DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CONTENTS

S. No DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

1. Report writing 3-4

2. Abrasion (hardness) test of aggregate 5-7
3. Impact (toughness) value of road aggregate 8-9
4. Crushing value of Aggregate 10-11
5. Flakiness and Elongation Indices of the 12-15
aggregate
6. Softening point of bitumen 16-17
7. Ductility Test of bitumen 18-19
8. Flash and fire point of bitumen 20-21
9. Viscosity of given bitumen /road tar 22-23
10. Bitumen Penetration value 24-25
11. Bitumen content by Centrifuge extractor test 26-27
12. Marshall Stability and flow index value test 28-32
13. Benkelman beam test 33-37
14. References 38

1
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING

A full report is an extensive account of experiment, such as may be

required for external readers. It should be a stand alone document
and so is likely to include a description of the apparatus and a
summery of the experimental procedure.

A full report is not to exceed 1500 words (excluding Tables and

Diagrams). It is to be organized under the following headings:

• OBJECTIVE/OBJECTIVES
• EXPERIMENTAL SETUP WITH DIAGRAM
• THEORY TO BE USED FOR EXPERIMENT
• EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
• OBSERVATIONS/DATA COLLECTED
• SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
• EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
• DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS (Including that of errors)
• ERROR ANALYSIS
• COMMENTS

OBJECTIVES
It contains the aim of the experiment and how the author is going to
achieve his aim.
2
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP WITH DIAGRAM
Write every experimental setup and instruments you used with their
dimensions. Draw a neat sketch of experimental setup.

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD
It should contain a brief description of experimental method, a neat
sketch of experimental setup.

THEORY TO BE USED FOR EXPERIMENT

Write theory behind your experiment briefly.

OBSERVATIONS/DATA COLLECTED
Write down all data collected by you and also attached the signed lab
data sheet.

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
Give the sample calculations.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
Represent experimental results in tabulated form and diagrams.

DISCUSSIONS/ CONCLUSIONS
Compare your results with available reported results from standard
literature. Give the reason of departure of your results from reported
results.
The conclusions contains a summary (what has been done and what
are the main results) and in addition to that some future prospective.

ERROR ANALYSIS
Analyze error associated with your experiment.

COMMENTS
Substantiate the error associated with your experiment.

3
NB: Failure to submit the report and attend the viva voce will
result in a zero mark.

EXPERIMENT NO – 1
LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST
Ref: IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:

To determine the Abrasion (Hardness)) value of aggregates by the Los Angeles Abrasion
test method

2. Apparatus/Equipments Required:

1. It consists of a hollow cylindrical machine closed at both ends having 70 cm internal

diameter and 50 cm long, mounted on supports so that it may rotate about its
horizontal axis.
2. Steel spherical balls 4.5 cm diameter and weighing 390grams to 445 grams. The
weight and number of balls per charge of aggregate depends upon the grading of
aggregate sample.
3. Sieves of size 80 – 4.75 mm and 1.7 mm
4. Balance of capacity 10 kg.
5. Tray

LOS ANGELES ABRASION TESTING MACHINE SET OF SIEVES

3. Theory:

Due to the movements of traffic, the road stones used in the surfacing course are subjected
to wearing action at the top. Resistance to wear or hardness is hence an essential property
for road aggregates especially when used in wearing course. Thus road stones should be
hard enough ton resist the abrasion due to the traffic.

4. Procedure:

4
 1. Aggregate sample weighing 5 kg or 10 kg depending on the grading is put in the
machine along with the abrasive charge.
2. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 R.P.M. for the specified number of
revolutions (500 to 1000) depending on the grading of aggregate.
3. Now the sample is taken out of the machine and sieved through 1.7 mm I.S. Sieve
and the weight of aggregate passing through 1.7 mm sieve is determined.

5. Observation:

Type of aggregate
=
1. Grading =
2. Number of spheres used =
3. Weight of charge =
4. Number of revolution =

Observations Sample 1 Sample 2

5
 Let the original weight of aggregate = W1 g

Weight of aggregate retained on 1.7 mm IS

sieve after the test = W2 g
Loss in weight due to wear = W1 - W2 g
(W1 −W2 ) ×100
Percentage wear =
W1
Average Value =

6. Calculation

i) The material coarser than 1.70mm IS Sieve should be washed dried in an oven at a
temperature of 100 to 110oC to a constant weight and weighed (Weight ‘B’).

ii) The proportion of loss between weight ‘A’ and weight ‘B’ of the test sample should be
expressed as a percentage of the original weight of the test sample. This value should be
reported as,

Aggregate abrasion value = (A-B)/B x 100%.

