University of Moratuwa

M.Eng. / PG Diploma in Highway & Traffic Engineering and

M.Sc. /PG Diploma in Transportation
Department of Civil Engineering
Cover Sheet for Assignment

Name with Initials: Y.A.P.M Yahampath

Student Registration No:

Specifications and material testing for Dense Graded

Title of Assignment: Aggregate Base (DGAB)

Assignment No: Project 01 Group Individual x

Subject Code: CE 6601

Subject: Highway Construction and Maintenance Techniques

Lecturer: Dr. W.K Mampearachchi

Student’s Statement

I certify that I have not plagiarized the work of others or participated in unauthorized
collusion when preparing the assignment

Signature …………….. Date: 28/12/2018

Office use only

On/ before deadline Extension Given Late Submission

Signature: ………………………

Marks Given:
 Assignment - 3

Specifications and material testing for Dense Graded Aggregate Base

(DGAB)

Specification – Standard Specification for Construction and Maintenance of Roads and

Bridges (ICTAD publication No. – SCA/5, Second edition – June 2009)

Material Requirements And Quality Control Tests [ sub section 405.2, 1602, 1701.3 (a)
& (b), 1801 ]

 Aggregates should be crushed from a parent rock which is ,

 Hard
 Sound
 Durable
 Un- weathered
 Angular shape
 Rough surface texture
 Aggregates should be free from
 Dust
 Organic matter
 Clay and silt
 Soft
 Laminated
 Elongated pieces
 Other deleterious matter
 Nominal aggregate size of 37.5mm, 28mm, 20mm.
 Aggregate shall confirm,
 General requirements [ Sub section 1701.3 (a) ]
 Grading requirements [ sub section 1701.3 (b) , Table 1701-5 ]
 Quality control tests [ sub clause 1801 ]
 Quality control testing frequencies [ sub section 1602, Table 1602-1 ]
Table : 1 – Tests details for DGAB

Test Test method Test limit Min. testing frequency

[ As specified in sub [ As specified in sub [ As specified in [ As specified in sub
clause 1602, table 1602- clause 1801 ] sub clause clause 1602, table 1602-
1] 1701.3 (a), (b) ] 1]
Particle size analysis of  BS EN 933-1-1997 Refer table 2 300 C.u.m
aggregate  ASTM C 136-96a
 AASHTO T27-99
Plasticity index Should be non As required
plastic
PI < 6%
Modified compaction  AASHTO T 180 50 C.u.m
(MDD)  BS 1377 Test 13
Water absorption 500 C.u.m
Aggregate impact value BS 812:112-1990 AIV < 30% 300 C.u.m
superseded by BS EN
1097-2-1998
Los angeles abrasion  BS EN 1097-8 LAAV < 40% 300 C.u.m
(2000)
 AASHTO T96-02
 ASTM C131-01
(smaller size
aggregates)
 ASTM C535-89
(larger size
aggregates)
Flakiness index BS 812:105.1-1989 FI < 35% 1000 C.u.m
( amended 2000)
Elongation index BS 812:105.2-1990
( amended 2000)

Bulk specific gravity As required

1. Fine aggregate  BS EN 1097-8
 ASTM C 128-97
  BS 812: 1990(2000)
 AASHTO T84-00
 BS 812:2-1975
 ASTM C 127-
2. Coarse aggregate 88(1993)
 AASHTO T85-
91(2000)
Degree of compaction  15B of BS 1377:part Two tests per layer for
(FDT) & field moisture 9 sec 2.2 1990 every 500 sq.m
content  ASTM D 1556-82
Layer thickness As required
Four days Soaked CBR CBR > 80% at
the specified in-
situ density

Table 2 – The Grading of Graded Aggregates

Sieve size % by weight passing - sieve

    Nominal size in mm
37.5 mm 28 mm 20 mm
mm µm
Min Max Min Max Min Max
50   100 100        
37.5   95 100 100 100    
28           100 100
20   60 80 70 85 90 100
10   40 60 50 65 60 75
5   25 40 35 55 40 60
2.36   15 30 25 40 30 45
  425 7 19 12 24 13 27
  75 5 12 5 12 5 12
pan            

Construction requirements

a. Preparation of existing surfaces

b. Spreading and rolling
c. Finishing operations and quality control
d. Aftercare
a. Preparation of existing surfaces

 DGAB is laid over a prepared subbase

 Surface shall be brushed free of dust and extraneous matter

 Watered before laying the base course ( when instructed by engineer)

 DGAB is laid over an existing bituminous pavement

Bituminous crust shall be completely removed along grooves of width about 50mm at 1m
intervals.

Roller tynes or other method approved by Engineer.

The exposed surface shall suitably be compacted with material used for base, prior to
laying the base course.

 DGAB is laid over an existing asphalt concrete pavement.

