LAB-WORK DEPARTMENT Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.

15 li

The lab work department is charged with carrying out test to material before and after use in the
field. The different materials involves:-

 Concrete.
 Murram.
 Binder(Bitumen)
 Premix Bituminous Mixtures i.e DBM.
 Aggregates obtained from the crusher stockpiles.
1. BINDER ANALYSIS TESTS.
(i). Ring and Ball test (Softening Point Test)
Objectives: To determine the temperature at which binder should be heated for various road
conditions in order to achieve the desired performance.
Apparatus Required

 Steel spherical balls (3.5 g)

 Brass rings.
 Ball guides.
 Support for the rings and suspension of the temperature.
 Water bath and stirrer.

PROCEDURE.
 Heat the sample (75 – 100degrees Celsius) to achieve the required fluidity while
stirringto remove air voids/bubbles.
 Pour it into Ring and leave it to cool for 30minutes under room temperature.
 Assemble the apparatus and fill the water bath with distilled water (50 mm above the
upper surface of the rings)
 Ensure the starting temperature of the water bath is 5degrees Celsius and apply heat while
stirring at a uniform rate preferably 5degrees celsius per min.
 As the binder softens, the steel balls sink carrying with it the binder.
 Note the temperature which the steel balls touch the bottom plate.
 Average of the temperature will be softening point of the binder.
REMARKS.

In accordance with the standard specification for 70/100 penetration grade bitumen of softening
point range 43-51 degrress Celsius. Any average softening point within this this specified range
is recommended for use as the 70/100 if it will pass the penetration test also.

2. PENETRATION TEST.
OBJECTIVES.

 To determine the consistency of bituminous layer.

 To ascertain the suitability of bituminuous binder for different applications.

Apparatus.
 Flat bottomed glass dish.
 Needle.
 Water bath (25 degress Celsius)
 Transfer Dish.
 Thermometer and stopwatch

Procedure:
 Soften the material while heating to the desired consistency while stirring to remove any
air bubbles.
 Pour the binder into the container to a depth >10mmand leave it to cool under room
temperature.
 Place it in water bath for 1- 1 ½ hours maintained at 250 C.
 Set up the apparatus with the tip of the needle at the surface of the binder and set the
pointer to zero. Release the needle for 5 seconds and measure the penetration.
 Repeat the procedure 3 times and get the average.(1/10 millimeter)

Remarks/Significance.

3. DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY.

The specific gravity of semi-solid bituminous material, asphalt cements and soft tar patches shall
be expressed as the ratio of th mass of a given material at 25degrees Celsius to that of an equal
volume of water at the same temperature.
SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE.
1. Specific gravity of a bitumen binder is a fundamental ptoperty frequently required as an
aid in classing binders for use in paving jobs.
2. Specific gravity is also used in identifying the source of bitumen binder.
3. Bitumen binder has specific ravity in the range of 0.97 o 1.02.
APPARATUS
 Glass Pycnometer.
 Water bath.
 Thermometer.
 Balnce.
 Distilled water.

PROCEDURE.
  Heat the sample with care, stirring to prevent local overheating until the sample has
become sufficiently fluid to pour.
 Thoroughly clean, dry, and weigh the Pycnometer. Designate thus Mass A.
 Fill the Pycnometer with distilled water and place the stopper firmly in place. Place the
pycno into water bath for at least 30minutes maintained at 225degrees Celsius. Remove
and immediatelydry the the pycno and weigh it.
 Determine this as Mass B.

 After emptying the water, pour the asphalt carefully into the pyco to about ¾ .care must
be taken to prevent the asphalt from touching the side and also entrapping air. Place the
stopper, place it water bath for a period not less than 40 min then dry and weigh it.
Designate this as Mass C.
 Fill the Pycnometer containing the asphalt with freshly boiled distilled water, placing the
stopper loosely in the Pycnometer. Do not allow any air bubbles to remain in the
Pycnometer.
 Place the Pycnometer in the beaker and press the stopper firmly in place. Return the
beaker to the water bath. Allow the Pycnometer to remain in the water bath for a period
of not less than 30 minutes. Remove the Pycnometer from the bath. Dry and weigh it
.Designate as Mass D

FORMULA: Specific Gravity = (C-A)/((B-A)-(D-C))
The set and calculation.
N/B: The results and computations have been attached.

