VARIOUS QUALITY

CONTROL TESTS

QUALITY CONTROL AND TESTING PROCEDURES

Objectives:
The basic objectives of these guidelines are as under
a) To provide set or working principles to the field engineers
b) To explain the criteria and procedures to be adopted in the implementation of
the project.
c) To enumerate the duties, power and responsibilities of the field engineers
d) To provide guidance in assuring and controlling the quality of work.
e) To provide guidance to test the quality of materials and ensure quality.
f) To ensure uniformity and consistency in regulatory, mandatory and routine
activities in the project implementation.

IMPORTANT TESTS
Tests on Soil:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Determination of Atterberg limits

Determination of Proctor Density.
Determination of field density of soil ( Sand Replacement Method)
Determination of field density of soil ( Core cutter Method)
Determination of CBR of soil in the field (CBR test)
Determination of CBR of soil in the laboratory.
CBR with Dynamic core penetration method.
Nomograph for Computing soaked CBR value from sieve analysis data.

Tests on Coarse Aggregate:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Determination of
Determination of
Determination of
Determination of

Gradation of Aggregate (Sieve analysis)

Aggregate Impact Value
Flakiness Index
Elongation Index.

Tests on Bituminous Construction :

1. Determination of Binder Content ( Bitumen Extraction Test)
2. Determination of Penetration value of Bitumen

Tests on Cement & Concrete:

1. Normal consistency, Initial Setting & Final Setting time of Cement ( VICATs
apparatus)
2. Compressive strength of concrete.

Frequency of Testing:
Consolidation:
Determination of Atterberg Limits of Soil
Liquid Limit (LL): It is the water content corresponding to the boundary between
liquid and plastic states of soil.
1. Take 120 gms of soil IS 425 micron sieve.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Mix it with distilled water from a paste.

Place a portion of the paste in the cup of apparatus
Level the specimen to half the cup
Cut the paste with the standard grooving tool along the centre line.
Start rotating the handle at 2 revolutions per second
Count number of blows till two parts of sample come into contact at
the bottom of the grove ( along a distance of 10mm)
8. Record the number of blows and determine the moisture content of
the sample taken near the closed groove.
9. Repeat the test by changing the moisture content so that number of
blows to close the grove is from 35 to 10
10. Plot a graph between log ( no. of blows) and moisture content and fit a
straight line.
11. Read the moisture content corresponding to the 25 number of blows
from the graph. This gives the liquid limit of the soil.
The limit for the liquid limit for gravel is 25.
Plastic Limit: PL: It is the water content corresponding to the boundary
between plastic and semi solid states of soil mass.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Take about 30 gms of soil passing IS 425 micron sieve

Mix it with distilled water to form a paste.
Take about 8 gms of soil from the paste and make a ball.
Roll the ball on a glass plate with hand to make a thread.
When the diameter of thread reaches 3mm, re-mould the soil again to a
ball.
Repeat the process of rolling and re-moulding until the thread of soil just
starts crumbling at a dia of 3mm.
Determine the moisture content of the crumbled threads.
Repeat the test two more times with fresh portion of the soil mix.
The average of moisture content of the soil in three trials gives the
plastic limit of the soil.

The plastic limit for good gravel should be more than 19.
Plasticity Index ( P.I):
Plasticity Index is determined by subtracting the value of Plastic Limit from the value
of the Liquid Limit.
PI= LL-PL
The Plasticity Index for good gravel should be less than 6.
Liquid Limit
S.No

Determination Number

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Number of blows
Moisture container number
Weight of the container
Weight of the container +Wet soil
Weight of container + Dry soil
Weigh of the water(Ww)
Weight of the Dry soil(Wd)
Moisture content (W% )

W1gm
W2gm
W3gm
Ww= ( W2-W3)gm
Wd= ( W3-W1)gm
W%=((Ww)/(Wd))*100

Liquid Limit= Moisture content at 25 blows (from graph)

Plastic Limit
S.No

Determination Number

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Moisture container number

Weight of the container
Weight of the container +Wet soil
Weight of container + Dry soil
Weigh of the water (Ww)
Weight of the Dry soil (Wd)
Moisture content (W%)