Surface shall be punctured to permit drainage through the surface.

Punctured holes should be not less than 20mm in diameter through 500mm c/c grid across
the required surface.

Holes shall be filled with coarse sand and suitably tamed.

During this operation any damage to under laying layers should be corrected as instructed by
engineer at contractors own cost.

b. Spreading and rolling

 Uniformly, without segregation

 After compaction should comply with layer thickness, levels, cross section and density.
 Minimum thickness of layer after compaction – 75 mm
 Maximum thickness depends on compaction equipment’s used, but shall not exceed
200mm.
 In order to minimize segregation, material should kept wet during transport and
spreading.
 The dumps of material should spread flat surfaced layer with a thickness suitable for
mixing.
 There after required amount of water is added and material is thoroughly mixed with
motor grader or other equipment until homogeneous mixture is achieved.
 Moisture content shall be within the 2% of the predominant optimum moisture content at
the time of compaction.
 All areas of segregated coarse and fine aggregates shall be re mixing, removing and
replacing with well graded material.

Compaction
 Thoroughly compacted by means of approved equipment’s so that specified thickness and
density (degree of compaction - 98% of MDD) is achieved.
 Rolling shall commence at edges, roller shall run forward and backward along the edge
sufficient times so edge strip becomes firm to provide lateral support and progress
towards centre.
 At super elevations and other unidirectional cross fall locations rolling shall commencing
from lower edge and should proceed towards upper edge.

 After rolling surface shall be brushed ensure a surface free from excess and loose
aggregate. And top levels should be checked to comply with specifications.

SPECIFICATION
DESIGN
TOLERANCE LIMITS (m)
THICKNESS (m)
MAX MIN
0.225 +0.015 -0.010
 Any irregularities should be corrected by scarifying the material the material in the
affected area and by removing or adding materials and continuing with the rolling until
entire area is brought to state of uniform and desired compaction.

Determination of Particle Size Distribution for Base Course Material

Test Method

BS 812, Part 103-1985 superseded by BS EN 933-1-1997

AASHTO T27-99

ASTM C136-96a

Test objective

To determine the distribution of aggregate particles by size, within a given sample.

Background

 sieve analysis determines the gradation of an aggregate sample in order to,

 Determine compliance with design
 Production control requirements
 Verification of specifications
 Gradation Types
Aggregate gradation can be defined by few broadly defined gradation categories,
 Dense or well graded
Particle arrangement where successively smaller particles are packed within the voids
between larger particles ideally. This would result is minimum void space between
particles and produce maximum density.
 Good interlock
 Low permeability (less void space)
 Gap graded
Particle arrangement that contain only a small percentage of aggregate particles in the
mid-range. Curve is flat in the mid-size range. Gap graded aggregate can be trend to
segregation during placement. When compacted void percentage is relatively high.
 Poorly or open graded
Particle arrangement that contains small percentage of particles in small range. Curve
is nearly vertical in the mid-size range, flat and near zero in the small size range. The
result is more voids due to lack of small particles to fill the spaces between the large
particles.

 Uniformly graded
Gradation that contains most of particles in very narrow size range. In essence all the
particles are the same size. Curve is a steep and occupies a small size range specified.
 Wet sieving and dry sieving
Accurate determination of particles passing sieve no 200 (0.075mm) can’t be done with
this test alone. (ASHTO 11 or 7.2 of BS 812 part 1 should be carried conjunction with
this test to determine amount of material finer than 0.075mm.)

Washing and sieving Dry sieving

 when aggregate contains clay or other  Alternative method for coarse and fine
materials likely to cause aggregates free from particles which
agglomeration of particles. It involves cause agglomeration.
washing through a fine sieve before  Results are inaccurate for aggregates
determining particle size distribution contain clay
by dry sieving.  Quick and less effort to conduct test

 Washing and sieving method

 Wet both sides of the 0.075mm sieve reserved for this test only and fix a guard sieve ( eg
1.18 mm) on top.
 Place the weighted (W1) oven dried test portion in a container and add water to half fill
the container.
 Agitate the container so that particles smaller than 0.075mm are separated from
aggregates.
 Pour the suspension of fine solids to the guarded 0.075 mm sieve. (suspension passing
0.075mm sieve can be sent to waste)
 Continue washing the coarse residue until water passing through the test sieve is clear.
 Wash the residue from container and sieve in to the tray.
 Remove the excess water by careful decantation through sieve.
 Dry in oven at 105 ±5 0C until constant mass is achieved.
 Keep to cool and measure the dry weight (W2).
Calculations,
% passing 0.075mm (No. 200) sieve = [ (W1 – W2) / W1] × 100

Apparatus

 A sample divider (riffle box as BS 812 part 102 or quartering)

