Transportation lab Manual

S.No List of experiments

1 To determine the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregates
2 To determine the impact value of the road aggregates
3 To determine Los Angeles abrasion value
4 Determination of California Bearing Ratio Values
5 To determine the consistency of bituminous material
6 Determination of Viscosity of Bituminous Material
7 Determination of softening point of bituminous material
8 Determination of the Ductility of the bitumen
9 Determination of flash point and fire point of bituminous material
10 Determination of Bitumen Content by centrifuge extractor
11 Determination of shape tests on aggregate
 Experiment No.1
AIM
To determine the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregates.
PRINCIPLE
The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. Crushing value is a measure of the
strength of the aggregate. The aggregates should therefore have minimum crushing value.

APPARATUS
The apparatus of the aggregate crushing value test as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 consists
of:
1) A 15cm diameter open ended steel cylinder with plunger and base plate, of the general
form and dimensions as shown in Fig 1.
2) A straight metal stamping rod of circular cross-section 16mm diameter and 45 to 60 cm
long, rounded at one end.
3) A balance of capacity 3k, readable and accurate up to 1 g.
4) IS Sieves of sizes 12.5,10 and 2.36 mm
5) A compression testing machine capable of applying a load of 40 tonnes and which can
be operated to give a uniform rate of loading so that the maximum load is reached in 10
minutes. The machine may be used with or without a spherical seating
6) For measuring the sample, cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its
Form under rough usage and of the following internal dimensions:

Diameter 11.5cm
Height 18.0cm

PROCEDURE
The test sample: It consists of aggregates sized 12.5 mm - 10.0 mm (minimum 3kg). The
 aggregates should be dried by heating at 100-110o C for a period of 4 hours and cooled.

1) Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0 mm IS sieve. The aggregates passing
through 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10.0 mm sieve comprises the test material.
2) The cylinder of the test shall be put in position on the base-plate and the test sample
added in thirds, each third being subjected to 25 strokes with the tamping rod.
3) The surface of the aggregate shall be carefully leveled.
4) The plunger is inserted so that it rests horizontally on this surface, care being taken to
ensure that the plunger does not jam in the cylinder
5) The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed between
the plates of the testing machine.
6) The load is applied at a uniform rate as possible so that the total load is reached in 10
minutes. The total load shall be 40 tones.
7) The load shall be released and the whole of the material is removed from the cylinder
and sieved on 2.36mm IS Sieve.
8) The fraction passing the sieve shall be weighed and recorded.

5. REPORTING OF RESULTS

The mean of the two results shall be reported to the nearest whole number as the ‘aggregate
crushing value’ of the size of the material tested.

Aggregate Crushing test value =

Record of Observation
Sample I Sample II

Total weight of dry sample taken= W1

gm

Weight of portion passing 2.36 mm

sieve= W2 gm

Aggregate crushing = (W2/W1)*100

Value (per cent)
 Experiment No.02

AIM: To determine the impact value of the road aggregates.

PRINCIPLE

The property of a material to resist impact is known as toughness. Due to movement of

vehicles on the road the aggregates are subjected to impact resulting in their breaking
down into smaller pieces. The aggregates should therefore have sufficient toughness to
resist their disintegration due to impact. This characteristic is measured by impact value
test. The aggregate impact value is a measure of resistance to sudden impact or shock,
which may differ from its resistance to gradually applied compressive load.
APPARATUS

The apparatus of the aggregate impact value test as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 consists
of:
1)A testing machine weighing 45 to 60 kg and having a metal base with a plane lower
surface of not less than 30 cm in diameter. It is supported on level and plane concrete
floor of minimum 45 cm thickness. The machine should also have provisions for fixing
its base.
2) A cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 102 mm, depth 50 mm and minimum
thickness 6.3 mm.
3) A metal hammer p weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg the lower end is cylindrical in shape, is
50 mm long, 100.0 mm in diameter, with a 2 mm chamfer at the lower edge and case
hardened. The hammer should slide freely between vertical guides and be concentric with
the cup. The free fall of the hammer should be within 380 ± 5 mm.
4) A cylindrical metal measure having internal diameter of 75 mm and depth 50 mm for
measuring aggregates.
5) Tamping rod 10 mm in diameter and 230 mm long, rounded at one end.
6) A balance of capacity not less than 500 g, readable and accurate up to 0.1 g
PROCEDURE

