UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE

UJJAIN

Department of Civil Engineering

CE-5005
Transportation Engineering –II
Practical Lab Manual
Session 2018-2019

Submitted to Submitted by
 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE CRUSHING STRENGTH VALUE

1. OBJECTIVE

To determine the aggregate crushing strength value of given coarse aggregate

2. REFERENCE:

I.S. Code; 2386 Part-4 (2002) Method of test for Aggregates For Concrete, “Part 4
Mechanical Properties ”

3. THEORY

The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. Aggregates used in road constructions,
should be strong enough to resist crushing under traffic wheel loads. If the aggregates are
weak, the stability of the pavement structure is likely to be adversely affected. The strength of
coarse aggregates is assessed by aggregates crushing strength. 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
strength value should be preferred.

4. APPARATUS

A 15-cm diameter open-ended steel cylinder, with plunger and base-plate. A straight metal
tamping rod, A balance of capacity 3 kg, readable and accurate to one gram, IS Sieves of
sizes 12.5, 10 and 2.36 mm, For measuring the sample, cylindrical metal measure of
sufficient rigidity to retain its form under rough usage and of the following internal
dimensions: Diameter 11.5 cm and Height 18.0 cm

5. PROCEDURE

1. The material for the standard test shall consist of aggregate passing a 12.5 mm IS
Sieve and retained on a 10 mm IS Sieve, and shall be thoroughly separated on these
sieves before testing. .
2. The aggregate shall be tested in a surface-dry condition. If dried by heating, the period
of drying shall not exceed four hours, the temperature shall be 100 to 110°C and the
aggregate shall be cooled to room temperature before testing.
3. The appropriate quantity may be found conveniently by filling the cylindrical measure
in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times with
 the rounded end of the tamping rod and finally leveled off, using the tamping rod as a
straight-edge.
4. The weight of material comprising the test sample shall be determined (Weight A)
and the same weight of sample shall be taken for the repeat test.
5. The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed
between the platens of the testing machine and loaded at as uniform a rate as possible
so that the total load is reached in 10 minutes. The total load shall be 400 kN.
6. The load shall be released and the whole of the material removed from the cylinder
and sieved on a 2.36 mm IS Sieve for the standard test. The fraction passing the sieve
shall be weighed (Weight B).

6. CALCULATION

The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall be
expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place:
𝐵
Aggregate Crushing Value =𝐴 × 100

A= weight in g of surface- dry sample.

B= weight in g of fraction passing through 2.36 mm IS sieves.

7. CONCLUSION/RESULT

The aggregate Crushing value of given sample of coarse aggregate is ……….. %

The aggregate crushing value should not be more than 45 per cent for aggregate used for
concrete other than for wearing surfaces, and 30 per cent for concrete used for wearing
surfaces such a runways, roads and air field pavements.
 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

1. OBJECTIVE

To determine the aggregate impact value of coarse aggregate

2. REFERENCE:
I.S. Code 2386 -Part 4 (2002), Method of test for Aggregates For Concrete, “Part 4 Mechanical
Properties ”

3. THEORY

The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
sudden shock or impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow
compressive load.

4. APPARATUS

An impact testing machine of the general form shown in Fig. 2 and complying with the
following:
1. A cylindrical steel cup of internal dimensions: Diameter 102 mm, Depth 50 mm and
not less than 6.3 mm thick
2. A metal hammer weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg, the lower end of which shall be cylindrical
in shape, 100.0 mm in diameter and 5 cm long, with a 2 mm chamfer at the lower
edge, and case-hardened. The hammer shall slide freely between vertical guides so
arranged that the lower (cylindrical) part of the hammer is above and concentric with
the cup.
3. Means for raising the hammer and allowing it to fall freely between the vertical
guides from a height of 380.0 mm on to the test sample in the cup, and means for
adjusting the height of fall within 5 mm
4. Sieves-The IS Sieves of sizes 12.5, 10 and 2.36 mm, Tamping Rod, balance of capacity
not less than 500 g, Oven etc.

