Step Three: What If?
PREPARING FOR SETBACKS
Many setbacks can occur during paving. Some of them are unexpected, but most are common occurrences that can become major issues if there is no plan in place to deal with them. The goal of this step is to initiate conversation in which the participants use judgment, communication, and teamwork to make decisions that keep the project on track and avoid costly missteps.
POTENTIAL SETBACKS AND POTENTIAL RESPONSES
Issue:
Rain event during placement
Question:
Do we wait it out and continue to pave?
Suggestion:
The area in question is marked and identified as an isolated area. Rely on QA test results as to whether the material is acceptable or not.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Equipment breaks down
Question:
Do we wait it out for new equipment to show up or repair existing equipment?
Suggestion:
The area in question is marked and identified. Rely on QA test results as to whether the material is acceptable or not. If break downs are reoccurring, have standby equipment available on site.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Issues causing trucking delays
Question:
What if the delay between trucks is greater than: minutes? ________ temperature? ________
Suggestion:
Move the paver away from the mat. Clean out and proceed with a new transverse joint when the trucking issue is resolved.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
An unexpected event leading to road user cost
Question:
What if an accident or other issues not caused by the contractor cause a delay in getting off the roadway in time?
Suggestion:
Each event should be addressed individually. The main objective is to provide the traveling public the least inconvenience and safest travel. Address lane drop-offs and transitions.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Trucking issues
Question:
What if the load is overweight?
Suggestion:
There is no payment for material over the accepted weight limit.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Trucking issues
Question:
What if the truck is not equipped with adequate tarping?
Suggestion:
Utilize the load in question if the temperature is acceptable and make aware of the need for the correct tarp.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Trucking issues
Question:
What if loads are dumped out of order?
Suggestion:
Utilize the load and make aware of the need for the correct order to verify tonnage.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Load issues
Question:
What if the load is hot, cold, contaminated, or has uncoated aggregate?
Suggestion:
Utilize QA testing as much as possible to prove or disprove material acceptability. Nobody wants to throw the material away. Discuss if there is another use for the material (driveways, detours, backfill edges, etc.).
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.
Issue:
Driving equipment on the new roadway
Question:
What if the new pavement gets scarred/marred?
Suggestion:
During the Pre-Pave Meeting, it is discussed how the equipment will be moved and parked along with the project site, including crew trucks and personnel workers’ vehicles. Hauling track machines and/or rollers may be required to and from the worksite.
Plan of Action:
Discuss possible actions.