W1gm
W2gm
W3gm
Ww= ( W2-W3)gm
Wd= ( W3-W1)gm
W%= ((Ww)/(Wd))*100

Plastic Limit= Average of three moisture content

Plasticity Index= Liquid Limit Plastic Limit
=WL- Wp

Determination of Proctor Density

( Light Compaction)
1. Weight the mould ( W1) to the nearest 1 gm with base plate attached
2. Take 4 Kg of air dried soil passing 20mm IS sieve
3. Add a known percentage of water ( moisture content well below the assumed
optimum moisture content) by weight of dry soil depending on the expected
optimum moisture content.
4. Fix the collar ( extension) to the mould.
5. Fill the mould by compacting the specimen in three layers with 2.6 Kgs
rammer for light compaction, by giving 25 blows to each layer.
6. Remove the extension and level off carefully to the top of the mould by means
of a straight edge.
7. Take the weigh of the mould and the soil ( W2)
8. Repeat the same procedure for various percentage of water until the weight
of the mould plus soil attains a peak and starts reducing with increase in
water content. Ensure that a minimum of 5 points are available to plot the
graph of dry density Vs moisture content.
9. Find out the moisture content and tabulate the results in the following table.
By using the graph of dry density Vs moisture content, find out the maximum dry
density and the corresponding moisture and report as MDD and OMC respectively.
Compaction Test
S.No

Determination Number

1
2
3
4

Weight of the mould

Weight of Mould + Compacted soil
Volume of Mould
Wet Density

5
6
7
8

Weight of the moisture container

Wright of the container + Wet soil
Weight of the container + Dry soil
Moisture content (W%)

Dry Density (Yd)

Wm gm
W gm
Vm cc
Yw= ( W-Wm)/Vm
gm/cc
W1 gm
W2 gm
W3 gm
W%=(W2- W3)/ ( W3W1) * 100
Yd= (Yw)/ (1+w/100)
gm/cc

Determination of Field Density of Soil

4

(Sand Replacement Method)

1. The pouring cylinder shall be filled so that the level of the sand in the cylinder
is within about10mm of the top. Its total initial weight ( W1) shall be found and
shall be maintained constant throughout the tests for which the calibration is
used. Volume of sand equivalent to that of the excavated hole in the soil (or
equal to that of the calibration container) shall be allowed to run out of the
cylinder. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall then be closed and the
cylinder placed on a plane surface such as the glass plate.
2. The shutter on the pouring cylinder shall be opened and sand allowed to run
out. When no further movement of sand takes place in the cylinder, the
shutter shall be closed and the cylinder moved carefully.
3. The sand that has filled the cone of the pouring cylinder ( that is the sand that
is left on the plane surface ) shall be collected and weighed to the nearest
gram repeated at least three times and the mean weight ( W2) taken.
4. The internal volume (V) in cc of the calibrating container may be calculated
from its internal dimensions.
5. The pouring cylinder shall be placed concentrically on the top of the
calibrating container after being filled to the constant weight (W1). The
shutters on the pouring cylinder shall be closed during this operation. The
shutters shall be opened and sand allowed to run out. When no further
movement of sand takes place , the shutter shall be closed. The pouring
cylinder shall be removed and weighted to the nearest gram.
6. These measurements shall be repeated at least three times and the mean
weight ( W3) taken.
7. A flat area approximately 45cm square of the soil to be tested shall be
exposed and trimmed down to a level surface, preferably with the aid of the
scraper tool.
8. A round hole approximately 10cm dia and the depth of the layer to be tested
upto a maximum of 10 cm depth shall be excavated in the soil. No loose
material shall be left in the hole. The metal tray with a central hole shall be
laid on the prepared surface of the soil with the hole over the portion of the
soil to be tested the hole in the soil shall be then be excavated using the
hole in the tray as a patter. This tray shall be removed before the pouring
cylinder is placed in a position over the excavated hole. The excavated soil
shall be carefully collected and weighed to the nearest gram.
9. The moisture content of (W) of the excavated soil shall be determined by
taking representative sample of soil. Alternatively, the whole of the excavated
soil may be dried and weighted(Wd)
10. The pouring cylinder filled to the constant weigh (W1) shall be placed so that
the base of the cylinder covers the hole concentrically, the shutters on the
pouring cylinder shall be closed during this operation. The shutter shall then
be opened and sand allowed to run out into the hole.
11. The pouring cylinder and surrounding area shall not be vibrated during this
period. When no further movement of sand takes place, the shutter shall be
closed. The cylinder shall be removed and weighed to the nearest gram( W4)
Note: It is necessary to make a number of repeated determinations say 4 to 5
and to average the results, since the dry density of the soil varies appreciably
from point to point.
12. The weight of sand (Wa) in gm required to fill the calibrating container shall
be calculated from the following formula
Wa= W1-W2-W3 where
W1= Weight of pouring cylinder and sand before pouring into calibrating
cylinder in gms
W2= Mean weight of sand in cone in gm.
W3= Mean weight of cylinder with residual sand after pouring into calibrating
cylinder and cone in gms.

