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Orford Selectboard allows limited paving to continue while lab testing checks asphalt compaction on Archertown Road
Summary
At an emergency Sept. 9 meeting, the Orford Selectboard reviewed field compaction results indicating roughly 11% of the Archertown Road base course may not meet NHDOT compaction specs, ordered two core samples (one to be lab-tested), and approved added top-course thickness while testing continues.
The Orford Selectboard on Sept. 9 met on Archertown Road and agreed to let contractor Blaktop, Inc. continue paving under conditions after field tests suggested portions of the recently placed base course did not meet New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) compaction specifications.
According to meeting notes prepared by Erin Darrow, the area of potential concern represented about 11% of the total base-course paving for the project. SW Cole, Inc. performed field compaction testing during the Friday installation that, per the notes, returned results appearing to be below specification for parts of the work.
Selectboard members and contractor representatives discussed testing procedures and agreed that laboratory testing of core samples is the most accurate way to determine in-place asphalt density. Blaktop, Inc. collected two cores during the meeting; the contractor said one of those cores would be sent for lab testing and the results provided to the Town.
The board authorized Blaktop to continue placing the top course where the base course had apparently passed field compaction checks, provided the material placed that day met compaction standards. As an added measure, the contractor will place an additional 1/4" to 1/2" of top-course asphalt across the entire Phase 2 paving area, and at least an additional 1/2" in the area identified as having insufficient compaction. The contractor also said it would set the paver to minimize surface elevation fluctuations that can produce a "wavy" ride.
Paving was scheduled to continue the same day with SW Cole, Inc. continuing field testing and Blaktop, Inc. conducting its own quality-control testing, according to the notes. The meeting record does not include lab results; the town will receive and review the core test outcomes when available.
The emergency meeting adjourned at 7:15 a.m. on a motion by Selectboard member Larry Taylor, seconded by Selectboard member Kevin Follensbee. The motion passed 3-0.