The test sample: It consists of aggregates sized 12.5 mm - 10.0 mm. The aggregates
should be dried by h eating at 10 0-110o C for a period of 4 hours and cooled.
1. Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0 mm IS sieve. The aggregates passing
through 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10.0 mm sieve comprises the test material.
2. Pour the aggregates to fill about 1/3rd depth of measuring cylinder.
3. Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the
tamping rod.
4. Add two more layers in similar manner, so that cylinder is full.
5. Strike off the surplus aggregates.
6. Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest gram (W).
7. Bring the impact machine to rest without wedging or packing up on the level plate,
block or floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical.
8. Fix the cup firmly in position on the base of machine and place whole of the test
sample in it and compact by giving 25 gentle strokes with tamping rod.
9. Raise the hammer until its lower face is 380 mm above the surface of the aggregate
sample in the cup and allow it to fall freely on the aggregate sample. Give 15 such
blows at an interval of not less than one second between successive falls.
10. Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36 mm IS sieves
until no further significant amount passes in one minute. Weigh the fraction passing
the sieve to an accuracy of 1 gm (W2). Also weigh the fraction retained in the sieve.
11. Note down the observations in the Performa and compute the aggregate impact
value. The mean of two observations, rounded to nearest whole number is reported
as the Aggregate Impact Value.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Place the plunger centrally so that it falls directly on the aggregate sample and does
not touch the walls of the cylinder in order to ensure that the entire load is
transmitted on to the aggregates.
2. In the operation of sieving the aggregates through 2.36 mm sieve the sum of weights
of fractions retained and passing the sieve should not differ from the original weight
of the specimen by more than 1 gm.
3. The tamping is to be done properly by gently dropping the tamping rod and not by
hammering action. Also the tampering should be uniform over the surface of the
aggregate taking care that the tamping rod does not frequently strike against the
walls of the mould.
REPORTING OF RESULTS

The mean of the two results shall be reported to the nearest whole number as the
aggregate impact value of the tested material.

Aggregate impact value is used to classify the stones in respect of their toughness
property as indicated below in table below.

Aggregate impact value (%) Quality of aggregate

< 10 Exceptionally strong

10 – 20 Strong

20 – 30 Satisfactory for road surfacing

>35 Weak for road surfacing

Record of Observation

Sample 1 Sample 2
Total weight of dry
sample taken= W1
gm
Weight of portion
passing 2.36 mm
sieve = W2 gm
Aggregate impact
= (W2/W1)*100
Value (per cent)
 Aggregate Impact Mean Value =

Sl. No Types of pavement material /layer Aggregate impact value (%)

1 Water bound macadam, sub-base course 50

2 Cement concrete, base course 45

3 i) WBM base coarse with bitumen surfacing

ii) Built-up spray grout, base course 40

4 Bituminous macadam, base course 35

5 i) WBM, surfacing course

ii) Built-up spray grout, surfacing course
iii) Bituminous penetration macadam
iv) Bituminous surface dressing
v) Bituminous macadam, binder course 30
vi) Bituminous carpet
vii
) Bituminous/Asphaltic concrete
viii) Cement concrete, surface course
 Experiment No.03

AIM: To determine Los Angeles abrasion value.

PRINCIPLE
The aggregates used in surface course of the highway pavements are subjected to wearing
due to movement of traffic. When vehicles move on the road, the soil particles present
between the pneumatic tyres and road surface causes abrasion of road aggregates. The
steel reamed wheels of animal driven vehicles also cause considerable abrasion of the
road surface. Therefore, the road aggregate should be hard enough to resist the abrasion.
Resistance to abrasion of aggregates is determined in laboratory by Los Angeles test
machine.

The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to produce the abrasive action by use of
standard steel balls which when mixed with the aggregates and rotated in a drum for
specific number of revolutions also causes impact on aggregates. The percentage wear of
the aggregates due to rubbing with steel balls is determined and is known as Los Angeles
Abrasion Value.

APPARATUS

The apparatus as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 consists of:
1. Los Angeles Machine: It consists of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both the ends
with an internal diameter of 700 mm and length 500 mm and capable of rotating about
its horizontal axis. A removable steel shaft projecting radially 88 mm into cylinder
and extending full length (i.e. 500 mm) is mounted firmly on the interior of cylinder.
The shelf is placed at a distance 1250 mm minimum from the opening in the direction
of rotation.
2. Abrasive charge: Cast iron or steel balls, approximately 48 mm in diameter and each
weighing between 390 to 445 g; 6 to 12 balls are required.
3. Sieve: The 1.70 mm IS sieve
4. Balance of capacity 5 kg or 10 kg
5. Drying oven
6. Miscellaneous like tray etc.
PROCEDURE

Test Sample: It consists of clean aggregates dried in oven at 105 - 110o C and coarser
than 1.70 mm sieve size. The sample should conform to any of the grading shown in
table

Sieve
size Weight in g of Test Sample for Grade
(square hole)

Passing Retained A B C D E F G
mm on 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 - - - - -

10 6.3 - - 2500 - - - -

6.3 4.75 - - 2500 - - - -

4.75 2.36 - - 5000 - - -

*Tolerance of ±12 percent permitted.