13. The bulk density of the sand Ys in ( gm/cc) shall be calculated from the
formula: Ys= Wa/V, where V= Volume of calibrating cylinder in cc
14. The weight of sand (Wb) in gm required to fill the excavated hole shall be
calculated from the following formula:
Wb= W1-W4-W2, Where
W1= Weight of cylinder and sand before pouring into the hole in gm
W2= Mean weight of sand in cone in gm.
W4= Weight of cylinder and sand after pouring into hole and cone in gm
15. The bulk density of the soil Yb shall be calculated from the following formula
Yb= (Ww/Wb)* Ys gm/cc, where
Ww= Weight of natural soil excavated in gm.
Wb= Weight of sand required to fill the hole in gm.
Ys= Bulk density of sand.
16. The density of the dry soil Yb shall be calculated from the formula
Yd= (Ww/Wb) * Ys gm/cc Or ( 100/(100+W)) * Yb gm/cc, where
W= Moisture content of the soil in percent.
Wd= Weight of dry soil from the hole in gm and
Wb= Weight of sand required to fill the hole in gm
17. The following values shall be replaced
a) Dry density of soil in gm/cc
b) Moisture content of the soil in percent.
The permissible limit of the field density of observed sample should be 95% of the
field density in the case of embankments and 97% in the case of sub-grade.

Field Density of Soil

(Sand Replacement Method)
Name of the work:
A

Calibration

1
2
3
4

Weight of sand pouring cylinder and full of sand

Weigh of sand in cone
Volume of calibrating container
Weight of cylinder and sand filling the calibrating
container
5 Weight of sand filling calibrating container and cone
Wa
6 Bulk density of sand

B
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

W1gm
W2 gm
Va cum
W3g

:
:
:
:

Wa= ( W1-W3-W2)

Ys= ( Wa/Va)
g/cum

Field Density Test

Weight of sand pouring cylinder and full of sand
Weight of moist soil / material from excavated
hole
Weight of cylinder and sand after filling the
excavated hole
Weight of sand in the excavated hole (Wb)

14

Volume of sand filling the excavated hole (V)

In situ bulk density of wet excavated soil (Y)
Weight of soil samples for moisture content
determination
Wet weight
Dry weight
Weight of soil material excavated from the hole
after dry
Moisture content of excavated soil (W%)

15

In situ bulk density of dry soil Yd

W1gm
W gm

:
:

W4 gm

Wb= ( W1-W4-W2)
gm
V = Wb/Ys)cum
Y=(W/V) gm/cum

Wd gm
W%= (WmWd)/Wd
Yd=
(100y)/(100+w)

:
:

:
:
:
:
:

gm/cum
Or
In situ bulk density of dry soil (Yd)

For Gravel Sub base, Earth work

Yd = ((Wd y)/(W))
gm/cum

Yd>=1.65 gm/cc

Field density of soil

(Core Cutter Method)
1
2
3
4
5

Volume of Core cutter

Weight of empty core cutter
Weight of core cutter and wet soil
Weight of wet soil
Bulk density yb

6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Container No.
Weight of container and soil sample
Weight of container and dry soil sample
Moisture content
Weight of empty container
Weight of dry soil
Percentage of moisture content

13

Dry density (yd)

For Gravel Sub base, Earth work

V cc
Wg
W1 g
(W1-W) g
yb= (W1-W)/V
gm/cc

:
:
:
:
:

997.86

:
W2
W3
(W2-W3) gm
W4 gm
(W3-W4) gm
(W2-W3)/ (W3-W4)
*100
yd= (100/(100+m))
yb gm/cc

:
:
:
:
:

