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Transportation Lab Manual

Civil Engineering (Savitribai Phule Pune University)

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EXPERIMENT NO: 01

AGGREGATE CRUSHING STRENGTH TEST

Theory and Scope:
This is one of the major Mechanical properties required in a road stone. The test evaluates
the ability of the Aggregates used in road construction to withstand the stresses induced by
moving vehicles in the form of crushing. With this the aggregates should also provide sufÏcient
resistance to crushing under the roller during construction and under rigid tyre rims of heavily
loaded animal drawn vehicles.
The crushing strength or aggregate crushing value of a given road aggregate is found out as
per IS-2386 Part- 4.
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.
The aggregate crushing value of the coarse aggregates used for cement concrete pavement
at surface should not exceed 30% and aggregates used for concrete other than for wearing
surfaces, shall not exceed 45% as specified by Indian Standard (IS) and Indian Road Congress
(IRC).

Aim: To determine crushing strength of a given aggregate as per IS: 2386 part – IV

Apparatus:
 A steel cylinder of internal diameter 15.2 cm (Steel cylinder with open ends)
 A square base plate, plunger having a piston diameter of 15 cm.
 A cylindrical measure of internal diameter of 11.5 and height 18 cms.
 Steel tamping rod having diameter of 1.6 cms length 45 to 60 cms.
 Balance of capacity 3 kg with accuracy up to 1 gm.
 Compression testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tonnes at a loading rate of 4
tonnes per minute.

Procedure:
 The aggregate in surface-dry condition before testing and passing 12.5 mm sieve and
retained on 10 mm sieve is selected.
 The cylindrical measure is filled by the test sample of the aggregate in three layers of
approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times by the rounded end of the
tamping rod.
 After the third layer is tamped, the aggregates at the top of the cylindrical measure are
leveled off by using the tamping rod as a straight edge. Then the test sample is weighed.
Let that be w1 gm.
 Then the cylinder of test apparatus is kept on the base plate and one third of the sample
from cylindrical measure is transferred into cylinder and tamped 25 times by rounded end
of the tamping rod.
 Similarly aggregate in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped
25 times by rounded end of the tamping rod.
 Then the cylinder with test sample and plunger in position is placed on compression
testing machine.
 Load is then applied through the plunger at a uniform rate of 4 tonnes per minute until the
total load is 40 tonnes and the load is released.

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 Aggregates including the crushed position are removed from the cylinder and sieved on a
2.36mm IS. sieve and material which passes this sieve is collected and weighed. Let this
be w2 gm.
 The above step is repeated with second sample of the same aggregate. The two tests are
made for the same specimen for taking an average value.
 Total weight of dry sample taken is w1 gm weight of the portion of crushed material
passing 2.36mm IS sieve be w2 gm.

Then the aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of fines passing the
specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample (w1).

Aggregate crushing value = %

Aggregate Crushing
Test Apparatus
Observation and Calculation:

Trials Total weight of dry Weight of fines passing Aggregate crushing Average aggregate
aggregate sample, 2.36 mm IS sieve, value crushing strength
w1 gm w2 gm in % value in %
1
2
3
4
5
6

Calculations:

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Result:
The mean (average) crushing value of the given aggregate sample is ______________%

Viva voce:

1. What do you understand by the term “Ten percent Fines value”?

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2. Define aggregate crushing value and how crushing strength test is carried out on
cylindrical stone specimen explain.
3. What is the use or application of the aggregate crushing test?

Reference:

1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand &
Bros., Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 02

ABRASION TEST
Theory and Scope:
Abrasion is a measure of resistance to wear or hardness. It is an essentially property for
road aggregates especially when used in wearing coarse. Due to the movements of trafÏc, the road
stones used in the surfacing course are subjected to wearing actions at the top. When trafÏc moves

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on the road the soil particle (sand) which comes between the wheel and road surface causes
abrasion on the road stone. The abrasion test on aggregate is found as per I.S.-2386 part-IV.
Abrasion tests on aggregates are generally carried out by any one of the following
methods-
1. Los Angeles abrasion test.
2. Deval abrasion test.
3. Dorry abrasion test.

Los Angeles Abrasion Test:

The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to the
relative rubbing action between the aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charge pounding
action of these balls also exist while conducting the test. Maximum Allowable Los Angeles
Abrasion Values of Aggregates in Different types of pavement layers as per Indian Road Congress
(IRC) are:-
For sub-base course a value of 60%. For base course such as WBM, Bituminous Macadam
(B.M.), Built – Up spray grout base course and etc. value of 50%.
For surface course such as WBM, BM, Bituminous Penetration Macadam, Built-Up spray
grout binder course and etc. a value of 40%.
If aggregates are used in surface course as Bituminous carpet, Bituminous surface
dressing, single or two coats, cement concrete surface coarse and etc. a value of 35%.
If aggregates are used for Bituminous concrete, Cement concrete pavement as surface
coarse than aggregate abrasion value of 30% maximum.

