Note 17 — PART I SPECIFICATIONS FOR STREET ROADWAY PAVEMENTS

It is not intended here to enter into an extended discussion of the fact that some asphalts are injuriously affected by water, and the bearing which this fact should have upon the selection of an asphalt for pavement purposes. There can be no doubt that modern treatment and methods of construction have tended to diminish but not wholly to prevent the disintegrating effect of water upon pavements made with such asphalt, and if the engineer could be certain that his pavements would be constructed by contractors guided by long experience and the best expert advice, he might perhaps safely disregard this provision. Since in practice he can have no such assurance, the provision is a wise one and it does not involve any serious or material hardship to the contractor.