>=1.65 gm/cc

Determination of CBR of Soil in the Field

Field CBR Test ( IS 2720)
Procedure:
The general surface area to be tested should be exposed, cleaned of all loose and
dried material and leveled. Extreme care shall be taken not to disturb the test
surface. A circular area of about 30cm in diameter is trimmed. Particular care should
be taken at the center where the plunger is to be seated. The surcharge load of 15kg
(including annular weight) is placed on this surface and the plunger is seated
properly. The dial gauge to measure the penetration is attached to the plunger from
an independent datum frame. A seating load of 4kg is applied and the load and
penetration dials are set to zero.
The load is applied to the plunger by means of jack such that the rate penetration is
approximately 1.25 mm/ minute. The load readings noted for at penetration
0.0,0.5,0.2,0,0.25,3.0,4.0,5.0,7.5,10.0,12.5mm. The load is released and moisture
content specimen is taken from underneath plunger.
Calculation:
The load penetration curve is plotted, and the CBR value is calculated. The
correction is applied where necessary i.e., in the case of load- penetration curves
which are concave upwards.
Three in place CBR test shall performed at each elevation to be tested and the
average value is adopted. However if the three tests in any group do not show
reasonable agreement ( tolerance of 3 for CBR values upto 10%, 5 for value 10 to
30%, 10 for 30 to 60% and 25 for values greater than 60%. Three additional tests
shall be made and the average of six tests is adopted

Bearing Ratio:
Corresponding to the penetration value at which the bearing ratio is desired,
corrected load values shall be taken from the load penetration curve and bearing
ratio calculated as follows
Bearing Ratio= Pt*100
Ps
Where
Pt= Corrected unit ( or total) test load corresponding to the chosen penetration value
read from the load penetrate curve in kg/cm^2.
Ps= Unit ( or total) standard for the same depth of penetration as per Pt taken from
the table given below in kg/cm^2 ( from Lab test)

Determination of CBR of Soil in the Field Laboratory

(IS :2720)
To determine the CBR value of a given soil sample
CBR is ratio of load carries by soil samples at defined penetration level to load
carried by standard stone at the above penetration level. The CBR is measure of
sharing resistance of the material under controlled density and moisture conditions
considering limitations of CBR test, it is stated that the test procedure should be
strictly adhered if high degree of reproducibility is desired. The CBR test is conducted
in the moulded specimen in the laboratory. Many methods exist today which utilize
mainly CBR strength value for pavement structure. The test is simple and extensively
investigated for field correlations.
The test consists of causing a cylindrical plunger of 50 mm diameter to penetrate a
pavement component material at 1.25mm/ minute. The load for 2.5mm and 5mm are
recorded. The load is expressed as a percentage of standard load of values were
obtained from the average of a large number of tests on different stones.
Standard load values on crushed stones for different penetration value
Penetration
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5

Standard load
1370
2055
2630
3180
3600

Unit Standard load

kg/cm^2
70
105
134
162
183

Procedure:
1. 45 Kgs of material is dried and sieved through 20mm sieve.
2. Determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of the
given soil sample.
3. Batch of soil (atleast 5.5 Kg for granular soil and 4.5 to 5Kg for grained soil) is
mixed with water up to the optimum content.
4. The spacer disc is placed at the bottom of the mould and a filter paper placed
over it, the processed soil sample is placed over this.
5. The soil is compacted by dynamic compaction with 56 bowls per layer in three
layers with compacted thickness about 50mm each.
6. The color is removed and the excess soil at the top of the third layer is struck
of using a straight edge.

7. Such three CBR test specimens are prepared from each mould soil samples
are collected for moisture content determination.
8. The filter paper is now placed on the base plate and the mould is turned
upside down.
9. The filter paper is placed over the sample top along with the performed plate
with adjustable stem over this surcharge weight 5 to 75kg is placed. Soaking
is done for 4 days.
10. The sample is allowed to drain off water in a ventricle position for 15 minutes.
The sample along with mould is again weighed to calculate the percentage of
water absorbed.
11. The surcharge weight is again provided and the assembly with the base plate
is placed in the compressive machine. The plunger is brought in contact with
the top surface of the sample. A seating load of 4 kg is applied. The dial is
attached for measuring the penetration and is set to zero.
12. The load is applied smoothly at the rate of 1.25mm/minute. Load readings are
recorded at penetration 0,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5,3.0,4.0,5.0,7.5,10.0 and 12.5.
The load is released and the mould is removed from the loading machine.
13. A soil sample from the top 3 cm layer is collected and weighed for moisture
content determination.
14. Plot graph between penetration ( on X-axis) and load on ( Y-axis)
Calculation:
CBR penetration= Load carried by soil sample at defined penetration level * 100
Load carried by the standard crushed stones at the above
penetration
Observation Sheet:
California Bearing Ratio Test
Compaction moisture content
Dry density