5. PROCEDURE

1. The test sample shall consist of aggregate the whole of which passes a 12.5 mm IS
Sieve and is retained on a 10 mm IS Sieve. The aggregate comprising the test sample
shall be dried in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of 100 to 110°C
and cooled.
 2. The measure shall be filled about one-third full with the aggregate and tamped with
25 strokes of the
3. The impact machine shall rest without wedging or packing upon the level plate, block
or floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical
4. The cup shall be fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of
the test sample placed in it and compacted by a single tamping of 25 strokes of the
tamping rod.
5. The hammer shall be raised until its lower face is 380 mm above the upper surface of
the aggregate in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on to the aggregate. The test
sample shall be subjected to a total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an
interval of not less than one second.
6. The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on
the 2.36 mm IS Sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. The
fraction passing the sieve shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 g (Weight. B).
7. The fraction retained on the sieve shall also be weighed (Weight C) and, if the total
weight (C+B) is less than the initial weight (Weight A) by more than one gram, the
result shall be discarded and a fresh test made. Two tests shall be made

6. CALCULATION

The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall be
expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place:

𝐵
Aggregate Impact Value = × 100
𝐴
A= weight in g of surface- dry sample.
B= weight in g of fraction passing through 2.36 mm IS sieves.

7. CONCLUSION/RESULT:

The aggregate Impact value of given sample of coarse aggregate is ……….. %

The aggregate impact value should not normally exceed 30 percent for aggregate to be used
in wearing course of pavements. The maximum permissible value is 35% for bituminous
macadam and 40% for water bound macadam.
 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF ABRASION VALUE OF AGGREGATE

1.OBJECTIVE

To determine the aggregate Abrasion value using Los Angeles apparatus.

2. REFERENCE
I.S. Code 2386 (Part 4) 2002 Method of test for Aggregates For Concrete, “Part 4 Mechanical
Properties ”

3. THEORY

Abrasion test is carried out to test the hardness property of aggregates and to decide whether
they are suitable for different pavement construction works. Due to the movements of traffic
the road stones used in the surface course are subjected to wearing action at the top. Hence
road stones should be hard enough to resist the abrasion due to the traffic.

4. APPARATUS

1. Los Angels abrasion testing machine: The Los Angeles abrasion testing machine
shall consist of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both ends, having an inside diameter
of 700 mm and an inside length of 500 mm. The cylinder shall be mounted on stub
shafts attached to the ends of the cylinders but not entering it, and shall be mounted in
such, a manner that it may be rotated about its axis in a horizontal position. An
opening in the cylinder shall be provided for the introduction of the test sample.
2. IS Sieve 1.7 mm
3. Abrasive charge – 12 no.’s cast iron or steel spheres approximately 48 mm dia. and
each weighing between 390 and 445 gm ensuring that the total weigh of the charge is
5000+ 25 gm.
4. Electric Oven

5. PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

The test sample should consist of clean aggregates which has been dried in an oven at 105
to 1100C to a substantially constant weight and should conform to one of the gradings
shown in the table below:

Sieve Size Weight in gm. of Test sample For Grade

Passing Retained on A B C D E F G
mm mm
80 63 - - - - 2500 - -
 63 50 - - - - 2500 - -
50 40 - - - - 5000 5000 -
40 25 1250 - - - - 5000 5000
25 20 1250 - - - - - 5000
20 12.5 1250 2500 - - - - -
12.5 10 1250 2500 - - - - -
6.3 4.75 - - 2500 - - - -
4.75 2.36 - - - 5000 - - -

6. PROCEDURE

1. The test sample and the abrasive charge is placed in the Los Angles abrasion testing
machine and the machine is rotated at a speed of 20 to 33 revolutions/minute . For
gradings A, B, C and D, the machine shall be rotated for 500 revolutions; for gradings E,
F and G, it shall be rotated for 1 000 revolutions.
2. At the completion of the test, the material is discharged and sieved through 1.70mm IS
Sieve.
3. The material coarser than 1.70mm IS Sieve is washed dried in an oven at a temperature of
100 to 110oC to a constant weight and accurately weighed to the nearest gram.

