STANDARD CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENS AND DETAILS                                                          

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

 

1.01 DEFINITIONS

 

CITY MANAGER-The City Manager or his designee (s).

 

CONTRACTOR-The successful Bidder to whom a contract has been awarded and who has executed the contract documents.

 

CUL-DE-SAC-A street with only one outlet that terminates in a vehicular turnaround.  A turnaround may be circular or T-shaped/hammerhead design.

 

DEDICATION-The granting by a landowner of specified permanent rights or land for public use, as shown by a written instrument or drawing.

 

EASEMENT-A lawful right or privilege of use for a specified purpose over land owned by another party.

 

ENGINEER-The City Engineer of the City of Oak Ridge or other representative duly authorized by the City Engineer.

 

INSPECTOR-The Engineering Technician or other representative duly authorized by the City Engineer.

 

INVERT-The lowest point in the internal cross section of a pipe or other culvert.

 

PLANS-The approved plans, profiles, standard details, supplemental plans, and working drawings, which show the location, dimensions, and details of the work to be done.

 

RIGHT-OF-WAY-Land owned by a government agency, reserved for streets, utilities and other public uses.

 

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS-The general term comprising all the directions, provisions, and requirements contained or referred to in this book entitled “Standard Construction Requirements and Details” (SCRD) and in any subsequent revisions or additions to this book.

 

SUBGRADE-That portion of the roadbed prepared as a foundation for the pavement structure.

 

VARIANCE-The official provision, by the Planning Commission, of an exemption from compliance with the terms of conditions of these regulations due to a unique hardship related to physical characteristics of the property as provided in Article I, G of the Subdivision Regulations.

Return to Section 1.01 Definitions


1.02 ABBREVIATIONS

 

AASHTO         American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

A.B.S.              Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ANSI                American National Standards Institute

ASTM              American Society of Testing and Materials

AWWA            American Water Works Association

F                      Fahrenheit

ft.                     Foot

fps                   Feet per second

gpd                  Gallons per day

gpm                 Gallons per minute

ID                     Internal Diameter

lbs.                  Pounds

MSL                 Mean Sea Level

TDEC              Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

TDOT              Tennessee Department of Transportation

NFPA               National Fire Protection Agency

N.E.C.             National Electric Code

OD                  Outside Diameter

P.C.                 Point of Curvature

P.E.                 Professional Engineer

psi                   Pounds per square inch

P.T.                 Point of Tangency

P.V.C.              Point of Curvature on Vertical Curve

P.V.T.              Point of Tangency on Vertical Curve

Qmax               Maximum Discharge

Qmin                Minimum Discharge

RH                   Relative Humidity

RLS                 Registered Land Surveyor

SCRD             Standard Construction Requirements and Details

SCS                Soil Conservation Service

sec.                 Second

s.f.                   Square feet

V                      Volts

VAC                 Voltage-Alternating Current

 


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Section 2.00

GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.01   GENERAL

 

The intent of these construction requirements and details is to describe the level of performance to be met when constructing any infrastructure public improvements within the City.

 

All construction shall conform to the requirements and dimensions on the approved construction plans, Subdivision Regulations, Erosion Control and Storm Water Management Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, Code of Ordinances of the City of Oak Ridge, the requirements of the Electric Department, or as stated in these SCRD.  All work not explicitly described in these documents shall be constructed in accordance with applicable standards to be found in the latest edition of the TDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and its applicable amendments, or the TDEC, Division of Water Pollution Control and Division of Water Supply.  The design of streets, storm drainage systems, and grading plans shall be signed and sealed by a qualified Engineer, Architect or Landscape Architect licensed in the State of Tennessee.  The design of water systems, sanitary sewer systems and flood control projects shall be signed and sealed by a qualified Engineer licensed in the State of Tennessee.

 

2.02   MATERIALS AND PRACTICES

 

It is the intent of this document to provide guidance for the designer, developer and constructor of developments and facilities within the City.  The City, based on technical merit and justification by the project designer, will consider materials and practices differing from or not covered by this document for approval during the design development stage.  The primary interest of the City is to require materials and methods that employ practices meeting or exceeding standards known to the trade.  Current specifications and/or the latest revisions shall apply in all cases where materials are referenced by this document.

 

During the construction phase of a project, equal or better materials not specified may be used provided documentation and samples, necessary for the City to determine their acceptability, are submitted a MINIMUM of FOURTEEN days before they are to be used on the construction site.  The City will issue a WRITTEN APPROVAL if the submitted data and samples are acceptable as an equal material.

