AGGREGATE CRUSHING TEST

AIM: To determine aggregate crushing value.

THEORY: Aggregates used in road construction should be strong enough to resist crushing
under traffic wheel loads. If the aggregates are weak, the stability of pavement structure is likely
to be adversely affected. The aggregate crushing value provides a relative measure of resistance
to crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. To achieve a high quality of pavement,
aggregate possessing low aggregate crushing value should be preferred.

APPARATUS: Steel Cylinder with open ends, cylindrical measures, tamping rod, balance and
compressive testing machine.

PROCEDURE:
• Collect the aggregate passing through 12.5 mm IS sieve & retained on 10mm IS
sieve.
• Note down the empty weight of measuring cylinder (W1).
• Fill this aggregate in the measuring cylinder in three equal layers tamping each
layer 25 times by using tamping rod.
• Note down the weight of the measuring cylinder with the aggregates (W2).
• Transfer the aggregate in to the cylinder after fixing it to the detachable base
plate.
• Place the plunger on the aggregate.
• Keep the assembly on the CTM; apply the load gradually at a rate of 4 tonnes per
minute & a total load of 40 Tonnes.
• Take out the crushed aggregate from the cylinder & sieve it through 2.36mm IS
sieve & note down the weight of aggregate passing through 2.36mm sieve (W3).

1
RESULT: Aggregate crushing value = W3 x 100 / (W2-W3)

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Aggregate Crushing test

Aggregates used in the construction, should be strong enough to resist crushing. If the aggregates
are weak, the stability of the structure is likely to be adversely affected. The strength of coarse
aggregates is assessed by aggregate crushing test. The aggregate crushing value provides a
relative measure of resistance to crushing under gradually applied compressive load. Lesser the
aggregate crushing value stronger is the given sample of aggregates.
The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate crushing
under gradually applied compressive load. With aggregate crushing value 30 or higher’ the result
may be anomalous and in such cases the ten percent fines value should be determined instead.

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 LOS-ANGELES ABRASION TEST

AIM:To determine the percentage ware of given sample of coarse aggregates.

THEORY: Due to movement of traffic, the road stones used in surfacing coarse 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 to
resist the abrasion due to the traffic. Abrasion test on aggregate are generally carried out by any
one of the following methods:
1. Los Angeles abrasion test.
2. Deval Abrasion Test
3. Dorry Abrasion test
Of these tests, the Los Angeles test is more commonly adopted as the test values of
aggregates have been correlated with the performance studies.

APPARATUS: Los Angeles abrasion machine, sieves, balance & Weights.

PROCEDURE:
• Collect the B graded aggregate sample of required size as shown in table.
• Let its weight be W1. Put the sample into the drum of Los- Angeles machine
along with required number of abrasion charges.
• Allow the drum to rotate at the rate of 30-33 RPM & subjected to 500
revolutions.
• Collect the crushed aggregate from the drum & sieve it through 1.7mm IS
sieve & note down the weight of the material passing through 1.7mm IS sieve.
• Let it be W2.

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Grading Weight in gms of each test sample in the size range, mm No.of
80- 63- 50- 40- 25- 20- 12.5- 10- 6.3- 4.75- Spheres
63 50 40 25 20 12.5 10 6.3 4.75 2.36
A 1250 1250 1250 1250 12
B 2500 2500 11
C 2500 2500 8
D 5000 6
E 2500 2500 500 12
F 5000 5000 12
G 5000 5000 12

RESULT: Los Angeles abrasion value of percentage wear = W2 * 100 /W1

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Los-Angeles Abrasion test

Indicates relative quality of aggregate sources having similar mineral compositions. Hard rock
will have lower percentage losses & soft rock will be having higher percentage of losses.
Aggregates which lack adequate toughness and abrasion resistance may cause construction and
performance problems. Degradation occurring during production can affect the overall gradation
and, thus, widen the gap between properties of the laboratory designed mix and field produced
mix.

4
 AGGREGATE IMPACT TEST

AIM: To determines impact value of given sample of aggregate.