(W1 −W2 ) ×100

Los Angles abrasion value, % = Percentage wear =
W1
7. Result

For test sample = …………………

Standard value = ………………….

%age error =……………………….

8. Precautions:
9. Remarks:
10. Discussions:
EXPERIMENT NO – 2
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST
IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:
To determine the toughness (impact value) of aggregates.
2. Apparatus/Equipments Required:
6
1. Impact testing machine
2. Cylindrical measure
3. Tamping rod
4. Sieve 12.5, 10, and 2.36 mm.
5. Balance
6. Oven (thermostatically)

3. Theory:

Toughness is the property of a material to resist impact. Due to traffic loads, the road stones
are subjected to the pounding action or impact and there is possibility of stones breaking into
smaller pieces. The road stones should therefore be tough enough to resist fracture under
impact.
4. Procedure:

1. Dry aggregate specimen passing 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve is

filled in three equal layers by 25 blows with the help of tamping rod and weighed. Let
the weight of sample be W1 Kg.
2. The sample is now transferred to the cup of the impact test apparatus and
compacted by tamping rod 25 times.
3. Now the hammer is raised to a height of 38 cm above the surface of the aggregate in
the cup and is allowed to fall freely in the specimen. In this 15 blows are given to the
aggregate specimen.
4. Now the aggregate sample is sieved through 2.36 mm I.S. Sieve and the fraction
passing through this sieve is weighed. Let the weight of this fraction be W2 Kg.

5. Observation:
Serial Details Trial No.
No. 1 2
1. Total weight of aggregate sample filling the
cylindrical measure = W1 g
2. Weight of aggregate passing 2.36 mm sieve
after the test = W2 g
3. Weight of aggregate retained on 2.36 mm sieve
after the test = W3 g

6. Calculation and Reporting of Results

7
i) The sample should be removed and sieved through a 2.36mm IS Sieve. The fraction
passing through should be weighed (Weight ‘B’). The fraction retained on the sieve should
also be weighed (Weight ‘C’) and if the total weight (B+C) is less than the initial weight (A) by
more than one gram, the result should be discarded and a fresh test done.

ii) The ratio of the weight of the fines formed to the total sample weight should be expressed
as a percentage.
W2
Aggregate impact value = percent fines = ×100
W1
(i) For sample 1 …………………………………………………..
(ii) For sample 2 …………………………………………………..

7. Precautions:

8. Remarks:

9. Discussion:
EXPERIMENT NO – 3

AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Objective:
To determine the crushing value of road aggregates.
2. Apparatus/Equipments Required:

1. Steel cylinder of 15.2 cm internal diameter with base plate and plunger. The height
of the cylinder may vary from 13 to 14 cm. The thickness of cylinder walls may be
1.6 cm.
2. Cylindrical measure of internal diameter 11.5 cm. and height18 cm.
3. Steel tamping rod 45 to 60 cm. long and 1.6 cm diameter having a pointed end.
4. Compression testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tones, at a uniform rate
of loading of 4 tons per minute.
5. Balance of cap. 3 kg with accuracy up to 1 g
6. Sieves of 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm.

COMPRESSION TESTING MACHINE

8
STEEL CYLINDER, CYLINDRICAL MEASURE, TAMPING ROD AND PLUNGER

3. Theory:
The principal mechanical properties required inroad stones are (i) satisfactory resistance to
crushing under the roller during construction and (ii) adequate resistance to surface abrasion
under traffic. Also surface stresses under rigid tyre rims of heavily loaded and drawn vehicle
are high enough to consider the crushing strength of road aggregates as essential
requirements in India.