1. Select the grading to be used in the test. It should be chosen such that it conforms to
the grading to be used in construction, to the maximum extent possible.
2. Take 5 kg of sample for grading A, B, C or D and 10 kg for grading E, F and G.
3. Choose the abrasive charge as per Table below
Grading No. of Steel balls Weight of charge, g
A 12 5000 ± 25
B 11 4584 ± 25
C 8 3330 ± 25
D 6 2500 ± 25
E 12 5000 ± 25
F 12 5000± 5
 The test sample and the abrasive charge shall be placed in the Los Angles abrasion testing
machine.
1. The machine is rotated at a speed of 20 to 33 rev/min for grading A, B,C and D, the
machine shall be rotated for 500 revolutions; for grading E, F and G, it shall be
rotated for 1000 revolutions.
2. The material is discharged from the machine after the completion of the test and is
sieved through 1.7 mm IS sieve.
3. The weight of the aggregate passing through 1.7mm sieve is taken and recorded.

REPORTING OF RESULTS
The difference between the original weight and the final weight of the test sample
shall be expressed as a percentage of the original weight of the test sample. This value is
reported as the percentage wear.
Maximum Los
Sl no. Types of pavement layer Angeles Abrasion
Value
(%)
1 Water bound macadam ,sub-base course 60
2 i) WBM base course with bituminous surfacing
ii) Bituminous macadam base course 50
iii) Built-up spray grout base course
3 i) WBM surfacing course
ii) Bituminous macadam binder course 40
iii) Bituminous penetration macadam
iv) Built-up spray grout binder course
4 i) Bituminous carpet surface course
ii) Bituminous surface dressing, single or two coats 35
iii) Bituminous surface dressing, using pre-coated aggregates
5 i) Bituminous concrete surface course
ii) Cement concrete pavement surface course 30

Los Angeles Abrasion value =

Sample I Sample II

Total weight of dry sample taken= W1

gm

Weight of portion passing 1.7 mm

sieve= W2 gm

Aggregate Abrasion value=

(W2/W1)*100 Value (per cent)
 Experiment No.04

AIM: Determination of California Bearing Ratio Values

THEORY: California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is defined as the ratio expressed in

percentage of force per unit area required penetrating a soil mass with a circular plunger
of 50 mm diameter at the rate of 1.25 mm/min to that required for corresponding
penetration in a standard material. Tests are performed out on natural or compacted
soils in water soaked or un-soaked conditions and the results so obtained are compared
with the curves of standard test.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. CBR mould with detachable perforated base plate

2. Spacer disc with a removable handle (to be placed inside the mould).
3. Collar of 50mm high.
4. Penetration plunger of 50 mm diameter.
5. One annular and a few slotted surcharge masses 2.5 kg each.
6. Rammer (2.6 kg with 310mm drop for standard proctor results) and (4.89 kg with
450mm drop for modified proctor results).
7. Straight cutting edge.
8. Loading machine of 50 kN capacity fitted with a calibrated proving ring to which
plunger has to be attached.
9. Penetration measuring dial gauge of 0.01mm accuracy.
10. Soaking tank.
11. Swelling gauge consisting of perforated plate with adjustable extension stem.

Mould Specification:
Diameter of the mould = 150mm
Height of the mould = 175mm
Height of the CBR soil specimen = 125mm
Soil specification: Particle size = should pass through 19mm sieve
Soil particles of size greater than 19mm should be replaced by particles of size between
4.75mm and 19mm
PROCEDURE:
1. Take the weight of empty mould.
2. Keep the spacer disc on the base plate and a filter paper on the disc and fix the
mould to the base plate with the disc inside the mould and the attach the collar over
the mould.
3. Add water to the specimen and compact it in accordance to Standard proctor test or
modified proctor test.
4. After compaction, remove the collar and level the surface using cutting edge.
5. Detach the base pate and remove the spacer disc.
6. Take the weight of mould + compacted specimen and determine the bulk density of
 the specimen.
7. Take sample for moisture content determination and hence find the dry density.
8. Place filter paper on the perforated base plate.
9. Fix the mould upside down to the base plate so that surface of the specimen which
was downwards in contact with spacer disc during compaction is now turned
upwards on which the penetration test is to be performed (for unsoaked condition).
10. For soaked condition, Fix adjustable stem and perforated plate on the compacted
soil specimen in the mould along with 2.5kg surcharge load.
11. Place the above set up in the soaking tank for four days (ignore this step in case of
unsoaked CBR).
12. After four days, measure the swell reading and find % swell with the help of dial
gauge reading.
13. Remove the mould from the tank and allow water to drain.
14. Then place the specimen under the penetration piston and place total surcharge load
of 4kg (2.5kg during soaking + 1.5 kg during testing).
15. The load and deformation gauges shall then be set to zero.
16. Load shall be applied to the plunger into the soil at the rate of 1.25 mm per minute.
17. Reading of the load shall be taken at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0,
7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mm.
18. Remove the plunger and determine the water content of the soil.
19. Plot load versus deformation curve.