  Container
 3 Balances

Balance Capacity Least count

1 5 kg 1g
2 500 g 0.1 g
3 ( if sample size > 28 mm) 50 kg 0g

 A ventilated oven (105 ±5 0C)

 Test sieves and nesting guard sieve (complying with BS 410 or ASSHTO M92)
 A mechanical sieve shaker, optional (sieve shaker must provide shaking vertically
and laterally thoroughness within a reasonable time)

Nominal Sieve Size

BS AASHTO
wire cloth
square hole wire cloth
perforated plate (300 mm or standard alternative
(450 mm or 300 mm ) 200mm dia. ) designation designation

mm µm mm µm inch
50     50   2
37.5     37.5   1 1/2
28     25   1
20     19   3/4
14     12.5   1/2
10     9.5   3/8
5     4.75   No 4
  2.36   2.36   No 8
  1.18   1.18   No 16
    425   425 No 40
    75   75 No 200

Sampling
 Sample should be obtained at field and reduced to test size using sample divider.

BS AASHTO
Nominal Size Min. mass of Nominal Size Min. mass of
of the of the
 material test portion material test
( mm ) (kg) ( mm ) portion(kg)
63 50 63 35
50 35 50 20
40 15 37.5 15
28 5 25 10
20 2 19 5
14 1 12.5 2
10 0.5 9.5 1
6 0.2    
5 0.2    
3 0.2    
<3 0.1    

Testing procedure
 Arrange the selected set of sieves so that they are nested so that sieve opening sizes are
reducing from top to bottom.
 Weight the sample to the nearest 0.1g so that can be used to check for any loss of material
during sieving.
 Place the aggregate sample on top sieve and shake the sieve arrangement by mechanical
or by other means for period of time.

Type of aggregate Size of aggregate Type of shaker Time of shaking

used
Coarse Tray shaker 5 – 10 min
Fine Small sieve shaker 15 min

 After shaking weight retained on each sieve is measured to the nearest 0.1g.
 Finally sum of weight retained on each sieve should be within 0.3% of original weight
prior to grading.
 Avoid overloading of sieves.

 For sieves with openings smaller than 4.75 mm (No. 4), the mass retained on any
sieve shall not exceed 7 kg/m2 (4 g/in2) of sieving surface.

 Openings 4.75 mm (No. 4) and larger, the mass, in grams shall not exceed the product
of 2.5 × (sieve opening in mm) × (effective sieving area)

Reporting

Determination of Particle Size Distribution for Base Course Material

 Test Method BS 812 , Part 103

Sample No       CP-02/SA/DGAB-196   Date of Sample 27-Nov-18

Description of
Material   DGAB       Date of Test   28-Nov-18
Melanka Quarry
Sample Location 18+200 RHS Site Sample Source
Material

Specification
Sieve Size Retained Limits
Retained % Passing %
(mm) Weight (g)
Min Max
50 0       100 100 100
37.5 0 0.0 100.0 95 100
20.0 4201 25.3 74.7 60 80
10.0 4403 26.5 48.2 40 60
5.0 2722 16.4 31.8 25 40
2.36 1563 9.4 22.4 15 30
0.425 1382 8.3 14.1 7 19
0.075 1271 7.7 6.4 5 12
Pan 1039 6.3              

Sample Weight
(g)

16586

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.0 0.1 1.0 10.0 100.0

Aggregate Impact Value

Test method
BS 812: Part 112-1990 superseded by BS EN 1097-2-1998
Objective
to determine a relative measure of the resistance of aggregate to a sudden shock or an impact.
Background
Toughness is a property of material to resist impact. Due to traffic loads aggregates subjected
to pounding action or impact and there is a possibility of aggregates to break in to small
particles. Therefore, aggregate using for road construction should be tough enough to resist
fracture under impact load. This test is designed to evaluate toughness of aggregates use for
road construction.
Apparatus
 Impact testing machine

It consists of,

 Metal base with a plane lower supported well on firm ground

 Detachable metal cylindrical steel cup which fastened centrally to base.
Internal diameter – 10.2 cm
Depth - 5 cm
 A metal hammer having a lower end cylindrical in shape which is capable of
sliding freely between vertical guides and fall concentric over the cup.
Falling height – 38 cm
 A cylindrical metal measure for measuring aggregates.
Internal diameter – 7.5 cm
Depth – 5 cm
 Metal tamping rod with circular cross section
Diameter – 1 cm
Length - 23 cm
 Sieve
Sizes 12.5mm, 10mm, 2.36 mm
 Balance (not less than 500g, least count 0.1g)
 Oven (100 -110 0C)