7. CALCULATION

The difference between the original weight and the final weight of the test sample is expressed as
a percentage of the original weight of the test sample. This value is reported as the percentage of
wear.

𝐵
Aggregate Abrasion Value = × 100
𝐴
A= weight in g of surface- dry sample.
B= weight in g of fraction passing through 1.70 mm IS sieves.

8. CONCLUSION/RESULT

The aggregate Abrasion value of given sample of coarse aggregate is ……….. %

The percentage of wear should not be more than 16 percent for concrete aggregates.
 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO

1. OBJECTIVE

To determine the California bearing ratio by conducting a load penetration test in the
laboratory.

2. REFERENCE
I.S. Code 2720 (Part 17) 2002 Method of test soil, “Part 17 Laboratory determination of CBR”

3. THEORY

The california bearing ratio test is penetration test meant for the evaluation of subgrade
strength of roads and pavements. The results obtained by these tests are used with the
empirical curves to determine the thickness of pavement and its component layers. This is the
most widely used method for the design of flexible pavement.

This instruction sheet covers the laboratory method for the determination of C.B.R. of
undisturbed and remoulded /compacted soil specimens, both in soaked as well as unsoaked
state.

4. DEFINITION OF CBR

It is the ratio of force per unit area required to penetrate a soil mass standard circular piston at
the rate of 1.25mm/min to that required for the corresponding of a standard material.
CBR- Test Load/Standard load × 100
The following table gives the standard loads adopted for the different penetrations fir the
standard material with a C.B.R. value of 100 %

Penetration pf plunger (mm) Standard load (Kg)

2.5 1370
5.0 2055
7.5 2630
10.0 3180
12.5 2690

5. APPARATUS:

1. Cylindrical mould with inside dia 150 mm and height 175 mm, provided with a
detachable extension collar 50 mm height and a detachable perforated base plate 10
mm thick.
 2. Spacer disc 148 mm in dia and 47.7 mm in height along with handle.
3. Metal rammers. Weight 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm (or) weight 4.89 kg a drop
450 mm.
4. Weights. One annular metal weight and several slotted weights weighing 2.5 kg each,
147 mm in dia, with a central hole 53 mm in diameter.
5. Loading machine. With a capacity of atleast 5000 kg and equipped with a movable
head or base that travels at an uniform rate of 1.25 mm/min. Complete with load
indicating device.
6. Metal penetration piston 50 mm dia and minimum of 100 mm in length.
7. Two dial gauges reading to 0.01 mm.
8. Sieves. 4.75 mm and 20 mm I.S. Sieves.
9. Miscellaneous apparatus, such as a mixing bowl, straight edge, scales soaking tank or
pan, drying oven, filter paper and containers.

6. PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

Undisturbed specimen

Attach the cutting edge to the mould and push it gently into the ground. Remove the soil from
the outside of the mould which is pushed in . When the mould is full of soil, remove it from
weighing the soil with the mould or by any field method near the spot.

Remoulded specimen

Prepare the remoulded specimen at Proctor’s maximum dry density or any other density at
which C.B.R is required. Maintain the specimen at optimum moisture content or the field
moisture as required. The material used should pass 20 mm I.S. sieve but it should be
retained on 4.75 mm I.S. sieve. Prepare the specimen either by dynamic compaction or by
static compaction.

Dynamic Compaction

Take about 4.5 to 5.5 Kg of soil and mix thoroughly with the required water. Fix the
extension collar and the base plate to the mould. Insert the spacer disc over the base. Place
the filter paper on the top of the spacer disc.