CALCULATIONS:
Expansion ratio:
Expansion ration = [ (df -ds)/h ] *100
Where,
df =final dial gauge reading in mm(after 96 hrs),
ds=initial dial gauge reading in mm, and
h=initial height of the specimen in mm
California bearing Ratio (CBR):
CBR= ( PT/PS ) *100
Where,
PT = corrected unit (or total) test load corresponding to the chosen penetration from the
load penetration curve
PS = unit (or total) standard load for the same depth of penetration as for PT taken from
the table given below.
Penetration Depth (mm) Unit standard load Total Standard Load (kgf)
(kg/cm2)
2.5 70 1370
5 105 2055

Generally, the CBR value at 2.5 mm penetration will be greater than that at 5 mm
penetration and in such a case, the former shall be taken as the CBR value for design
purposes. If the CBR value corresponding to a penetration of 5 mm exceeds that for 2.5
mm, the test shall be repeated. If identical results follow, the CBR corresponding to 5
mm penetration shall be taken for design.
Corrections in load vs. deformation curve:
The curve plotted may be convex upwards although the initial portion of the curve may
be concave upwards due to surface irregularities. A correction shall then be applied by
joining the tangent to the curve at the point of maximum slope. The corrected curve
shall be taken to be this tangent, together with the convex portion of the original curve,
with the origin of strains shifted to the point where the tangent cuts the horizontal axis
for penetration.

OBSERVATIONS:
Unsoaked condition:
Maximum dry density of the specimen to be prepared g/cc
Optimum moisture content to be taken %
Weight of the empty mould g
Weight of the soil specimen and mould before soaking g
Volume of the soil specimen cm3
Bulk density of the specimen g/cc
Water content of the specimen %
Dry density of the specimen g/cc
Diameter of plunger cm
Area of plunger Sq.cm
Deformation rate mm/minute
Proving ring constant kN/division
Standard pressure for 2.5mm penetration kg/cm2
Standard pressure for 5mm penetration kg/cm2

Dial gauge Penetration Load in Load in kN Pressure in CBR (after

reading in in mm division kg/cm correction)
divisions
0
50
100
150
200
250
400
500
750
1000
Soaked condition:
Maximum dry density of the specimen to be prepared g/cc
Optimum moisture content to be taken %
Weight of the empty mould g
Weight of the soil specimen and mould before soaking g
Volume of the soil specimen cm3
Bulk density of the specimen g/cc
Water content of the specimen %
Dry density of the specimen g/cc
Weight of the soil specimen and mould after soaking for 96 hours g
Weight gain due to absorption of water g
Diameter of plunger cm
Area of plunger sq.cm
Deformation rate mm/minute
Proving ring constant kN/division
Standard pressure for 2.5mm penetration kg/cm2
Standard pressure for 5mm penetration kg/cm2

Dial gauge Penetration Load in Load in kN Pressure in CBR (after

reading in in mm division kg/cm correction)
divisions
0
50
100
150
200
250
400
500
750
1000
CBR values for different layers of the Roads:
 Experiment No.05

AIM: To determine the consistency of bituminous material.

PRINCIPLE
Penetration value is a measurement of hardness or consistency of bituminous material.
It is the vertical distance traversed or penetrated by the point of a standard needle in to
the bituminous material under specific conditions of load, time, and temperature. This
distance is measured in one tenth of a millimeter. This test is used for evaluating
consistency of bitumen. It is not regarded as suitable for use in connection with the
testing of road tar because of the high surface tension exhibited by these materials and
the fact that they contain relatively large amount of free carbon.

