UDC 624 (083.

75) SABS 1200 ME-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

ME : SUBBASE

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 O F THE S A BUREAU OF STANDARDS
SOUTH AFRICAN Private B a g X191
BUREAU O F STANDARDS P r et o r i a
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

Telegrams : Comparator, 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 South 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 0-626-05948-8
Gr6
 3 SABS 1200 ME-1981
Subbase

CONTENTS
Clause Page Number
1. SCOPE .............................................................................. 5
2. INTERPRETATlONS ..................................................................... 5
2.1 ..........................................................
Supporting S p e c i f i c a t i o n s 5
2.2 Application ........................................................................
......................................................
D e f i n i t i o n s and Abbreviations
5
5
2.3
2.4 Explanation of Terms ............................................................... 5
3 . MATERIALS .......................................................................... 5
3.1 ............................................. 5
C l a s s i f i c a t i o n f o r Excavation Purposes
3.1.1 ..............................................................
Method of c l a s s i f y i n g
Classes of excavation .............................................................. 5
5
3.1.2
3.2 ................................................................
Physical P r o p e r t i e s 5
3.2.1 Subbase material ...................................................................
Gravel shoulder and g r a v e l wearing course material ................................. 55
3.2.2
3.3 ...............................................................
S t a b i l i z i n g Agent(s) 6
3.3.1 General ............................................................................ 6
3.3.2 Storage ............................................................................ 6
3.4 Water .............................................................................. 6
3.5
3.5.1
Selection ..........................................................................
..................................................................
General s e l e c t i o n
6
6
3.5.2 S e l e c t i o n f o r mechanical modification .............................................. 6
4 . PLANT .............................................................................. 6
4.1 General ............................................................................
Compaction P l a n t ................................................................... 66
4.2
4.3 Transport .......................................................................... 6
4.4 Stabilization ...................................................................... 6
5 . CONSTRUCTION ....................................................................... 6
5.1 Precautions ........................................................................ 6
5.2 Excavation ......................................................................... 6
5.2.1 Cuts ............................................................................... 6
5.2.2 Borrow p i t s
Overburden
........................................................................
......................................................................... 6
6
5.2.3
5.3 Processing .........................................................................
Placing and Compaction ............................................................. 77
5.4
5.4.1 Placing
Spreading
............................................................................
.......................................................................... 77
5.4.2
5.4.3 Watering ...........................................................................
............................... 7
5.4.4 Compaction ......................................... ...............................
7
5.5 Stabilization ......................................
................................
Rate of a p p l i c a t i o n ............................... 77
7
5.5.1
5.5.2 Preparation of l a y e r ............................... ...............................
5.5.3 Application of s t a b i l i z i n g agent................... ...............................
............................
7
7
5.5.4 Mixing-in of s t a b i l i z i n g agent. watering. and compact on
5.5.5 ............................ ............................... 8
Finishing a t j u n c t i o n s
5.5.6 Curing ............................................. ...............................
............................... 8
5.5.7 ...........................
Construction l i m i t a t i o n s
............................... 888
......................... ...............................
P r o t e c t i o n and Maintenance
5.6
5.7
5.7.1
TransDort
Freehaul
..........................................
...... .................................................................... 8
...... ....................................................................
.................................................................... 88
6 .5.7.2

6.1
Overhaul
TOLERANCES
Dimension Leve
....
. .. .............................................................
etc 8
6.1.1
6.1.2
General
Grade
....... .................................................................... 8
......... .................................................................... 8
6.1.3 Width .................................................................... 8
......... ....................................................................
6.1.4 Thickness ..... .................................................................... 88
6.1.5
6.1.6
6.2
Cross-section
Smoothness ..... ....................................................................
....................... ....................... .......
8

6.3
Moisture Conten and Density
Stabilization ...................................... ....................... ....... 88
7 .7.1 TESTING
General
............................................
............................................ . ....................... ....... 99
....................... .......
7.2 Process Control and Routine Inspection and Testing ....................... ....... 9
7.2.1 ....................................
Process c o n t r o l .......................
..................... .......................
....... 9
....................... .......
7.2.2 Routine i n s p e c t i o n and t e s t i n g 9
7.3
7.3.1
Stabilization ...................................... ....... 9
.......
T e s t i n g f o r q u a l i t y of material and r a t e of a p p l i c a t o n of s t a b i l i z i n g agent
9
7.3.2
7.3.3
...................
Accentance c o n t r o l of s t a b i l i z e r
Strength tests f o r s t a b i l i z e d material ............. ....................... .......
....................... ....... 9
9

8 .8.1 MEASUREMENT mn PAYMENT ............................................................ 99

...................................................................
Basic P r i n c i p l e s
8.2 .......................................................... 10
Computation of Q u a n t i t i e s
8.3 Scheduled Items .................................................................... 10
DRAWlNGS
Drawing ME-1 .Basic Types of Construction ........................................................ 12
Drawing ME-2 .Map Showing Reglonal Factors (RF) For Road Design .................................. 13

mPmnIx A . APPLICABLE STANDARDS ............................................................... 14

 5 SABS 1200 ME-1981
Subbase

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARDIZED SPECIFlCATION

for

C l V l L ENGLNEERLNG CONSTRUCTLON

ME : SUBBASE

1. SCOPE
1.1 This s p e c i E i c a t i o n covers t h e requirements f o r subbase and g r a v e l wearing courses f o r roads, s h o u l d e r s ,
footways. and paved a r e a s . It covers t h e procuring, f u r n l s h i n g , c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , placing, compaction.
and f i n i s h i n g of approved soil, n a t u r a l g r a v e l , and processed g r a v e l , and measurement f o r t h e purpose
of payment.
NOTE: The p u b l i c a t i o n s r e f e r r e d t o in t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n are l i s t e d in Appendix A.