Condition of test specimen: Soaked/ Un soaked

Moisture content:

a) at top 3mm layer after soaking=

b) average after soaking=

Providing ring calibration factor=

Surcharge weight= Period of soaking expansion ration=
Sample
Number

Penetration
mm
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
CBR at 2.5mm
1
2

Providing
dial reading

Load
on Corrected
plunger, Kg load Kg

CBR at 5.0mm
4

Unit/ Kg^2
Cm^2

CBR at 2.5mm
5.0m
Average CBR value at penetration mm= %

CBR

at

CBR with dynamic core penetration method

Nomograph for computing soaked CBR value from

sieve analysis data

10

11

Nomograph for computing soaked CBR value from sieve

analysis Data
12

Determination of Gradation of Aggregates

13

( Sieve Analysis)
There are two types of metals that are being used for road construction in PRED

Normal Size metal

Graded metal

The following procedure will be adopted for Gradation of metal used for road
construction.
Normal size metal:

75mm metal is to be tested to pass 100% through 90mm sieve & 100% retain
on 65mm sieve.
65mm metal is to be tested to pass 100% through 80mm sieve & 100% retain
on 50mm sieve.
40mm metal is to be tested to pass 100% through 50mm sieve & 100% retain
on 25mm sieve.

Graded metal: For Graded metal the sieve sizes specified are
For Grade I
60-65mm metal size

For Grade II
50-55mm metal size

For Grade III

40-45mm metal size

Sieve size
125mm sieve
90mm
63mm
45mm
22.40mm

% of passing
100
90-100
25-60
0-15
0-5

Sieve size
90mm
63mm
53mm
45mm
22.40mm

% of passing
100
90-100
25-75
0-15
0-5

Sieve size
63mm
53mm
45mm
22.40mm
11.20mm

% of passing
100
95-100
65-90
0-10
0-5

Recovery Procedure for oversize metal observed in WBM layers

(vide Cir. Memo No: 711/QC/D3/99, Dt. 02.03.84 of ENC, R&B, Hyderabad.)
Oversize 0%-20% - Recovery at the rate of 25% of difference of rate with the
higher size metal.
Oversize 20%-30% - Recovery at the rate of 50% of difference of rate with the
higher size metal.
Oversize 30%-40% - Recovery at the rate of 100% of difference of rate with the
higher size metal.
Oversize >40%

- The layer for that reach is rejected.

14

Sieve Analysis of Grade III Metal

Name of the work:
Weight of sample
Location
Thickness
S.No

IS sieve
designation
on mm

1
1
2
3
4
5

2
63
53
45
22.4
11.2

:
:
:

kgs
mm

Wt. of
sample
retained

Cumulative
Wt.
retained

% of Wt.
of the
metal
retained
5

% of Wt.
of metal
passing
observed
6

% of Wt.
of metal
passing
specified
7
100
95-100
65-90
0-10
0-5

% of Wt.
of metal
oversize/
undersize
8

Sieve Analysis of Grade II Metal

Name of the work:
Weight of sample:
S.No

IS sieve
designation
on mm

1
1
2
3
4
5

2
90
63
53
45
22.4

kgs

Location
Thickness

Wt. of
sample
retained

Cumulative
Wt.
retained

% of Wt.
of the
metal
retained
5

mm
% of Wt.
of metal
passing
observed
6

% of Wt.
of metal
passing
specified
7
100
90-100
25-75
0-15
0-5

% of Wt.
of metal
oversize/
undersize
8

Determination of Aggregate Impact Value

1. Aggregate passing through 12.5mm IS sieve and retained on 10mm sieve is
filled in the cylindrical measure in 3 layers by tamping each layer by 25 blows.
Determine the net weight of aggregate in the measure (W1)
2. Transfer the sample from the measure to the cup of the aggregate impact
testing machine and compact it by tamping 25 times.
3. The hammer is raised to height of 38cm above the upper surface of the
aggregate in the cup and is allowed to fall freely on the specimen.
4. After subjecting the test specimen to 15 blows, the crushed aggregate is
sieved on IS 2.36mm sieve.
5. Weight the fraction passing through IS 2.36mm sieve ( W2)
6. Aggregate impact value= W2/W1 * 100
The permissible limits for the hard granite sample for road construction
0-10%
10-20%
20-30%
>30%

Exceptionally strong
Strong
Satisfactory
Rejected.