4. Procedure:

1. Aggregate passing 12.5 mm I.S. sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve is taken and
dried. This aggregate filled in the cylindrical measure in three equal layers and each
layer tamped 25 times by the tamping rod.
2. Now the test sample is weighed and filled in the test cylinder in three equal layers and
tamped each layer 25 times. Let the weight of aggregate be W1 Kg.
3. Now the plunger is placed on the top of the test specimen and whole apparatus
is put in the compression testing machine.
4. Now the specimen is loaded to a total load of 40 tones at the rate of 4 tons per
minute i.e., the total load s reached in 10 minutes in the compression machine.
5. Now the test cylinder is removed from the compression machine and aggregate
sieved through 2.36 mm sieve. The material passed through the 2.36 mm sieve
is weighed. Let the weight be W2 Kg.
5. Observation:

Serial Details Trial No.

No. 1 2
1. Total weight of aggregate sample filling the
cylindrical measure = W1 g
2. Weight of aggregate passing 2.36 mm sieve
after the test = W2 g
3. Weight of aggregate retained on 2.36 mm
sieve after the test = W3 g
W
6. Calculation Aggregate crushing value = percent fines = W ×100
2

1
(i) For sample 1 …………………………………………………..
(ii) For sample 2 …………………………………………………..

7. Result: for test sample = …………………

9
 Standard value = ………………….
%age error =……………………….

8. Precautions:
9. Remarks:
10. Discussion:
EXPERIMENT NO – 4
FLAKINESS AND ELONGATION INDICES TEST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:
To determine the flakiness and elongation indices of the given aggregates sample
2. Introduction:
The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particle contained in it. In the case of gravel it is determined by its angularity number. For
base course and construction of bituminous and cement concrete types, the presence of
flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable as they may cause inherent
weakness with possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads. Rounded aggregates are
preferred in cement concrete road construction as the work ability concrete improves.
Angular shapes of particles are desirable for granular base course due to increase stability
divided from the better interlocking. When the shape of aggregates deviates more from the
spherical shape, as in the case of angular, flaky and elongated aggregate, the void content
in aggregate of any specified size increases and hence the grain size distribution of a graded
aggregate has to be suitable altered in order to obtain minimum voids in the dry mix of the
highest dry density. The angularity number denotes the void content of single sized
aggregates in excess of that obtained with spherical aggregates of the same size. Thus
angularity number has considerable importance in the gradation requirements of various
types of mixes such as bituminous concrete and soil-aggregate mixes.

The evaluation of shape of the particles, particularly with reference to flakiness,

elongation an angularity is necessary.

3. Test for Determinations of Flakiness Index

Apparatus: -
The apparatus consists of
1. A standard thickness gauge,
2. IS sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5,25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm and
3. A balance to weigh the samples.

SET OF SIEVES THICHNESS GAUGE

Theory: -

10
The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not
applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

Procedure: -

This testis conducted by using a metal thickness gauge.

1. A sufficient quantity of aggregate is taken such that a minimum number of 200 pieces
of any fraction can be tested.
2. Each fraction is gauged in turn for thickness on the meal gauge.
3. The total amount passing in the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1per cent of the
weight of the samples taken.
4. The flakiness index is taken as the total weight of the material passing the various
thickness gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample taken.
Table 1 shows the standard dimensions of thickness and Length gauges.

Table 1 Shows Thickness and length gauges

(IS: 2386 (Part 1) -1963)

Size of Aggregate Thickness gauge (0.6 Length gauge (1.8

Passing Through Retained on IS times the mean sieve) times the mean
IS sieve mm sieve mm mm sieve),mm

63.0 mm 50mm 33.90 -

50.0 mm 40 mm 27.00 81.0
40.0 mm 25 mm 19.50 58.5
31.5 mm 25 mm 16.95 -
25.0 mm 20 mm 13.50 40.5
20.0 mm 16mm 10.80 32.4
16.0 mm 12.5mm 8.55 25.6
12.5 mm 10.0 mm 6.75 20.2
10.0 mm 6.3 mm 4.89 14.7

4. Test for Determination of Elongation Index

Apparatus
11
 The apparatus consists of the length gauge, sieves of the sizes specified in table and a
balance.