2. INTERPRETATlONS
2.1 SUPPORTING SPECIFlCATIONS. Where t h i s s p e c i f i c a t i o n is required 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 form p a r t of t h e c o n t r a c t document:
a ) P r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a Lion;
b) SABS 1200 A or SABS 1200 AA, a s a p p l i c a b l e ;
c ) SABS 1200 C;
d ) SABS 1200 D;
e ) SABS 1200 DM;
f ) SABS 1200 M.

2.2 APPLICATlON. 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 are set out in 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 in a c o n t r a c t document.

2.3 DEFlNlTIONS 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 in t h e a p p l i c a b l e of t h e 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)-(f) and t h e following a b b r e v i a t i o n
s h a l l apply:
-
PBFC. Portland b l a s t f u r n a c e cement.

2.4 EXPLANATION OF TERMS. Wherever the word "cement" is used in t h i s s p e c i f i c a t l o n i t means p o r t l a n d

cement, portland b l a s t f u r n a c e cement, or a mixture of p o r t l a n d cement and milled b l a s t f u r n a c e s l a g .

3. MATERIALS
3.1 CLASSIFICATION FOR EXCAVATLON PURPOSES
3.1.1 Method of C l a s s i f y i n g . The provisions 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 material excavated from c u t s and borrow p i t s f o r use in t h e subbase. shoulders, and g r a v e l
wearing course.
3.1.2 Classes of Excavation. The provisions of Suhclauses ( a ) ( l ) . ( b ) ( l ) , ( c ) ( l ) . (d) and (e) of Subclause
3.1.2 of SABS 1200 L) s h a l l apply t o the c l a s s i f i c a t i o n of material excavated from c u t s and borrow p i t s
f o r use in t h e subbase, shoulders, and g r a v e l wearing course. M a t e r i a l supplied from commercial
s o u r c e s or designated borrow a r e a s f o r use in t h e subbase, s h o u l d e r s , and g r a v e l wearing c o u r s e w i l l
not be c l a s s i f i e d .

3.2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (See Drawing ME-1)

3.2.1 Subhase material. The material placed in t h e subhase s h a l l comply with t h e following requirements:
a ) The maximum dimension of coarse aggregate s h a l l n o t exceed two-thirds of t h e thickness of t h e
compacted layer.
b) The grading modulus (GM) s h a l l be a t least 1.5.
c ) The p l a s t i c i t y index ( P I ) s h a l l be:
1) for u n s t a b i l i z e d material. not g r e a t e r than 10; and
2) f o r s t a b i l i z e d material
i) o t h e r than t h a t obtained from weathered b a s i c igneous rock, n o t g r e a t e r than 6 ; and
ii) obtained from weathered b a s i c igneous rock, SP ( i . e . 3 or l e s s ) .
d ) The CBR a t s p e c i f i e d d e n s i t y s h a l l be
1) f o r u n s t a b i l i z e d g r a v e l
i) w i t h a cover of 100 mm, a t least 45;
ii) w i t h a cover of 150 mm or 200 m in areas with a r e g i o n a l f a c t o r of 0.4 t o 0.75. a t least 45;
iii) w i t h a cover of 150 mm o r 200 mm in a r e a s with a r e g i o n a l f a c t o r of 0.3, a t least 25;
(NOTE: The r e g i o n a l f a c t o r ( s e e Drawing ME-2 and Subclause 1.1.2 of S e c t i o n ME of P a r t 3 oE SABS 0120)
s h a l l be as s t a t e d in t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f t c a t i o n . )
2) f o r lime-stabilized material, a t l e a s t 70.
e ) The UCS a t 7 d of each cement-stabilized material s h a l l be a t least 0.75 MPa.
3.2.2 Gravel Shoulder and Gravel Wearing Course M a t e r i a l . The m a t e r i a l used f o r g r a v e l shoulders and t h e
g r a v e l wearing course s h a l l comply w i t h 3.2.1, except t h a t
a ) t h e PI s h a l l be not less than 6 and not more than (3xCM)+10. and
b ) t h e maximum s i z e of aggregate used in g r a v e l shoulders s h a l l be 40 mm.
SABS 1200 ME-1981 6
Subbase

3.3 STABILIZING AGENT(S)

3.3.1 General. The s t a b i l i z i n g agenl-(s) s h a l l be one or more of the following. as required in terms of the
schedule, or as ordered:
a) Road l i m e t h a t complies with t h e a p p l i c a b l e requirements f o r l i m e of SARS 824;
b) P o r t l a n d cement t h a t complies with t h e a p p l i c a b l e requirements of SABS 471;
c ) P o r t l a n d b l a s t f u r n a c e cement t h a t complies w i t h t h e requirements of SABS 626;
d) milled b l a s t f u r n a c e s l a t h a t is mixed with portland cement or l i m e i n t h e m a s s r a t i o s p e c i f i e d or
ordered, has a s p e c i f i c s u f f a c e of a t least 350 d / k g (3500 cm2/g), and is such t h a t t h e r e s i d u e on a
s i e v e of nominal a p e r t u r e s i z e 90 pm does not exceed 10 X by mass;
e) granulated unslaked ‘ l i m e t h a t complies with t h e relevant requirements of the p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n ;
f ) f l y ash t h a t is mlxed with l i m e in the mass r a t i o s p e c l f i e d or ordered, t h e mixture complying with
t h e relevant requirements of the p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n .
3.3.2 Storage. Separate s t o r a g e f a c i l i t i e s s h a l l be provided on the Site f o r each type of s t a b i l i z i n g agent
used.
A s t a b i l i z i n g agent t h a t is s t o r e d on the S i t e s h a l l be kept under a cover t h a t provides proper
p r o t e c t i o n from moisture and o t h e r f a c t o r s t h a t may promote d e t e r i o r a t i o n .
Storage of a s t a b i l h i n g agent i n b u l k i n weather-proof silos or s i m i l a r c o n t a i n e r s will be permitted
provided t h a t t h e measurement of s t a h l l i z i n g agent drawn f o r u s e is by mass and not by volume.
The s t o r a g e c a p a c i t y provided and the amount of s t a b i l i z i n g agent s t o r e d s h a l l be s u f f i c i e n t t o ensure
t h a t no i n t e r r u p t i o n t o t h e progress of t h e work is occasioned by l a c k of m a t e r i a l s .
Except where otherwise approved i n t h e case of lime, no s t a b l l i z i n g agent s h a l l be s t o r e d f o r longer
than. 3 months.
S t a b i l i z i n g agent t h a t has d e t e r i o r a t e d or t h a t has been contaminated s h a l l not be used i n t h e Works
and s h a l l be removed from t h e S i t e without delay.