Aim: To determine the abrasion value of given aggregate sample by conducting Los Angeles
abrasion Test.

Apparatus:
 Los Angeles machine with inside diameter 70cm and inside length of 50%.Abrasive
charges.
 I.S Sieve with 1.7mm opening.
 Weighting Balance of 0.1gm accuracy.

Procedure:
 Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is used for the
test. (Refer table)
 Aggregates weighing 5Kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10Kg for gradings E, F or G may
be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder.
 The abrasive charge is also chosen in accordance with table no.1 and placed in the cylinder
of the machine, and cover is fixed to make dust tight.
 The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.
 The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for gradings A, B, C and D, for gradings E, F
and G, it shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions.
 After the desired number of revolutions, the machine is stopped and the material is
discharged from the machine taking care to take out entire stone dust.
 Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70mm I.S sieve, the material is first separated into two
parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7mm I.S sieve.
 Let the original weight of aggregate be w 1gm, weight of aggregate retained on 1.70mm I.S
sieve after the test be w2gm.

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Los Angeles abrasion value (%) = x100

Schematic Diagram of Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

Observation and Calculation:

Sr
N Details of sample Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average
o
1 Weight of Specimen=W1 gm

Weight of specimen after abrasion test,

2
coarser than 1.70 mm IS sieve= W2 gm

3 Percentage wear=((W1-W2)/W1)*100

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Calculations:

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Result:

The average value of Los Angeles abrasion test on given aggregate sample is
________________%

Viva voce:

1. The abrasion value found from Los Angeles test for two aggregates A and B are 50%
and 38% respectively. Which aggregate is harder? Why? For what types of constructions
are these suitable?
2. Why Los Angeles abrasion test is considered superior to the other form of tests which
are used to determine the hardness of aggregates?
3. Two materials have abrasion values 3 and 10 respectively. Which one is harder and
why?

Reference:

1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
& Bros., Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 03

IMPACT TEST
Theory and Scope:

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Toughness is the property of a material to easiest impact. Due to moving loads the
aggregates are subjected to pounding action or impact and there is possibility of stones breaking
into smaller pieces. Therefore a test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e., the
resistance of the stones to fracture under repeated impacts may be called Impact test on
aggregates. The test can also be carried on cylindrical stone specimen known as Page Impact test.
The aggregate Impact test has been standardized by Indian Standard Institution. The aggregate
impact test is conducted as per IS-2386 Part IV.
The aggregate Impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of aggregate to a
sudden shock or an Impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slope
compressive load in crushing test. A modified Impact test is also often carried out in the case of
soft aggregates to find the wet Impact value after soaking the test sample.
Various agencies have specified the maximum permissible aggregate Impact values for the
different types of pavements. IRC has specified the following values.
The maximum allowable aggregate Impact value for water bound Macadam; Sub-Base
coarse 50% where as cement concrete used in base course is 45%. WBM base course with
Bitumen surface in should be 40%. Bituminous Macadam base course should have A.I.V of 35%.
All the surface courses should possess an A.I.V below 30%.

Aim: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregate as per I.S-2386 Part IV.

Apparatus:
 Impact testing machine: The machine consists of a metal base. A detachable cylindrical
steel cup of internal diameter 10.2cm and depth 5cm. A metal hammer of weight between
13.5 to 14Kg, 10cm in diameter and 5cm long. An arrangement for raising the hammer
and allow it to fall freely between vertical guides from a height of 38cm on the test sample
in the cup.
 A cylindrical metal measure having 7.5cm and depth of 5cm for measuring aggregates.
 A tamping rod of circular cross section, 1cm in diameter and 23cm long, rounded at one
end.
 I.S. sieve of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm.
 Balance of capacity not less than 500gm to weigh accurate up to 0.01gm.

Procedure:
 The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mm sieve
and dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100 C to 110 C.
 The aggregates are filled upto about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25
times with rounded end of the tamping rod.
 The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25
times.
 The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using it has a
straight edge.
 Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighted nearing to
0.01gm.
 The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup which
is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25 times.
 The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of 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 than removed from the cup and the whole of it is sieved on 2.366mm

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sieve until no significant amount passes. The fraction passing the sieve is weighed accurate
to 0.1gm. Repeat the above steps with other fresh sample.
 Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be w 1gm and the weight of fraction passing
2.36mm I.S sieve be w2gm. Then aggregate Impact value is expressed as the % of fines
formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.