 

2.03   CONCRETE

 

Concrete shall be only plant-mixed or transit-mixed concrete conforming to ASTM C33 for aggregates and to ASTM C94 for ready-mixed concrete.  Any concrete placed that has a slump over four inches as per ASTM C143, or has a batched time of more than 90 minutes is unacceptable.  Concrete shall not be deposited on frozen subgrade.  Concrete shall not be placed when the air temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the predicted low temperature for the next 24 hour period is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit unless proper freeze protection is provided.  All concrete when placed in the forms shall have a temperature of between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and shall be maintained at a temperature of not less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 72 hours for normal concrete and 24 hours for high early strength concrete, or for as much time as is necessary to secure proper rate of curing and designed compressive strength.

 

Concrete shall be air entrained with five to seven percent air.  Retarders and accelerators shall be used only if approved by the City.

 

2.04   CLEARING AND GRUBBING

 

The work of clearing and grubbing shall consist of the cutting, removal, and satisfactory disposal of all vegetation and all surface debris.

 

Clearing and grubbing shall be conducted in a manner to prevent damage to vegetation that is intended to remain and to prevent damage to adjacent property.

 

Open burning of vegetative materials cleared from land is allowed only under certain conditions.  A burning permit must be obtained from the Fire Department.  Material larger than six inches in diameter may not be burned unless an approved pit burning operation, including the use of an air curtain destructor, is employed.

 

2.05   EARTHWORK

 

Earthwork shall be defined as removal of earth from its natural location, or as the depositing of such material into the proper fill areas as designated on the plans.

 

Rock excavation shall be defined as removal of all rock or boulders that cannot be economically excavated by proper use of a power shovel or without the use of explosives.  A written PERMIT FOR BLASTING must be obtained from the Fire Department in accordance with paragraph 2.08 A.

 

2.06   MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC

 

Existing public streets or highways shall be kept open to traffic at all times by the contractor unless permission to close these streets, or portions thereof, is granted by the City.  Public notice of street closures may be required by the City.

 

Proper and sufficient traffic control such as barricades, lights, signing and other protective devices shall be required to be installed according to the latest edition of the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.”  The City may require the submission of a Traffic Control Plan showing traffic control measures during all phases of construction.

 

2.07   INSPECTIONS

 

The presence of a City Inspector at the work site shall in no way lessen the contractor or developer’s responsibility for conformity with the approved plans and specifications.  City inspectors perform inspections based on availability of time and all elements of construction cannot be reviewed at the time of their construction.  Any materials and/or workmanship found not to be in conformance to the approved plans and specifications, at any stage of development, shall be rejected by the City.  The contractor/developer shall have no claim for losses suffered due to any necessary removals or repairs resulting from unsatisfactory work or unacceptable materials.  Any work, which has been covered without the inspector’s approval, shall, at the inspector’s request, be uncovered and be made available for inspection at the contractor’s expense.

 

2.08   PERMITS

 

During the course of designing, and prior to construction of a utility or street project, permits from the City, State and Federal government, if applicable, must be obtained.  It is the responsibility of the owner/developer to ensure that all fees and applications for permits are submitted.

 

A.      City Permits and Approvals

 

(1)     Grading Permits

 

A grading permit application may be obtained at the Municipal Building in the Community Development Department.  See Section 4.00, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control for further details.

 

(2)     Residential Driveway Approval

 

A curb cut permit including a site plan must be submitted to the City for approval.  A permit application may be obtained at the Municipal Building in the Community Development Department.  A minimum of five working days should be allowed for approval/disapproval except for arterial street curb cuts.  Access to an arterial street must be reviewed by the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and approved by City Council, which will take approximately one month.

 

(3)     Burning Permit

 

A burning permit shall be obtained a minimum of 24 hours prior to any burning.  This permit is obtained from the Fire Department.

 

(4)     Blasting Permit

 

A written permit for blasting is required any time there is to be transportation, use or storage of explosive materials.  This permit is required a minimum of 24 hours before bringing such materials into the City and can be obtained from the Fire Department.  Proof of insurance (original policy in the amount of $1,000,000 public liability) and a State of Tennessee Explosive Users Identification card are required.

 

B.      State Permits

 

After approval by the City, plans for sanitary sewer/water extensions and State highway entrances shall be submitted to the appropriate State agency as required.  It is the responsibility of the owner/developer to ensure that all submittals of plans, permit applications and fees are made.

 

(1)     Sanitary Sewer and Water System Extension

 

For any proposed extension of the public sewer or water system, approval from the TDEC is required.  Privately maintained sewer or water systems may require approval by the TDEC as directed by the City.  Fee schedules and application forms may be obtained from the TDEC.

