Before that first truckload of aggregate arrives on your job site, and even before the first excavator breaks ground, a crucial exchange of information has to take place. In the construction industry, this process is built on documentation, and at the heart of material procurement is the submittal.
For project managers, estimators, and contractors, securing accurate and comprehensive aggregate submittals is not just a procedural formality; it is a foundational step for a compliant, on-schedule, and successful project.
At Roblar Quarry, we understand that our role as a supplier involves far more than just delivering high-quality rock. We are a partner in your project’s success, and that partnership begins with providing thorough, accurate, and timely documentation. Let’s take a look at what aggregate submittals are, what you can expect from our submittal process, and how to navigate the process to support your project’s stringent requirements.
What Are Aggregate Submittals?
Aggregate submittals are, simply put, a formal package of documents provided by a material supplier to the general contractor, who then forwards them to the project engineer, architect, or owner for approval.
This package serves two key purposes:
- Verification: It provides tangible proof that the materials we intend to supply, whether they’re base rock, drain rock, or riprap, actually meet or exceed the precise technical specifications outlined in the project’s contract.
- Documentation: It also creates an official record of the materials approved for use, which is essential for quality control, payment applications, and your project’s closeout.
In essence, the submittal is an assurance. It gives the engineer of record the opportunity to review and “sign off” on the materials before they are purchased and placed, preventing potentially catastrophic and costly errors like installing non-compliant material.
What’s Included in Our Aggregate Submittals
When you request aggregate submittals from Roblar Quarry, you receive a comprehensive package designed to integrate seamlessly into your project’s main construction docs. We don’t just send a single data sheet; we provide information that answers the key questions of “what is it,” “how does it perform,” and “does it comply.”
A typical submittal package from Roblar Quarry includes:
- Product Spec Sheets: These are the primary data sheets for the specified product. Our spec sheets clearly define the material’s intended use, its standard gradation (sieve analysis), and other key physical properties like angularity or density.
- Material Certifications: This is our formal letter of certification. It’s a statement from Roblar Quarry certifying that the product, such as “3/4” Class 2 Base,” is sourced from our quarry, meets the required project specifications (e.g., ASTM D2940, AASHTO M 147, or local standards), and is consistent with our quality control program.
- Current Test Results: This is the hard evidence. We provide recent, relevant laboratory test reports from certified third-party or in-house labs. This data may include:
- Gradation Analysis: Shows the particle size distribution to confirm it meets the specified curve.
- Sand Equivalent (SE): Measures the relative proportion of clay-like fines, a critical factor for base materials.
- Resistance Value (R-Value): Indicates the material’s structural stability under load.
- Durability & Abrasion Tests (e.g., L.A. Abrasion): Proves the rock’s hardness and resistance to degradation.
- Source of Materials Letter: A document clearly stating the name and location of our quarry. This is crucial for projects requiring materials from a specific, approved source or for environmental tracking (e.g., LEED projects).
Caltrans Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
For any project involving public funds such as highways, roads, bridges, or municipal infrastructure, Caltrans compliance is non-negotiable. Whether it’s the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or a local county or city standard, these agencies have the strictest material requirements for a reason: public safety and long-term infrastructure performance.
Supplying a “Caltrans-certified” product is a serious commitment. It means the material has been rigorously tested and is produced under a quality control plan that meets or exceeds state requirements.
We take Caltrans compliance seriously. Our team is experienced in navigating the complex documentation required by these agencies. When you request a submittal for a Caltrans-regulated project, we provide the specific certifications, test data, and quality control (QC) source approval letters necessary to satisfy the governing body. This approach takes the risk from your project, ensuring that when the Caltrans inspector arrives on-site, your material paperwork is in perfect order, preventing work stoppages.
How to Request and Receive Aggregate Submittals
We have a streamlined submittal process to support your preconstruction planning and keep your project moving. Timely submittal approval is a critical-path activity, and our goal is to help you get it done efficiently.
Here is the simple step-by-step process for obtaining your submittals:
- Identify the Specification: Before contacting us, review your project’s technical specifications (often in Division 31 – Earthwork or Division 32 – Exterior Improvements). Identify the exact material designation required (e.g., “ASTM C33 Size #57 Stone” or “Caltrans Class 2 Permeable”).
- Contact Roblar Quarry: Reach out to a sales representative at our main office. Provide us with:
- Project Name & Number
- The precise material specification(s) you need
- The name of the general contractor and project owner
- Receive and Review the Package: Our team will promptly assemble the complete digital submittal package and email it to you. We recommend you review it quickly to ensure it matches your request.
- Submit for Engineer Approval: You will then formally submit this package to the General Contractor or Architect/Engineer of Record for their review and approval.
Starting this process during preconstruction planning long before you need the material is critical. It allows ample time for the engineer to review, comment, or approve the submittal without delaying your mobilization.
Ensuring a Smooth Submittal Process
A rejected or delayed submittal can, unfortunately, stop your project. Here are a few best practices to help prevent that from happening:
- Be Specific: The most common delay is an unclear request. Asking for “base rock” is not enough. Asking for the exact specification from the project manual allows us to provide the exact corresponding documentation.
- Allow for Review Time: Engineers and architects are often managing submittals for dozens of products. Do not request a submittal on Friday and expect to be approved to place material on Monday! Build 1-2 weeks of review time into your preconstruction schedule.
- Check for “Approved as Noted”: If the engineer approves the submittal “as noted,” read the notes carefully. They may have a condition (e.g., “Contractor must provide on-site test results every 5,000 tons”) that you and we need to be aware of.
- Communicate with Us: If an engineer has a question about our test data or spec sheets, share that with us. Our technical team is happy to clarify any points and expedite approval.
Roblar Quarry: Your Partner in Compliance and Quality
Aggregate submittals are more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; they are the blueprint for your project’s quality. They are the guarantee that the foundation you build, the road you pave, or the wall you backfill will perform as designed for decades to come.
At Roblar Quarry, our commitment to you is twofold: to provide aggregate that meets the specification, and to provide the documentation that proves it, clearly and professionally.
Ready To Start Your Preconstruction Planning?
Don’t wait for your project to start. Contact the Roblar Quarry team today to request aggregate submittals, spec sheets, or to discuss your project’s specific material certifications and Caltrans compliance needs. We are ready to help you build your project on a foundation of confidence.