4. CORE ANALYSIS.
Core analysis in the lab involves determination of density by water displacement
technique, determination of binder content of the compacted bituminous mix aand
gradding. Thedensities of the cores will be used to know the relative compaction of the
laid pavement as it will be compacted to the refusal density that will be obtained by the
vibrating hammer.
Determination of field density from cores.
 To determine the density of the cores which are a representation of the density of
the compacted pavement structure (Bituminous material)
 For comparison with the maximum theoretical density in order to arrive at the
relative compaction.

Apparatus.

 Weighing balance (accuracy 0.1g)

 Teel brush.
 Water bath.
  Towel.
 Thermometer.
PROCEDURE.

 Once the cores have been cut from the pavement section, place them in open air to
remove moisture on the surface of the cores.
 Remove any loose material on the core using a steel brush and weigh the core. Dry
weight – A.
 Immerse the core into a water bath maintained at 25degrees Celsius until no bubble
emanate from the core(the core should be fully immersed)- record this as submerged
weight –B.
 Dry the core using towel and weigh to get the saturated weight –C.
Calcultion: Core density = A/(C-B)

Weight in Air (dry) –A 2843.9g

Submerged Weight –B 1543.7g Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Saturated Weight –C 2856.4g Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Volume (C-B) 132.7g Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Density = A/(C-B) 2.166g/cm3 Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt

Remarks: The density of the core cut was low in relation to the maximum theoretical Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
density. This suggested that the compactive effort was not 95% and above efficient. Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
DETERMINATION OF THE BINDER CONTENT.
The binder content enables the Materials Engineer to ascertain the amount of binder that was
used in Aaphalt mixing plant. In cases where the binder content exceeded the required limits as
stated in the design, then the section upon which the bituminous material will be applied could
result to bleeding.
The monitoting of binder content is crucial since poor ration of binder to aggregate material
would lead to poor bonding hence future pavement deformities.

Determination of binder content and aggregate grading by cold extraction (Centrifuge

method)
OBJECTIVES.

 To determine binder content in bituminous mix samples.

 To determine proportions of aggregates through grading.
Apparatus.
 Solvent (Trichloroethylene)
 Centrifuge machine (3500RPM)
 Balance.
 Heating oven
 Filter papers
 Steel brush
 Large flat pan for quartering
 Heat insulated gloves.
 B.S sieves for the respective bituminous material.
SET-UP DIAGRAMS.
PROCEDURE.

1. Place the core in the oven at a temperature 110 degrees Celsius for about 30minutes.
2. Remove the sample from the oven and place it on latge flat pan. Quarter the material to
enaure proper distribution of the contituents.
3. Weigh about 1500g of the material and place it in the mould. Weigh also the filter paper
and the cup to be used in the extraction.
4. Pour the solvent into the mould to almost full capacity and place the filter paper on top.
Cover and fasten the lid onto the mould and complete the assembly.
5. Turn on the centriguge and set it to required revolution. Gradually increase the
revolution after the first extraction.
6. Check if the extracted solution is clear otherwise continues adding the slvent after the
machine has been turned off.
7. Unmount the mold and place the aggregates onto the pan for weighing. (This is done
after they are dried in oven)
8. Weigh the filter paper and cup after extraction to get get the amount of recovered filler.

Computation:

Bitumen content = (Sample Before Ex. – Total Dry Aggregates) * 100/(Sample Before
Extraction)

Remarks: This test is essential in determination of binder content since fro the results one
is able to establish if the aggregates are well coated to facilitate bonding and lubrication.
In cases where there is low binder content, the aggregates will not bond effectively to
achieve high bulk density.
Implications of high Binder content.
 Future leeding of the section under traffic load.
 Acceleration of rutting proess.
  Impact on durability through reduction of voids (The minimm % of voids for flexibity
of pavement is 3%)

DETRMINATION OF BINDERCONTENT AND AGGREGATE GRADING BY HOT

EXRACTION (REFLUX METHOD)
The determination of binder content by hot extraction or what is commonly referred to as Reflux
Method is a ore accurate test than centrifuge test. This is because, in the latter, a slal proportion
of the filler material could be lost during decanting. However, in the relux method, the filler is
recovered separately through filler recovery machine after extraction.