15

Aggregate Impact Value

Name of the work:
S.No

Observations
1

1
2
3
4

Test Nos
2

Average
4

Empty weight of the mould

Weight of the mould filled with the aggregate
sample
Weight of the aggregate sample filling in
cylinder W1 gms
Weight of the aggregate passing 2.36mm
sieve after test W2
A.I.V= (W2/W1)

Avg. Aggregate Impact Value:

Allowable limit:
1. 0-10%
2. 10-20%
3. 20-30%
4. Above 30%

(%)

Exceptionally strong
Strong
Satisfactory
Rejected.

Determination of Flakiness Index

The sub base metal used for construction of pavements shall be in cubical shape
with sharp edges to have better interlocking and good strength. If the sub base metal
has any flakiness or elongation it shall be within tolerable limits.
1. The sample is sieved through IS sieve 63,50,40,31.5,25,20,16,12.5,10 and
6.3mm
2. Minimum 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed
(W gm)
3. Separate the flaky material by using the standard flakiness gauge.
4. Take the weight of the flaky material which passes through standard gauge
(W gm)
5. Flakiness Index ( FI)= Weight of material passing the gauge *100
Total weight of sample
For hard Granite material the Flakiness Index is allowable upto 15%.

Flakiness Index Value

Name of the work:
Size Aggregate
Passing
Retain on
through IS
IS sieve
sieve mm
mm

63
50
40
31.5
25

50
40
31.5
25
20

Weight of the fraction

consisting of at least 200
pieces gm(W)

Thickness
gauge size (0.6
times the mean
sieve) mm

Weight of the
aggregate in
each fraction
passing
thickness gauge
gm (W)

33.9
27
21.45
16.95
13.5

16

20
16
12.5
10
Total

16
12.5
10
6.3

Flakiness Index:

10.8
8.55
6.75
4.879

w/W*100

Determination of Elongation Index

1. The sample is sieved through IS sieve 63,53,40,31.5,25,20,16,12.5,10
and 6.3mm
2 Minimum 200 pieces if each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed
(W gm)
3. Separate the elongated material by using the standard elongation gauge by
passing each pieces of aggregates from each fraction in lengthwise .
4. Take the weight of the elongated material which retained on gauge (W gm)
5. Elongation Index ( EI)= Weight of material retained on gauge
*100
Total weight of sample
For hard Granite material the Elongation Index is allowed upto 15%.
Elongation Index Value
Name of the work:
Size Aggregate
Passing
Retain on
through IS
IS sieve
sieve mm
mm
63
50
40
31.5
25
20
16
12.5
10
Total

Elogation Index:

Weight of the
fraction consisting of
at least 200 pieces
gm(W)

50
40
31.5
25
20
16
12.5
10
6.3

Thickness gauge
size (1.8 times the
mean sieve) mm

Weight of the
aggregate in each
fraction not passing
through the gauge
gm (W)

101.7
81
64.35
50.85
40.5
32.4
25.65
20.25
14.67

w/W*100

Determination of Binder Content

1. A representative sample of 150mm*150mm BT flake is to be exactly weighed
and placed in the bowl of the extraction apparatus.
2. Cover the sample with commercial grade benzene.
3. The mixture is allowed to stand for about one hour before starting the
centrifugal machine.
4. The dried filtering is weighed and then fitted around edge of the bowl and the
cover of the bowl is clamped tightly.
5. A beaker is placed under the drain to collect the extract.
6. The machine is revolved and the speed is maintained till the solvent ceases
to flow from the drain.
7. The machine is allowed to stop and 200ml of benzene is added to the bowl
and the procedure is repeated.
8. The filter ring is removed , the residual material is dried first in air and then in
oven at constant temperature of 1100 C + 50 C till constant weight is obtained.
9. Filter the extract through a filter paper.

17

10. Dry the filter paper in the oven and determined the weight of fines in the
extract.
% weight of BT content= Weight of sample Weight of metal * 100
Weight of sample
Recovery procedure for deficiency in BT content of Bituminous layer
0-10%Recovery @ agreement rates
10-15%Recovery @ 1.50 times agt. Rates.
>15%- Rejection of layer for the reach.