Procedure
 The test sample consist of aggregates passing 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10 mm
sieve and dried in an oven for four hours at a temperature 100°C to 110°C and
cooled.
  The aggregates are filled up to about one-third full in the cylindrical measure and
tamped 25 times with rounded end of the tamping rod.
 Further quantity of aggregates is then added up to about two-third full in the cylinder
and 25 strokes of the tamping rod are given.
 The measure is now filled with the aggregates to over flow, tamped 25 times.
 The surplus aggregates are struck off using the tamping rod as straight edge.
 The net weight of the aggregates (W1) in the measure is determined to the
nearest gram and this weight of the aggregates is used for carrying out
duplicate test on the same material.
 The impact machine is placed with its bottom plate flat on the floor so that the
hammer guide columns are vertical.
 The cup is fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of the
test sample from the cylindrical measure is transferred to the cup and compacted by
tamping with 25 strokes.
 The hammer is raised until its lower face s 38 cm above the upper surface of the
aggregates in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates.
 The test sample is subjected to a total of 15 such blows, each being delivered at an
interval of not less than one second.
 The crushed aggregate is then removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on the
2.36 mm sieve until no further significant amount passes.
 The fraction passing the sieve is weighed (W2) accurate to 0.1 g.
 The fraction retained on the sieve is also weighed (W3) and if the total weight of the
fractions passing and retained on the sieve is added, (W2+W3) it should not be less than the original
weight of the specimen (W1) by more than one gram; if the total weight is less than
the original by over one gram, the result should be discarded and a fresh test should be done.
 The above test is repeated on fresh aggregate 3 times and average value is calculated.

Calculations
Aggregate Impact Value = [ W2 / W1] × 100

Reporting

Determination of Aggregate Impact Value

Test Method : BS 812 , Part 112
Sample
 
No CP-02/AIV/WW/DGAB-196 Date of Sample   27-Nov-18
Sample
18+200 RHS Site Sample Date of Test     28-Nov-18
Location
Source of
Material Melanka Crusher Material          

Description Uni 1 2 3
t
Total Weight of Sample (g) g 359.4 353.6 357.1

Mass of Dry Aggregate Passing 2.36 mm test Sieve g 82.6 80.1 84.6

Mass of Dry Aggregate Retained 2.36 mm test Sieve g 276.8 273.5 272.5

Aggregate Impact Value ( AIV ) % 23.0 22.7 23.7

Average % 23.1

Remarks Remarks. Specification Requirements : Not Exceed 30 %

Note

 Well shaped cubical stones provide higher resistance to impact when compared with flaky
and elongated stones.
 It is essential that the first specimen to be tested from each sample of
aggregate is equal in volume; this is ensured by taking the specimen in the
measuring cylinder in the specified manner by tamping in three layers. If all
the test specimens to be tested in the aggregate impact testing mould are of equal
volume, the height of these specimens will also be equal and hence the height of fall of
the impact rammer on the specimens will be equal. On the other hand, if equal weight of
different aggregate sample is taken, their volume and height may vary depending upon
the specific gravity of the aggregates and their shape factors

Determination of Flakiness Index of Aggregate

Test method
BS 812:105.1-1989 (amended 2000 )

Objective

Determination of percentage of flaky particles in aggregate sample.

Background

Aggregate particle is considered as flaky if,

Smallest dimension (thickness) of aggregate particle < 0.6 × mean size between sieve
size passing and retained

The flakiness index of an aggregate sample is calculating by separating flaky particles and
expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass of sample tested.

Flakiness Index = [ mass of flaky particles / mass of sample tested ] × 100

(Flakiness index is expressed to the nearest whole number )

Note – This test is not applicable for particles passing 6.3 mm sieve and particles retained on
63mm.

Table 10 - Dimensions of thickness Gauge

Dimensions of thickness Gauge

Aggregate size fraction (mm) Thickness Gauge
Minimum mass
Width of slot for sub division (kg)
100 % passing 100 % Retained
(mm)
63 50 33.9 ± 0.3 50
50 37.5 26.3 ± 0.3 35
37.5 28 19.7 ± 0.3 15
28 20 14.4 ± 0.3 5
20 14 10.2 ± 0.3 2
14 10 7.2 ± 0.2 1
10 6.3 4.9 ± 0.2 0.5
Apparatus

 A metal thickness gauge

 BS test sieves
 A balance

Sampling

 Sample shall comply with the appropriate minimum mass.

 Test sample shall be taken from quartering or using a divider.
 Sample should be in dry condition before testing.

Procedure

 Pass the selected sample through set of sieves.

 Discard all aggregate particles retained on 63mm sieve.
 Weight each fraction retained on the sieves other than the 63 mm test sieve and keep them
in separate trays with their size marked on trays.
 Obtain the sum of masses of the fractions in the trays .
 Calculate the individual percentage retained (P1) on each sieves.
 Discard any fraction of which the mass is 5% or less of sum of masses of the fractions in
trays. Record the remaining masses and obtain the sum of remaining masses (Mt).
 Where the number of particles in any size fraction is considered to be excessive i.e. more
than the appropriate mass given in Table 10, the fraction maybe subdivided by
 standard methods. Under such circumstances the rest of the procedure should be suitably
modified, and the appropriate correction factor applied to determine the mass of flaky particles
that would have been obtained had the whole of the original size-fraction been gauged.