3.4 WATER. Only water t h a t is of good q u a l i t y and h a s been approved may be used. Sea water, excessively
s a l t y water. and water containlng impurities thaL may have an adverse affect on a s t a b i l i z i n g agent,
w i l l not be approved.

3.5 SELECTlON
3.5.1 General Sel-ectlon. The Contractor s h a l l be r e s p o n s i h l e f o r l o c a t i n g s u i t a b l e sources of m a t e r i a l and
f o r ensuring t h a t the m a t e r i a l s from such sources comply with the a p p l i c a b l e requirements of 3.2.1 and
3.2.2. In a d d i t i o n he s h a l l o h t a i n approval f o r the m a t e r i a l s and the sources
a ) b e l o r e commencing c o n s t r u c t Lon; and
b) during c o n s t r u c t i o n whenever the physical p r o p e r t i e s of the m a t e r i a l s being exposed in borrow p i t s
or obtained from commerctal sources d i f f e r appreciably from the p r o p e r t i e s of t h e m a t e r i a l s previously
approved.
3.5.2 S e l e c t i o n f o r Mechanical Modification. Where n a t u r a l m a t e r i a l s t h a t comply with t h e relevant require-
ments of 3.2.1 or 3.2.2 a r e not o b t a i n a b l e w i t h i n economical haul d i s t a n c e s , t h e Engineer may r e q u i r e
t h a t two or more m a t e r i a l s from differenL sources be subjected t o mechanical modification.

4. PLANT
4.1 GENERAL. 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. The requirements of Subclause 4.3 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply.

4.4 STABILIZATlON. A s an a l t e r n a t i v e t o g r a d e r s , d i s c harrows or r o t a r y mixers may be used f o r s t a b i l i z a -

t i o n . The Engineer may. iF he is s a t i s f i e d with the r e s u l t s obtained from the use of such machines,
allow the u s e of “one-pass” s t a b i l i z i n g machines t h a t are capable of applying the s t a b i l i z i n g agent and
water in the required metered amounts.

5. CONSTRUCTLON
5.1 PRECAUTlONS. The r e l e v a n t requirements of Subclause 5.1 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply.

5.2 EXCAVATlON
5.2.1 Cuts. Where subhase material is obtained from designated c u t s , t h e r e l e v a n t requirements of Subciause
72’2 of SABS 1200 DM s i i a l l apply.
5.2.2 Borrow P i t s . Where subbase material 1s excavated from borrow p i t s e s t a b l i s h e d by t h e Contractor, t h e
requirements of Subclause 5.2.2.2 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l apply.
5.2.3 Overburden. Where overburden has t o be excavated in order t o o b t a i n s u i t a b l e material. t h e Contractor
shall advise the Engineer in good time of the e x t e n t oE the a r e a of overburden he proposes t o remove,
so t h a t an agreement can he reached on the q u a n t i t y of overburden t h a t is required t o be removed. No
excavation a t the p a r t i c u l a r borrow area s h a l l be commenced before such an agreement has been signed by
t h e Engineer and the Contractor. Overburden s h a l l b e removed and s t o c k p i l e d s e p a r a t e l y from any
topsoil. On completion of operations a t a borrow area the overburden s h a l l be spread back over the
a r e a excavated.
 7 SABS 1200 HE-1981
Subbase

5.3 YROCESSLNG. Where required i n terms of t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n or where ordered, material s h a l l be

processed by one or more of the following methods:
a ) Screenln . Before belng placed on t h e road the m t e r l a l s h a l l be passed through a screening plant.
with scree!: of the required a p e r t u r e ( s e e 3.2.1(a) and (b) and 3.2.2(b)). t o remove the o v e r s l z e
f r a c t i o n , u n s u i t a b l e or excess f i n e s , or both. The screened-out material s h a l l b e removed t o a S i t e a s
d i r e c t e d and graded, but not compacted.
b) Heavy g r i d r o l l i n
following procedure :hall
. Material placed on the road s h a l l be subjected t o heavy g r i d r o l l i n g . The
be deemed t o c o n s t i t u t e heavy g r i d r o l l i n g :
1 ) The material s h a l l be evenly spread over t h e f u l l width of t h e road.
2) Rolling s h a l l be so c a r r i e d out with a g r i d r o l l e r of mass a t l e a s t 13 t and t r a v e l l i n g a t a speed
of a t least 12 km/h, t h a t every portion of the l a y e r 1s covered hy four passes of the r o l l e r .
3) The material s h a l l be windrowed t o one s i d e of the road, s h a l l be checked f o r o v e r s i z e material. and
t h e o v e r s i z e material s h a l l be removed. The m a t e r i a l s h a l l then be respread and again g r i d r o l l e d as
i n (2) above. T h i s process s h a l l be repeated u n t i l a l l o v e r s i z e material i s broken down or removed.
c ) Mechanical modification (See 3.5.2). Materials from d i f f e r e n t sources s h a l l be thoroughly mixed
together on the road by means of motor graders, d i s c harrows, ploughs, r o t a r y mixers. o r s i m i l a r means,
by working over the f u l l width and depth of t h e l a y e r to o b t a i n a uniform mixture.
d) S t a b i l i z a t i o n . The procedure given i n 5.5 s h a l l be applied.