APPARATUS
1. Container A flat bottomed cylindrical metallic dish 55 mm in diameter and 35 mm in
depth is required. If the penetration is of the order of 225 or more deeper dish of 70 mm
diameter and 45 mm depth is required.
2. Needle: A straight, highly polished, cylindrical hard steel rod, as per standard
dimensions
3. Water bath: A water bath maintained at 25.0±0.10C containing not less than 10 litres
of water, the sample being immersed to a depth not less than 100 mm from the top and
supported on a perforated shelf not less than 50 mm from the bottom of the bath.
4. Transfer dish or tray: It should provide support to the container and should not rock the
container. It should be of such capacity as to completely immerse the container during the
test.
5. Penetration apparatus: It should be such that it will allow the needle to penetrate without
much friction and is accurately calibrated to give results in one tenth of a milli metre
6. Thermometer: Range 0- 440 C and readable up to 0.20C
7. Time measuring device: With an accuracy ± 0.1 sec.
 PROCEDURE
1. Preparation of test specimen: Soften the material to a pouring consistency at a
temperature not more than 600C for tars and 900C for bitumen’s above the
approximate softening point and stir it thoroughly until it is homogeneous and is free
from air bubbles and water. Pour the melt into the container to a depth at least 10 mm
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 300C for one hour. Then place
it along with the transfer dish in the water bath at 25 ±0.10C, unless otherwise stated.
2. Fill the transfer dish with water from the water bath to depth sufficient to cover the
container completely, place the sample in it and put it upon the stand of the penetration
apparatus.
3. Clean the needle with benzene, dry it and load with the weight. The total moving load
required is 100 0.25gms, including the weight of the needle, carrier and super-
imposed weights.
4. Adjust the needle to make contact with the surface of the sample. This may be done
by placing the needle point in contact with its image reflected by the surface of the
bituminous material.
5. Make the pointer of the dial to read zero or note the initial dial reading.
6. Release the needle for exactly five seconds.
7. Adjust the penetration machine to measure the distance penetrated.
8. Make at least 3 readings at points on the surface of the sample not less than 10 mm
apart and not less than 10 mm 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 it. In case of material of penetration greater than 225, three determinations on
each of the two identical test specimens using a separate needle for each determination
should be made, leaving the needle in the sample on completion of each
determinations to avoid disturbance of the specimen.

CONCLUSION

Penetration value of given sample is =

Record of Observations

Actual Test Temperature =

Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Mean

Penetrometer Initial

dial reading Final

Penetration value

Penetration value =
 Experiment No.06

AIM: Determination of Viscosity of Bituminous Material.

APPARATUS USED

 Viscometer
 Filter Funnel- It is equipped with interchangeable 150 μm (no. 100) and 75 μm
(no. 200) wire cloth.
 Thermometer- ASTM No. 17C or 17F for tests at (770 F)
 Water Bath- Capable of maintaining the required testing temperature within the
specified limit
 Receiving flask.

THEORY

Viscosity is the inverse of fluidity and it is a measure of resistance of flow. The

viscosity of liquid bitumen is measured by efflux visconnectors. At low viscosity the
bitumen binder simply lubricates the aggregate particles instead of providing a binder
action. In case of high viscosity it will resist the compactive effort but mixture is
heterogeneous. Furol viscosity is a specific test which is only used for the measurement
of liquid bituminous materials.
The Saybolt Universal Second (S.U.S) is a measure of kinematic viscosity. It is the time
required for 60 ml of oil to flow through a calibrated tube at a controlled temperature. It
is used when the oils have flow time upto 5600 seconds.

When the flow time is in excess of 5600 seconds, Saybolt Furol Seconds should be used instead
of Saybolt Universal Second. The tube diameter in two scales is such that the Furol Viscosity is
one-tenth of Universal Viscosity.

In this test, the efflux time required for 60 ml of sample to flow through the calibrated tube is
recorded and it is multiplied by a suitable factor called the orifice factor and the result is
reported as the viscosity of the sample at a given temperature in which the test will be
conducted.

PROCEDURE

 Preparation of apparatus:
a) Universal orifice for SUS and furol orifice for SFS is used.
b) The viscometer along with the bath should be setup in area where there is no rapid
change in temperature.
c) The receiving flask is kept beneath the viscometer tube.
 The test temperature should be set in bath.

 The flask is immersed in boiling water for 30 min.

 It is mixed well; the sample is removed from the water bath and the sample is strained
through 75 μ wire cloth in the filter funnel directly into the viscometer till the level is
such that it I about to overflow.
 The sample is stirred in viscometer using an appropriate viscosity thermometer.
 The receiving flask is checked to be in correct position. The cork is then removed from
viscometer and the timer is started.
 The timer is stopped as soon as the oil meniscus reached the graduation mask on the
receiving flask.
 The efflux time is repeated in seconds.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
i.Test temperature = 250C
ii.Time taken to flow 50 c.c of binder =
iii.Viscosity =
iv.The viscosity of bituminous material is ____________
v. The kinematic viscosity of given sample is ___________
 Experiment No.07

AIM: Determination of softening point of bituminous material.