Reporting

Determining the Flakiness Index of Aggregate

Test Method BS 812 Section 105.1

Sample Date of
No       CP-02/FLI/DGAB-196       Sample   27-Nov-18
Sample Location 18+200 RHS Site Sample Date of Test 28-Nov-18
Source of Melanka Crusher
Material     Material                        

Sieve Size
Grading (mm)   63 50 37.5 28 20 14 10 6.3
of Mass Retained
Aggregat (g) ( M1)  0.0 0.0 0.0 2153 2045 2428 1973 1986
e % of
Passing (P1)           0.0 20.3 19.3 22.9 18.6 18.8

Mass of Mass of sub Mass Passing on Thickness Gauge ( g )

Aggregate size
Fraction divided
Fraction Adjusted
Retained on fraction for
( BS Sieve ) Determined ( M3 ) M4=( M3 / M2 ) ×
( g ) M1 test ( g ) M2
M1
63 50 0       - - -
50 37.5 0 0 0 0
37.5 28 2153 2153 462 462
28 20 2045 2045 410 410
20 14 2428 2428 436 436
14 10 1973 992 312 621
10 6.3 1986 653 172 523
Total M t 10585 Total M5 2452

FLAKINESS INDEX 100*(

23 Specification Requirement Not Exceed 35%
M5 / Mt ) %
 Determination of Elongation Index
Test method
BS 812:105.2-1989 (amended 2000)

Objective

Determination of percentage of elongated particles in aggregate sample.

Background

Aggregate particle is considered as elongated if,

Largest dimension (length) of aggregate particle < 1.8 × mean size between sieve
size passing and retained

The elongation index of an aggregate sample is calculating by separating flaky particles and
expressing their mass as a percentage of the mass of sample tested.

Elongation Index = [ mass of elongated particles / mass of sample tested ] × 100

(elongation index is expressed to the nearest whole number)Note – This test is not applicable
for particles passing 6.3 mm sieve and particles retained on 63mm.

Apparatus

 A metal length gauge

 BS test sieves
 Balance
Table – Dimensions of length gauge

Dimensions of length Gauge

Aggregate size fraction (mm) Length Gauge
Minimum mass
Gap between pins for sub division (kg)
100 % passing 100 % Retained
(mm)
63 50 101.7 ± 0.3 50
50 37.5 78.8 ± 0.3 35
37.5 28 59.0 ± 0.3 15
28 20 43.2 ± 0.3 5
20 14 30.6 ± 0.3 2
14 10 21.6 ± 0.2 1
 10 6.3 14.7 ± 0.2 0.5

Sampling

 Sample shall comply with the appropriate minimum mass.

 Test sample shall be taken from quartering or using a divider.
 Sample should be in dry condition before testing.

Procedure

 Pass the selected sample through set of sieves.

 Discard all aggregate particles retained on 63mm sieve.
 Weight each fraction retained on the sieves other than the 63 mm test sieve and keep them
in separate trays with their size marked on trays.
 Obtain the sum of masses of the fractions in the trays.
 Calculate the individual percentage retained (P1) on each sieves.
 Discard any fraction of which the mass is 5% or less of sum of masses of the fractions in
trays. Record the remaining masses and obtain the sum of remaining masses (Mt).
 Where the number of particles in any size fraction is considered to be excessive i.e. more
than the appropriate mass given in Table 10, the fraction maybe subdivided by
standard methods. Under such circumstances the rest of the procedure should be suitably
modified, and the appropriate correction factor applied to determine the mass of flaky particles
that would have been obtained had the whole of the original size-fraction been gauged.
 Los Angeles Abrasion Value of Aggregate

Test method

 AASHTO T96-02
 ASTM C131-01 (Smaller size aggregates)
 BS EN 1097-8 (2000)

Objective

To determine the degradation of aggregate by abrasion and impact.

Background

L.A abrasion test is a common test used to indicate toughness and abrasion characteristics.

Aggregates undergo substantial wear and tear throughout their lifetime. So they should be
tough enough to resist crushing, degradation and disintegration from any associated activities
such as production, stockpiling, transporting, placing and compacting.

In standard abrasion test coarse aggregate sample is subjected to grinding in a rotating steel
drum containing specified no of steel spheres.

After being subjected to rotating drum, weight retained on 1.7mm sieve (No. 12) is measured.

Calculate the weight of passing 1.7mm (No.12) by subtracting from original total weight of
sample before passing through sieve.

