Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Special Provision Section 5-1.07 Project Information

Question= Special Provision Section 5-1.07 Project Information page 18, states that cross sections are available in electronic copy. When will the cross sections be available for download and use.

• Cross sections are available as of 10/02/08 10/06/08 and can be downloaded for printing from the link above at any local printing firm or on your own printing equipment:

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Special Provision Section 8-20.3   Precast Concrete Quality Control

Question= Does this section apply to Masonry Blocks (item 89),  & Concrete Pavers ( item 131) in addition to the MSE items 48-51? Please Clarify.

• Only Section 8-2.03 of the Special Provisions applies.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Please refer to the Third Paradraph in Section 10-1.34 Earthwork of the Special Provision.

Question= "The portion of imported borrow placed within 1.5m of finished grade shall have R-Value of not less than 20." This would include the outside 1.5m of all fill slopes. Is that the intent?

• No. It would not include the outside 1.5m of all fill slopes, due to the number of the retaining walls on this contract.
  

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 48(F)  197021  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION A, SP Sx, 10-1.35
49(F)  197022  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION B, SP Sx, 10-1.35
50(F)  197023  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION C, SP Sx, 10-1.35
51(F)  197024  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION D, SP Sx, 10-1.35

Question= 3 alternative earth retaining systems are noted for items 48, 49, 50 & 51 in the first table of SP Sx 10-1.35.  Can the Pre-Approved Alternative Earth Retention System "Landmark Reinforced Soil Wall System" (as listed on the July 2008 version of the Caltrans "Pre-approved Alternative Earth Retaining Systems" list) be added to the list of acceptable wall systems in Section 10-1.35??

• The Pre-Approved Alternative Earth Retention System "Landmark Reinforced Soil Wall System" can not be added to the list due to the geometric constraints.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 10-1.35 Earth Retaining Systems
page 110

Question= In the Measurement and Payment section.............. Two of the component items are listed as to be included in payment for the MSE's;
1. Coping
2. Drainage Systems
Where are these shown on the plans?  Isn't Coping in this instance the Barrier Slab which has a separate pay item?
Please clarify.

• These two components (coping and drainage systems) are not required for the MSE design details shown on the plans.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 48 (F) 197021 Earth Retaining Structure, Location A
49 (F) 197022 Earth Retaining Structure, Location B
50 (F) 197023 Earth Retaining Structure, Location C
51 (F) 197024 Earth Retaining Structure, Location D

Question= What is required to get the Verdura Retaining Wall System pre-approved as an alternate for these items?

• The Verdura system company has already begun the process to get on the pre-approved list, but the approval process will not be complete by the November 20, 2008. Bid opening for this contract is scheduled for November 20, 2008. Therefore, the use of the Vendura Retaining Wall System is not an option on this contract.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Item 153 – CONCRETE BARRIER TYPE 736 MODIFIED

Question=On page 316 of the plans this rail is shown as on a bridge overhang and an overall width of 550mm, and is call 736 Modified.  
On page 342 of the plans this rail is shown on a barrier slab and a width of 450mm and is called 736 Modified.

Should these two different modifications of the same rail be separate items?

• No.  The two different modifications of the same rail are indeed considered the same item.  Rail Type 736 is a standard rail.  Anytime there is a slight modification, it becomes the item name Concrete Barrier, Type 736 Mod.  The specific modifications are shown on the structure plans for each applicable location.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Electronic Files

Question= We are requesting 3D dwg, dgn, or dtm files that include the original ground topography, preferred design linework, coordinate geometry for horizontal alignment, and vertical cogo for profile grade lines.

• Please bid per the current contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= There are no items identified as "SPECIALTY ITEMS" in the bid item list or the bid book.

Question= What about: SIGNAL & LIGHTING, LANDSCAPING, STRIPING, MASONRY BLOCK, FENCE, SIGN STRUCTURE, PRESTRESSING,REINFORCING STEEL?

• This Contract is advertised without any specialty items "S".  Please refer to Section 5-1.055A of the Special Provisions, allowing the contractor to do 30% of the contract work with their own forces, vs the 50% that was previously required.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= EARTH RETAINING SYSTEMS, 10-1.35, PAGE 106

Question= Permeable material is described as being required for the structure backfill of the MSE walls "within the limits shown on the plans".
We cannot find that detail in the plans.
Please clarify.

• Permeable material is not shown on the plans and therefore will not be required for the structure backfill material in the soil reinforced areas of the MSE walls.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 39-Clearing & Grubbing, Section 10-1.32

Question= The second paragraph under VEGITATION MOWING AND TREE REMOVAL states...... Trees and plants with in the limits of clearing shall be removed. The third paragraph states all tree to be removed shall be cut off not more than 0.6m above natrual ground at any point, or completely removed.