PRINCIPLE
The softening point of bitumen or tar is the temperature at which the substance attains a
particular degree of softening. As per IS:334-1982, it is the temperature (in o C) at which
a standard ball passes through a sample of bitumen in a mould and falls through a height
of 2.5 cm, when heated under water or glycerin at specified conditions of test. The binder
should have sufficient fluidity before its applications in road uses. The determination of
softening point helps to know the temperature up to which a bituminous binder should be
heated for various road use applications. Softening point is determined by ring and ball
apparatus.
APPARATUS
1. Steel balls-two numbers each of 9.5 mm dia. and weighing 3.5 0.05g.
2. Brass rings-two numbers each having depth of 6.4 mm. The inside diameter at
bottom and top is 15.9 mm and 17.5 mm respectively.
3. Ball guides to guide the movement of steel balls centrally.
4. Support- that can hold rings in position and also allows for suspension of a
thermometer. The distance between the bottom of the rings and the top surface of
the bottom plate of the support is 25 mm.
5. Thermometer that can read up to 100oC with an accuracy of 0.2o C
6. Bath- A heat resistant glass beaker not less than 85 mm in diameter and 1220 mm
in depth.
7. Stirrer
PROCEDURE
1. Heat the material to a temperature between 75-1000C above its softening point stir
until, it is completely fluid and free from air bubbles and water. If necessary filter
it through IS Sieve 30. Place the rings, previously heated to a temperature
approximating to that of the molten material, on a metal plate which has been
coated with a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and dextrin. After cooling for 30
minutes in air, level the material in the ring by removing the excess with a warmed,
sharp knife.
2. Assemble the apparatus with the rings, thermometer and ball guides in position.
3. Fill the bath with distilled water to a height of 50 mm above the upper surface of
the rings. The starting temperature should be 5oC.
Note: Use glycerin in place of water if the softening point is expected to be above
80 o C the starting temperature may be kept 35o C.
4. Apply heat to the bath and stir the liquid so that the temperature rises at a uniform
rate of 5±0.5oC per minute.
5. As the temperature increases the bituminous material softens and the ball sinks
through the ring, carrying a portion of the material with it.
6. Note down the temperature when any of the steel ball with bituminous coating
touches the bottom plate.
7. Record the temperature when the second ball also touches the bottom plate. The
average of the two readings to the nearest 0.5oC is reported as the softening point.
PRECAUTIONS

1. Distilled water should be used as the heating medium.

2. During the conduct of test the apparatus should not be subjected to vibrations.
3. The bulb of the thermometer should be at about the same level as the rings.

CONCLUSION

The softening point of given sample is =

Record of Observations

Temperature when 1 2 Average

ball touches
bottom in oC
 Experiment No.08

AIM: Determination of the Ductility of the bitumen

PRINCIPLE
The ductility test gives a measure of adhesive property of bitumen and its ability to
stretch. In a flexible pavement design, it is necessary that binder should form a thin
ductile film around the aggregates so that the physical interlocking of the aggregates is
improved. Binder material having insufficient ductility gets cracked when subjected to
repeated traffic loads and it provides pervious pavement surface. Ductility of a
bituminous material is measured by the distance in centimetres to which it will elongate
before braking when two ends of standard briquette specimen of the material are pulled
apart at a specified speed and at a specified temperature.

APPARATUS

1. Briquette mould: It is made up of brass. The circular holes are provided in the clips
to grip the fixed and movable ends of the testing machine. The moulds when properly
assemble form a briquette specimen of the following dimensions.

Distance between clips 30.0 ± 0.3 mm

Width at mount of slip 20.0 ± 0.2 mm

Width at minimum cross-section (half way between clips) 10.0 ± 0.1 mm

Thickness throughout 10.0 ± 0.1 mm

2. Water bath. A bath maintained within ±0.1oC of the specified test temperature,
containing not less than 10 litres of water, the specimen being submerged to a depth
of not less than 10 cms and supported on a perforated shelf and less than 5 cms.from
the bottom of the bath.
3. Testing machine. For pouring the briquette of bituminous material apart, any
apparatus may be used which is so constructed that the specimen will be
continuously submerged in water while the two clips are being pulled apart
horizontally at a uniform speed of 50 ± 2.5 mm per minute.
PROCEDURE