5.4 PLACING AND COMPACTLON

5.4.1 Placing. Before t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of the subbase o r g r a v e l wearlng course, a s a p p l i c a b l e , is commenced,
t h e Contractor s h a l l e n s u r e t h a t the underlaying subgrade and s e l e c t e d l a y e r , i f any. comply with the
r e l e v a n t requirements of SABS 1200 DM.
The m a t e r i a l s h a l l be dumped on the road and then spread by means of motor graders over t h e f u l l width
of t h e l a y e r shown on the drawings and t o such depth t h a t a f t e r compaction t h e thickness of the l a y e r
complies with t h e requirements of the p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n and the s u r f a c e of t h e l a y e r i s t r u e t o
e l e v a t i o n , grade, and cross-section.
5.4.2 Spreading. The material s h a l l be spread away from t h e a r e a on which i t h a s been dumped i n such a
manner as t o minimize s e g r e g a t i o n of t h e various s i z e s of aggregate i n t h e material.
I f processing in terms of 5.3 is ordered, material t h a t is o v e r s l z e i n terms of the requirements f o r
s i z e of 3.2.1 and t h a t remains a f t e r processing or spreading o r both s h a l l be handknapped or bladed off
t h e road, or removed t o a s i t e a s d i r e c t e d and graded, but not compacted.
5.4.3 Watering. Where necessary, i n order t o increase the moisture content of t h e material t o t h e optlmum
value f o r t h e compaction equipment employed and t h e d e n s i t y required, not more than t h e r e q u i s i t e
q u a n t i t y of water s h a l l he added uniformly over t h e a r e a t o he compacted. The water s h a l l be thorough-
l y mixed i n t o the material u n t t l a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
5.4.4 Compaction
5.4.4.1 Material t h a t is too w e t s h a l l be allowed t o dry out t o t h e c o r r e c t moLsture content before compaction
proceeds.
Compaction s h a l l be c a r r i e d out i n contlnuous o p e r a t i o n s over the f u l l width and length of t h e area
being compacted u n t l l 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 h a s been achieved. During compaction t h e
required shape and cross-section s h a l l be maintained, and a l l holes. r u t s . and depressions s h a l l be
corrected by frequent blading with a motor grader. The top of the compacted l a y e r s h a l l p r e s e n t a hard
uniform compacted appearance.
Any weak s p o t s t h a t become apparent during compaction s h a l l be c u t out and repaired with sound material
a t t h e Contractor's expense.
5.4.4.2 The subbase s h a l l be compacted t o a d e n s i t y of a t l e a s t 95 4 of modified AASHTO maximum d e n s i t y , or. i n
t h e case of sand ( s e e suhclause 2.2 of SARS 1200 M). t o a t least 100 X of modified AASHTO maximum
d e n s i t y , and gravel shoulders and any g r a v e l wearing course s h a l l be compacted t o a d e n s i t y of a t least
93 Z of modified AASIITO maximum density.

5.5 STABILIZATION
5.5.1 Rate of Application. The r a t e of a p p l i c a t i o n of the s t a b i l i z i n g agent s h a l l be as s t a t e d i n 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 a s ordered.
5.5.2 Preparation of Layer. The material t o he s t a b i l i z e d s h a l l be spread as s p e c i f i e d i n 5.4.2. The l a y e r
s h a l l be shaped t r u e t o designated l i n e s , grades, and cross-sections.
5.5.3 Application of S t a b i l i z i n g Agent. The s t a b i l i z i n g agent s h a l l he uniformly spread over the f u l l width
of the prepared l a y e r a t the s p e c i f i e d rate of a p p l i c a t i o n ( s e e 5.5.1). Where hand spreading is used.
t h e s t a b i l i z i n g agent s h a l l be spread from s y s t e m a t i c a l l y arranged pockets or bags of s t a b i l i z i n g
agent.
5.5.4 Mixing-In of S t a h i l i z i n g Agent, Watering, and Compaction
5.5.4.1 lmnediately a f t e r the s t a b i l i z i n g agent h a s been a p p l i e d , i t s h a l l he mixed with t h e material t o be
s t a b i l i z e d , f o r t h e f u l l depth of Lreaiment. C a r e - s h a l l be exerclsed t o avoid d i s t u r b i n g t h e
compacted l a y e r underneath and t o avoid mixing the s t a b i l i z i n g agent below t h e desired depth. Mixing
s h a l l be continued f o r as long as and repeated as o f t e n a s may be required 10 ensure a thorough,
uniform, and i n t i m a t e mix of the m a t e r i a l t o be s t a b i l i z e d and t h e s t a b i l i z i n g agent over the f u l l
width and t o t h e required depth CO be t r e a t e d . The r e s u l t i n g mixture s h a l l be homogeneous.
5.5.4.2 Immediately a f t e r the s t a h t l i z i n g agent h a s been properly mixed in. t h e moisture content of t h e mixture
s h a l l be determined and. tf necessary, water s h a l l he added as s p e c i f i e d i n 5.4.3. The material s h a l l
t h e n b e compacted a s s p e c i f i e d in 5.4.4 and the s t a b i l i z a t l o n process s h a l l be completed w i t h i n t h e
a p p l i c a b l e period s p e c i f i e d in W h l e 1.
5.5.4.3 During compaction t h e layer s h a l l b e continuously bladed by means of a motor grader and t h e loss of
moisture through evaporation s h a l l he corrected hy f u r t h e r l i g h t a p p l i c a t i o n s of water.
Each a p p l i c a t i o n of water s h a l l be incorporated i n t o t h e mixture so as t o avoid a concentration of
water near t h e s u r f a c e and t o prevent water from flowing over the s u r f a c e of t h e layer.
5.5.4.4 Any p o r t i o n of the work t h a t becomes s a t u r a t e d with water a f t e r t h e s t a b i l i z i n g agent has been added
and b e f o r e t h e mixture h a s been compacted s h a l l be r e j e c t e d . Such p o r t i o n s h a l l be allowed t o dry out
t o w i t h i n the t o l e r a n c e s p e c i f i e d i n Subclause 6.2 of SABS 1200 D. and s h a l l then be s c a r i f i e d ,
r e s t a b i l i z e d , recompacted, and again f l n i s h e d o f f a s s p e c i f i e d i n 5.5.2, 5.5.3. and 5.5.4.1
a t t h e Contractor's expense.
- 5.5.4.3.
SARS 1200 ME-1981 a
Subbase

