Specifications include, but are not limited to: The contractor is required to prepare quartzite (granite) track ballast, free from injurious amounts of deleterious substances, and conforming to the requirements of this document. Metra shall designate the type or types and sizes of prepared quartzite (granite) track ballast.; The contractor shall deliver prepared quartzite (granite) track ballast to the designated location within Metra’s six-county service area.; The gradation of ballast material is a prime consideration for the in-track performance of ballast materials. The gradation must provide the means to develop the compaction or density requirements for the ballast section and provide necessary void space to allow proper runoff of ground water.; Ballast gradations must be graded uniformly from the top limit to the lower limit in Table 2 to provide proper density, uniform support, elasticity, and to reduce deformation of the ballast section from repeated track loadings.; Metra mainline ballast materials are graded as AREMA Gradation No. 3, Table 2. However, upon request, other gradations complying with Table 2 may be requested.; Method of Sampling: Field samples shall be secured in accordance with the current ASTM Methods of Sampling, designation D 75. Test samples shall be reduced from field sample by means of ASTM C 702.; Sieve Analysis: Sieve analysis shall be made in accordance with ASTM Method of Test, Designation C 136.; Material Finer than No. 200 Sieve: Material finer than the No. 200 sieve shall be determined in accordance with the ASTM Method of Test, Designation C 117.; Bulk Specific Gravity and Absorption: Bulk specific gravity and percentage of absorption shall be determined in accordance with the ASTM Method of Test, Designation C 127.; Percentage of Clay Lumps and Friable Particles: The percentage of clay lumps and friable particles shall be determined in accordance with the ASTM Method of Test, Designation C 142.; Resistance to Degradation: Resistance to degradation shall be determined in accordance with the ASTM Method of Test, Designation C 131 or C 535, using the grading as specified in Note #1, Table 2. Materials having gradations containing particles retained on the one-inch (1″) sieve shall be tested by ASTM C 535. Materials having gradations with 100% passing the 1-inch (1″) sieve shall be tested by ASTM C 131.