Aggregate Impact Value = x100 %

Aggregate Impact Testing Machine

Observation and Calculation:

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Result:
The mean A.I.V is _________________%.

Viva voce:
1. How is aggregate Impact expressed?
2. What do you understand by dry and wet Impact value?
3. Aggregate Impact value of material A is 15 and that of B is 35. Which one is better for
surface course?

Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
& Bros., Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 04(A)

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SHAPE TEST (Flakiness Index)

Theory and Scope:
The particle shape of aggregate is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. In case of gravel it is determined by its Angularity Number. Flakiness
and Elongation tests are conducted on coarse aggregates to assess the shape of aggregates.
Aggregates which are flaky or elongated are detrimental to the higher workability and
stability of mixes. They are not conducive to good interlocking and hence the mixes with an
excess of such particles are difÏcult to compact to the required degree. For base coarse 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 probabilities of
breaking down under heavy loads. Rounded aggregates are preferred in cement concrete road
construction as the workability of concrete improves. Angular shape of particles are desirable for
granular base coarse due to increased stability derived from the better interlocking when the shape
of aggregates deviates more from the spherical shape, as in the case of angular, flaky and
elongated aggregates, the void content in an aggregate of any specified size increases and hence
the grain size distribution of the graded aggregates has to be suitably altered in order to obtain
minimum voids in the dry mix or the highest dry density. It is determined according to the
procedure laid down in IS-2386 (PART- I).

FLAKINESS INDEX:
The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by particles whose least dimension
(thickness) is less than 3/5th (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to sizes
smaller than 6.3mm.

ELONGATION INDEX:
The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose
greatest dimension (length) is greater than 1 and 4/5 th times (1.8 times) their mean dimensions.
The elongation test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

Aim: To determine the flakiness Index of a given aggregates sample.

Apparatus: The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge, I.S. sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40,
31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3mm and a balance to weigh the samples.

Procedure:
 The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table.
 A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (w1gm).
 In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on thickness
gauge, or in bulk on sieve having elongated slots as specified in the table.
 Then the amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of atleast
0.1% of test sample.
 Let the weight of the flaky materials passing the gauge be w1gm. Similarly the weights of
the fractions passing and retained on the specified sieves be w1, w2, w3, etc. are weighed
and the total weight w1+w2+w3+………. = w gm is found. Also the weights of the
materials passing each of the specified thickness gauge are found = W1, W2, W3… and
the total weight of the material passing the different thickness gauges = W1+W2+W3+
………. =W gm is found.
 Then the flakiness index is the total weight of the flaky material passing the various
thickness gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.

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Thickness Gauge

Observation and Calculation:

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Result:
The flakiness index of the given sample of aggregates is _______________%.

Viva Voce:
1. Explain what is meant by flaky and elongated particles?
2. Explain Angularity Number. How is it found?
3. What do you understand by the term Combined Index?

Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386
Part-I, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from
Natural Sources for Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory
Manual, Nem Chand & Bros., Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 04(B)

SHAPE TEST (Elongation Index)

Aim: To determine the Elongation Index of the given aggregate sample.

Apparatus: Length gauge, I.S-sieves as given in the table and a balance of accuracy 0.01 Gm.

Procedure:
 The sample is sieved through I.S-sieves specified in the table. A minimum of 200
aggregate pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed.
 Each fraction is thus gauged individually for length in a length gauge. The gauge length is
used should be those specified in the table for the appropriate material.
 The pieces of aggregates from each fraction tested which could not pass through the
specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and they are collected
separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained on the length gauge from each
fraction.
 The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of atleast 0.1% of the weight of the test sample.
 The weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on specified sieves sizes are
found – W1, W2, W3, …………. And the total weight of sample determined =
W1+W2+W3+……………. = Wg. Also the weights of material from each fraction
retained on the specified gauge length are found = x 1, x2, x3… and the total weight
retained determined = x1+x2+x3+…… = x gm.

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 The elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.

Length Gauge

Observation and Calculation:

Result:

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The elongation index of a given sample of aggregate is ________________%.

Viva Voce:
1. Explain what is meant by flaky and elongated particles?
2. Explain Angularity Number. How is it found?
3. What do you understand by the term Combined Index?

Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-I, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
& Bros., Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 05

SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF

AGGREGATE
Theory and Scope:
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of
the material. The specific gravity test helps in the identification of stone.
Water absorption gives an idea of strength of aggregate. Aggregates having more water
absorption are more porous in nature and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are
found to be acceptable based on strength, impact and hardness tests.

Aim: To determination specific gravity and water absorption of the given aggregate sample.