APPARATUS.
1. Solvent (Trichloroethylene)
2. Eighing balance.
3. Filler recovery.
4. Extraction apparatus
5. Electric hot plate.
6. Glass cylinder and wire basket (0.075um)
7. Stons.
SET-UP DIAGRAM.
PROCEDURE.
1. Heat the bituminous ,ix to a temperature not exceeding the paving temperature of the
mix and stones.
2. Weigh the empty wire basket and add sample to it. Record the weight of the sample +
Basket before placing it in the extraction cylinder.
3. Add approximately 500ml of solvent and stones into the glass cylinder and lace the
condenser on top.
4. Trn on water for circulation through the condenser and place the extraction unit on
the electric hot plate.
5. Adjust the temperature of the hot plate such that the solvent boils gently and the
condesned solvent flows through the wire cloth basket.
6. Check if the extraction is complete by dripping the solution onoa filter paper, when
complete a clear distinct rring will form around the inner dark centre of the filler.
7. When complete, place the wire basket in an oven at temperature 110degrees Celsius to
dry. After drying weigh the aggregates and if required.
8. After extraction the glass cylinder contains filler, solvent, binder. Set up the filler
recovery and machine with 0.075um sieve on top to trap the stones.
 9. Pour the contents on the glasss cylineder into the filler recovery. Rinse the glass
cylinder to ensure all the filer is washed.
10. Weigh the sieve rapping the stones, and capsule in the recovery machine.

ANALYSIS
The results for this particular test are attached in the report. The computation of the binder
content uses the sample principle as the cold extraction. However, the additional equipment and
apparatus such as capsule,stones,glass cylinder etc are primarily used to recover the filler
material.
COMPUTTION:
Filler material = Filler fro capsule + filler from sieve and stones.

The weight of the filler would then be added to the toal dry aggregates for Binder content
computation.
CONCLUSION

A bituminous mix containing a larger percentage of coarse materials will have comparatively
lower bitumen content than a mix which contains a higher percentage of fine material. This is so
because, the course materials have a lower surface area to volume ratio than fine material, hence
the binder content to coat the surface of aggregates will be less as copared to one needed for fine
material.
NOTES:
Course material: Retained on sieve 6.3mm
Fine material:passing sieve 6.3mm and retained on sieve 0.075um.
Filler material passing 0.075um.

PRE-MIX BITUMINOUS MIXTURE ANALYSIS.

The analysis of bituminous mi starts with the determination of the binder content which I have
explained in above sections. Other tests that I had the opportunity to participate and are crucial in
the monitorin of the quality of materials are described below:

1. MARSHABILITY STABILITY TEST.

This test ssist in the designing and evaluation of the strength and the stability of bituminous mix.
The strength is measured in terms of the Marshall sability of the mix which is the maximum load
carried by the compacted specimen at 60degrees Celsius. This temperature represents the
weakest condition of the bituminous pavement in use.

OBJECTIVES.
1. To determne the density-voids analysis for the mix.
2. To determine the suitability of the Bituminous mix to meet specified criteria for
surface course.
APPARATUS.

1. Specimen mould assembly.

2. Specimen extractor.
3. Compaction hammer – 4500g sliding.
4. Compaction pedestal.
5. Breaking head.
6. Loading machine
7. Flow meter dial gauge.
SETUP
PROCEDURE.

1. Measure 11200g of premix (heated to compaction tempretare).

2. Place filter paper then the mixture in a heated mould assembly comprising of Base
plate and collar.
3. Place the mould in compaction pedestal and give the top phase 75blows. Repeat this
to the bottom phase. Note that the hammer shold fall freely.

4. Leave the sample to cool at a specified period of time and remove the base plate.
Extract the sample using Hydraulic jack.
5. Allow the sample to cool for several hours then determine the bulk density using the
water displacement method. The bulk densities will be used to find the Void properties of
the compacted specimen.
6. Immerse the specimen in water bath maintained at temp 600C for a period of 30-40 min.
7. Remove the specimen and place it in the complete set up of the Marshall testing machine
and load it at a constant rate of deformation (5mm per min.) until failure is observed.
8. Hence the total load that causes failure at 600C is noted as Marshall Stability Value of
the specimen.
9. The total amount of deformation in units of 0.01 up to the point where the load starts
decreasing is Flow Value.
10.
 Determination of Maximum Specific Gravity(Rice Test) Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Underline
The Maximum theoretical specific gravity is arrived at after removing all the void in the Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Line spacing: Multiple
bituminous mixture by the help of a vacuum Pycnometer. This specific gravity would then be 1.15 li, No bullets or numbering
used in the void analysis of the mixture used on pavement construction. Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Apparatus: Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, No bullets
1. Plastic Vacuum Pycnometer. or numbering