1. Melt the bituminous test material completely at a temperature of 750 C to 1000C

Above the approximate softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid.
2. Strain the fluid. Through IS sieve 30.
3. After stirring the fluid, pour it in the mould assembly and place it on a brass plate.
4. In order to prevent the material under test from sticking, coat the surface of the plate
and interior surfaces of the sides of the mould with mercury or by a mixture of equal
parts of glycerine and dextrin.
5. After about 30-40 minutes, keep the plate assembly along with the sample in a water
bath. Maintain the temperature of the water bath at 27 OC for half an hour.
6. Remove the sample and mould assembly from the water bath and trim the specimen
by levelling the surface using a hot knife.
7. Replace the mould assembly in water bath maintained at 27O C for 80 to 90 minutes.
8. Remove the sides of the mould.
9. Hook the clips carefully on the machine without causing any initial stain.
10. Adjust the pointer to read zero.
11. Start the machine and pull two clips horizontally at a speed of 50 mm per minute.
12. Note the distance at which the bitumen thread of specimen breaks.
13. Record the observations in the Performa and compute the ductility value. Report the
mean of two observation, rounded to nearest whole number as the ‘Ductility Value’.
Note: machine may have a provision to fix two or more moulds so as to test these
specimens simultaneously.

PRECAUTIONS
1. The plate assembly upon which the mould is placed shall be perfectly flat and level
so that the bottom surface of the mould touches it throughout.
2. In filling the mould, care should be taken not to disarrange the parts and thus distort
the briquette and to see that no air pocket shall be within the molded sample.

CONCLUSION
The ductility value of given sample is =

Record of Observations
1. Bitumen grade =
Reading Briquette No.

Initial 1 2 3

Final Mean
Ductility in cm
 Experiment No.09

Aim: Determination of flash point and fire point of bituminous material.

Principle

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

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

APPARATUS

1. Open Cup Tester is same as standard Pensky-Marten tester with the modification
that cover of the cup is replaced by a clip which encircles the upper rim of the cup
and carries a test flame.
2. Thermometer
3. A stove / heating device with provision to adjust the rate of heating.

PROCEDURE
1. All the parts of the open cup tester and the accessories are cleaned and dried.
2. The cup is filled with the sample of bituminous binder up to the level of the filling
mark.
3. The clip supporting the thermometer and test flame is placed in position on the
cup.
4. The thermometer is inserted and the open cup tester is set on the stove.
5. The test flame is lighted and adjusted to size 4 mm bead and it is fixed in the
vertical axis of the cup, level with the upper edge of the cup.
6. The bitumen sample in the tester is heated and the rate of heating is adjusted such
that the temperature of the test specimen increases at the rate of 5°C to 6°C per
minute.
7. A burning match stick is placed at the binder surface from time to time and the
appearance of flash, if any, is observed.
8. When the flash occurs the first time, the temperature at that instance is recorded
as the flash point.

REPORTING OF RESULTS
1. The temperature of the binder when flash first appears at any point on the surface
of the material is noted and recorded as the flash point under open cup flash point test.
2. The heating is continued at the same rate until the binder itself gets ignited and
continues to burn for five seconds. When it occurs, the temperature of the material is
noted and is recorded as the fire point.
CONCLUSION

Flash point =

Fire point =
 Experiment No.10

AIM: Determination of Bitumen Content by centrifuge extractor.

APPARATUS & SOLVENT:

Centrifuge apparatus
Trichloroethylene

PROCEDURE
1. Take a representative sample of about 500 g, weigh it exactly and place it in the
bowl of the extraction apparatus (W1).
2. Cover the sample with commercial grade trichloroethylene.
3. Let the mixture stand for about one hour before starting the centrifugal machine.
4. Weigh the dried filter ring and then fit it around the edge of the bowl. Clamp the
cover of the bowl tightly.
5. Place a beaker under the drain to collect the extract.
6. The machine is revolved slowly and then gradually the speed is increased to a
maximum of 3600 rpm. The speed is maintained till the solvent ceases to flow from the
drain.
7. The machine is allowed to stop, 200 ml of solvent is added and the above procedure
is repeated. A number of 200 ml solvent additions (not less than three) are used till the
extract is clear and not darker than a light straw colour.
8. Remove the fitter ring from the bowl, dry it first in the air and then in the oven at
1150C to a constant weight, and weigh it.
9. Collect back the fine material that might have passed through the filter, by
centrifuging. Wash and dry the material to a constant weight, as before.