Determination of Penetration Value of Bitumen

( IS 1203)
Object:
To determine the penetration of asphaltic bitumen and fluxed native asphalt and the
blown type bitumen.
Penetration:
The penetration of a bituminous material is the distance in tenths of millimeter that a
standard needle will penetrate vertically in to a sample of the material under
standard conditions of temperature, load and time.
Apparatus:
Container
A metal or glass cylindrical, flat bottom container of essentially the following
dimensions shall be used.
For penetration below
Diameter, mm
Internal depth, mm
For penetration between
Diameter, mm
Internal depth, mm

225
55
55
225 to 350
70
45

Needle
A straight, highly polished, cylindrical, hard steel road.
Water Bath:
A water bath preferably with the most maintained at 2.5+0.1 degrees containing not
less than 10 liters of water, the sample being immersed to a depth of not less than
100mm from the top and supported on a perforated shelf not less than 50m from the
bottom of the bath.
Transfer Dish:
A small dish tray, provided with some means which ensure a firm bearing and
prevent the rocking of the container and of such capacity as will ensure complete
immersion of the container during the test.
Penetration Apparatus:
Any apparatus which allow the needle to penetrate without appreciable friction, and
which is accurately calibrated to yield results in tenths of millimeter shall be adopted.

18

Thermometer:
It shall be conform the following requirements
Characteristic
Range
Gradations
Immersion
Overall length
Stem Diameter
Bulb length
Bulb Diameter
Length of graduated portion
Longer lines at each
Figured at each
Scale

Requirement
0 to 44^0C
0.2^C
65mm
340+10mm
5.5 to 8.0mm
10 to 16mm
Not longer than stem diameter
150 to 190mm
1^0 C and 5^c
5^C
+ 0.2^0

Procedure:
Soften the material to a pouring consistently at a temperature not more than 60^0C
and pitches and not more than 90^0C for bitumens above the respective approximate
softening and stir it thoroughly until it is homogeneous and is free from air bubbles
add water. Pour the melt into the container to a depth atleast 10mm in excess of the
expected penetration. Protect the sample from dust and allow it to cool in an
atmosphere at a temperature between 15 to 30^0C for 1 to 2 hours for 45mm deep
container and 1 to 11/2 hours when the container of 35mm depth is used. Then place
it along with the transfer dish in the water bath at 25.0+ 0.0^)C and allow it to remain
for 1 to 11/2 to 2 in the case of cutback bitumen and Digiboi type cutback bitumen
reside left over distillation shall be used for the test.
Testing:
1. Unless otherwise specified, testing shall be carried out at 25.0+ 0.1^0 C.
2. Fill the transfer dish with water from the water bath to a depth sufficient to
cover the container completely, place the sample in it and put in upon the
stand of the penetration apparatus. Adjust the needle ( previously washed
clean with benzene, carefully dried and loaded with the specified weight) to
make contract with the surface of the sample.
3. This may be accomplished by placing the needle point in contact wit its image
reflected by the surface of the material from a suitably placed source of light.
4. Unless otherwise specified, load the needle holder with the weight required to
make a total moving weight ( that is the sum of the weight of the needle,
carrier and superimposed weights) of 100 + 0.25g.
5. Note the reading of the dial or bring the pointer to zero. Release the needle
and adjust the points. If necessary to measure the distance penetrated. Make
atleast three determinations at points on the surface of the sample not less
than 10mm from the side of the dish. After each test, return the sample and
transfer dish to the water bath, and wash the needle clean with benzene and
dry. In the case of material of penetration greater than 225, three
determinations on each of two identical specimens using a separate needle
for each determination to avoid disturbance of the specimen.
Reporting of Results:
1. Express the depth of penetration of the needle in tenths of millimeter.
2. The value of penetration reported shall be mean of not less than three
determinations whose values do not differ by more than amount given below

