c a t i o n s :

SABS 1083 Aggregates from n a t u r a l sources

SABS 1200 A C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : General
SABS 1200 AA C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : General (sinall works)
SABS 1200 c C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : S i t e c l e a r a n c e
SIRS 1200 ll C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : Earthworks
SABS 1200 DM C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : Earthworks (roads, subgrade)
S A I S 1200 M C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : Roads ( g e n e r a l )
SAUS 1200 ME C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : Subbase
SANS 0120 Code of p r a c t i c e f o r use w i t h standardized s p e c i f i c a t i o n s f o r c i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n
and c o n t r a c t documents
P a r t 3 : Guidance f o r d e s i g n , Section MF
‘IPIII I Standard methods of t e s t i n g road c o n s t r u c t i o n m a t e r i a l s

wbl Pl.
ISBN 0-826.05053-4