Apparatus:

 A wire basket of not more than 6.3mm mesh or a perforated container of

convenient size with thin wire hangers for suspending it from the balance.
 A thermostatically controlled oven to maintain temperature of 100° to 110°C.
 A container for filling water and suspending the basket.
 An airtight container of capacity similar to that of the basket.
 A balance of capacity about 5 kg. to weigh accurate to 0.5 g. and of such a type and shape
as to permit weighing of the sample container when suspended in water.
 A shallow tray and two dry absorbent clothes, each not less than 750 X 450 mm.

Procedure:

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 About 2 kg of the aggregate sample is washed thoroughly to remove fines, drained and
then placed in the wire basket and immersed in distilled water at a temperature between
22° to 32°C with a cover of at least 50mm of water above the top of the basket.
 Immediately after immersion the entrapped air is removed from the sample by lifting the
basket containing it 25mm above the base of the tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at
the rate of about one drop per second.
 The basket and the aggregate should remain completely immersed in water for a period of
24 +/- 0.5 hours afterwards.
 The basket and the sample are then weighed while suspended in water at a temperature of
22° to 32°C. In case it is necessary to transfer the basket and the sample to a different
tank for weighing, they should be jolted 25 times as described above in the new tank to
remove air before weighing.
 This weight is noted while suspended in water W1 g. The basket and the aggregate are
then removed from water and allowed to drain for a few minutes, after which the
aggregates are transferred to one of the dry absorbent clothes.
 The empty basket is then returned to the tank of water, jolted 25 times and weight in
water W2 g.
 The aggregates placed on the absorbent clothes are surface dried till no further moisture
could be removed by this cloth. Then the aggregates are transferred to the second dry
cloth spread in a single layer, covered and allowed to dry for at least 10 minutes until the
aggregates are completely surface diy. 10 to 50 minutes drying may be needed.

 The aggregates should not be exposed to the atmosphere, direct sunlight or any other
source of heat while surface drying.

 A gentle current of unheated air may be used during the first ten minutes to accelerate the
drying of aggregate surface.

 The surface dried aggregate is then weighed W3 g. The aggregate is placed in a shallow
tray and kept in an oven maintained at a temperature of 110°C for 24 hours.

 It is then removed from the oven, cooled in an airtight container and weighed W4 g. At
least two tests should be carried out, but not concurrently.

Calculations:

Weight of saturated aggregate suspended in water with the basket = w1 gm

Weight of basket suspended in water = w2 gm

Weight of saturated aggregate in water = (w1-w2) = wS gm

Weight of saturated surface diy aggregate in air = w4 gm

Weight of water equal to the volume of the aggregate= (w3-wS) gm

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Dry weight of aggregate

Specific gravity = ------------------------------------
Weight of equal volume of water

= =

Water absorption = percent by weight of water absorbed in terms oven dried

weight of aggregates.
(W3-W4) 100
= ------------------
W4
Result:
1. The Specific Gravity of given aggregate sample is found to be ______________.
2. The water absorption of given aggregate sample is found to be______________%.

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EXPERIMENT NO: 07

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR BITUMEN

Theory and Scope:
The density of a bitumen binder is a fundamental property frequently used as an aid in
classifying the binders for use in paving jobs. In most applications, the bitumen is weighed, but
finally in use with aggregate system, the bitumen content is converted on volume basis. Thus an
accurate density value is required for conversion of weight to volume. The specific gravity is
greatly influenced by the chemical composition of binder. Increased amount of aromatic type
compounds cause an increase in the specific gravity.
The specific gravity is defined by ISI as the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the
bituminous material to the mass of an equal volume of water, the temperature of both being
specified at 27ºC±0.1ºC.
The code of practice used to determine the specific gravity is IS: 1202.

Aim: To determine the Specific gravity of given Bituminous material.

Apparatus: There are two methods. 1) Pyknometer Method, 2) Balance Method.

Pyknometer Method: Specific gravity Bottle, Balance and Distilled water.

Procedure:
 The clean, dried specific gravity bottle is weighed let that be W1gm.
 Then it is filled with fresh distilled water and then kept in water bath for at least half an
hour at temperature 27ºC±0.1ºC.
 The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The specific gravity bottle
containing distilled water is now weighed. Let this be W2gm.
 Then the specific gravity bottle is emptied and cleaned. The bituminous material is heated
to a pouring temperature and the material is poured half the bottle, by taking care to
prevent entry of air bubbles. Then it is weighed. Let this be W3gm.
 The remaining space in specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled water at 27ºC and is
weighed. Let this be W4gm. Then specific gravity of bituminous material is given by
formula,

Specific Gravity =

Observation and Calculation:

Weight of specific gravity bottle = w1 gm

Weight of bottle filled with distilled water = w2 gm
Weight of bottle + bitumen = w3 gm
Weight of bottle + bitumen + water = w4 gm

Result: The specific gravity of given bituminous binder is ___________________.