19

Penetration
0 to 40
5 to 149
150 to 249
25 and above

Maximum Difference
2
4
6
8

Compressive Strength of Concrete

1. Fill the mould with freshly mixed concrete in 3 equal layers, compact it with
tamping bar giving 35 bowls in each layer uniformly and finally level off with
the trowel. Mark the date of casting cube and the identification of member.
2. Keep the specimen in moist air of atleast 90% relative humidity and at a temp.
of 27 plus or minus 2 degree Celsius for 24 hours. Alternatively, cover the
moulds with wet gunny bags.
3. After specified time period is over remove the specimen from the mould and
submerge it in clean fresh water, maintained at a temp. of 27 + 2 0 Celsius till
the cube is ready for test.
4. Take out the cube after for 3,7,14,24,28 days as required and wipe off the
surface water with cloth.
5. Note down the dimensions and weigh the cube and then place it in the
compression testing machine. Such that the four corners are enclosed with
the circle of the rim.
6. Apply the load on the cube at the rate of 130 to 140 kg/sq.cm/Min. till it fails
record the maximum load applied.
7. The compressive strength is calculated in N/ sq. mm by dividing maximum
low takes in Newtons by the cross sectional area of the cube calculated from
the mean dimension of the section.
8. Inspect the type of failure and record it.

Initial & Final Setting Of Cement

(Vicat apparatus IS:5513-1969)
1. Take 350 gms of cement, mix with 0.85 times of water to give a standard
consistency.
2. Start a stop watch at the instant when the water is added to the cement.
3. Fill the standard mould with the cement paste completely and level the top
surface with a trowel.
4. The cement block thus prepared is the test block.
Initial Setting time:
5. Place the test block confined in the mould under the rod bearing initial setting
needle. Lower the needle gently in contact with the surface of the test block
and quickly release allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
6. Repeat this procedure until the needle fails to pierce the block for 5+ 0.5mm
measured from the bottom of the mould.
7. The total time elapsed shall be initial setting time._
Final Setting time:
8. Replace the needle of the vicats apparatus with an annular ring.
9. Repeat the procedure of lowering the needle and the annular ring into the test
block to penetrate.
10. After some time the needle makes an impression on the surface of the test
block but the ring fails to do so.
11. The time elapsed from the time of adding water to the cement till the above
state shall be the final setting time.
Initial Setting time (minimum) : 30 minutes
Final Setting time (maximum) : 600 minutes

20

Frequency of Testing:
SNo
1

Type
of
construction
Earth work

Granular and
mechanically
stabilized sub
base

Water
bound
macadam

Test

Test Method

Moisture content prior to

compaction
Dry density of compacted layer

IS 2720 part III

Bituminous
works

part

CBR ( for material to be placed

in sub-grade
Gradation

IS 2720 part IV

Atterberg limits

IS 2720 part V

Moisture content prior to

compaction
Dry density of compacted layer

IS 2720 part III

Aggregate impact value

Grading of aggregates and
screenings
Flakiness index of aggregates

IS 2720
XXVIII

IS 2720 part
XXVIII
IS 2386 part IV
IS 2386 pat I
IS 2386 part I

Camber, thickness of layer and

grading, width of metal layer
Temperature of binder in boiler
and at application
Aggregate impact value test

IS 2389 part IV

Grading of aggregates

IS 2386 part I

Desirable
frequency
2-3 tests per 250
cum loose soil
One
test
per
1000cum
As required
One
test
per
200cum
One test per 200
cum
One test per 250
cum
One test per 500
cum
One test per 200
cum
One test per 100
cum
Same
as
the
aggregate impact
value
Regularly
At closed intervals

Rate of spread of bitumen/

aggregate/mix
Binder content
Quality content
Stripping value of aggregates

One test 50 cum

of aggregate
One test per 25
cum
One test per 500
sqm
Two tests/ day
As required.
One set of 3
representative
specimens
of
each sources of
supply

Camber, thickness, width of BT

layer

Consolidation:
A) WBM Surface, Earth Work and Murram Gravel compaction
a) WBM Surface 10 Sqm.:
i) 100 mm thick compacted
490 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
ii) 75 mm thick compacted
560 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
iii) 50 mm thick compacted
650 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
iv) 40 mm thick compacted
740 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
Consolidation for WBM Roads is to be carried out from edge to centre with 30%
overlap with power roller
b) Earth Work and Murram Gravel
compacted

425 Cum per day of 8 Hrs.

21

B) B.T. Work and Bituminous surface 10 Sqm.

i) Surface dressing of wearing coat
465 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
ii) Bitumen macadam / built in spray
280 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
grout 50 mm thick compacted
iii) Seal coat
930 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
iv) Asphaltic concrete 40 mm thick
125 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
v) 75 mm thick compacted at
200 Sqm. Per day of 8 Hrs.
Bituminous macadem
Power roller rolling for B.T. Work is to be done from centre to edge with 30% overlap.

22