Compact the mix soil in the mould using either light compaction or heavy compaction. For
light compaction, compact the soil in 3 equal layers, each layer being given 25 blows by the
2.6 Kg hammer. For heavy compaction compact the soil in 5 layers, 25 blowas to each layer
by the 4.89 kg hammer.
Static Compaction
a) Calculate the weight of the wet soil at the required water content to give the desired
density when occupying the standard specimen volume in the mould from the
expression.

.W= desired dry density × (1+w) V

Where W= Weight of the wet soil
w= Desired water content
V= Volume of the specimen in the mould=

b) Take the weight W of the mix soil and place in the mould
c) Place a filter paper and the displacer disc on the top of the soil
d) The mould assembly is kept in static loading frame and the displacer disc is
compacted by pressing till the level of disc is reached the top of the mould.
e) The load is kept for some time and then the load is released. The displacer disc is
removed.
f) The test may be conducted for both soaked as well as unsoaked conditions.
g) If the sample is to be soaked, in both cases of compaction, a filter paper is put on the
top of the soil and the adjustable stem and perforated plate is placed on the top of
filter paper.
h) Annular weights are put to produce a surcharge equal to weight of base material and
pavement expected in actual construction . Each 2.5 Kg weight is equivalent to 7 cm
construction. A minimum of two weights should be put.
i) The mould assembly is immersed and weights in a tank of water and soaks it for 96
hours.
j) The mould is removed from tank.
k) The consolidation of the specimen is noted.

7. PROCEDURE

a) The mould assembly is placed with the surcharge weights on the penetration test
machine.
b) The penetration piston is set at the center of the specimen with the smallest possible
load but in no case in excess of 4 kg so that full contact of the piston on the sample is
established.
c) The stress and strain dial gauge is setting to read zero.
d) The load is applied on the piston so that the penetration rate is about 1.25 mm/min.
e) The load readings are recorded at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0,
7.5, 10 and 12.5 mm
f) The maximum load and corresponding penetration is noted if it occurs for a
penetration less than 12.5 m
g) The mould from the loading equipment is detached
h) 20 to 50 g of soil from the top 3 cm layer is taken and determine the moisture content
8. OBSERVATION AND RECORDING

For Dynamic Compaction

Optimum water content (%)
Weight of mould + compacted specimen g
Weight of empty mould g
Weight of compacted specimen g
Volume of specimen cm3
Bulk density g/cc
Dry density g/cc

For static compaction

Dry density g/cc
Moulding water content %
Wet weight of the compacted soil (W) gm
Period of soaking 96 hrs.

For Penetration Test

Calibration factor for the proving ring

Surcharge weight used (Kg)
Water content after penetration test %
Least count of penetration dial
If the initial curve is concave upwards, apply correction by drawing a tangent to the curve at
the point of greatest slope and shift the origin. Find and record the correct load reading
corresponding to each penetration.
C.B.R.= PT/Ps × 100
Where PT= Corrected test load corresponding to the chosen penetration from the head
penetration curve
Ps= Standard load for the same penetration taken from the table

Penetration Dial Load Dial Corrected Load

Readings Penetration (mm) Proving ring Reading Load (Kg)

Interpretation and recording

C.B.R. of specimen at 2.5 mm penetration
C.B.R. of specimen at 5.0 mm penetration

The C.B.R. values are usually calculated for penetration of 2.5 mm and 5 mm. Generally the
C.B.R. value at 2.5 mm will be greater that at 5 mm and in such a case/the former shall be
taken as C.B.R. for design purpose. If C.B.R. for 5 mm exceeds that for 2.5 mm, the test
should be repeated. If identical results follow, the C.B.R. corresponding to 5 mm penetration
should be taken for design
 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF PENETRATION VALUE OF BITUMEN

1. OBJECTIVE

To determine the penetration value of given bitumen sample.