CALCULATION
Calculate the percentage of binder in the bituminous mix sample as follows:
Percentage of Binder = [W1 – (W2 + W3 + W4) /W1] x 100
Where
W1 = Weight of the sample, g
W2 = Weight of the sample after extraction, g
W3 = Weight of the fine material recovered from the extract, g
W4 = Increase in weight of filter ring, g
Record all the test data in a form as shown below.
Percentage binder
 S.no Observations 1 2 3
1 Weight of mix taken before extraction
(W1)

2 Weight of filter paper before extraction (B)

3 Weight of mix after extraction (W2)

4 Weight of filter paper after extraction (D)

5 Weight of filler collected in filter paper (B-

D) =W3

The formula to calculate the percentage of binder content is given by-

= [W1- (W2 + W3) /W1] x 100

Report
The average percentage of Binder content in the given Bitumen Mix = _______%
 EXPERIMENT NO. 11

AIM: Determination of shape tests on aggregate

Theory:

The particle shape of the aggregate mass is determined by the percentage of flaky and
elongated particles in it. Aggregates which are flaky or elongated are detrimental to
higher workability and stability of mixes.

Shape of crushed aggregates determined by the percentage of flaky and

elongated particles. Shape of gravel determined by its angularity number.

Flaky and elongated aggregate particles tend to break under heavy traffic loads.

Rounded aggregates preferred in cement concrete pavements as more

workability at less water cement ratio.
Angular shape preferred for granular courses/flexible pavement layers due
to better interlocking and hence more stability.
Flakiness Index is the percentage by weight of particles in it, whose least
dimension (Thickness) is less than three-fifths of its mean dimension. The
test is not applicable to particles Smaller than 6.3 mm in size.
Elongation Index is the percentage by weight of particles in it, who’s largest
dimension (Length) is greater than one and four-fifths times its mean
dimension. The test is not applicable to particles smaller than 6.3 mm in size.

Apparatus:

1. A standard thickness gauge

2. A standard length gauge
3. Tray, a balance of capacity 5 kg, readable and
accurate up to 1 gm. 4. IS sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40,
31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm.
 Fig.5.1: Thickness gauge

Procedure for using Gauge for Flakiness Index:

1. The sample is sieved through IS sieve sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16,
12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm.
2. Minimum 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (W1 gm).
3. Separate the flaky material by using the standard thickness gauge.
4. Weigh the flaky material passing the respective gauge to an accuracy of at
least 0.1 percent of the test sample.

Flakiness Index

The amount of flaky material is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of

the test sample If W1, W2… Wi are the total weights of each size of
aggregates taken; If X1, X2, X3…….Xi are the weights of material
passing the different thickness gauges then:

Record of observation (Flakiness Index):

 Passing Retained Wt. Of the Thickness Weight of
through on I.S. fraction gauge size, aggregate
I.S. Sieve, consisting of (0.6 times the each
Sieve, (mm (mm) at least 200 mean sieve) fraction
passing
(mm) thickness
pieces (gm.) gauge

25 20 W1 13.5 X1

20 16 W2 10.8 X2

16 12.5 W3 8.55 X3

12.5 10 W4 6.75 X4

10 6.3 W5 4.89 X5

Total W= Total X=
Flakiness Index = (X1+ X2+….) / (W1+ W2+…..) X 100

Test for Elongation Index:

Fig.5.2: Length gauge

Procedure for using Gauge Elongation index:

1. The sample is sieved through sieve sizes, 50, 40, 25, 20,16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3
2. Minimum 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (W1 gm
3. Separate the elongate material by using the standard length gauge.
4. Weigh the elongated material retained on the respective gauge to an
accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of test sample.

Elongation Index

The amount of elongated material is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1

percent of the test sample If W1, W2… Wi are the total weights of each
size of aggregates taken. If X1, X2… Xi are the weights of material
retained on different length gauges then:
 Passing Retained Wt. Of the Length Weight of
through on I.S. fraction gauge size, aggregate in
I.S. Sieve, consisting of (1.8 times each fraction
Sieve, (mm (mm) at least 200 the mean retained on
length gauge
pieces (gm.) sieve) (mm) gms

25 20 W1 40.5 X1

20 16 W2 32.4 X2

16 12.5 W3 25.5 X3

12.5 10 W4 20.2 X4

10 6.3 W5 14.7 X5

Total W= Total X=

Elongation Index = (X1+ X2+….) / (W1+ W2+…..) X 100

Result:
Flakiness Index =
Elongation Index =
Limits:
i) Flakiness index for bituminous concrete and surface dressing = max. 25%
ii) Flakiness index for water bound Macadam and bituminous Macadam = max. 15%
iii) Elongation index for bituminous or non-bituminous mixes. = max. 15%
iv) Flakiness index for concrete mix = …..max.