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 & there is possibility of stones breaking
into small pieces. A test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e., the resistance of stones
to fracture under repeated impact may be called as an impact test for road stones.

APPARATUS: Impact testing machine, measuring cylinder, cylindrical cup, tamping rod,
balance, weights & IS sieves.

PROCEDURE:
• Collect the aggregate sample passing through 12.5mm IS sieve & retained on
10mm IS sieve.
• Note down the empty weight of the measuring cylinder (W1). Fill the
measuring cylinder with the sample in three equal layers. By tamping each
layer 25 times using tamping rod & note down its weight W2
• Transfer the sample into the cylindrical cup & subject it to 15 no. of blows in
the impact machine.
• Collect the crushed sample & sieve it through 2.36 mm IS sieve & note down
the weight W3 of passing material through 2.36mm IS sieve.

5
RESULT: Impact value = (W3 x100) / (W2-W1)

CONCLUSION:

Significance of aggregate impact test

The aggregate impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of aggregate to a
sudden shockor an impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow
compressive load.
It gives an indication of aggregate’s toughness property (i.e. property of a material to resist
impact).
Aggregate impact values are used to classify the stone aggregates with respect to toughness
property. 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.

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 AGGREGATE SHAPE TEST

AIM: To determine the shape of aggregates in terms of flakiness index, elongation index &
angularity number.

THEORY: The particle shape of aggregate is determined by the percentage of flaky & elongated
particles contained in it.
Flakiness Index: The flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles
whose least dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifth (0.6) of their mean dimension.
Elongation Index: The elongation of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose
greatest dimension is greater than 1.8 times their mean dimension.
Angularity Number: The angularity number of an aggregate is the amount by which the
percentage voids exceeds 33 after being compacted in a prescribed manner.

APPARATUS: IS sieves, balance, weights 7 cylinders, tamping rod, thickness gauge & length
gauge.

Length Gauge

Thickness gauge

7
PROCEDURE: Collect the aggregate sample of different sizes by using IS sieve & note down
their weight (A)
Flakiness Index: Each aggregate is tried to pass through corresponding slot in the thickness
gauge. Note down the weight of the aggregate passing through the slot (B)
Flakiness Index = ∑ B x 100

Elongation Index: Each aggregate is tried to pass through the corresponding slot in the length
gauge. Note down the weight of the aggregate retained on the gauge (C).
Elongation Index = ∑ C x 100 / ∑ A

Angularity Number:
Collect a particular size of aggregate by using IS sieve. Note down the empty weight of cylinder
(W1).
Fill the cylinder with the sample in three equal layers tamping each layer 100 times by using
tamping rod & note down its weight W2. Remove the aggregate sample from the cylinder & fill it
with water completely & note its eight (W3).

Weight of the sample in the cylinder = W = W2- W1 gm

Weight of water in the cylinder = C = W3 – W1 gm
Angularity Number = 67-(W x 100) /(C x G)
G= Specific gravity of aggregate = 2.68

OBSERVATIONS:

Sizes of aggregates Wt of Wt of aggregate Wt of

Passing through Retained on IS aggregates passing through aggregates
IS sieve, mm sieve , mm retained on thickness gauge retained on
each sieve length gauge.
63 50 A1 B1 C1
50 40 A2 B2 C2
40 25 A3 B3 C3
25 20 A4 B4 C4
20 16 A5 B5 C5
16 12.5 A6 B6 C6
12.5 10 A7 B7 C7
10 6.3 A8 B8 C8
Total ∑A ∑B ∑C

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RESULT:

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Aggregate Shape test

• the degree of packing of the particles of one size depends upon their shape.
• Due to high surface area to volume ratio, the flaky and elongated particles lower the
workability of concrete mixes.
• Flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable for base coarse construction as they
may cause weakness with possibilities of braking down under heavy loads.
BS-1241 specifies a Flakiness index not exceeding 30% irrespective of the aggregate size.