2. REFERENCE
I.S. Code 1203: 1978 Method for testing tar and bituminous material.

3. THEORY

The penetration of a bituminous material is the distance in tenths of a mm, that a standard
needle would penetrate vertically, into a sample of the material under standard conditions of
temperature load and time. Penetration test is the most commonly adopted test on bitumen to
grade the material in terms of its hardness. Depending up to the climatic condition and type
of construction, bitumen of different penetration grades are used, 80/100 bitumen denotes that
the penetration value ranges between 8-10 mm. The penetration values of various types of
bitumen used in pavement construction in this country range between 0 and 225. For
bituminous macadam and penetration macadam Indian Roads Congress suggests bitumen
grades 30/40, 60/70 and 80/100. In warmer regions lower penetration grades from preferred
and in colder regions bitumen with higher penetration values are used.
The penetration test is not intended to estimate the consistency of softer materials like
cutback or tar, which are usually graded by a viscosity test in an orifice viscometer
The India Standards Institution has classified paving bitumen available in this country into
the following six categories depending on the penetration values. Grades designated 'A' (such
as A 35) are from Assam Petroleum and those designated 'S' (such as S 35) are from other
sources.

4. APPARATUS

1. Penetrometer
2. Water Bath
3. Bath thermometer- Range 0 to 44oC, Gradation 0.2o C
5. PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

Bitumen should be just sufficient to fill the container to a depth of at least 15mm in excess of the
expected penetration

6. PROCEDURE

1. The bitumen is softened to a pouring consistency between 750 and 1000 C above the
approximate temperature at which bitumen softens.
2. The material is thoroughly stirred to make it homogenous and free from air bubbles and
water.
3. It is poured into a container to a depth of at least 15mm in excess of the expected
penetration.
4. It is cooled at an atmospheric temperature of 15 to 30 oC for 2 1 hrs. Then it is placed in a
transfer dish in the water bath at 25.0 + 0.1oC for 1 hour.
5. The container is kept on the stand of the penetration apparatus. The weight for needle,
shaft and additional weight are checked. The total weight of this assembly should be 100
gm.
6. The needle is adjusted to make contact with the surface of the sample.
7. The initial reading of the penetrometer dial is either adjusted to zero or the initial reading
is taken before releasing the needle.
8. The needle is released exactly for a period of 5.0 sec by pressing the knob and the final
reading is taken on the dial.
9. The above procedure is repeated for thrice.

7. CALCULATION

The difference between the initial and final penetration readings is taken as the penetration
value. The mean value of three penetration measurements is reported as the penetration value.
It is further specified by ISI that results of each measurement should not vary from the mean
value reported below by more than the following:

Penetration Grade Variation

0-80 4 Percent
80-225 5 Percent
Above 225 7 Percent

8. OBSERVATION/RESULT

Sample Penetration Value

1
2
3
 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

1. OBJECTIVE

To determine the viscosity of bituminous material such as road tar and cutback bitumen’s.

2. REFERENCE I.S. Code 1206 (1978) Method for testing tar and bituminous material.

3. THEORY

Viscosity denotes the fluid property of bituminous material and it is a measure of resistance
to flow. At the application temperature, this characteristic greatly influences the strength of
resulting paving mixes. Low or high viscosity during compaction or mixing has been
observed to result in lower stability values. At high viscosity, it resists the compactive effort
and thereby resulting mix is heterogeneous, hence low stability values. And at low viscosity
instead of providing a uniform film over aggregates, it will lubricate the aggregate particles.
Orifice type viscometers are used to indirectly find the viscosity of liquid binders like
cutbacks and emulsions. The viscosity expressed in seconds is the time taken by the 50 ml
bitumen material to pass through the orifice of a cup, under standard test conditions and
specified temperature. Viscosity of a cutback can be measured with either 4.0 mm orifice at
25o C or 10 mm orifice at 250 C or 40o C.

4. APPARATUS

1. A orifice viscometer (one of 4.0mm diameter used to test cut back grades 0 and 1 and
10 mm orifice to test all other grades)
2. Water bath
3. Stirrer
4. Thermo meter.

