ST9801-CS000602 (3)COPPELL, TEXAS 75019
P.O. Box 478
Coppell, Texas 75019
972-462-0022
June 2, 2000
Robert Weber
Ed Bell Construction Co.
10605 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75220
RE: Coppell Road Reconstruction (ST 98-01)
Dear Mr. Weber:
During the Coppell Road Reconstruction progress meeting held May 25, 2000, recent
paving operations were discussed. Specifically, the City expressed concern about several aspects
of the pavement:
· Honeycombing in the pavement section visible in the edges of the slab
· Variations in the longitudinal alignment of the pavement slab, particularly evident along the
east curbline
· Variations in the depth of the pavement, evident along the edges of the slab and in the cores
taken throughout the slab
· Pitting and non-uniform roughness in the surface finish of the slab
· Failure to form a uniform keyway in the longitudinal joint
During subsequent conversations, concerns over hairline cracking in the slab and the accuracy of
the horizontal alignment near station 44+50 have been expressed.
As a result of these discussions, Ed Bell Construction has agreed to remove a portion of
the slab that represents 75' to 100' of half-width slab (note that the City has not committed to the
limits ofrernoval). Ed Bell is also proposing to remove 2"-3" of the pavement edge and construct
a longitudinal butt joint with epoxied dowels. Two different details were provided as evidence
that this detail is used in other cities.
The City has several concerns about proposed pavement alteration. First, there are no
guarantees about the uniformity of the pavement that will be exposed if a cut is made 2"-3" from
the edge of the slab. Second, the "variations" in the longitudinal alignment of the slab are still a
concern. And finally, the variations in the strength of the concrete and poor quality of the surface
finish are troubling.
It is evident from the product to date that little on-site project supervision (quality
control) is in place. The contract specifies that "contractor shall have on the project at all times,
as his agent, a competent Superintendent capable of reading the plans and specifications and
thowughly experienced in the type of work being performed. Such superintendence shall be
fumishcd irrespective of the mount of work contracted. The Superintendent and the Contractor
shall be responsible for supen, ision of all work performed by the subcontractor at all times
during c0nstmction." There appears to be little effort on the part of the conlractor to anticipate
obstructions to future work or to take responsibility for the quality of the product. Ed Bell could
have and probably should have stopped paving operations on its own accord when it was
apparent that a problem existed in the paving operation. The result of the inaction in the field is
this request for an after-the-fact change in the design.
That said, the City will allow the following in an effort to work with the contractor and
keep the project moving forward:
1. Ed Bell Construction will survey the entire pavement slab to verify the accuracy of the
horizontal and vertical alignment.
2. Ed Bell will remove the full half-width of the slab adjacent to The Mansions Apartments.
The City Inspector will specify the limits of removal.
3. Ed Bell will full-depth saw-cut and remove a portion of concrete slab, cut along a stringline
to ensure a straight cut. The location of the cut will be determined such that the longitudinal
joint meets the requirements of NCTCOG Standard Specifications Section 5.8.2.h.l.A
(finishing tolerance limits). The determination of the cut line will be performed by Ed Bell
and approved by the City. The cut material will be hauled offof the site.
4. The City will inspect the edge created by the sawed edge for honeycombing or excessive
voids. Any sections with visible honeycombing will necessitate removal of additional
portions of the slab. The City shall determine the limits of removal.
5. Ed Bell will construct a longitudinal butt joint with 24" lubricated smooth No. 6 dowel bars.
Dowels will be spaced on 18" centers, located at the half-thickness of the slab, and shall be
drilled into the pavement horizontally by use of a mechanical rig. Drilling by hand will not
be acceptable. Pavement joints and joint sealant shall be per City of CoppHi requirements.
6. Ed Bell will provide a revised paving schedule to the City prior to beginning this work.
7. Additional cost will not be incurred by the City nor extra time awarded the contractor as a
result of these activities.
The City expects future operations to be more closely supervised by the superintendent for
consistency and quality. If you have any questions concerning this letter, please call me at
(972)304-7019.
Respectfully,
Kent M. Collins, P.E.
Civil Engineer
CC:
Kevin Young, E.I.T., Freese and Nichols, Inc.
(fax: 214-920-2565)