Will the palm stumps at the trailer park require complete removal?

• Yes.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Special Provision 10-1.61 - ARCHITECTURAL FINISH (EXPOSED AGGREGATE) Special Provision 10-1.63 - COLORED CONCRETE

Question= The special provisions are not clear as to the exact requirements for the exposed aggregates to be used, the integral color to be used and for the amount of aggregate to be exposed for the MSE precast panels.
1- Is the rock dimension correct (65mm to 130mm)? The structural thickness of the panel is 150mm. How is this rock size supposed to fit in the panel without compromising the design of the panel? Review of the existing panels at Robinwood/Quarry Rd show small crushed aggregates.
2- Is the "finger width" requirement applicable? Review of the existing panels at Robinwood/Quarry Rd show the aggregates much closer than anybody's finger.
3- Is the depth of the exposed aggregate of 25mm to 38mm correct? Review of the existing panels at Robinwood/Quarry Rd show a lot less exposure of the aggregates.
4- Can Caltrans specify a particular integral color form one of the integral color manufacturers such as Davis colors?

• Please see addendum #1, dated November 7, 2008 regarding requirements for Architectural Finish (Exposed Aggregate).  The requirements of maximum rock dimensions and "finger width spacing" referenced in questions 1 & 2 have been deleted from the contract. 
• Question #3:  Please see the revised specification 10-1.61A Architectural Finish (Exposed Aggregate) for new requirements regarding exposure of aggregate for the MSE panels.
• Question #4:  The color shall be tan.  Please refer to the referee sample at the location listed in the special provisions in Section 10-1.63 Colored Concrete, paragraph 3 of the special provisions.  

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference=Items 48-51, the Special Provisions,Section 10-1.35, contains requirements for the backfill material for the earth retaining structures covered by these bid items. The project plans, sheet 343, 355, 380, and 398 make reference to additional requirements of angle of internal friction and density. 

Question= Are these additional requirements applicable to the material specified in Section 10-1.35.

• The soil parameters shown on the project plan sheets 343, 355, 380, and 398 under the heading "General Notes (MSE Walls)" are stated for design purposes of the MSE Walls and are not additional material requirements for the backfill material.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference=

Question= Upon completion of our in house take-off it appears that the MSE wall strap zone backfill is included in the import borrow quantity. Will the MSE wall backfill be paid in the import borrow item or will this backfill be considered incidental to the MSE wall construction per section 10-1.35?

• The structure backfill limits shown on the plans for the MSE Walls is fully compensated into the square meter cost of the earth retaining structure bid item by the following pay clause listed in 10-1.35 Earth Retaining Structures of the special provisions:

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Item#135 Chain Link Fence (Type CL-1.8, Vinyl-Clad): Special Provision Section 10-1.83 calls for "Black Vinyl Coated Fabric" but does not indicate whether the fence post and braces are galvanized or vinyl coated. 

Question= Our the fence post and braces vinyl coated or galvanized?

• Please bid per the current contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 48(F)  197021  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION A, SP Sx, 10-1.35
49(F)  197022  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION B, SP Sx, 10-1.35
50(F)  197023  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION C, SP Sx, 10-1.35
51(F)  197024  EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE, LOCATION D, SP Sx, 10-1.35

Question= Please clarify "geometric constraints",as answered in Inquiry #4?

3 alternative earth retaining systems are noted for items 48, 49, 50 & 51 in the first table of SP Sx 10-1.35.  Can the Pre-Approved Alternative Earth Retention System "Landmark Reinforced Soil Wall System" (as listed on the July 2008 version of the Caltrans "Pre-approved Alternative Earth Retaining Systems" list) be added to the list of acceptable wall systems in Section 10-1.35??

    * The Pre-Approved Alternative Earth Retention System "Landmark Reinforced Soil Wall System" can not be added to the list due to the geometric constraints.

• The Pre-Approved Alternative Earth Retention System "Landmark Reinforced Soil Wall System" is a battered wall.  The battering of the wall encroaches into the required shoulder widths at the top and bottom of the wall and does not meet the required horizontal design constraints.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= iTEM 86

Question= AT RETAINING WALL Q STANDARD PLAN B15-1 & B15-2 ARE REFERENCED. THESE ARE TO BE USED TO DETERMINE THE DEPTH OF THE TRENCH FOOTING FOR THE SOUND WALL.  THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THE DEPTH OF THE SOUNDWALL FOOTING WITH THE INFORMATION SHOWN ON THE PLANS.  FOR EXAMPLE AT STATION 10+00 THE WALL HEIGHT IS 5.0 METERS.  THE CHART ON B15-1 OES NOT SHOW A DEPTH OR A WALL 5.0 METERS IN HEIGHT.  THE CHARTS ARE BASED ON PHI ANGLES, NO PHI ANGLE IS GIVEN ON THE PLANS FOR THE SOUND WALLS.  DO YOU HAVE A METHOD TO DETERMINE IF THE CORRECT DEPTH DRAWN ON THE PLANS IS CORRECT.  THIS IS A FINAL PAY QUANTITY, SO DETERMINING IF THE QUANTITY IS CORRECT IS IMPORTANT.