5 PROCEDURE

1. Adjust the tar viscometer so that the top of the tar cup is levelled
2. Select the test temperature. Heat the water in water bath to the temperature specified
for the test and maintains it within ±0.10C of the specified temperature throughout the
duration of test. Rotate the stirrer gently at frequent intervals or perfectly continuously
3. Clean the tar cup orifice of the viscometer with a suitable solvent and dry thoroughly
 4. Warm and stir the material under examination to 20 0C above the temperature
specified for test and cool, while continuing the stirring. When the temperature falls
slightly above the specified temperature, pour the tar into the cup until the levelling
peg on the valve rod is just immersed when the latter is vertical.
5. Pour into the graduated receiver 20 ml of mineral oil, or one percent by weight
solution of soft soap, and place it under the orifice of the tar cup.
6. Place the other thermometer in the tar and stir until the temperature is within ±0.1 0C
of the specified temperature. When this temperature has been reached, suspend the
thermo meter coaxially with the cup and with its bulb approximately at the geometric
center of the tar.
7. Allow the assembled apparatus to stand for five minutes during which period the
thermometer reading should remain within 0.05 0C of the specified temperature.
8. Remove the thermometer and quickly remove any excess of tar so that the final level
is on the central line of the levelling peg when the valve is in vertical position
9. Lift the valve and suspend it on valve support
10. Start the stop watch when the reading in the cylinder is 25 ml and stop it when it is 75
ml. Note the time in seconds.
11. Report the viscosity as the time in seconds by 50 ml. Of tar to flow out at the
temperature specified for the test.
12. Three tests are conducted and mean of the three observations recorded as viscosity of
bituminous material.

7. OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

No. of observations
S. No. Details of sample
1 2 3
1 Test Temperature
2 Time taken to flow 50cc of the binder
3 Viscosity (sec)
4 Mean velocity

8. RESULT

The viscosity value of the given bitumen sample is __________Sec.

 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

1. OBJECTIVE

To Determine the softening point of bituminous material

2. REFERENCE

IS 1205 (1978) .Indian standard methods for testing tar and bituminous materials.
“Determination of softening point”

3. THEORY

It is the temperature at which the substance attains a particular degree of softening under
specified condition of the test

4. APPARATUS

1. Ring and ball apparatus

2. Thermometer- Low Range: 20C to 800C
3. Thermometer High Range: 300C to 2000 C
4. Ball guide
5. Brass Rings
6. Steel balls

5. PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

1. The sample is just sufficient to fill the ring. The excess sample is cut off by a knife.
2. The material is heated between 75 and 1000C Stir it to remove air bubbles and water,
and filter it through IS Sieve 30, if necessary
3. The rings are heated and glycerine is applied. The material is filled in it and is cooled
it for 30 minutes.
4. The excess material is removed with the help of a warmed, sharp knife.

6. PROCEDURE

A) Materials of softening point below 800 C.

1. The appropriates is assembled with the rings, thermometer and ball guides in position.
2. The beaker is filled with boiled distilled water at a temperature 5.0 ±0.50 C per minute
 3. With the help of a stirrer, stir the liquid and heat is applied to the beaker at a
temperature of 5.0±0.50 C per minute
4. The heat is applied until the material softens and the ball is allowed to pass through
the ring.
5. The temperature is recorded at which the ball touches the bottom, which is nothing
but the softening point of that material.

B) Materials of softening point above 800C

1. The procedure is the same as described above. The only difference is that instead of
water, glycerine is used and the starting temperature of the test is 350C

7. OBSERVATIONS
The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate
of support is recorded as softening point value. An average value of two test is reported as
softening point value.

8. RESULT

The softening point of the given bitumen sample is .................0C.

 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF DUCTILITY VALUE OF BITUMEN

1. OBJECTIVE

To Determine the ductility value of the given bitumen sample.