LENGTH GAUGE SET OF SIEVES

Theory:

The elongation index on an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose

greatest dimension (Length) is greater than 1.8 times their mean dimension .The elongation
index is not applicable to sizes smaller then 6.3 mm

Procedure:

This test is conducted by using metal length gauge of the description. A sufficient quantity of
aggregate is taken to provide minimum number of 200 piece of any fraction to be tested.
Each fraction shall be gauged individually for length on the metal gauge. The gauge length
used shall be that specified in column of table 3.18 for the appropriate size of material. The
total amount retained by the gauge length shall be weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 per
cent of the weight o the test samples taken. The elongation index s the total eight of the
material retained on the various length gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight
of the sample gauged. The presence of elongated particles in excess of 10 to 15 per cent is
generally considered undesirable, but no recognized limits are laid down. Indian standard
explain only the method of calculating both flakiness index and elongation index. But the
specifications do not specify the limits .British standard BS 882 of 1992 limits the flakiness
index of the coarse aggregate to 50 for natural gravel and to 40 for rushed coarse aggregate.
However, for wearing surfaces lower values of flakiness index are required.

4. Observation sheet

Flakiness index and Elongation index

Size of aggregate Weight of the Thickness Weight of Length Weight of

Passing Retained fraction gauge aggregates in gauge aggregates in
through on IS consisting of at size each fraction size, each fraction
is sieve, sieve, least 200 passing retained on
mm mm pieces, mm thickness gauge, mm length gauge,
gm gm gm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
63 50 W1 = 23.90 w1 = -- --
50 40 W2 = 27.00 w2 = 81.0 x1 =
40 31.5 W3 = 19.50 w3 = 58.0 x2 =
31.5 25 W4 = 16.95 w4 = -- --
12
 25 20 W5 = 13.50 w5 = 40.5 x3 =
20 16 W6 = 10.80 w6 = 32.4 x4 =
16 12.5 W7 = 8.55 w7 = 25.5 x5 =
12.5 10.0 W8 = 6.75 w8 = 20.3 x6 =
10.0 6.3 W9 = 4.89 w9 = 14.7 x7 =
Total W= w= x=

5. Calculations:

(w + w
1 2 + w 3 + .........) 100 percent = 100w percent
Flakiness index =
(W1 + W2 + W3 + .......) W

(x11 + x2 + x 3 + ......... ) 100 percent = 100x percent

Elongation index =
(W1 + W2 + W3 + .......) W

7. Result:

For test sample = 1 .………………… 2. ……………………

Standard value = 1 …………………. 2. ……………………
%age error = 1 … ……………… .2. ……………………

8. Precautions:

9. Remarks:

10. Discussion:

EXPERIMENT NO – 5

SOFTENING POINT TEST

(Ref: - IS: 1205 – 1978).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:
To determine the softening point of bitumen.

2. Apparatus/Equipments required:

1. A brass ring and steel ball.

2. Water bath and stirrer.

13
 3. Thermometer.
4. Metallic support

RING & BALL APPARATUS

3. Theory:

Softening point is defined as the temperature at which a substance attains a particular

degree of softening under specified conditions of test. Usually softening point for different
grades of bitumen used for pavements varies from 35°C to 70°C.

4. Procedure:

1. Sample material is heated to a temperature between 75 and 100°C above the

approximate softening point until it is completely fluid.
2. The bitumen test sample is placed in the brass ring and the ring is suspended in water
at a given temperature.
3. A steel ball is put on the bitumen and the water bath is heated such that the
temperature of water bath rises by 5°C per minute.
4. The temperature at which the softened bitumen touches the metal plate placed at a
specified distance below the ring is noted. This temperature is called the softening
point of the bitumen. Higher the softening point, harder the grade of the bitumen.

5. Observation:
1. Bitumen grade: …………………………………………………
2. Approximate softening point: …………………………………...
3. Liquid used in the bath: …………………………………………..
4. Period of air cooling, minutes: ………………………………….
5. Period of cooling in water bath, minutes = ……………………….
Rate of heating:
Time Temperature Time Temperature
( minutes) (°C) (minutes) (°C)
1 11
2 12
14
 3 13
4 14
5 15
6 16
7 17
8 18
9 19
10 20

Observation Table:
Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2
Test property Mean value
Ball No, Ball No. softening point
(i) (ii) (i) (ii)
Temperature(°C) at which
sample touches bottom plate

Repeatability

Oducibility

6. Calculations & Results:

For test sample = …………………
Standard value = ………………….
%age error =……………………….