• The Phi angle given on sheet 460 of 472 should be used for all portions of Wall Q.  The contractor should use Phi=35 for case 2 as shown in the Trench Footing Table of Standard Plans sheet B15-1.
  

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference=

Question= In which Bid Item is payment for structure Backfill for the MSE Walls included?

• The contract price paid per square meter for earth retaining structure at each location shall include full compensation for furnishing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and incidentals, and for doing all the work involved in constructing the earth retaining structure and inspection elements, including earthwork, piles, footings, and drainage systems, complete in place, as shown on the plans, as specified in the Standard Specifications and these special provisions, and as directed by the Engineer.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference=

Question= There are numberous Change Orders currently in District 11 eliminating the placement tolerance on the Rebar Ties in the White Paving.  Will you amend these spec's to be consistant with those change orders?

• Please bid per the current contract documents.
  

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Item 67 Hot-Mix Asphalt, Section 10-4.13 Trench Resurfacing

Question= The HMA required for trench resurfacing shall comply with amended Section 39.  Which process is to be used (e.g. QC/QA, Standard, Method)?

• Please bid per the contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference=

Question= I would like to confirm masonry scope on item 89 that is estimated at 4310 M2.   
 
The plans indicate masonry at Retaining walls P, N, Q, and R and at Cottonwood bridge and Cottonwood (on pile cap).
Are all these masonry walls to be included in bid?
 
The estimated quantity is a substantial amount lower that take off.
 
Thank you,

• The soundwall (masonry block) quantities have been reviewed for Retaining walls P, N, Q, and R and at Cottonwood bridge and Cottonwood (on pile cap) and no discrepancies were found.  Please bid per the current plans and quantities. 
  

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 10-1.47 HOT MIX ASPHALT Materials - Asphalt Binder

Question= The spec indicates that the grade of asphalt binder mixed with aggregate for HMA type A must be PG 70-10. Based on the PG binder map in California, it appears PG 64-10 asphalt binder should be used for the location of this project. Please clarify the grade of asphalt binder for this project.

• Please bid per the contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Material purchases

Question= State is proposing increasing sales tax by 1.5%. If State increases sales tax after bid date, will Contractor be reimbursed for the additional tax on material costs?

• Please bid per the contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= No Item #. Temporary Fence, Special
Provisions #10-1.12

Question=Is Temporary Fence included in this contract? There is a Special Provision Section but No Line Item and No Indications on the Plans. If it is in the contract, how will it be paid?

• There is no temporary fence on the project.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= 88 architechtural treatment

Question= bid quantity is 2802 m2. where is the arch treatment for Wall Q paid? this quanity was left out of the bid item.

• The quantity and item of work for architectural treatment at retaining Wall Q was inadvertently left out of the quantity items for this location.  There is currently insufficient time to prepare an addendum to correct this error.  Any changes regarding this item of work will be handled as a change to the scope of work for the contract as defined in Section 4-1.03 "Changes" of the Standard Specifications.  Please bid per the current plans and quantities listed on the plans and in the Engineer's Estimate.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference=

Question= Thank you for your answer on question 14, but if the structure backfill material for the MSE wall is to be included in the MSE wall square meter price, then according to our in house take off the import borrow quantity should be significantly less. Can you tell us what the new quantity for import borrow will be?

• Please bid per the contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= See Sheet 464 & 465. Tiedown Anchor details for Retaining Wall 'Q'

Question= The unbonded length on the Retaining Wall 'Q' tie-down anchors is 1000mm (3.28 Ft.0.  The foooting is 750mm (2.5ft.) thick.  That means the bonded portion of the anchor begins less than 1'-0" from the bottom of the footing.  That seems to be very minimal overburden pressure for a 160 kip anchor.  Should there be some concren regarding the influence of the footing during the 150% testing and lock-off of the anchors?  Also, the load loss during seating of the anchors?

• No further information will be provided. Bid per the contract documents.

Plan Sheet / Specification Reference= Tiedown Anchors - Retaining Wall Q, Sheets 464 and 465

Question= Is the 1000 mm unbonded length shown on the details for both the strand and bar anchors correct? The bonded length begins less than 1 foot from the bottom of footing.

• No further information will be provided. Bid per the contract documents.