9
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

AIM: To determine the specific gravity of bituminous material.

THEORY: The specific gravity of a given bitumen binder is a fundamental property frequently
used as an aid in classifying the binders for use in paving jobs. The specific gravity is defined as
the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the substance to the mass of an equal volume of water
at the same temperature.

APPARATUS: Specific gravity bottle 50ml capacity, balance & weights.

PROCEDURE:
• The specific gravity bottle is cleaned, dried & weighed along with the stopper
W1.
• It is then filled with fresh distilled water & note down its weight W2.
• The bitumen is heated to pouring temperature i.e., 75° C to 100° C & is poured
in the above empty bottle taking all the precautions that it is clean & dry before
filling sample materials to half of its capacity & not down its weight W3.
• The remaining portion in the bottle is filled with distilled water & note down its
weight W4.

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RESULT:

Specific gravity = (W3 – W1)/ (W2-W1)-(W4-W3)

The specific gravity of bitumen ranges from 0.97 to 1.02

CONCLUSION:

Significance of specific gravity of bituminous material

Specific gravity tests are useful in making volume corrections based on temperature. In most
applications, the bitumen is weighted, but finally in use with aggregate system, the bitumen
content is converted in volume basis. Thus an accurate density value is required for conversion
of weight to volume.
The specific gravity of pure bitumen ranges from 0.97 to 1.02. according to Indian Standard
(BIS) minimum specific gravity of paving bitumen at 27°C shall be 0.99 for grades A25, A35,
A45, A65, S35, S45 and S65 , 0.98 for A90 and S90 and 0.97 for A200 and S200.

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 PENETRATION TEST ON BITUMEN

AIM: To determine the grade of bitumen by penetration test.

THEORY: Bituminous materials are available in variety of types & grades. The penetration test
determines the hardness of these materials by measuring the depth in tenth of a millimeter to
which a standard needle will penetrate vertically under specified conditions of standard load (100
gms), time & temperature. The sample is maintained at the standard temperature of 25 deg C.

APPARATUS: Container, needle, water bath, penetrometer, & stopwatch.

Fig: penetrometer

PROCEDURE:
• The bitumen is softened to a pouring consistency between 75 & 100 º C above the
approximate temperature at which bitumen softens.
• The sample is thoroughly stirred to get homogeneous & free from air bubbles & water.
• The sample material is then poured into the container to a depth at least 15 mm more than
the expected penetration.
• The sample container is cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower than 13 º C for
one hour.
• Then they are placed in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of 25 º C for a
period of one hour.
• The sample is placed under the needle of the penetrometer. The weight of the needle,
shaft & additional weights is checked & it should weigh 100 Gms.
• The needle is now arranged to make contact with the sample surface.
• The needle is released to penetrate for 5 seconds & note down the reading.

12
 • At least three measurements are made on this sample by testing at distance of not less
than 10mm apart. After each test the needle is disengaged & wiped with benzene &
carefully dried.

RESULT: The penetration value of given bitumen sample:

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Penetration test on Bitumen

1. To determine the consistency of bituminous material

2. To assess the suitability of bitumen for use under different climatic conditions and
various types of construction.

A 80/100 grade bitumen indicates that its penetration value lies between 80 & 100. In warmer
regions, lower penetration grades are preferred to avoid softening whereas higher penetration
grades like 180/200 are used in colder regions to prevent the occurrence of excessive brittleness.

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 DUCTITLITY TEST ON BITUMEN

AIM: To determine the ductility of bitumen.

THEORY: In the flexible pavement construction where bitumen binders are used, it is of
significant importance that the binder form ductile thin film around the aggregates. This serves
as a satisfactory binder in improving the physical interlocking of the aggregates. The binder
material which does not possess sufficient ductility would crack 7 thus provide pervious
pavement surface. This in turn results in damaging effect to the pavement structure. The ductility
is expressed as the distance in centimeters to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be
stretched before the bitumen thread breaks.

APPARATUS: Briquette mould, water bath, putty knife & ductility testing machine.

