Asphalt paving bidding requires understanding of mix designs, tonnage calculations, and production rates. This guide helps paving contractors win profitable commercial and municipal projects.
Understanding Paving Bid Documents
Civil Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Paving plans
- Grading plans
- Cross sections
- Typical sections
- Detail sheets
Information to Extract
- Paving areas
- Lift thicknesses
- Mix specifications
- Base requirements
- Striping layout
Specifications
Division 32 Sections
- 32 01 00 - Operations and Maintenance
- 32 11 00 - Base Courses
- 32 12 00 - Flexible Paving
- 32 17 00 - Pavement Markings
Critical Details
- Mix design requirements
- Compaction standards
- Testing requirements
- Temperature requirements
- Joint specifications
Asphalt System Components
Base Preparation
Types
- Aggregate base
- Stabilized base
- Existing asphalt
- Existing concrete
Requirements
- Compaction
- Grade tolerance
- Moisture content
- Prime coat
Asphalt Mixes
Common Types
- Surface course (wearing)
- Binder course
- Base course
- Specialty mixes
Specifications
- Aggregate gradation
- Binder type
- Mix temperature
- Density requirements
Surface Treatments
Options
- Seal coats
- Slurry seals
- Chip seals
- Fog seals
Quantity Takeoff
Area Calculations
Process
- Measure plan areas
- Identify lift thicknesses
- Calculate by course type
- Add waste factor (3-5%)
Conversions
- Tons = (Area × Thickness × 110 lbs/SF-in) ÷ 2000
- Or use: 1 ton covers ~80 SF at 2" thickness
Tonnage Calculations
Factors
- Area in square feet
- Lift thickness
- Mix density
- Compaction factor
Typical Weights
- 110-145 lbs/SF per inch of thickness
- Varies by mix type
Linear Quantities
Items
- Curb and gutter
- Milling edges
- Saw cuts
- Striping
- Wheel stops
Pricing Components
Materials
Major Items
- Asphalt mix (by ton)
- Tack coat
- Prime coat
- Aggregate base
- Geotextiles
Cost Factors
- Distance from plant
- Mix specifications
- Volume discounts
- Fuel adjustments
Labor and Equipment
Major Equipment
- Pavers
- Rollers
- Milling machines
- Haul trucks
- Support equipment
Production Rates
- Paver: 200-400 tons/hour
- Limited by trucking
- Weather dependent
- Access dependent
Hauling
Calculations
- Distance to plant
- Truck capacity
- Cycle time
- Fleet size needed
Cost Factors
- Distance charges
- Wait time
- Traffic conditions
- Site access
Common Bidding Mistakes
Quantity Errors
Watch For
- Area miscalculations
- Thickness variations
- Taper areas
- Irregular shapes
- Waste factor
Production Underestimation
Common Issues
- Trucking limitations
- Access constraints
- Weather days
- Coordination time
- Night work premium
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Milling quantities
- Adjusting structures
- Tack coat
- Traffic control
- Testing costs
Surface Preparation
Milling
Applications
- Overlay preparation
- Profile correction
- Remove damaged areas
- Improve drainage
Pricing
- Square yard basis
- Depth consideration
- Disposal costs
- Haul distances
Patching
Types
- Full-depth patches
- Surface patches
- Utility cuts
- Pothole repairs
Considerations
- Existing conditions
- Access for removal
- Material quantities
- Compaction requirements
Crack Treatment
Methods
- Routing and sealing
- Crack filling
- Overbanding
Quality Control
Temperature Requirements
Mix Temperature
- Plant production temp
- Delivery temperature
- Laydown temperature
- Compaction temperature
Planning
- Haul time
- Weather conditions
- Equipment readiness
- Crew preparedness
Compaction
Requirements
- Density specifications
- Rolling patterns
- Joint density
- Testing frequency
Equipment
- Breakdown roller
- Intermediate roller
- Finish roller
Testing
Common Tests
- Nuclear density
- Core samples
- Gradation
- Asphalt content
Cost Items
- Testing services
- Wait time
- Re-work potential
Traffic Control
Requirements
Elements
- Traffic control plan
- Signage
- Flagging
- Barriers
- Detours
Compliance
- MUTCD requirements
- Local requirements
- Permit conditions
Cost Factors
Include
- Equipment rental
- Labor
- Permits
- Duration
- Complexity
Environmental Considerations
Storm Water
Requirements
- Inlet protection
- Sediment control
- Spill prevention
- Clean-up procedures
Recycled Materials
Options
- RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement)
- RAS (Recycled Asphalt Shingles)
- Warm mix additives
Benefits
- Cost reduction
- Environmental credits
- Specification compliance
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Operating engineers
- Laborers
- Truck drivers
- Traffic controllers
Compliance
- Certified payroll
- Correct rates
- Documentation
DBE Requirements
Considerations
- Subcontracting goals
- Good faith efforts
- Documentation
- Reporting
Permits
Common Permits
- Street use permits
- Lane closure permits
- Traffic control permits
- Environmental permits
Equipment Selection
Paving Equipment
Considerations
- Project size
- Width requirements
- Production needs
- Specification compliance
Support Equipment
Needs
- Rollers (types/sizes)
- Material transfer
- Support vehicles
- Safety equipment
Rent vs. Own
Factors
- Utilization rate
- Project duration
- Capital availability
- Maintenance capability
Technology in Paving
GPS Machine Control
Benefits
- Grade accuracy
- Productivity improvement
- Material optimization
- Documentation
Thermal Profiling
Applications
- Temperature uniformity
- Segregation detection
- Quality documentation
- Process improvement
Estimating Software
Options
- HCSS HeavyBid
- B2W Estimate
- Agtek
- Custom systems
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Quality reputation
- Equipment capabilities
- Schedule reliability
- Safety record
Value Engineering
Options
- Mix alternatives
- Construction methods
- Phasing options
- Maintenance approaches
Conclusion
Successful asphalt paving bidding requires accurate tonnage calculations, realistic production estimates, and comprehensive scope understanding. Calculate areas carefully. Include all preparation costs. Plan for traffic control. Account for weather contingencies.
The paving contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with quality production and reliable execution.
ConstructionBids.ai helps asphalt paving contractors find commercial and municipal opportunities for parking lots, roadways, and site development projects.