2. Electronic weighing Balance.

3. Suction Motor.
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
SET-UP.
Procedure: Formatted: Font: 12 pt
 Weigh and record weight of empty Vacuum Pycnometer. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, Bulleted +
Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"
 Load the sample into the Vacuum Pycnometer. Weigh the Vacuum Pycnometer
containing the sample to be tested. Calculate and record the initial weight of the sample.
 Connect the aspirator to a water faucet and to the Vacuum Pycnometer.
 Connect the water inlet hose to the water supply and the Vacuum Pycnometer.
 Operate the aspirator by turning on the faucet to which it is attached to create a vacuum
of at least 10" of HG within the sample chamber.
 Open the water inlet valve and allow the Vacuum Pycnometer to fill completely, being
careful not to turn off the aspirator.
 Close the water inlet valve.
 Disconnect the aspirator and the vacuum gauge at the quick-disconnects from the
Vacuum Pycnometer.
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
 If the Pycnometer is not full, use the squeeze bottle to fill with water. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, No bullets
 Disconnect the water inlet hose and the quick-disconnect from the Vacuum Pycnometer. or numbering
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
 Weigh the Vacuum Pycnometer and record the final weight.
Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Computation: Formatted Table
Max Theoretical Spec. Gravity ( ) where A=Weight of Sample: B=Weight of Pycnometer Formatted: Font: 12 pt
filled with distilled water (250C). C=Weight of sample+ Pycnometer + Water. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Weight of the material(A) 2129.9 g Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Weight of Pycnometer filled with water(B) 10149.7 g Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Material+Pynometer+water(C) 11387.2 g Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Spec. Gravity 2.387gm-3
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Determination of refusal density by Vibrating Rammer Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Underline
In service, the performance of bituminous mixes is adversely affected by their inability to resist Formatted: Font: 12 pt
over-compaction, especially during the initial stages of their lives. Voids closure due to the
kneading action of traffic, which is a reflection of the resistance to over-compaction, can be
simulated in the laboratory by compacting bituminous specimens to refusal density using either a
gyratory compactor or a vibrating hammer.
At refusal, the material is considered to be at the ultimate state of compaction which can be Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
achieved in practice. Formatted: Font: 12 pt

Apparatus:
1. Vibrating Hammer of known Frequency
2. Refusal Mould and Base Plate.
3. Oven
4. Weighing Balance
5. Filter Papers

Procedure:
 Place the mould, base plate, vibrating rods and mixture into the oven maintained at Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, Bulleted +
paving temperature (125oC). Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"

 When the apparatus has attained the required temperature, complete the assembly. Place a
filter paper and fill the mould to ¾ of the sample.
 Compact with the smaller diameter rod while applying pressure for 2 min. Replace the
rod with a larger one and compact for 10 sec. This is primarily to smoothen the surface.
 Invert the mould and place the filter paper on top. Repeat step 3.
 Remove the mould with the sample still intact and leave it to cool at room temperature
for 24hrs.
 Extract the sample by loosening the nuts and determine the bulk density by water
displacement method.
REMARKS. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
This would be the refusal density which will be used to calculate the relative density of cores Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Bold
which will be a representation of the compactive effort achieved in the field. Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt

The Results are hereby attached with this report Formatted: Font: 12 pt

The Relative Density= Core density/Refusal desnity x 100%

Remarks: The relative density should not be less than 95%. Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Formatted: Font: 12 pt

This would be the refusal density which will be used to calculate the relative density of cores
which will be a representation of the compactive effort achieved in the field.
Computation:
The Results are hereby attached with this report
The Relative Density=
Remarks: The relative density should not be less than 95%.
iv. Effect of water on the Compressive strength of Bituminous mixture Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Objectives:
To determine the effect of water on the durability of paving mixture. Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Apparatus:
1. Compressing Machine
2. Cylindrical mould of 104 diam. and 150mm height.
3. Plunger.
4. Water Bath Maintained at25oC.
5. Electronic weighing Balance.
6. Hydraulic Jack.

Procedure:
 Calculate the amount of material ti fill the mould at a height of 150mm. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, Bulleted +
 Divide the sample into six proportions of approximately 1900-1945g in trays. Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"

 Place each sample in a cylindrical mould and place the plunger on top. Using a rubber
mallet ensure the top face of the plunger flushes off with the mould.
 Apply compressive stress to the plunger while ensuring the temperature doesn’t fall
below the point at which the compacted mix cannot bond.
 Leave the compacted mix to cool for 24 hour in the mould and later extrude it by
Hydraulic Jack.
 Divide the six samples into Two Groups:
 Dry Specimen.(3 samples) Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, Bulleted +
 Immersed Specimen(3 samples) Level: 3 + Aligned at: 1.25" + Indent at: 1.5"