5.5.5 F i n i s h i n g at .Tuncltons. Any f i n i s h e d p o r l l o n of t h e s t a b i l i z e d l a y e r t h a t is a d j a c e n t t o new work and

t h a t is used f o r the movement of equipment employed i n c o n s t r u c t i n g t h e a d j o i n i n g s e c t i o n . s h a l l be
provided w i t h a protecLLve c o v e r or s o i l o r g r a v e l of thickness a t least 100 mm a p p l i e d o v e r ail area
l a r g e enough t o p r e v e n t damage to work a l r e a d y completed. A t t h e t i m e of g r a d i n g and co mp act i n g of t h e
s a i d a d j o i n i n g s e c t t o n , t h e p r o t e c l l v e c o v e r s h a l l be removed and a smooth j o l n t s h a l l b e made a t t h e
j u n c t i o n of t h e d iFEer en t s e c t i o n s .
Materlal i n the v i c l n i l y of the j o i n t t h a t can n o t h e p r o cessed s a t i s f a c t o r i l y w i t h normal c o n s t r u c t t o n
equipment s h a l l be mixed and compacted by hand or w i t h s u i t a b l e hand-operated machines.
5.5.6 Curing. Except d u r i n g w e t weath er . s L a b i l i z e d work s h a l l b e p r o t e c t e d a g a i n s t r a p i d d r y i n g out d u r i n g
t h e f i r s t 7 d a f t e r co m p letlo n . or u i i t i l the m a t e r i a l f o r t h e n ex t l a y e r is s p r e a d . by k eep l n g l t
c o n t i n u o u s l y damp by s p r a y i n g w t t h water a t i n t e r v a l s of 2 h between 1 h a f t e r s u n r i s e and 1 h b e f o r e
s u n s e t . The material for t h e n e x t l a y e r s h a l l b e dumped and s p r e a d n o t e a r l i e r t h a n t h e 4 t h d a y a f t e r
compaction.
5.5.7 C o n s t r u c t l o n L i m i t a t i o n s . The s t a b i l i z i n g a g e n t s h a l l b e a p p l i e d o n l y to an area of s i z e s u c h t h a t a l l
p r o c e s s i n g , w a t e r i n g . compacting, and f i n i s h i n g can h e completed w i t h i n t h e a p p l i c a b l e p e r i o d g i v e n i n
T a b l e 1.

TABLE 1 - STABILlZATlON COMPLETlON TlME

2

Maximum L i m e f o r co mp l et i o n a f t e r s t a b i l i z i n g a g e n t
S t a b i l i z i n g agent
comes i n t o c o n t a c t w i t h material t o b e s t a b i l i z e d , h

P o r t l a n d cement
PBFC 10
Cement / s l a g
Cement/f l y ,ash
Lime/s l a g
L im e /fly a s h

Lime I ha

No s t a b i l i z i n g a g e n t s h a l l be a p p l i e d when t h e m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t OF t h e material t o b e s t a b i l i z e d i s
more tha n 2 4 above t h e OMC f o r t h e compaction equipment t h a t t h e C o n t r a c t o r p r o p o ses t o use.
No s t a b i l i z a t i o n s h a l l b e done d u r i n g w e t w eat h er o r when, i n t h e o p i n i o n of t h e En g i n eer . t h e wind
s t r e n g t h may a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t t h e s t a b i l i z i n g o p e r a t i o n . Any r a i n f a l l i n g on t h e working area d u r i n g
t h e p r o c e s s of s t a b i l i z a t i o n may b e s u f f i c i e n t c a u s e f o r t h e En g i n eer to o r d e r s u c h a r e a s as are
a f f e c t e d to b e r e c o n s t r u c t e d a t t h e C o n t r a c t o r ' s expense.
Should a l i m e - s t a b i l i z e d l a y e r not, a t t a i n t h e s p e c i f i e d d e n s i t y . i t may b e recompacted w i t h i n t h e 48 h
p e r m i t t e d i n terms of T a b l e 1.
NOTE: No trafEic o r equipment n o t a c t u a l l y used i n t h e p r o c e s s i n g of t h e l a y e r s h a l l be al l o w ed to
p a s s ove r t h e f r e s h l y s p r e a d s t a b i l i z i n g a g e n t . Only equipment r e q u i r e d f o r c u r i n g o r p r i mi n g s h a l l be
allowed o v e r t h e t r e a t e d l a y e r s d u r i n g t h e s p e c i f i e d c u r i n g p e r i o d .