7. Precautions:
8. Remarks:
9. Discussion:
EXPERIMENT NO – 6
DUCTILITY TEST
(Ref:-IS: 1208 – 1978)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:
To determine the Ductility of bituminous material.

2. Theory:

Ductility is a measure of elasticity of adhesiveness of bitumen. It is expressed as the

distance in centimeters to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before the
thread breaks. As per I.S. 1208-1958, the test should be conducted at 27° C and the pull

15
should be applied at the rate of 50 mm per minute. The minimum width of cross-section
should be 10×10 mm.

3. Apparatus /Equipments required:

1. Briquette of standard dimensions.

2. Pulling device with distance measuring dial.
3. Water bath arrangement.
4. Knife.
5. Heating mental.
6. Thermometer.
7. Glycerin.

DUCTILITY TEST APPARATUS

4. Procedure:

1. The bitumen sample is heated to bring it in fluid state and poured in the briquette
assembly and placed on a brass plate.
2. The whole assembly including bitumen briquette along with brass plate is allowed to
cool in air.
3. The excess bitumen is cut and surface is leveled with the help of a hot knife.
4. The whole assembly now is kept in a water bath maintained at 27°C for about 85 to
95 minutes.
5. The side of the mould removed ,the clips hooked on the machine and the pointer
adjusted to zero value or initial reading noted.
6. Now the clips are pulled apart horizontally at the rate of 50 mm per min. and the
distance up to the point of breaking of thread is noted. This distance in centimeter
gives the value of ductility of bitumen.
7. The ductility of bitumen may vary from 5 to 100 for different bitumen grades, but for
satisfactory performance it should not be less than 50.
8. Ductility of bitumen is in fluenced by pouring temperature, dimensions of briquette,
test temperature, rate of pulling etc.

5. Observation:
1. Weight of sample (same for all samples) = ………………………………….
2. Test temperature (same for all samples) = ………………………………….
3. Grade of bitumen (same for all samples) =…………………………………..
4. Ductility in cm.

Sample Ductility in cm
No.

16
 1
2
3

6. Calculation:
Average ductility in cm. = ……………………..

7. Result:

Ductility value For test sample

Average ductility = ……………………..cm.
Standard value = ……………………..cm
%age error = ……………………..%

8. Precautions:
9. Remarks:
10. Discussion:
EXPERIMENT NO – 7
FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST
.(Ref:-IS: 1209 – 1978)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:
To determine the flash and fire point of given bitumen sample.

2. Apparatus/Equipments required:

1. Pensky-Martens closed tester consists of cup, lid, stirring device, cover, shutter,
flame, exposure device etc.
2. Pensky-Martens open tester as above with the modification, that the cover of the cup
is replaced by a clip which encircles the upper rim of the cup and carries thermometer
and test flame.

3. Theory:
1. Flash point: -‘The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the
vapor of substance momentarily takes fire in the room of a flash under specified
condition of test’’.

17
 2. Fire point: - ‘‘The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the material gets
ignited and burns under specified condition of test’’.
4. Procedure:

1. All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.
2. The material to be tested is filled in the cup up to a definite mark called filling mark
and the lid is placed to close the cup in closed cup apparatus.
3. Thermometer of specified range and other accessories are suitably fixed.
4. The bitumen specimen is heated at the rate of 5C per minute and stirred well during
the heating period.
5. The test flame is brought near the heated specimen at intervals depending upon the
expected flash and fire points. First application of flame is made at least 17C below
the flash point is then at every 1C to 3C rise in temperature.
6. The temperature at which the application of flame causes a bright flash inside the cup
in the closed cup system is taken as the flash point.
7. For open cup system, the instance when flash appears first at any point on the
surface of the material is called flash point.
8. On further heating, the temperature at which the material gets ignited and continuous
to burn for 5 seconds, is called the fire point. The minimum specified flash point for
bitumen in closed cup type system is 175°C.

5. Observation
1. Bitumen grade /cutback type and grade: ………………………
2. Type of equipment: Closed cup/Open cup: ……………………
Rate of heating

Time in minutes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Temparature,°C

Test property Test Number Mean

1 2 3 value
1. Flash point
2. Fire point
3. Variations from mean value

6. Calculations & Result

For test sample = …………………

Standard value = ………………….
%age error =……………………….

