CEMENT-TREATED AGGREGATE

Cement treated aggregate (CTA) base is a product with proven reliability. This material, which has been used throughout the country for several years, is now available to engineers, highway departments, municipalities, contractors, builders, developers and industries on the lower and middle Virginia peninsulas.

CTA is a mixture of aggregate material and measured amounts of Portland cement and water. After compacting and curing, the mixture hardens to form a durable paving material. A top layer of either a bituminous wearing course or Portland cement concrete completes the pavement process.

Hard, rigid CTA resists cyclic freezing, rain and spring-weather damage. Unlike many other paving materials, CTA has reserve strength. It continues to gain strength due to the continued cement hydration.

CTA is impervious. It servers as a barrier to moisture, and protects the soil sub grade. By protecting the soil from moisture due to rain or irrigation, the soil support value of the underlying sub grade is maintained. When runoff occurs from raised medians, the CTA prevents moisture from decreasing the soil support value of earth sub grade under the pavement section.

The objective in CTA manufacturing is to achieve a thorough mixture of an aggregate material with the appropriate quantity of Portland cement and sufficient water to permit maximum compaction. The completed CTA, when adequately cured, allows the cement to hydrate and harden the mixture of cement and aggregate.

The critical control factors for high quality CTA are:

• Proper cement content

• Adequate moisture content

• Thorough mixing

• Adequate compaction

• Proper curing

Correct compaction is a fundamental requirement for CTA construction. Soft sub grade, which cannot support the compaction equipment, will prevent adequate density from being obtained. Soft areas in the sub grade must be located and made stable before CTA material is placed.

Contact Information: Kevin Sharman

Materials/Transportation Manager

Jack L. Massie Contractor, Inc.

Phone: (757)-566-8676

Fax: (757)-566-8566

E-Mail: Kevin@jackmassie.com