 

(2)     Storm Water Permitting

 

Owners/developers must obtain permission from the TDEC to discharge storm water from any construction or grading activity that disturbs five acres or more of land.  Application for permission can be obtained by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) on a State NOI form to the TDEC with a copy provided to the City.

 

Owners/developers may be required to obtain permits from the TDEC and/or US Army Corps of Engineers and/or Tennessee Valley Authority for work in or around “Waters of the State”, wetlands or other watercourses.

 

(3)     Highway Entrance Permit

 

A permit from TDOT is required for any proposed entrance onto a State highway.  The State highways include State Routes 58, 61, 62, 95, and 170.  Contact TDOT, Region 1 Traffic Division office in Knoxville.

 

2.09   TREE/SHRUB PLANTING IN THE RIGHT-0F-WAY

 

When allowed by the City, tree/shrub planting in the right-of-way shall be controlled by the following planting methods:

 

A.      Location

 

Trees planted in the right-of-way shall be positioned so that when mature, intersection sight distances will not be limited and street safety will not be adversely affected.  Trees shall not be located over existing water mains, sewer mains, or electric power lines and shall be at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant.

 

B.      Maintenance

 

All trees planted in the right-of-way shall be watered and maintained by the owner/developer for a period of one year after planting or until suitable maintenance is provide by the City or by occupants of properties by prior agreement with the City.

 

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SECTION 3.00

STREETS

3.01   GENERAL

 

All streets within the City of Oak Ridge shall conform to the City Comprehensive Plan both as to the general alignment and right-of-way widths.

 

3.02   DESIGN

 

All public streets shall be designed and constructed as specified herein and in accordance with Subdivision Regulations unless the TDOT Standard Specifications are applicable.  The TDOT standards shall be used on all existing State roads, extensions of existing State roads, or roads to be maintained by the TDOT.

 

When a street is planned for future extension or to additional developable property, a temporary turn-around shall be provided and paved and roadway standards shall meet overall requirements of the future full build-out roadway.  Curb for such turn-arounds need not be provided unless it is essential to control drainage.  Additional right-of-way for such turn-arounds may be provided by a temporary easement, which would lapse when the road is extended.

 

A.      Street Classification

 

          (1)     Arterial Streets

 

Arterial streets shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 90 feet with a minimum lane width of 12 feet.  Where on-street parking is desired, an additional eight feet of pavement shall be required for each parking lane.  When arterial streets are also State highways, the TDOT may require higher standards.

 

NOTE:  ALL STREETS THAT FOLLOW ARE DESCRIBED IN THE OAK RIDGE ZOINING ORDINANCE AS SECONDARY AND MINOR ROADS.

 

          (2)     Major Collector Streets

 

Collector streets are used for through traffic rather than for providing access to adjoining properties.  Access to adjacent property should be planned and controlled so that minimum disturbance is made to the traffic-moving efficiency of the collector street.  Major collector streets shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 80 feet and a minimum lane width of 12 feet.  Where parking is desired on the right-of-way, an additional eight feet of pavement shall be required for each parking lane.


            (3)     Minor Collector Streets

 

Minor collector streets have two open ends once completely developed; each end generally connects with another street.  One or more other streets may intersect it between its two open ends.  Property fronting on either side of the street may have access to the street.  Minor collector streets may carry through traffic within the immediate vicinity.  Minor collector streets shall have a minimum right-of-way of 70 feet and a minimum lane width of 12 feet.

 

          (4)     Local Streets

 

Local streets are used primarily for providing access to adjacent properties.  Vehicles moving on these streets should have an origin or destination in the immediate vicinity, and all types of through traffic should be minimized through initial design of its connections with other streets.  Local streets should have a minimum right-of-way width of 50 feet and a minimum pavement width of 28 feet.  Marginal access streets, dead-end streets, or one of several other types may perform the function of local streets.  Minimum design standards for streets in low-density developments are provided in Standard Detail 3.17.

 

          (5)     Marginal Access Street

 

Marginal access streets may be required along expressways, arterials and collector streets to provide access to abutting properties and shall be located on the right-of-way.  The right-of-way shall be contiguous with right-of-way of the major street and extend a minimum of 10 feet beyond the back of the outside curb of the marginal access streets.  The minimum roadway width shall be 24 feet.  The Zoning Ordinance further regulates such streets.

 

          (6)     Dead-End Streets (Cul-de-Sacs)

 

Dead-end streets are local streets having only one open end providing no access to another street.  No other street intersects between the two ends, and dead-end streets shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 50 feet and a minimum pavement width of 28 feet.  They shall be provided at the closed end with a turn-around having an outside street diameter of at least 80 feet and a street right-of-way diameter of at least 100 feet as detailed in Standard Detail 3.01

 

A “hammer-head” or other non-circular turn-around design may be approved by the Planning Commission as a variance in cases of difficult topography or similar unusual situations, provided that such design can accommodate the turn-around of fire, solid waste collection, and delivery vehicles as determined by the City.