Calculate the percentage of aggregates that has broken down and passed through 1.7 mm
sieve.

Los Angeles abrasion value = ( Weight of broken aggregate passing 1.7mm sieve) ×
100

(Total weight of the sample)

Apparatus
 Los Angeles abrasion testing machine
Inside length - 50 cm
Inside diameter - 70 cm
 Steel spheres (diameter 48 mm, weight 390g to 445g)
 Balance (accurate up to 1g)
  Set of sieves
 Sample divider

Sampling

 Obtain material sample to be tested and reduce the sample to adequate size.
 Wash the sample and oven dry the sample at 110 0C overnight.
 After drying sieve, the sample in to individual fractions, and recombine to one grading
that most nearly represent the aggregate grading mentioned in table 11.
Table 11 – Grading of test samples for L.A abrasion test

Grading of Test Samples

Sieve size Grade
Passing Retained A B C D E F G
(mm) (mm) Weight of test sample (g)
80 63         2500*    
63 50         2500*    
50 37.5         5000* 5000*  
37.5 25 1250         5000* 5000*
25 19 1250           5000*
19 12.5 1250 2500          
12.5 9.5 1250 2500          
9.5 6.3     2500        
6.3 4.75     2500        
4.75 2.36       5000      
No. of Spheres 12 11 8 6 12 12 12
Weight of spheres 5000 4584 3330 2500 5000 5000 5000
Speed of rotation 30 to 33 rev/min
No. Revolutions 500 1000
* Tolerance of ± 2 % is permitted for mass.
Note – Grading A is used to determine LAV for aggregate base course material.
Grading B is used to determine LAV for asphalt material.

 Record the total sample mass (W1). It should be about 5000 g.

Procedure

 Place the sample and specified number of steel spheres (depend on grading) into the drum
and rotate for 500 revaluations at 30 to 33 rev/min.
 Discharge the material and sieve the aggregate over a sieve coarser than a 1.7 mm (No
12).
 Wash the material retain on 1.7mm sieve and oven dry at 110 0C to a constant mass.
 Determine the mass of dried sample. (W2)
 Determining the Los Angeles Abrasion Value of Aggregate
Test Method AASHTO T96 and ASTM C 131.

Date of
Sample No       CP-02/LAAV/WW/DGAB-196 Sampling 27-Nov-18
Location 18+200 RHS Site Sample Date of Test 28-Nov-18
Description of Material Melanka Crusher Material

Selected Grading Type                 A

Weight of Sample ( W1)                   g 5000
Weight of Sample 1.7 mm passing (W1 – W2 ) g 1698
Weight of Sample 1.7 mm Retaining (W2) g 3302
Los Angeles Abrasion Value = [ (W1 – W2) / W1 ] × 100 % 34.0

Remarks - Specification Requirements : Not Exceed 40 %

 Determination of Dry Density – Moisture Content Relationship

Test method

 Standard proctor compaction

 AASHTO T180
 ASTM D 1557
 Modified Proctor Compaction
 AASHTO T99
 ASTM D 698

Objective

 To determine a relationship between dry density and moisture content using compaction
test.
 Hence determine the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content
(OMC).

Background

 Introduction

The test is used to define the optimum level that an aggregate can be compacted in to a unit
volume with a level of compactive energy that is similar to that obtained by construction
equipment that use for compaction at the field.
Early days standard compaction test (with light hammer) was enough to create compactive
energy similar to construction equipment’s used during those days. But later with the
development of heavier construction equipment’s like large vibratory rollers which can
provide higher compactive energy, possibility to achieve higher dry densities with greater
stability by compaction was created. To create compactive energy similar to that heavy
equipment’s modified compaction test was defined by AASHTO.
 Differences between standard and modified proctor compaction test.

If all particles pass 20mm sieve,

No. of
Mass of Height of Size
blows No. of
the of
  per
hammer fall bowl
each layers
(kg) (cm) (l)
layer
Heav
4.5 45 27 5 1
y
 Light 2.5 30 27 3 1

If all particles containing up to 10% material coarser

than
37.5mm & up to 30% particles coarser than 20mm,
No. of
Mass of Height of Size
blows No. of
the of
  per
hammer fall bowl
each layers
(kg) (cm) (l)
layer
Heav
4.5 45 56 5 2.25
y
Light 2.5 30 56 3 2.25

 Theory of compaction
 Particulate medium contains pore spaces (air voids).
 These pore spaces (air voids) which may or may not be filled with water.
 When external pressure is applied particles will have pushed to fill the air voids.
 As a result, soil will have subjected to large deformations.
Compaction can be defined as densification of particles by removal of air in the voids and re-
arrangement of particles through additional mechanical energy.

