Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Specs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
2024 specification book: engineers outline targeted changes to concrete, aggregate and bridge sections
Summary
Justin Ramsey of ETS reviewed major, targeted and in‑depth changes in the 2024 specification book affecting aggregate tests, concrete mix design and bridge deck requirements, including a revised waiver threshold, changes to aggregate test frequency and an optional optimized aggregate gradation for some concrete work.
Justin Ramsey with ETS summarized targeted edits and an in‑depth review of portions of the 2024 specification book, identifying specific changes to materials testing, mix-design certification, bridge concrete organization, curing requirements and the option to use optimized aggregate gradations.
The summary matters because the 2024 specification book governs bid items, construction requirements and materials acceptance on transportation projects; changes affect contract packaging, testing frequency and contractor submittals.
Ramsey said the spec updates include a revision to the small‑dollar waiver for certifications, noting that the previous threshold dated back “about 30 years old, 40 years old” and that the number has been updated based on inflationary considerations. He described changes to aggregate base-course testing: shale content and fractured‑faces requirements were adjusted from testing at 10,000 tons produced to 10,000 tons placed, changing the test frequency to be more road‑oriented. In the structure section, Ramsey said the single ‘‘class AE’’ concrete approach was replaced by separate items for substructure concrete, deck concrete and barrier concrete so specifications can be adjusted for the different work types without adding new bid items.
On curing for deck slabs, he said the book now specifies a single seven‑day curing period rather than a longer cure tied to mixes containing pozzolans such as fly ash. He also described the addition of an "optimized gradation" option for some flat‑work concrete mixes and noted that the 2024 book removes an unused size‑4 aggregate and consolidates aggregate classification tables.
Ramsey said the department eliminated the ASC (accelerated strength concrete) designation and will handle rapid‑set or high‑early mixes on a project‑by‑project basis with materials staff, rather than using a standing ASC spec. He noted that admixtures lists were expanded for items that may be used without a formal request to the engineer, and that some lab reporting details were streamlined (for example, removing the air–void percentage requirement from certain control charts).
Ramsey described the in‑depth revisions as part of a larger multi‑year schedule; he said the 2025 edition will focus on erosion control and standard drawings, 2026 on traffic control and fencing, 2027 on bridge and hydraulic sections and 2028 on general provisions, with the asphalt surfacing sections (the 400s) scheduled for in‑depth review in 2030.
When asked whether the optimized gradation is mandatory, Ramsey said it is optional in most flat‑work sections and that materials and research may require it on certain projects; for section 602 (structures) the optimized gradation option was included as well. Ramsey encouraged project engineers to consult materials and research and to consider plan notes to require optimized gradation where warranted.
He closed by inviting questions and follow‑up on specific items and directed attendees with project‑specific concerns to coordinate with the materials and research group or the design team for clarification.