 

          (7)     Alleys

 

Alleys are minor roadways which afford a secondary means of vehicular access to the back or side of properties otherwise abutting a street, and which may be used for public utility purposes.  Alleys generally have two open ends, and each end connects with a street.  Alleys shall have sufficient pavement width to adequately serve the anticipated vehicular traffic.

 

          (8)     Exception to Standards

 

When a subdivision has a unified plan which utilizes a more innovative approach to street standards not meeting the above standards in Section A(1-7), the Planning Commission with advice from the City, may approve a different standard which should be equal to or better than the above standards.  A traffic engineering impact study may justify sections of reduced roadway and right-of-way width.

 

B.      Horizontal Street Design

 

          (1)     General Layout and Conformity to Comprehensive Plan

 

All streets shall conform to the City Comprehensive Plan when applicable or shall be designed and located in proper relation to existing streets and environment.  The alignment of arterial and collector streets should be direct as possible but consistent with topography and preserving developed properties and community values.  Residential streets shall be designed to discourage high-speed traffic and minimize excessive cuts, fills and through traffic.  Traffic calming principles may be required if the basic design does not discourage traffic speeds, which are inappropriate for the type of street being planned.

 

          (2)     Standards for Curves

 

The design of streets shall conform to the curve controls in Table 3.2 at the end of this section.

 

          (3)     Tangent Sections

 

Minimum tangent lengths between reverse curves on arterial and collector streets shall be computed to provide for superelevation transition lengths in accordance with the TDOT Standards Specifications.  Local streets and other lower classified streets not requiring superelevation should provide a minimum tangent length of 75 feet between reverse curves.  The minimum tangent length of an approaching intersection should be 50 feet for local and lower classified streets measured from pavement edge.  All intersections of streets classified as collector or greater should have a tangent section not less than 100 feet approaching the intersection.

 

          (4)     Angles of Intersections and Compound Curves

 

Compound horizontal curves with the same direction of curvature shall have the radius of the flatter circular arc no more than one and one-half times the radius of the sharper circular arc.  Streets shall intersect each other at right angles whenever possible.  The minimum desirable intersection angle is 80 degrees unless physically impossible, but at no time shall a street intersect any other street at less than 60 degrees.

 

          (5)     Spacing of Intersections

 

Intersections with arterial streets should be at least 800 feet apart.  There should be a minimum of 200 feet between centerlines of street jogs on collectors and 125 feet between centerlines along other streets.

 

          (6)     Superelevation

 

Superelevation is to be used on all arterials and collectors.  Superelevation shall conform to the TDOT and AASHTO standards for superelevation design.

 

C.      Vertical Street Design

 

          (1)     Conformity to Existing Grades

 

Street grades shall be established with respect to existing topography to avoid excessive grading and filling, and the removal of existing trees and vegetation whenever practical.

 

          (2)     Minimum and Maximum Grades

 

The minimum grade allowed on any street shall be one-half of one percent.  Maximum grade allowed shall be seven percent for arterial streets, nine percent for collector streets and 12 percent for other streets.

 

          (3)     Street Intersection Grades

 

At every street intersection, one street will be considered the major street and the other will be considered the minor intersecting street.  Questions regarding which intersecting street is to be the major/minor street will be resolved by the City.  Major street grades will be carried through the intersection with no break in centerline grade or cross slope to the outside edge of through lane.  Minor street grades shall connect at the edge of the major street with a smooth connection using crest or sag vertical curves or spline curves if necessary to approximate a vertical curve.  Grades approaching an intersection through vertical curves should not exceed five percent for the last 100 feet before the intersection.  Minor grade breaks (less than two percent) at the intersecting edge of pavement will be acceptable for local streets.  Minor street intersecting road grades should be set to direct storm drainage away from the major street edge and toward the beginning (PC) of curve at the curb return.


            (4)     Vertical Grade Standards

 

Maximum grades and vertical curve controls found in Table 3.2 shall be followed at all times.

 

D.      Geometrics

 

          (1)     Radii

 

A minimum radius of 25 feet measured to the face of curb shall be required where local streets intersect.

 

A minimum radius of 30 feet measured to the face of curb shall be required where a local street intersects with a collector street.  It is recommended that the designer consider larger radii or three centered compound curves where needed to provide for turning movements of larger vehicles.

 

A minimum radius of 40 feet will be required where collectors intersect arterial streets.

 

          (2)     Cul-de-Sac and “Hammer Head” Turn-Arounds