PROCEDURE:
• The bitumen is melted to a pouring condition at 75 to 100 º. C. The sample is poured into
the mould after oiling it.
• After keeping the sample in the mould for about 30 minutes in air, place the whole
assembly in water bath maintained at 27 º C for 30 minutes. After removing the extra
bitumen by using knife keep the mould with sample in water for 90 minutes.
• The sample with the clips is fixed carefully in the ductility testing machine & switch on
the machine.
• The sample is pulled apart & it takes the shape of a thin wire & finally it breaks.
• Note down the distance moved by the sample before it breaks & that gives ductility
value.

14
RESULT: The ductility value of given bitumen =...................... cms.

CONCLUSION:

Significance of ductility test on bitumen

• This test method provides measure of tensile properties of bituminous materials and may be
used to measure ductility for specification requirements.
• Bituminous materials used in pavement construction should possess sufficient ductility
otherwise the pavement would crack due to temperature or traffic stresses and may render the
pavement pervious and damage the pavement structure.
• The ductility value varies from 5 to over 100 cm’s.
•Several agencies have specified minimum ductility values for various types of bitumen
pavements. However a ductility of 100 cm’s is specified generally for bituminous construction.
• Roads expand at daytime while they contract at night. So, if the bitumen is not adequately
ductile cracking will occur.
More than one grade may be used in the same project.

15
 SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN

AIM: To determine the softening point of bitumen sample.

THEORY: Bitumen does not suddenly change from solid to liquid stat, but as the temperature
increase, it gradually becomes softer until it flows readily. All semi solid state bitumen grades
needs sufficient fluidity before they are used for the application with the aggregate mix. The
softening point is the temperature at which the substance attains a particular degree of softening
under specified condition of test.

APPARATUS: Ring & ball apparatus, supporting stand, beaker & thermometer.

PROCEDURE:
• Bitumen sample material is heated to pouring condition between 75 & 100 º C & pours it
to brass ring.
• The samples in the ring are cooled in air for about 30 minutes & remove the extra
material from the ring by using knife.
• The brass ring with the sample is placed in the guide ring & the whole assembly is placed
on the supporting stand in water bath.
• Temperature of the water bath is maintained at 5 º. C. this temperature is maintained for
about 15 minutes & then the ball is placed on the sample.
• The temperature is raised at uniform rate of 5 º C per minute with a controlled heating
unit, until the bitumen softens & touches the bottom plat by sinking of balls.
• Note down the temperature & this gives the softening point of bitumen.

16
RESULT: The softening point of given bitumen = ---------------- º C

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Softening point of Bitumen

Unlike some substances (e.g. water which changes from solid to liquid at zero degree bituminous
materials do not have a definite melting point. Instead, as the temperature rises, these materials
slowly change from brittle or very thick and slow-flowing materials to softer and less viscous
liquids.
It is also an indirect measure of viscosity or, rather, the temperature at which a given viscosity is
evident. The softening point value has particular significance for materials which are to be used
as thick films, such as joint and crack fillers and roofing materials. A high softening point
ensures that they will not flow in service. For a bitumen of a given penetration (determined at 25
degrees higher the softening point lower will be temperature sensitivity.

17
 VISCOSITY TEST ON BITUMEN

AIM: To determine the viscosity of bituminous material.

THEORY: Viscosity ids defined as inverse of fluidity or resistance to flow. Viscosity thus
defines the fluid property of bitumen material. The degree of fluidity at the application
temperature greatly influences the strength characteristics of the resulting paving mixes. There is
n optimum value of fluidity or viscosity for mixing & compacting for each aggregate gradation
of the mix & bitumen grade.

APPARATUS: Four millimeter orifice viscometer also known as tar viscometer, heating pan,
etc.