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Viva Voce:
1. Define specific gravity.
2. What is the use of finding specific gravity?
3. What are the factors affecting specific gravity test?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Specific Gravity of
Bitumen, IS: 1202, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 08

PENETRATION TEST
Theory and Scope:

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The consistencies of bituminous materials vary depending upon several factors such as
constituents, temperature, etc. As temperature ranges between 25º and 50ºC most of the paving
bitumen grades remain in semi solid or in plastic states and their viscosity is so high that they do
not flow as liquid.
Determination of absolute viscosity of bituminous material is not so simple. Therefore the
consistency of these materials is determined by indirect methods. The consistency of bitumen is
determined by penetration test which is a very simple test. Various types and grades of
bituminous materials are available depending on their origin and refining process. The penetration
test determines the consistency of these materials foe the purpose of grading them, by measuring
the depth (in units of one tenth of a millimeter or one hundredth of a centimeter) to which a
standard needle will penetrate vertically under specified conditions of standard load, duration and
temperature. Thus the basic principle of the penetration test is the measurement of the penetration
(in units of one tenth of a mm) of a standard needle in a bitumen sample maintained at 25C
during five seconds, the total weight of the needle assembly being 100gm.
The softer the bitumen, the greater will be the penetration. The test is conducted as per IS-
1203 for paving bitumen.

Aim: To determine the grade of a given binder.

Apparatus: It consists of items like container, needle, water bath, penetrometer, stop watch etc.
Container is 55mm in diameter and 35mm to 57mm height. The needle is provided with a shank
approximately 3.0mm in diameter into which it is immovably fixed.

Procedure:
 The bitumen is softened to a paving consistency between 75º and 100ºC above the
approximate temperature at which bitumen softens.
 The sample material is thoroughly stirred to make it homogeneous and free from air
bubbles and water.
 The sample containers are cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower than 13ºC for
one hour. Then they are placed in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of
25ºC for a period of one hour.
 The weight of needle, shaft and additional weight are checked. The total weight of this
assembly should be 100gm.
 Using the adjusting screw, the needle assembly is lowered and the tip of the needle is
made to just touch the top surface of the sample.
 The needle assembly is clamped in this position. The contact of the tip of the needle is
checked using the mirror placed on the rear of the needle.
 The initial reading of the penetrometer dial is either adjusted to zero or the initial reading
is noted.
 Then the needle is released by pressing a button and a stop watch is started. The needle is
released exactly for a period of 5.0secs.
 At least 3 measurements are made on this sample by testing at distance of not less than
100mm apart.
 The difference between the initial and final penetration readings are taken as the
penetration value.

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Penetration Test Concept

Penetrometer

Observation and Calculation:

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Result:
The average penetration value of a given bitumen sample is ________________ and the
grade of bitumen is ________________.

Viva Voce:
1. What are the applications of penetration test?
2. What do you understand by the term 30/40 bitumen?
3. What are the precautions to be taken while conducting a penetration test?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Penetration of
Bitumen, IS: 1203, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 09

DUCTILITY TEST

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Theory and Scope:

A certain minimum ductility is necessary for a bitumen binder. This is because of the
temperature changes in bituminous mixes and the repeated deformations that occur in flexible
pavements due to the trafÏc loads. It is of significant importance that the binders form ductile thin
films around the aggregates. The binder material which does not possess sufÏcient ductility would
crack and thus provide previous pavement surface. This is 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 thread breaks. The test is standardized by the IS:
1208.
The test is conducted at 27º±0.5ºC and a rate of pull of 50±2.5 mm per minute.

Aim: To conduct ductility test on given bitumen sample.

Apparatus: Briquette mould, (length – 75mm, distance between clips – 30mm, width at mouth of
clips – 20mm, cross section at minimum width – 10mm x 10mm), Ductility machine with water
bath and a pulling device at a precaliberated rate, a putty knife, thermometer.

Procedure:
 The bitumen sample is method to a pouring temperature (75ºC to 100ºC) and poured into
the mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, where a solution of glycerin or soap
solution is applied at all surfaces of briquette mould exposed to bitumen.
 After the sample is poured to the mould, thirty to forty minutes the entire assembly is
placed in a water bath at 27ºC.
 Then the sample is removed from the water bath maintained at 27ºC and excess bitumen
material is cutoff by leveling the surface using hot knife.
 After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water
bath maintained at 27ºC for 85 to 95 minutes. Then the sides of mould are removed and
the clips are carefully booked on the machine without causing any initial strain. Two or
more specimens may be prepared in the moulds and clipped to the machine so as to
conduct these test simultaneously.
 The pointer is set to read zero. The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled
apart horizontally.
 While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water at
depth of atleast 10mm. The distance at which the bitumen thread of each specimen breaks
is recorded (in cm) to report as ductility value.