7. Precautions:
18
8. Remarks:
9. Discussion:
EXPERIMENT NO – 8
VISCOSITY TEST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Objective:
To determine the viscosity of road tar.
2. Apparatus/Equipments Required:

Ten millimeter orifice viscometer is specified for testing road tar and is called tar viscometer,
4.0 mm orifice is used to test cutback grades, 0 and 1 and 10 mm orifice to test all other
grades. The apparatus consists of main part like cup, valve, water bath, sleeves, stirrer,
receiver and thermometers, etc.

3. Theory:
Viscosity is the measure of resistance to flow. It is measured by recording the time in
seconds taken by 50 c.c. of the material to flow through a specified orifice of standard
dimension into a receiver at specified temperature.

4. Procedure:
• The tar cup is properly leveled and water in the bath is heated to the temperature
specified for the test and is maintained throughout the test. Stirring is also continued.
• The sample material is heated at the temperature 20°C above the specified test
temperature, and the material is allowed to cool.
• During this the material is continuously, stirred.
• When material reaches slightly above test temperature, the same is poured in tar cup,
until the leveling peg on the valve rod is just immersed.
• In the graduated receiver (cylinder), 20 ml of mineral oil or one percent by weight
solution of soft soap is poured.
• The receiver is placed under the orifice.
• When the sample material reaches the specified testing temperature within ± 0.1°C
and is maintained for 5 minutes, the valve I opened.
• The stop watch is started, when cylinder records 25ml.
• The time is recorded for flow up to a mark of 75ml. (i.e., 50ml of test sample to flow
through the orifice).
The viscosity test on road tar is carried out using 10 mm orifice and the standard test
temperature for road tar grades RT1, RT2, RT3, and RT4 are 35, 40, 45, and 55°C respectively.
In case the viscosity test is being carried out to classify a given sample of road tar of to find
its grade, then the test should be first conducted at the lowest temperature of testing road
tar, i.e. 35°C; if the time taken for 50ml of the tar sample to flow through the 10 mm orifice is
19
 more than 55 secs, of if the sample does not flow freely test may be repeated at the next
higher temperature, till the viscosity value falls in the specified range.

The viscosity test on cutback bitumen is carried out using 4.0 mm orifice for grades 0 and 1
(SC – 0, MC – 0, RC – 0, SC – 1, MC – 1, RC – 1, at 25°C). The test for cutback grades 2
and 3 are carried out at 25°C using 10 mm orifice and those for grades 4 and 5 are carried
out at 40°C using 10 mm orifice. For details of requirements of cutbacks see Tables 23.1 – a,
b & c. if the viscosity of an unknown grade of cutbacks, is to be determined, the orifice size
and the trial test temperature may be chosen using judgment. If the viscosity value of the trial
test does not fall within the specified range, test should be repeated by altering the test
temperature or orifice size of both suitably.

5. Observation:
1. Material: ……………………………………………………….
2. Grade: ………………………………………………………….
3. Specified temperature, °C = ……………………………………
4. Size of orifice, mm = ………………………………………….
5. Actual test temperature, °C ……………………………………

Test Property Test run Mean value

1 2 3
Viscosity in seconds
Repeatability,
percent

6. Calculations:

7. Results
For test sample = …………………

Standard value = ………………….

%age error =……………………….

8. Precautions:
9. Remarks:
10. Discussion:

EXPERIMENT NO – 9
PENETRATION TEST
(Ref: - IS: 1203 – 1978)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
1. Objective:
To determine the Penetration value of the Bitumen.

2. Apparatus/Equipments required:

1. Container
2. Needle
3. Water bath
4. Penetrometer
5. Transfer tray

3. Theory:

This test is applied almost exclusive bitumen. For tars, cutback and emulsions other
consistency are used. This test determines the hardness or softness of bitumen by
measuring the depth in millimeter to which a standard loaded needle will penetrate vertically
in 5 seconds while the temperature of the bitumen sample is maintained at 25°C.