5.6 PROTECTlON AND MAlNTENANCE. The C o n t r a c t o r s h a l l p r o t e c t and m a i n t a i n t h e completed su b b ase and s h a l l

immediately r e p a i r any damage and r e c t i f y an y d e f e c t s t h a t o ccu r . R e p a i r s s h a l l b e c a r r i e d o u t as
o f t e n as is n e c e s s a r y t o keep t h e su b b ase c o n t i n u o u s l y i n t a c t . R ep ai r s s h a l l b e so made t h a t a n ev e n
and uniform s u r f a c e is en su r ed .

5.7 TRANSPORT
5.7.1 F re e ha ul. The f r e e h a u l d t s t a n c e s h a l l be 2 km.
5.7.2 Overhaul. The r e l e v a n l p r o v i s i o n s OF Sub cl au se 5.2.5.2 of SABS 1200 D s h a l l a p p l y t o d i s t a n c e s t h a t
exceed 2 km.

6. TOLERANCES
6.1 DIMENSIONS, LEVELS, ETC.
6.1.1 G e ne ra l. S u b j e c t t o t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s of Su b cl au ses 6 .2 and 6.3 of SABS 1200 El t h e d i men si o n s, levels,
etc. s h a l l comply w i t h 6.1.2-6.1.6.
6.1.2 Grade. The f i n i s h e d s u r f a c e s h a l l nowhere b e above o r more t h a n 50 mm below t h e d e s i g n a t e d g r a d e .
6.1.3 Width. The w i d t h s h a l l nowhere b e less than t h e d e s i g n a t e d w l d t h .
6.1.4 Thickness. The a v e r a g e t h i c k n e s s i n any l e n g t h of r o ad , d et er mi n ed from l e v e l s t a k e n b e f o r e and a f t e r
c o n s t r u c t i o n o r from t e s t h o l e s , s h a l l be a t l e a s t t h e s p e c i f i e d t h i c k n e s s and i n no p l a c e s h a l l t h e
a c t u a l t h i c k n e s s be more t h a n 10 mm less t h a n t h e s p e c i E i e d t h i c k n e s s .
6.1.5 Cross-Section
6.1.5.1 S u b j e c t t o t h e p r o v i s i o n s of 6.1.5.2. a t any c r o s s - s e c t i o n t h e a c t u a l d i f f e r e n c e i n l e v e l between any
t w o p o i n t s s h a l l n o t v ar y by more th an 25 mm from the d i f f e r e n c e i n l e v e l computed € o r t h o s e p o t n t s
from t h e c r o s s - s e c t i o n s shown on t h e drawings.
6.1.5.2 Where a n a s p h a l t b a s e o r c o n c r e t e pavement is t o b e c o n s t r u c t e d , t h e v a r i a t i o n r e f e r r e d t o i n 6.1.5.1
s h a l l n o t exceed 10 mm.
6.1.6 Smoothness ( a p p l i c a h l e t o g r a v e l wear in g c o u r s e and g r a v e l s h o u l d e r s ) . When a s t r a i g h t - e d g e of l e n g t h
3 m is 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 w i t h t h e c e n t r e l i n e of the road, t h e d i s t a n c e between t h e
s u r f a c e and t h e s t r a i g h t - e d g e s h a l l b e nowhere g r e a t e r than 15 mm.

6.2 MOISTURE CONTENT AND DENSITY. The p r o v i s i o n s of Su b cl au se 6.2 oE of SARS 1200 D s h a l l ap p l y .

6.3 STABILIZATlON. See 7.3.2 and 7.3.3.

 9 SABS 1200 ME-1981
Subbase

7.
7.1

7.2
7.2.1

1 2 3

T e s t i n g Frequency

S i z e OE a r e a
Test t o which one Number of tests
test is applied. p e r loL, min.
max .
Density * 1 500 m2 4
I n d i c a t o r Lest ( i . e . grading a n a l y s i s and
Atterberg l i m i t s ) 1 500 m2 2
CHR (excluding cement-stahllized m a t e r i a l s ) 5 000 m2 -
UCS (cement-stabilized m a t e r i a l s ) 5 000 m2 -

7.2.2

1 2 3 4

Specified d e n s i t y Numher of Minimum Minimum d e n s i t y

( X of modified tests p e r average f o r any s i n g l e
AASHTO maximum d e n s i t y ) lot density, Z test, X

93 3 and 4 93.7 89.4

5 93.9 89.1
6 94,O 88.9

95 u n s t a b i l i z e d 3 and 4 95.7 91.9

5 95.9 91.6
6 96.0 91.4

95 s t a b i l i z e d 3 and 4 95.7 91.0

5 95.9 90.8
6 96.0 90.6

7.3
7.3.1 T e s t i n g f o r Q u a l i t y of M a t e r i a l and Rate of Application of S t a h i l i z i n g Agent. Where t h e m a t e r i a l t o be
s t a b i l i z e d is not from a designated s o u r c e and t h e p r o p o r t i o n of s t a b i l i z i n g agent is n o t s p e c i f i e d by
t h e Engineer, t h e Contractor s h a l l , a t least 4 weeks h e f o r e commencing t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of any
s t a b i l i z e d l a y e r , suhmft t o t h e Engineer r e p r e s e n t a t i v e samples of t h e material h e proposes t o use in
t h e mix. t o enable t h e Engineer to test-check t h e materials f o r q u a l i t y and. i f he c o n s i d e r s i t
necessary, t o s p e c i f y t h e q u a n t i t y of s t a b i l i z i n g agent t o be added.
7.3.2 Acceptance Control of S t a b i l i z e r . For t h e purpose of acceptance c o n t r o l t h e q u a n t i t y of s t a b i l i z i n g
agent in a l a y e r w i l l . a t t h e d i s c r e t i o n of t h e Engineer. be determined by d i r e c t measurement o r by

7.3.3
count ing .
S t r e n g t h T e s t s f o r S t a b i l i z e d Material. The Contractor s h a l l c a r r y out tests on t h e s t a b i l i z e d
m a t e r f a l a t t h e frequency s p e c i f i e d in 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 and check t h a t t h e material complies with
3.2.1(d)(2) and (e).

8. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

8.1 BASIC PRINCIPLES. The b a s i c p r i n c i p l e s o€ measurement and payment s h a l l be
a ) t h a t t h e r a t e s tendered cover t h e c o s t of l o c a t i n g s o u r c e s of supply of t h e material ( i f such
s o u r c e s a r e not designated);
b) t h a t t h e p r o v i s i o n of m a t e r i a l w i l l be paid f o r once o n l y (where s u i t a b l e m a t e r i a l is a v a i l a b l e from
designated excavations, payment f o r t h e p r o v i s i o n of such m a t e r i a l , d e l i v e r e d t o s t o c k p i l e s , w i l l be
made in terms of Subclause 8.3.7 of SABS 1200 DM and payment f o r u p l i f t i n g t h e material and subsequent
o p e r a t i o n s t o complete c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e l a y e r w i l l be made i n terms of 8.3.2(b));
c) t h a t except as provided f o r in (d) below, t h e f r e e h a u l w i l l be 2.0 km; and
d ) t h a t in t h e case of m a t e r i a l from a commercial source or a designated borrow a r e a , no a d d i t i o n a l
payment w i l l be made f o r t h e class of excavation, method of processing, o r overhaul u n l e s s otherwise
s p e c i f i e d in t h e p r o j e c t s p e c i f i c a t i o n .
sAns 1200 ~ ~ - 1 9 8 1 10
Subbase

8.2 COMPUTATION OF (pJANTLTlES. Measurements w i l l be t o finished shapes, s e c t i o n s . and p r o f i l e s as shown on

the drawings or as ordered, and no m a t e r i a l o u t s i d e the s p e c i f i e d l i n e s and l e v e l s w i l l be included i n
the measurement unless such e x t r a material h a s been placed and compacted on t h e w r i t t e n i n s t r u c t i o n s of
the Engineer.
8.3 SCHEDULED r r m
8.3.1 Construct Lhe suhbase course/shoulders/gravel wearing course w i t h m a t e r i a l excavated i n a 1 1 materials
from borrow p i t s (See Drawing D-1 of SABS 1200 D) ......................................... Unit: m3
The rate s h a l l cover Lhe c o s t of locating t h e m a t e r i a l . complying with a l l precautions required i n
t e n s oE 5.1, opening u p , o p e r a t i n g . and r e h a b i l i t a t i n g the horrow p l l s (with the exceplion of d e a l i n g
with overhurden), 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
nradinn. complyinn with t h e Lolerances. and t e s t i n g .
8.3.2 Cons1r;ct thk subhase course/shoulders/gravel wearing course with m a t e r i a l from designated excavations
(See Drawing D-1 of SARS 1200 D)
a ) Excavate in a l l materials from designated excavations, select and s t o c k p i l e or p l a c e on the road f o r
the subbase coursr/shoulders/gravel wearing course ......................................... Unit: m3
b) Construct the suhhase course/shoulders/gravel wearing course with material from the s t o c k p i l e under
(a) ........................................................................................ u n i t : m3
c ) Construct the subhase course/sboulders/gravel wearing course with m a t e r i a l placed on the road under
(a) ........................................................................................ u n i t : m3
The rate For (a) s h a l l he i n terms of Subclause 8.3.7 of SABS 1200 DM.
The r a t e f o r (b) s h a l l cover the 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 with the tolerances. and t e s t i n g .
The rate for ( c ) s h a l l cover the c o s t of 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 .
8.3.3 Construct the suhhase course/shoulders/gravel wearing course with m a t e r i a l from commercial sources
or designated horrow a r e a s ................................................................ Unit: m3
The rate s h a l l cover the c o s t of l o c a t i n g t h e source, complying with a l l t h e r e l e v a n t precautions
required i n terms of 5.1, procuring the 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 the road, spreading. watering, compacting. f i n a l grading. complying w i t h the t o l e r a n c e s ,
and t e s t i n g .
8.3.4 Extra over i t e m 8.3.1 f o r class of excavation
a ) Intermediate excavatlon ................................................................. Unit: m3
h) Hard rock excavation ................................................................... .Unit: m3
Each r a t e s h a l l cover the a d d l 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 suhbase m a t e r i a l by t h e following processes, as r e l e v a n t , and use in the suhhase
a) Screening .............................................................................. .Unit : m3
......................................................................
b) Heavy g r i d r o l l i n g Unit: m3
c ) Mechanical modification ............................................................... ..Unit: m3
...........................................................................
d) S t a b i l i z a t i o n Unit: m3
I n t h e case of mechanical modLEication no allowance w i l l be made i n measurement f o r any reduction i n
volume of the combined mixture over t h a t of the i n d i v i d u a l m a t e r t a l s compacted t o the s p e c i f i e d
density.
Each r a t e s h a l l cover the c o s t s of processing the m a t e r i a l i n accordance with the relevant s p e c i f i e d ,
ordered, or agreed method. I n the case of s t a b i l i z a t t o n t h e r a t e s h a l l not cover the supply of t h e
s t a b i l i z i n g agent. (See 8 . 3 . 8 . )
8.3.6 Screening p l a n t ( p r o v i s i o n a l item)
a ) Provide, erect, and commission on S i t e ................................................... Unit: Sum
b) Dismantle, remove From S i t e . and c l e a n up S i t e ........................................... Unit: Sum
c ) Move screening p l a n t on S i t e Erom one l o c a t i o n t o another and c l e a n up S i t e .............. Unit: No.
Measurement under ( a ) , (b). and (c) w i l l only he made f o r a screening p l a n t provided or moved on t h e
w r i t t e n order of the Engineer. Existing screening p l a n t s or screening p l a n t s measured and paid under
any i t e m f o r another p o r t i o n of the Works w i l l not be remeasured under ( a ) , ( b ) , or ( c ) .
The rates s h a l l cover the c o s t of the provision. e r e c t i o n , and commissioning of a screening p l a n t on
Site, dismantling and removing the p l a n t from the S i t e and cleaning up t h e a r e a of t h e S i t e . and
dismantling. s h i f t i n g , and re-erecting (or s h i f t i n g by o t h e r means) and cleaning up t h e a r e a p r e v i o u s l y
occupied.
8.3.7 Screened-out m a t e r i a l not usc~cl i n t h e subbase
a) Screened-out o v e r s i z e
b) Screened-out f i n e s
....................................................................
...................................................................... u n i t : 103
Unit: m3
c) Screened-out o v e r s i z e and ELnes ........................................................ ..Unit: m3
Measurement w i l l he made i n t h e s t o c k p i l e or i n t r u c k s i n terms of Subclause 8.2.2 of SARS 1200 D.
The rate s h a l l cover the c o s t of excavating and disposing of the screened-out maLerial w i t h i n t h e
freehaul d i s t a n c e of 2 kin.
8.3.8 S t a h i l i z ing agent
a) Road l i m e ................................................................................ Unit: t
b) Portland cement .......................................................................... Unit: t
.............................................................
c) Portland h l a s t f u r n a c e cement Unit: t
.................................................................
d) Milled h l a s l f u r n a c e s l a g Unit: t
e ) Granulated unslaked l i m e ................................................................. Unit: t
f ) Fly ash .................................................................................. Unit: t
Measurement w t l l be based on the q u a n t t t y ordered by the Engineer, or a c t u a i l y incorporated w i t h i n t h e
l a y e r concerned, whichever is the lesser.
When mixtures of s l a g and cement o r lime are u s e d , t h e q u a n t i t y of each c o n s t i t u e n t w i l l be measured
s e p a r a t e l y and not the mixture as a whole.
The rates s h a l l cover t h e c o s t of providing t h e s t a b i l i z i n g agent within t h e Works i r r e s p e c t i v e of t h e
rate of a p p l i c a t i o n s p e c i f i e d o r ordered and s h a l l allow f o r the v a r i a t i o n s i n mixing and compaction
times of the various s t a b i i i z i n g agents. The rate f o r m i l l e d b l a s t f u r n a c e s l a g o r f l y ash s h a l l cover
the work of any prernixing of s t a b i l i z i n g agents i f any mixtures of t h i s and o t h e r s t a b i l i z i n g a g e n t s
a r e s p e c i f i e d o r ordered.
 11 SABS 1200 ME-1981
Subbase