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Ductility Test Concept

Observation and Calculation:

Result:
The ductility value of the given bitumen sample is _________________ cm.

Viva Voce:
1. List the factors that affect the result of a ductility test.
2. What do you understand by the term repeatability and reproducibility?
3. Explain the significance of ductility test.

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Ductility of Bitumen,
IS: 1208, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 10

SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN

Theory and Scope:
Bitumen does not suddenly change from solid to liquid state, but as the temperature
increase, it gradually becomes soften until it flows readily. The softening point is the temperature
at which the substance attains particular degree of softening under specified condition of test. For
bitumen it is usually determined by Ring and Ball apparatus. The test is conducted as per IS:
1205.

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Aim: To determine the softening point of given paving bitumen as per IS: 1205.

Apparatus: Ring and Ball apparatus, Water bath with stirrer, Thermometer, Glycerin, etc. Steel
balls each of 9.5mm and weight of 2.5±0.08gm.

Procedure:
 Sample material is heated to a temperature between 75º and 100ºC above the approximate
softening point until it is completely fluid and is poured in heated rings placed on the
metal plate.
 To avoid sticking of the bitumen to metal plate, coating is done to this with a solution of
glycerin and dextrin.
 After cooling the rings in air for 30 minutes, the excess bitumen is trimmed and rings are
placed in the support.
 At this time the temperature of distilled water is kept at 5ºC. This temperature is
maintained for 15 minutes after which the balls are placed in position.
 Then the temperature of water is raised at uniform rate of 5ºC per minute with a
controlled heating unit, until the bitumen softens and touches the bottom plate by sinking
of balls. At least two observations are made. For material whose softening point is above
80ºC, glycerin is used for heating medium and the starting temperature is 35ºC instead of
5ºC.
 The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate
of support is recorded as softening point value.

Softening Test Concept

Observation and Calculation:

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Result:
The softening point value of given bitumen sample is ___________________ 0C and grade
of bitumen is ______________.

Viva Voce:
1. What are the factors which affect the ring and ball test results?
2. What is softening point?
3. If material A has softening point of 56 and B has 42 which binder is good and why?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Softening Point of
Bitumen, IS: 1205, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 11

FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST

Theory and Scope:
Flash and Fire point test is a safety test conducted on a bituminous material so that it gives
an indication of the critical temperature at and above where precautions should be taken to
eliminate fire hazards during its applications. Bituminous materials leave out volatiles at high
temperature depending upon their grade. These volatile vapors catch fire causing a flash. This
condition is very hazardous and it is therefore essential to qualify this temperature for each
bitumen grade, so that the paving engineers may restrict the mixing or application temperature
well within the limits. Flash and Fire point test is conducted as per IS: 1209.
As per IS: 1209 the definitions of flash and fire point are:

Flash Point: “The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the vapour of
substance momentarily takes fire in the form of a flash under specified conditions of test”.

Fire Point: “The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the material gets ignited and burns
under specified condition of test”.

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Aim: To determine the flash and fire point of a given bituminous material.

Apparatus: Pensky-Martens closed cup tester, thermometer, heating source, flame exposure.

Procedure:
 All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.
 The material is filled in the cup upto a mark. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed
system. All accessories including thermometer of the specified range are suitably fixed.
 The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that the
size of a bed is of 4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5º to 6ºC per
minute. During heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of approximately 60
revolutions per minute.
 The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points and
corresponding temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash and fire are
noted.

Flash and Fire Point Test Concept

Observation and Calculation:

Result:
The temperature at which the flame application that causes a bright flash (Flash Point)
______________0C and temperature at which the sample catches fire (Fire Point)
______________0C.

Viva Voce:
1. Define flash and fire points.
2. What is the significance of flash and fire point test?
3. What are the parameter that affects the result of flash and fire point tests?

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References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Flash and Fire Point of
Bitumen, IS: 1209, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

EXPERIMENT NO: 12

VISCOSITY TEST
Theory and Scope:
Viscosity is defined as the increase of fluidity. The degree of fluidity at the application
temperature greatly influences the ability of bituminous material to spread, penetrate in to void
and also coat the aggregates and hence affects the strength characteristics of the resulting paving
mixes. There is an optimum value of fluidity or viscosity for mixing and compacting for each
aggregate gradation of the mix and bitumen grade. At high fluidity or low viscosity, the bitumen
binder simply “lubricates” the aggregate particles instead of providing a uniform film thickness
for binding action. Similarly, low fluidity or high viscosity does not enable the bitumen to coat the
entire surface of aggregates. It will increase the compactive force or effort. The test is conducted
as per IS: 1206.