Through compaction,
 Improve strength
 Reduce compressibility and conductivity

 Degree of compaction / Relative compaction

The degree of compaction of aggregate can be measured by its dry density. ( γd )

Degree of compaction = γ d ( field) × 100

γ MDD ( lab)

γ d ( field) - Dry density obtained by sand cone test ( field density test)
γ MDD ( lab) – Maximum dry density obtained at OMC by proctor compaction test in lab
To assess the degree of compaction, it is necessary to use dry density which is an indicator of
compactness of aggregate solid particles in a given volume.
The laboratory testing is meant to establish the maximum dry density that can be attained for
a given aggregate with a standard amount of compactive effort.
  Dry density ( γd )

dry density is defined as the ratio of mass of aggregate to the total volume of the aggregate.

Dry density ( γd ) = Mass of aggregate ( MA)

Total volume of aggregate ( VT )

γd = MA Eqn.(1)
VT
In the test dry density (γ d ) can’t be determined directly. But there is a relationship between
dry density, bulk density and moisture content.

 Bulk Density ( γ )
Bulk density is defined as ratio of total mass of aggregate including water in the pores to the
total volume of aggregate including pore space.

Bulk density ( γ ) = Mass of aggregate (MA ) + Mass of water in pore spaces( MW )

Total volume of aggregate ( VT )

γ = MA + MW Eqn.(2)
VT
 Moisture content ( W )
The moisture content is assumed to be the amount of water within the pore spaces between
aggregate particles which is removable by drying.
Moisture content ( W ) = Mass of water ( MW)
Mass of dry aggregate (MA)

W =
MW Eqn. (3)
MA
 Relationship between dry density and bulk density
By using Eqn. (1) , (2) , (3)

γd = γ Eqn. (4)
(1+W)

 Theoretical maximum dry density

If all the air of aggregate could be expelled by compaction, the aggregate would become fully
saturated or the Aggregate is at zero air voids condition. Practically it is impossible to
attain full saturation by compaction, the line showing the relationship between dry density
and water content at saturation is called zero air void line or theoretical saturation line.

( γ d )Max = GSγW Eqn. (5)

( 1 + WGS )

Apparatus
 Cylindrical metal mold, which is fitted with a detachable base plate and removable
extension collar
 Metal rammer with 50mm diameter face
 Sample extruder (jack) for removing compacted material from the mold
 Metal tray
 Balance sensitive to 0.1g and 0.01g
 Drying oven with temperature ranges from 105◦C to 110◦C
 Desiccator
 Trowel or scope
 Straight edge
 No 4 sieve (4.75mm)
 Water sprayer

Procedure
 The compaction mold was set to the base plate without the removable collar and weighed
( mold + base plate) (W1).
 Then the removable collar was attached.
 Around 3kg representative specimen of the air dried  sample was obtained.

 The aggregate passed through 9.5mm sieve was collected to a tray.

 Water was added to the aggregate and mixed thoroughly to get a homogeneous sample.
The test was started with a water content lower than the optimum.
 The mold assembly was placed on the ground and aggregate was added to the mold so
that it was about one fifth is full.
 The soil was compacted by applying 56 blows of the rammer dropping from the
controlled height of 450 mm and ensured a uniform distribution of blows. 
 A second approximately equal layer of aggregate was placed in the mold and compacted
it with 56 blows as before.
 Procedure was repeated with other 3 layers, which should bring the compacted aggregate
level in the extension collar to about 6mm above the level of the mold body. 
 Extension collar was removed carefully. The excess aggregate was cut and leveled off to
the top of the mold. The small cavities resulting from the removal of stones were filled
with fine materials.
 Excess aggregate on the base plate was removed carefully using a brush and weighed 
 (Aggregate + mold + base plate). ( W2 )
 The base was removed and the mold was set on the sample extruder, the sample was
removed from the mold.
 Some amount of aggregate was collected from top, middle and bottom to determine the
water content.
 Those aggregate samples were put into the dry oven for water content determination.
 The material in the tray was broken up and water was added to the aggregate with the
sprayer. Then the aggregate was mixed thoroughly.
 The compaction process was kept repeating with increasing of the water content until five
runs had been made and aggregate became very wet and sticky.
 At least two values of moisture content should lie either site of OMC.
 Plot curve for dry density and moisture content values.
Initially water content is less than the OMC and aggregate is rather stiffer in nature due
to large void spaces.
Reporting
Determination of Dry Density - Moisture Content Relation Ship.
Test method AASHTO T180
 
Test No CP2/DGAB/PC-196 Date of Sampling 27-Nov-18
Location 18+200 RHS Site Sample Date of Test 28-Nov-18