PROCEDURE:
• The cutback bitumen is prepared by mixing bitumen & kerosene at proper proportion.
This sample is poured in the cup of the viscometer up to the mark, which is kept in the
water bath & maintained a uniform room temperature.
• The sample is subjected to stirring continuously. After the sample reaches the specified
temperature & is maintained for 5 minutes.
• The valve is opened is opened & sample is allowed to flow through the orifice. Note
down the time taken by 50ml of sample passing through the orifice. This gives the
viscosity value of the given bituminous sample.

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 • Cutback grade : 0 1 2 345
• Solvent /bitumen : 45/55 39/6133/6727/7321/7915/85
• Orifice, mm : 04 04 10 10 10 10
• Temperature deg C : 25 25 25 25 40 40

RESULT: The viscosity of the given bituminous material is:

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Viscosity test on Bitumen

Viscosity is the inverse of fluidity, the degree of fluidity at the application temperature greatly
influences the ability of bituminous material to spread, penetrate into voids and also coat the
aggregate and hence affect the strength and characteristics of resulting paving mixes. At high
fluidity or low viscosity, bitumen binder simply lubricates the aggregate particles instead of
providing an uniform film thickness for binding action. Low fluidity or high viscosity does not
enable the bitumen to coat the entire surface of aggregate in the mix easily and also resists the
compactive effort and resulting mix is heterogeneous in character.

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 MARSHALL STABILITY TEST

AIM: To determine the optimum bitumen content for a given bituminous mix.

APPARATUS: Mould assembly, sample extractor, compaction pedestal & hammer, breaking
head, loading machine, flow meter, etc.

PROCEDURE:
In the marshal method each compacted test specimen is subjected to the following tests &
analysis in the order listed below.
• 1) Bulky Density determination
• 2) Stability 7 flow test
• 3) Density & voids analysis

Three samples are prepared for each binder content & four to five binder contents are selected.
All sized fractions of aggregates in separate pans are either placed in hot oven or placed on hot
plate to the mixing temperature. The quantity taken so as to produce a batch which will result in
compacted specimen of 63.5 mm height. Bitumen binder of specified grade is also heated to the
required mixing temperature.

The different sizes of aggregates are put together in the desired proportion & predetermined
quantity of bitumen is poured in the mixing operation is carried out either manually or by using
electrically operated mixer. Normally about 1200gms about required. After homogeneous mix is

20
obtained, 1200 gm of the mix is weighed & the same is placed in pre heated compaction mould.
At the start of compaction, the mix should attain the desired compaction temperature. Before
preparing the batch mix, the face of the compaction hammer & compaction moulds at least 3 in
number are thoroughly cleaned & heated.

The compaction mould along with batch mix is placed on compaction pedestal. The hammer
face is placed over the batch mix top. The mix is compacted by giving 50 blows of the hammer
on the top, then the mould is reversed & 50 blows are again imparted. The collar & the base plate
are removed the specimen along with mould is allowed to cool in water.

The specimen is extruded out by the help by the help of extrusion device. The sample is
identified with suitable mark. The bulk density is determined by weighing the specimen first in
air & then in water. When specimen are immersed in hot water bath at a testing temperature of
60 deg C for 30 to 40 minutes.

The guide rods & the inside of the test heads are cleaned & lubricated. The specimen is removed
from water bath & is placed with its axes horizontal into the test heads. The complete assembly
is quickly placed on base plate of CTM. The flow dial gauge is placed over guide rod & dial
gauges of proving ring & flow values are adjusted to read zero. The machine is set to operation
by applying load until the maximum value is reached. The value of maximum load & flow dial
gauges are recorded.

RESULT:

CONCLUSION:

Significance of Marshall Stability test

Marshall Stability is related to the resistance of bituminous materials to distortion, displacement,

rutting and shearing stresses. The stability is derived mainly from internal friction and cohesion.
Cohesion is the binding force of binder material while internal friction is the interlocking and
frictional resistance of aggregates. As bituminous pavement is subjected to severe traffic loads
from time to time, it is necessary to adopt bituminous material with good stability and flow.

21
 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST

AIM:To determine the CBR value of given sample of sub grade soil.