Aim: To determine the property of a given bituminous material as per IS: 1206.

Apparatus: A orifice viscometer (one of 4.0mm diameter used to test cut back grades 0 and 1 and
10mm orifice to test all other grades), water bath, stirrer and thermometer.

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.
 The sample material is heated at the temperature 20 above the specified test temperature
and the material is allowed to cool. During cooling the material continuously, stirred.

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 When material reaches slightly above test temperature, the same is poured in the tar cup,
until the leveling peg on the value rod is just immersed.
 A graduate receiver (cylinder) and a 20ml of mineral oil or one percent by weight solution
of soft soap is poured.
 When the sample material reaches the specified test temperature within ±0.1ºC and then
valve is opened.
 The stop watch is started with the valve opening and time is noted for collecting a 50ml of
test sample to flow through the orifice and collected in the receiver kept below the orifice
viscometer.

Schematic Representation of Experiment

Observation and Calculation:

Result:
The time in seconds for 50ml of the test sample to flow through the orifice is
_________________sec.

Viva Voce:
1. Explain the term viscosity.
2. What are the uses of viscosity test?
3. What are the precautions to be taken during viscosity test using orifice viscometer?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Viscosity of Bitumen,
IS: 1206, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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EXPERIMENT NO: 13

Bituminous Mix Design by Marshall Method

Theory and Scope:
Bituminous mixes are used in the surface course of road and airfield pavements. The
desirable bituminous mix properties include stability, density, durability, flexibility, resistance to
skidding and workability during construction. Stability is defined as resistance of the paving mix
to deformation under load and is thus a stress level which causes strain depending upon
anticipated field conditions. Stability is function of friction and cohesion. Durability is defined as
the resistance of the mix against weathering which causes hardening and this depends upon loss of
volatiles and oxidation.
In this method the resistance to plastic deformation of cylindrical specimen of bituminous
mixture is measured when the same is loaded at the periphery at 5 cm per minute. This test
procedure is used in designing and evaluating bituminous paving mixes. ASTM vide designation
D 1559-62 T has standardized the test procedure.

Aim: To determine optimum binder content of given bituminous mix by Marshall Method of Mix
Design.

Apparatus: Mould Assembly, Sample Extractor, Compaction Pedestal and Hammer, Breaking
Head, Loading Machine, flow meter, thermometers, water bath and oven.

Procedure:
 The coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and mineral filler material should be proportioned
and mixed in such a way that final mix after blending has the gradation within the
specified range.
 Approximately 1200 grms of aggregates and filler are taken and heated to a temperature of
1750 to 1900 C.
 The compaction mould assembly and rammer are cleaned and kept pre-heated to a
temperature of 1000C to 1450C. The bitumen is heated to temperature of 1210 to 1380 C

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and the required quantity of first trail percentage of bitumen is added to the heated
aggregate and thoroughly mixed using a mechanical mixer or by hand mixing with trowel.
 Then the mix is heated and a temperature of 150 0 to 1600C is maintained and then the mix
is transferred into the pre-heated mould and compacted by giving seventy five blows on
each side.
 The specific gravity values of different aggregates, filler and bitumen used are determined
first. The theoretical specific gravity of the mix is determined.
 Soon after the compacted bituminous mix specimens have cooled to room temperature,
the weight, average thickness and diameter of the specimen are noted. The specimens are
weighed in air and then in water.
 The bulk density value of the specimen if calculated from weight and volume.
 Then the specimen to be tested is kept immersed under water in a thermostatically
controlled water bath maintained at 600 + 10 C for 30 to 40 minutes.
 The specimens are taken out one by one, placed in the Marshall test head and the Marshall
stability value and flow value are noted.
 The corrected Marshall Stability value of each specimen is determined by applying the
appropriate correction factor, if the average height of the specimen is not exactly 63.5
mm.
 Five graphs are plotted with values of bitumen content against the values of density,
Marshall Stability, Voids in total mix, Flow value, Voids filled by Bitumen.
 Let the bitumen contents corresponding to maximum density be B 1, corresponding to
maximum stability be B2 and that corresponding to the specified voids content (at 4.0%)
be B3. Then the optimum bitumen content for mix design is given by: B o= (B1 + B2 + B3) /
3

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Pictorial Representation of Marshall Mix Design

Observations and Calculations:

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Result:
The optimum binder content of the given mix is ________________.

Viva Voce:
1. What is the significance of flow value in Marshall Test?
2. What is filler?
3. What are the essential properties of bituminous mixes?

Reference:
1. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.
2. Ministry of Road Highway Transport, fourth revisions, by Indian Road Congress.

