Restoration of Monsoon damaged Roads

by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA)

Notes of Prof. Prithvi Singh Kandhal on the Meeting with
Shri S.K. Pancholy, Director of Engineering, JDA and His Staff
on 22 October, 2010

Prof. Prithvi Singh Kandhal met with Shri S.K. Pancholy, Director of
Engineering JDA, Shri B.D. Sharma, Superintending Engineer, JDA and
other engineers of the JDA on 22 October 2010. The following topics
were discussed:

1. Successful Production and Performance of the Idiot Proof,

Effective and Cheap Road Pothole Patching Mix
As desired by Shri Sudhanshu Pant, Commissioner, JDA, about 5
tons of the subject mix were produced under the voluntary
supervision of Prof. Kandhal for trial on Jaipur roads. Several
potholes were made wet (to simulate rainy weather) and filled with
this mix on Tonk road (near Narain Singh Circle), Abhimanyu Marg,
and other locations under the supervision of Prof. Kandhal. These
patches are performing extremely well under traffic. Additional 5
tons of this mix will be made during the first week of November.

JDA engineers were asked by Shri B.D. Sharma, S.E. to fill potholes
in their zones on roads which are not planned for resurfacing at
least for one year so that the performance of the patches can be
monitored. Locations of the patches made with mix should be
documented and photographs taken.

Since this generic patching mix has been very successful; it can be
made by any contractor in Jaipur; and its cost is about 1/5 of the
patented Shellmac material currently used by the JDA, it was
decided to make it a BSR item so that tenders can be invited to
produce this mix next year prior to monsoon. This mix has a storage
life of at least 6 months. Expensive, patented products should not
be used next year. Shri Ajay Garg, EE, would ensure that this
generic patching mix is made a BSR item; he already has access to
its specification which must be followed by the supplier.
2. Roadmap for Restoration of Roads in Jaipur
Roadmap for restoration of damaged roads in Jaipur was sent by
Prof. Kandhal on 5 September 2010 to Shri Pant, JDC and Director
of Engineering, JDA. However, it was pointed out to Shri Pancholy
and his staff that it is not being followed entirely in the tenders
invited so far. For example, BC Grading 1 should have been
specified as a binder course in lieu of DBM under BC Grading 2,
wherever two bituminous courses are needed to restore proper
camber or slope for drainage or for extra strengthening of roads.
Shri B.D. Sharma assured this will be followed in future tenders.

3. Quality Control of Bituminous Concrete (BC) Mixes

Prof. Kandhal had read in a local newspaper that JDA will depute an
AEN (in lieu of JEN) at each hot mix asphalt plant for quality control.
Prof. Kandhal asked Shri Pancholy as to how it can be done when
the contractors do not have the necessary testing equipment (such
as bitumen content testing apparatus) and do not conduct this test
on a daily basis. Prof. Kandhal’s observations were based on his visit
to three asphalt plants as a volunteer citizen of Jaipur. As per
contract, it is the responsibility of the contractor to determine the
bitumen content and gradation of the stone used at least twice
daily. In absence of proper equipment even if the JDA deputes an
Executive Engineer at each plant, the quality control cannot be done
at all. Although the JDA engineers said they would look into it, Prof.
Kandhal did not see any enthusiasm or will in the meeting on this
aspect of quality control. Under such circumstances even the new
BC Grading 1 and 2 mixes will not have the desired durability. JDA
engineers should be asked to go personally on a regular basis and
check all asphalt plants and report to Shri Pant because this matter
is of serious concern.
4. Addition of Hydrated Lime to All Asphalt Mixes in Jaipur
When Prof. Kandhal met with Shri Pant and JDA engineers on 13
August 2010 it was decided that 2% hydrated lime would be added
to every ton of asphalt mix produced in Jaipur. This is absolutely
necessary because the locally available quartzite stone is not
compatible with bitumen and the latter peels off (strips off) the
stone surface in presence of water. Lime acts as an antistrip agent.
This was also reiterated in the JDA Workshop conducted by Prof.
Kandhal on 23 August 2010. When Prof. Kandhal visited some
asphalt plants recently, he did not find lime being used. JDA
engineers should visit the plants unannounced and ensure that lime
is added to every ton of hot mix.

5. Recycling of Roads and Streets in Jaipur

Prof. Kandhal read in a local newspaper that JDA is considering
milling and recycling of asphalt roads in Jaipur so that we do not
keep piling layer after layer on our roads thus raising them. It was
mentioned in the newspaper that JDA would seek assistance from
the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI). Prof. Kandhal
mentioned to Shri Pancholy that he had prepared a manual for
recycling and conducted training in recycling for highway engineers
of all 50 states of the US. He offered his technical assistance to JDA
on a voluntary basis as is the case right now, if needed by them.

Submitted by:
Prof. Prithvi Singh Kandhal
Associate Director Emeritus
National Center for Asphalt Technology
Auburn University, Alabama USA
(Currently in Jaipur)
29 October 2010