2. REFERENCE

IS 1208 (1978) Indian standard methods for testing tar and bituminous materials.
“Determination of ductility of the bitumen”

3. THEORY

The ductility of a bituminous material is measured by the distance in cm to which it will elongate
before breaking when a standard briquette specimen of the material is pulled apart at a specified
speed and a specified temperature.

4. APPARATUS

1. Standard mould
2. Water bath
3. Testing machine
4. Thermometer- Range 0 to 440 C, Graduation 0.20 C.

5. PROCEDURE

1. The bituminous material is tested is completely melt by heating it to a temperature of

75 to 1000C above the approximate softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid.
2. The mould is assembled on a brass plate and in order the material is prevented under
test from sticking, thoroughly coat the surface of the plate and the interior surfaces of
the sides of the mould with a mixture of equal parts of glycerine and dextrin
3. While filling, the material is poured in a thin stream back and forth from end to end of
the mould until it is more than level full. It is leaved to cool at room temperature for
30 to 40 minutes and then it is placed in a water bath maintained at the specified
temperature for 30 minutes, after which cut off the excess bitumen by means of a hot,
straight-edged putty knife or spatula, so that the mould is just level full
4. The brass plate and mould is placed with briquette specimen in the water bath and it is
kept at the specified temperature for about 85 to 95 minutes. The briquette is removed
from the plate; detach the side pieces and the briquette immediately.
 5. The rings are attached at each end of the two clips to the pins or hooks in the testing
machine and the two clips are pulled apart horizontally at a uniform speed, as
specified, until the briquette ruptures.
6. The distance is measured in cm through which the clips have been pulled to produce
rupture
7. While the test is being done, the specimen both above and below by at least 25mm is
covered with water in the tank of the testing machine and the temperature is
maintained continuously within ± 0.5oC of the specified temperature.

6. RESULTS

The distance stretched by the moving end of the specimen up to recorded as ductility value.

The ductility value of given bitumen sample is __________cm.

 CE 5005 – Transportation Engineering –II
Road Material Testing Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering
UJJAIN ENGINEERING COLLEGE UJJAIN

DETERMINATION OF FLASH AND FIRE POINT OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

1. OBJECTIVE

To Determine the ductlilty of flash and fire point of bituminous material.

2. REFERENCE

IS 1209 (1978) Methods for testing tar and bituminous materials. “Determination of flash
and fire point”

.
3. THEORY

Flash Point - The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the application
of test flame causes the vapours from the material to momentarily catch fire in the form of a
flash under specified conditions of the test.

Fire Point - The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame
causes the material to ignite and burn at least for 5 seconds under specified conditions of the
test.

4. APPARATUS

1. Pensky-Martens Appaartus
2. Thermometer- Low Range: -7 to 1100C
High Range: 90 to 3700 C

5. PROCEDURE

A) Flash Point
1. The bitumen is softened between 75 and 100 0C. It is stirred thoroughly to removed air
bubbles and water.
2. The cup is filled with the material to be tested up to the filling mark. It is placed on the
bath. The open clip is fixed thermometer is inserted of high or low range as per
requirement and also the stirrer, to stir it.
3. The test flame is lighted, and it is adjusted.
4. The heat is supplied at such a rate that the temperature is increased; the thermometer is
recorded neither less than 5oC nor more than 6oC per minute.
5. Open flash point is taken as that temperature when a flash first appears at any point on the
surface of the material in the cup.
6. Care is taken so that the bluish halo that sometimes surrounds the test flame is not
confused with the true flash. Discontinue the stirring during the application of the test
flame.
 7. Flash point is taken as the temperature read on the thermometer at the time the flash
occurs.

B) Fire Point

1. After flash point, heating is continued at such a rate that the increase in temperature is
recorded by the thermometer is neither less than 5oC nor more than 6oC per minute.
2. The test flame is lighted and adjusted so that is of the size of a bead 4 mm in dia.

6. OBSERVATION

The flash point of the given bituminous material is ______0C

The fire point of the given bituminous material is _______0C