EXPERIMENT NO: 09

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST

Theory and Scope:
The California Bearing Ratio (C.B.R.) test was developed by California Division of
Highway as a method of classifying and evaluating soil subgrade and base course materials for
flexible pavements. The test is empirical and the results can not be related accurately with any
fundamental property of the material.
The CBR is a measure of resistance of a material to penetration of standard plunger under
controlled density and moisture conditions. The CBR test may be conducted in re moulded or
undisturbed specimen in the laboratory. The test is simple and has been extensively investigated
for field correlations of flexible pavement thickness requirement. The test is conducted by causing
a cylindrical plunger of some diameter to penetrate a pavement component material at
1.25mm/minute. The loads, for 2.5mm and 5mm are recorded. This load is expressed as a
percentage of standard load value at a respective deformation level to obtain C.B.R. value. The
values are given in the table,
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As per IRC recommendation the minimum value of C.B.R. required for a subgrade should be 8%.
The procedure is standardized by Indian Standards Institution in two different categories. The first
being Test of Soils in laboratory, determination of CBR, IS: 2720 part XVI. The second being
Methods of Test for soils, field determination of CBR, IS: 2720 XXXI.

Aim: To determine California Baring Ratio (C.B.R.) value of a given soil sample.

Apparatus: Loading machine which can be operated at a constant rate of 1.25mm per minute,
cylindrical moulds of 150mm diameter i.e., 175mm height provided with a collar of about 50mm
length and detachable perforated base are used for this purpose, Compaction Rammer.

Procedure:
 Each batch of soil is (of atleast 5.5kg for granular soils and 4.5 to 5kg weight for fine
grained soils) mixed with water upto the optimum moisture content or the field moisture
content if specified so.
 The spacer disc is placed at the bottom of the mould over the base plate and a coarse filter
paper is placed over the spacer disc.
 The moist soil sample is to be compacted over this in the mould by adopting either the I.S.
light compaction or the I.S. heavy compaction.
 After compacting the last layer, the collar is removed and the excess soil above the top of
the mould is evenly trimmed off by means of straight edges.
 The clamps are removed and the mould with the compacted soil is lifted leaving below the
base plate and the spacer disc is removed.
 A filter paper is placed on the base plate, the mould with compacted soil is inverted and
placed in position over the base plate and clamps of the base plate are tightened.
 Weights of 2.5 to 5kg are placed over the soil sample in the mould. Then the whole mould
is placed in water tank for soaking.
 A swelling measuring device consisting of tripod and the dial gauge are placed on top edge
of the mould and the spindle of the dial gauge is placed touching the top of the sample.
The initial dial gauge reading is recorded and the test set up is kept undisturbed in the
water tank to allow soaking of the soil specimen for four full days or 96 hours.
 After 96 hours of soaking, the mould with specimen is clamped over the base plate and
the same surcharge weights are placed on the specimen centrally such that the penetration
test can be conducted. The mould with base plate is placed under penetration plunger of
the loading machine.
 The penetration plunger is seated at the centre of the specimen and is brought in contact
with the top surface of the soil sample by applying a seating load of 4.0kg.

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 The dial gauge for the measuring the penetration values of the plunger is fitted in position.
The dial gauge of the proving ring and the penetration dial gauge are set to zero. The load
is applied through the penetration plunger at a uniform rate of 1.25mm/minute. The load
readings are recorded at penetration readings of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0,
7.5, 10.0, 12.5 mm penetration. The maximum load value and the corresponding
penetration value are recorded.
 After the final reading, the load is released and the mould is removed from the loading
machine. The proving ring calibration factor is noted so that the load dial values can be
converted into load in kg.
 The load values noted for each penetration level are divided by the area of the loading
plunger (19.635cm2) to obtain the pressure.
 A graph is plotted by penetration in mm on x-axis and the pressure in kg/cm2 on y-axis.
Then the unit pressure values corresponding to 2.5 and 5.0mm penetration values are
found from the graph. Then the CBR value is calculated from the formula:

CBR in % =

 The CBR values at 2.5mm and 5.0mm penetrations are calculated for each specimen from
the corresponding graphs. Generally the CBR value at 2.5mm penetration if higher and the
value are adopted. However if higher CBR value is obtained at 5.0mm penetration, the test
is to be repeated to verify the results. If the value at 5.0mm penetration is again higher,
this is adopted as the CBR value of the soil sample.

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C.B.R Testing Apparatus

Observation and Calculation:

Result:
The CBR value of the given soil sample is _________________%.

Viva Voce:
1. What is the significance of surcharge load while s0aking and testing the soil in CBR
test?
2. CBR value of soil A is 15 and of soil B is 4. Which one is a better soil? Why?
3. Discuss the limitations of CBR test.

Reference:
1. Indian Standard Method of determining CBR as per IS: 2720-Part-XVI
2. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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