PART 1 - GENERAL
1.01 SUMMARY
A. Work under this Section consists of furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals necessary to create firm, stable, slip-resistant aggregate surfaces meeting ASTM F1951 by treating in-place or imported soils/aggregates with a water-based vinyl-acrylic copolymer stabilizer (“TrailBinder”).
B. Typical applications: park trails, multi-use paths, patios, garden and courtyard paths, slope-erosion mitigation, and base stabilization beneath flexible paving.
C. Related Sections:
1. 31 22 00 - Grading.
2. 31 25 00 - Erosion and Sedimentation Controls.
3. 32 11 23 - Aggregate Base Courses.
4. 32 13 13 - Concrete Paving Surface Treatment (adjacent hardscape tie-ins).
5. 32 92 00 - Turf and Grasses (hydroseeding tack).
1.02 REFERENCES
A. ASTM D1557 - Modified Proctor Density.
B. ASTM D2166 - Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil.
C. ASTM D4632 - Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles.
D. ASTM F1951 - Accessibility of Surface Systems under and around Playground Equipment (ADA firmness/stability).
E. EPA Method 24 - VOC Content.
F. ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines, Ch. 3 & 10 (outdoor routes).
1.03 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data and SDS.
B. Mix design indicating dilution ratio and application rate for project conditions.
C. Installer Qualification: minimum 3 projects of similar scope and complexity within last 3 years.
D. Manufacturer Qualification: minimum 15 years documented production of aggregate stabilization products. Minimum 10 documented installations within the region in continuous service not less than 10 years, available for Owner inspection.
1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Pre-installation conference with Owner, Contractor, and Manufacturer’s representative.
1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Ship polymer in sealed and labeled 275 gal (1040L) totes or 5 gal (19L) pails.
B. Protect from freezing (< 33°F/0.5°C) and from temperatures > 120°F (49°C).
C. Store upright on pallets; keep containers closed when not dispensing.
D. Do not lift drums horizontally with forks; strap drums to the pallet and lift the pallet.
1.06 PROJECT /SITE CONDITIONS
A. Proceed only when daytime ambient temperature is above 70°F (21°C) and night-time is above 50°F (10°C).
B. Maintain a minimum 48-hour rain-free window after final application.
C. Suspend work when wind causes spray drift or dries the surface faster than the binder can be raked in.
1.07 WARRANTY
A. Provide installer’s written one-year application warranty covering premature raveling, dusting, or loss of stability under normal pedestrian traffic.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01 MANUFACTURER
A. PolyFirm Stabilizers LLC, “TrailBinder” Vinyl-Acrylic Copolymer Emulsion;
Phone: (206)650-0832
Email: hello@polyfirm.com
Website: www.polyfirm.com
2.02 MATERIALS
A. Polymer Stabilizer
1. Form: Binder shall be a waterborne vinyl-acrylic copolymer emulsion. Petroleum-derived binders, soy or plant-oil resins, lignosulfonates, magnesium or calcium chloride, and enzymatic stabilizers are not acceptable. Cured binder shall be transparent; pigmented or tinted binders are not acceptable.
2. VOC: 0g/L (EPA M-24).
3. HMIS Health/Flammability/Reactivity ≤ 1.
4. Dilution: 1:5 (polymer : potable water, by volume). In arid, hot conditions add 0.5 parts water.
B. Aggregate/Soil
1. Clean, hard, angular particles free of clay lumps, organic matter, and soluble salts.
2. Target gradation: 5-10% fines passing No. 200 sieve; maximum particle 3/8in.
3. Plasticity Index ≤ 6.
C. Optional Geotextile separator: non-woven, minimum 120lb (534N) grab tensile(ASTM D4632).
D. Water: potable, free of oils and deleterious dissolved minerals.
2.03 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (lab-verified)
A. Unconfined Compressive Strength (ASTM D2166): ≥1,250psi.
B. Permeability: Surface remains permeable; drains without ponding. Binder coats aggregate particles and does not form a sealed or impervious membrane.
C. ADA Surface Firmness/Stability: Pass ASTM F1951.
D. UV Resistance: No discoloration or embrittlement after 1,000h QUV exposure.
E. Environmental: Non-toxic; APEO-free; meets US EPA aquatic toxicity thresholds.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01 EXAMINATION
A. Verify subgrade is uniform, compacted (90% modified Proctor), and properly drained.
B. Do not begin work until unsatisfactory conditions are corrected.
3.02 GRADE PREPARATION
A. Excavate to required grades and remove any roots, rocks, and/or standing water.
B. Place separator geotextile where shown (if required).
C. Install edging/curbs prior to binder application to confine aggregate.
D. Till, rake, and/or scarify any compacted finish grade material to loosen.
E. Make a final rake pass immediately before application so the course is evenly distributed and free of windrows.
3.03 MIXING & APPLICATION
A. Dilute polymer with clean water at the ratio specified in Part 2.02; mechanically agitate 2 min.
B. Application rate: 0.12gal/sq ft of diluted mix at 3in depth. Adjust for specified depth per the following concentrate coverage: 2in: 64 sq ft/gal; 3in: 52 sq ft/gal; 4in: 40 sq ft/gal. Diluted equivalents: 0.09, 0.12, and 0.15 gal/sq ft respectively.
C. In-situ method (existing aggregate):
1. Till, rake, or scarify to the specified depth, 2in to 4in or as shown on Drawings. Binder will not penetrate aggregate that has already been compacted; loosen to full depth first.
2. Pre-wet surface lightly.
3. Spray first coat at the rate specified above using low-pressure diaphragm or peristaltic pump, working in runs of approximately 4 ft, finishing each run before advancing. .
4. Rake solution through the full specified depth; add additional binder to dry areas.
5. Apply an additional pass along edges and high-traffic zones.
D. Imported surface course method:
1. Place surface course aggregate in loose, uniform layer to achieve the specified compacted depth.
2. Proceed per C.2 through C.5 above.
3.04 COMPACTION
A. Compact with one pass of vibratory plate/roller.
B. No loose aggregate shall dislodge under foot pressure.
3.05 CURING AND PROTECTION
A. Prohibit traffic for a minimum of 48 hours after final application.
B. Protect from precipitation; if unexpected rain occurs before full cure, cover with waterproof sheeting.
3.06 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Correct areas failing acceptance criteria by re-application or removal and replacement.
3.07 CLEANING
A. Immediately flush equipment with water.
B. Remove overspray from adjacent surfaces with water and a stiff brush while still wet; cured binder bonds permanently to concrete, stone, wood, and metal.
3.08 MAINTENANCE
A. Provide Owner with manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines; typical re-seal cycle 2-3 years under pedestrian use.
B. System shall be renewable in place by re-application of the same binder, without removal, demolition, or disposal of the existing course.
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