Mould Weight (g) 6259 Mould Volume (cm3) 2305

 
Descriptions     Unit 1 2 3 4 5
Mass of Mould + Sample     g 11701 11984 12217 12157 11927
Mass of Sample     g 5442 5725 5958 5898 5668
Bulk (Wet)       Mg/m3 2.361 2.484 2.585 2.559 2.459
Density
Moisture Content %

Container No.     - SH 3 BO B ZZ
Mass of Wet     # 8699 8772 8888 8838 9310
Sample +
Container
Mass of Dry     g 8431 8419 8412 8288 8613
Sample +
Container
Mass of     g 1445. 1444.0 1447. 1425. 1417.0
Container 0 0 0
Mass of Dry     g 6986. 6975.0 6965. 6863. 7196.0
Sample 0 0 0
Moisture Content     g 3.8 5.1 6.8 8.0 9.7
%)
Dry       Mg/m3 2.275 2.363 2.420 2.369 2.242
Density

Mould Weight (g)

6259
Discussion
 Effect on increasing water content
Mould Volume (cm3)
 Initially water content is less than the OMC and aggregate 2305
is rather stiffer in nature due to large void spaces.
 When water is added during low moisture contents, it acts
as a softening agent on particles and it makes easier for MDD (Mg/m3)
particles to move sliding between one another easily 2.420
during the application of compactive force.          
         
OMC %
6.8
 Then the voids are reduced and particles will be densely packed resulting in increased dry
density.
 As water content increases, the particles develop large water films around them.
 Then comes a water content where particles reach its Maximum Dry Density (MDD).
Water content at that point is referred as Optimum Moisture Content (OMC).
 When water is added beyond that limit, water starts to occupy the space that that could
have been occupied by the aggregate particles.
 At this stage water particle will develop a pressure on aggregate particles (pore water
pressure) which cause aggregate particles apart and reduces dry density (dry unit weight)
of aggregates.

 Effect on increasing compactive force

 When compactive energy increases maximum dry density increases but optimum
moisture content decreases. Which means if the compactive energy increases it is possible
to pack the particles densely to reach Maximum Dry Density at a low water content.
 An increase in compactive energy produces high increase in dry density when it is
compacted at water content lower than OMC.
 But, increase in compactive energy produces lesser increase in dry density it is
compacted at water content higher than OMC.

Compactive energy = No. of blows per layer ×No. of layers × weight of hammer ×height of
drop hammer
Volume of mold

 Effect on size of aggregates ( Coarse and fine )

 Fine particles have relatively more surface area than coarse particles so it has higher
OMC. Which means fine particles can retain more water around them before reaching
OMC where water particles starts applying pore water pressure.

At saturation,
( γ d )Max = GSγW Eqn. (7)
(1+e)
Fine particles has higher void ratio (e), so ( γ d )Max is low.

ANNEXURE 1 -TYPICAL CALCULATION (Ƴd)

PHASE DIAGRAM
 VA AIR MA
AIR
VV + VOIDS
WATER
VT VW WATER MW MT =

WS SOLID MS VS SOLID SOLID

TOTAL
MASS,

VT = VA + VW + VS

VT = VV + VS

TOTAL
MASS,
MT = MA + MW + MS

VOID
RATIO,

e = VV
VS

WATER CONTENT,

W = MW
MS

SATURATION,

S = VW
VV

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOLID

GS = ƳS
ƳW

MS
GS =   VS   = MS . VW = MS . VW
 MW VS MW MW VS
VW

GS = MS . VW VV
MW VV VS

GS = 1 . S . e
W

W.GS = S. e

BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOLID ( Ƴ )

Ƴ = MT
VT

Ƴ = MS + MW
VS + VV

Ƴ = MS 1 + MW

 
{     MS
}
VS 1 + VV
{ VS
}
Ƴ = MS [ 1 + W ]
VS [ 1 + e ]

Ƴ = ƳS [ 1 + W ]
[ 1 + e ]

Ƴ = GSƳW [ 1 + W ]  

      [ 1 + e ]  

DRY DENSITY OF SOLID ( Ƴ d )

Ƴd = MS
 VT
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRY DENSITY ( Ƴ d ) & BULK DENSITY ( Ƴ )

Ƴ = MT
VT

Ƴ = MS + MW
VT

Ƴ = MS + W.MS
VT

Ƴ = MS [ 1 + W ]
VT

Ƴ = Ƴd [ 1 + W ]

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRY DENSITY ( Ƴ d ) & VOID RATIO ( e )

Ƴd [ 1 + W ] = GSƳW [ 1 + W ]
[ 1 + e ]

Ƴd = GSƳW  

    [ 1 + e ]  

THEORITICAL MAXIMUM DRY DENSITY ( Ƴ max )

S = 1

Ƴd = GSƳW
[ 1 + e ]

Ƴd = GSƳW
[ 1 + W.GS ]
S

Ƴd = GSƳW  

    [ 1 + W.GS ]