4. Procedure:
1. The bitumen is softening to a pouring consistency, stirred well and poured into the
test containers. The depth of bitumen in containers is kept at least 15 mm more
than the excepted penetration.
2. The sample now the sample containers are placed in a temperature controlled
water bath at a temperature of 25°C for one hour.
3. At the end of one hour, the sample is taken out of water bath and needle is
brought in contact with the surface of bitumen sample and the reading of dial is set
at zero or the reading of dial noted, when the needle is in contact with the surface
of the sample.
4. Now the needle is released and the needle is allowed to penetrate for 5 seconds
and the final reading is recorded on the same sample at least three penetration
observations should be taken at distances at least 10 mm apart. After each test,
the sample needle is disengaged, wiped wit benzene and dried.
5. The mean value of three measurements is reported as penetration test.
6. The accuracy of the test depends upon pouring temperature, size of needle,
weight placed on needle, and test temperature.
7. The grade of bitumen is specified in terms of penetration value. 30/40 grade
bitumen indicates the penetration value of the bitumen in the range of 30 to 40 at
standard test conditions. Penetration test is applied exclusively to bitumen. Tars
being soft, penetration test on these materials can not be carried out.
21
5. Observation:

1. Pouring temperature, °C = …………………………

2. Period of cooling in atmosphere, minutes = ………………………….
3. Room temperature, °C = …………………………..
4. Period of cooling in water bath, minutes = …………………………..
5. Actual test temperature, °C = …………………………..

Sample No. Sample No.

Readings 1 2 3 Mean value 1 2 3 Mean value
Penetrometer dial
reading (i) initial
(ii) final
Penetration value
Repeatability, percent

6. Calculations:

7. Results
For test sample = …………………
Standard value = ………………….
%age error =……………………….

8. Precautions:
9. Remarks:
EXPERIMENT NO – 10
CENTRIFUGE EXTRACTOR TEST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OBJECTIVE

To determine quantity of bitumen in hot mix paving mixtures and pavement samples.
APPARATUS
i) Centrifuge extractor
ii) Bowl,
iii) Filter paper,
iv) Balance and
v) Commercial benzene.
vi) A sample of 1000g is taken.

CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE

The Centrifuge Extractor is used for the quantitative determination of bitumen in hot-mixed
paving mixtures and pavement samples, essentially as a field test to exercise quality control
and ensure that the specified amount of bitumen has been used. The bitumen content is
22
calculated by difference of the weight of the extract aggregate, moisture content and ash
from the weight of the sample taken for the test.

PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE BITUMEN CONTENT

1. Weigh a 1000 gms sample of asphalt/bitumen mix.
2. If the mixture is not soft enough to separate with a trowel, place 1000g of it in a large
pan and warm upto 100oC to separate the particles of the mixture uniformly.
3. Place the sample in the bowl and weigh it.
4. Cover the sample in the bowl with benzene or trichloromethane and allow it to soak
for one hour.
5. Weigh filter paper, place it around the edge of the bowl and clamp a lid on the bowl.
6. Place a beaker under the outlet.
7. Place the bowl in a centrifuge extractor.
8. Start the centrifuge extractor, revolving slowly and gradually increase the speed until
the solvent ceases to flow from the outlet.
9. Stop the centrifuge, add 200 ml of trichloromethane or benzene and rotate it again.
10. Repeat the procedure (not less than 3 washings) until the extract is no longer cloudy
and is fairly light in color.
11. Remove the filter paper from the bowl and dry in air.
12. Brush the loose particles from the filter into the bowl
13. Dry the filter to constant weight in an oven at 980 C to 105o C.
14. Obtain the weight of the filter and bowl with dry aggregates
RECORD OF OBSERVATIONS

Sl Particulars Sample Sample Sample

No 1 2 3
BEFORE TEST
1. Weight of bowl + sample (W1), g
2. Weight of bowl (W2) g
3. Weight of filter (W3), g

AFTER TEST
4. Weight of bowl + sample (W4),g
5. Weight of filter (W5), g
6. Weight of sample (W1-W2), g
7. Weight of aggregates in bowl (W4-W2), g
8. Weight of aggregates in filter (W5-W3), g
9. Weight of aggregates WA = (W4-W2) + (W5-
W3)
10. Weight of bitumen, WB = (W1-W2) - WA
11. WB
Bitumen content = x100%
WA
23
REPORTING OF RESULTS

Bitumen content = [(A-B)/B] ×100 %

Repeat the test thrice and average the results.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Separate the particles of the mixture as uniformly as possible taking care not to
fracture the mineral particles.
2. The cover plate should be fixed tightly on the bowl.

REMARKS

DISCUSSION

24