 Determine their bulk density by water displacement technique. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, Bulleted +
 Dry specimens are to be exposed to room temperature for 24 hrs. Thereafter placed in Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"

water bath for 2hrs after which their compressive strength is determined.
 The Immersed specimens are exposed in room temperature for 22 hrs. thereafter placed in
water bath at 250C for 4hrs.then the compressive strength is determined.
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Computation:
% Loss of Stability after soaking= 22.4%
The analyses of results are attached within this document.
Remarks:
For a % loss of Stability after soaking higher than 35%, then it depicts a very high loss of
stability indicating a serious potential of reduced durability of the mix due to loss of bound
(stripping) between the asphalt and aggregates.
v. Refusal Density by Super pave Gyratory Machine(SGC) Formatted: Font: 12 pt
The SGC is a device that would realistically compact trial mix specimens to densities achieved
under actual pavement climate and loading conditions. Its capability to accommodate large
aggregates makes it suitable. Furthermore, it was desired that the device affords a measure of
compatibility so that potential tender mixture and similar compaction problems can be identified.
Its 150mm diameter could accommodate aggregates up to a 50mm maximum size.
Properties of Test Equipment:
The SGC comprises of the following system components:
 Reaction Frame, Rotating Base, and a motor. Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li, Bulleted +
Level: 1 + Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"
 Loading system, loading Ram, and Pressure Gauge.
 Height measuring and recordation system.
 Mold(150mm by 250mm height) and Base plate.
Formatted: Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li
Sketch of Generic SGC
Formatted: Font: 12 pt
Working Principle of SGC:
The reaction frame provides a non-compliant structure against which the loading ram can push
when compacting the specimens. The base of SGC rotates ad is affixed to the loading frame. It
supports the mould while compaction occurs. Reaction bearings are used to position the mold at Formatted: Font: 12 pt
an angle of 1.25 degrees, which is compaction angle of SGC.

The electric motor, drives the rotating base at a constant speed of 30 revolutions per minute. A Formatted: Font: 12 pt
hydraulic system applies a load to the loading ram, which imparts 600kpa compaction pressure
to the specimen. The loading ram diameter nominally matches the inside diameter of the mold,
which is 150mm.
A pressure gauge with digital signal conditioning measures the ram pressure during compaction.
As the specimen densifies during compaction, the pressure gauge signals the loading system to
adjust the position of the loading ram so that a constant compaction pressure is maintained Formatted: Font: 12 pt
throughout the compaction process.
The Specimen height measurement is an important function of the SGC. By knowing the mass of
material placed in the mold, the diameter of the mold, and the specimen height, an estimate of
specimen density can be made at any time throughout the compaction process.
Density is computed as Mass divided by volume. The volume is calculated as the volume of the
smooth sided cylinder with diameter 150mm and the measured height.
Compaction Characteristics of SGC: Fig 2.10
SGC Mold Configuration and Compaction Parameters: Fig 2.11
Specimen Preparation:
1. Mixing is accomplished by mechanical mixer. After mixing, loose test specimens are
subjected to 4 hrs. Short term aging in a forced draft oven maintained at a constant 135oC.
2. During short term aging, loose mix specimen are to be spread and stirred every hour to ensure
uniform aging.
3. Compaction molds and base plates should also be placed in the oven at 1350C for at least 30-
45 min prior to use.
4. If specimen are used for volumetric determinations only, use sufficient mix to arrive at a
specimen 150mm in diameter by approximately 115 height(require approx. 4500g)
5. Alternatively to produce specimens for performance testing, approx. 5500g is used to fabricate
a specimen of 150mm diameter and 135mm height.
Overview of Procedure: Formatted: Font: 12 pt
1. After short term aging the compactor is initiated and the vertical compactor applies 600kpa
pressure .The gyration counter should be zeroed and set to stop when the desired no of gyration
has been achieved.
2. When the base plate is in place, a paper disk is placed on top of the plate and mold is charged
in a single lift. The top of the uncompacted specimen should be slightly rounded.
3. A paper disk is placed on top of the mixture. The mold is placed in the compactor and
centered under the ram.
4. The ram is them lowered until it contacts the mixture and the resisting pressure is 600kpa.The
angle of gyration (1.25oC) is then applied and the compaction process begins.
5. When Nmaximum has been reached, the compactor should automatically cease. After the
angle and pressure are released, the old containing the compacted is then removed and the.
6. After a suitable cooling period, the specimen is extruded from the mold.

Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt