Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-02-28

known as NzEeJXeights In this m ~:
OF, it is generally assumed that the de -
of cut or fill on the center line Is M:
average for the entire width OF roaW
way 1t does not take an engineer
see that by this method a contracto
may be paid for thousands of yards OF
excavation which he does not move, or
ne may be required to move more than
the estimate shows. We have also elimi-
mated retaining walls shown on plans
costing up into thousands of dollars by
making a slight change in grade ana
alignment.
WHAT SPECIFICATIONS
| SHOULD SHOW.
Specifications should define all terms
used in a clear and concise manner, give
instructions to bidders and in the general
provisions should deal with special work,
alteration of work by the engineer, ex-
ira work, unauthorized work, progress Of
i work, character Of work and equipment,
observance of laws, sanitary provisions,
public convenience, preservation and
restoration of public utilities, property,
trees, etc, contractors responsibility for
! damage to persons and property, as well
as for sections of road opened to traffic
prior to acceptance, use of materials
found on work, final cleaning up, etc. The
construction details should clearly out
! line the method of doing the work as
well as specify the grading and quality
of materials, setting forth the method Of
testing the same.
The State highway commission has pre-
pared and had printed standards govern
ing the form and arrangements OF plans,
specifications and estimates for county
projects, which set forth all items which
should be provided for and the arrange
nents of the same. The State requires
the counties applying for State approval
| OF plans or Specifications, to comply with
these standards before approving any
plans or specifications. These standards
are practically the same as outlined by
| the United States Bureau of Public Roads
to the States for plans and specihca tionS
on Federal aid roads,
+ The State has also drafted specihca-
lions for all Of the standard types Of
rigid and nOnrigid roads, which are
available for county officials. These
specifications have all been approved by
/ the Bureau of Public Roads and comply
with their standards. Section 80, Of the
County Unit Road Law enacted in 1919,
states that mo materials shall be used
! in the construction of highway, bridge
/ or culvert in the State of Indiana, uu-
/ less such material shall be equal to the
material required and shall meet all tests
and standards as required by the State
highway commission as suitable for the
building of highways, bridges or cul-
verts by the State highway commission"
The standardizing of highway materials,
especially the grading of gravel and stone
for the different types Of highway con-
struction, would have many advantages.
At present there are about as many
| grading as there are counties in the
State. This means additional equipment
for the stone and gravel plants and a
continual change of screen arrangements.
| Standardization would prevent the in
| PRODUCTION of freak" Specifications under
which 1t would be impossible to build
durable road. There are cases, how
ever, where the intensity Of traffic and
funds available would not warrant the
building Of a standard type road. In
many such cases, it is possible to secure
the material from local pits using the
natural deposit, or crushing stone along
the roadside. In this manner a road
which will answer the purpose can be
secured at a very low cost
/ COMPARISON
OF COSTS.
common but erroneous manner Of
/ comparing the cost Of a certain type Of
road in one locality with the cost of
the same type in a different locality, Is
] By using a mile as the unit to state
{ that certain type OF road should cost
certain amount per mile, is absurd.
! The cost per mile varies with the length
of haul from the nearest railroad sid
ing, freight rate, amount of grading,
number Of drainage structures and many
other items 1t is only after a careful
study OF these conditions that one Is In
a position to Judge whether or not The
AH
also be remembered that the lowest bid
der is not the best. Contracts should
not be awarded until a careful lnvesti-
cation Of the low bidders equipment
financial condition. competency aud past
reputation has been made