8.3.9 Overhaul (haul exceeding 2 km) ( p r o v i s i o n a l ) ............................................... Unit: d . k m

Volumes w i l l be computed from t h e designated dimensions. No aliowance w i l l be made €or bulking.
Distances w i l l he measured t o t h e n e a r e s t 0.1 km from t h e end of the 2 km f r e e h a u l , in one d i r e c t i o n
only. by t h e s h o r t e s t p r a c t i c a b l e route.
The r a t e s h a l l cover t h e c o s t oE t r a n s p o r t i n g t h e m a t e r i a l f o r t h e overhaul d i s t a n c e .
8.3.10 Overburden .................................................................................. Unit: m3
Measurement of overburden w i l l be by volume a s measured fn place by t h e method of average end a r e a s .
The q u a n t i t y w l l l be c a l c u l a t e d e i t h e r from t h e area and depth of material measured by means of t r i a l
holes spaced a t i n t e r v a l s of 10 m o r by surveying b e f o r e and a f t e r i t s removal. The r a t e s h a l l cover
the c o s t of digging t r i a l p i t s . removing overburden t o s t o c k p i l e . and spreading t h e overburden evenly
over t h e f l o o r of the borrow p i t .
 PRECAST KERB AND EXTRUDED OR C A S T IN SlTU
CHANNEL KERB AND CHANNEL
/ GRAVEL SIDEWALK
SURFACING

a ) Urban construction

SHOULDER - CARRIAGEWAY/ TRAVELLED WAY -

SURFACING

I GRAVEL WEARING COURSE

c) Gravel surfaced suburban or

stage construction for (a 1

Drawing ME-I - Basic Types of Construction

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Drawing ME - 2 Map showing
Regional Factors(RF1 for Road Design
SABS 1200 ME-1981 14
Subbase

Al’I’I!NI)IX A. APPLLCABLI! STANDARDS

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

SABS 471 Portland cement and rapld-hardening p o r t l a n d cement

SABS 626 Portland blastfurllace cement
SABS a24 Lime f o r soil s t a b t l i z a t i o n
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 t o n : General (small 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 clearance
SABS 1200 D 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 1 engineering c o n s t r u c t lon : Earthworks (roads, subgrade)
SABS 1200 M C i v i l engineering c o n s t r u c t i o n : Roads (general)
TMHl Standard methods of testing road c o n s t r u c t i o n m a t e r i a l s

ISBN 0-626-05948.8