APPARATUS: Loading machine, cylinder moulds, spacer disc, compaction rammer, annular
weights dial gauges, proving ring, penetrating needle, filter paper, IS sieve, balance & weights.

PROCEDURE:
• About 5 kg of soils collected by sieving it through 20 mm IS sieve.
The sample is mixed with water equal to the quantity required for
Optimum moisture content.
• The spacer disc is placed in the bottom of the mould along with
Filter paper. The sample is filled in the mould in 5 approximately
Equal layers,
Compacting each layer by giving 56 blows using 4.89 kg rammer
• After completely filling sample in the mould, level the top surface
& annular weights or surcharge in the mould & keep the whole
Assembly on the loading machine.
• Fix the penetrating needle, dial gauge & proving ring. The machine
is switched on & the load is applied at the rate of 1.25 mm per
Minute.
• Note down the depth of penetration for different amount of loads.

RESULT: Draw the graph load verses penetration. After applying the
Correction for initial concavity of the curve, calculate the loads at 2.5 mm & 5.0mm depth of
penetrations.
To calculate the CBR at 2.5mm & 2.0 mm depth of penetration.

CBR @ 2.5 mm=Load at 2.5 mm depth of penetration

Load taken by standard stone at 2.5 mm depth of penetration

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 CBR @ 5 mm=Load at 5 mm depth of penetration .
Load taken by standard stone at 5 mm depth of penetration

CONCLUSION:

Significance of California bearing ratio test

The California bearing ratio (CBR) is a penetration test for evaluation of the mechanical
strength of natural ground, sub grades and base courses beneath new carriageway construction.
CBR is the ratio of the force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass with a standard
circular piston of 50 mm dia, at the rate of 1.25 mm/min to that of force required to penetrate
sample of compacted stone having CBR of 100%.

23
 WET SIEVE ANALYSIS

AIM: To evaluate particle size distribution or gradation of a granular material.

APPARATUS: Sieves, weighing Balance

THEORY: Soil gradation (sieve analysis) is the distribution of particle sizes expressed as a
percent of the total dry weight. Gradation is determined by passing the material through a series
of sieves stacked with progressively smaller openings from top to bottom and weighing the
material retained on each sieve. The results of testing will reflect the condition and
characteristics of the aggregate from which the sample is obtained. Therefore, when sampling, it
is important to obtain a disturbed representative sample that is representative of the source being
tested because the distribution of different grain sizes affects the engineering properties of soil.

.
PROCEDURE:
If the soil contains a substantial quantity (say more than 5%) of fine particles, a wet sieve
analysis is required. All lumps are broken into individual particles.
1) Take 200gm of oven dried soil sample and soaked with water by adding sodium
hexametaphosphate.
2) The sample is stirred and left for soaking period of at least 1 hour.
3) The slurry is then sieved through 4.75 mm sieve and washed with a jet of water.
4) The material retained on the sieve is the gravel fraction, which should be dried in oven and
weighed.
5) The material passing through 4.75 mm sieve is sieved through 75 micron sieve.
6) The material is washed until the water Filtered becomes clear.
7) The Soil retained on 75 micron sieve is collected and dried in oven.
8) It is then sieved through the sieve shaker for ten minutes and retained material on each sieve
is collected and weighed.
9) The material that would have been retained on pan is equal to the total mass of soil minus the
sum of the masses of material retained on all sieves.
10) Draw the curve for the soil in the semi-logarithmic graph in order to obtain grain size
distribution curve.

24
CALCULATIONS:
Weight of Sample taken for Sieve Analysis = gms

Sl no I.S Sieve Weight retained Cumulative Weight Percent (%) Percent (%)
No: in gms retained in gm weight retained weight
passing

4.75mm
2.00mm
1.00mm
425micron
212micron
150micron
75 micron
pan

Co-efficient of uniformity, Cu

Cu = D60 =
D10

Co-efficient of curvature, Cc

Cu = (D30)2 =
D10 X D60

RESULT:

1. Co-efficient of uniformity, Cu =

2. Co-efficient of curvature, Cc =

25
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