INTEGRAL UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LAB MANUAL
OF
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

1. SIEVE ANALYSIS
(IS: 2720 (Part 4) 1985, ASTM D75 92, 1992)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the gradation or distribution of aggregate particle sizes within a given sample

APPARATUS

Balance: sensitive to 0.1 percent of the weight of sample to be weighed.

Sieves: 20 cm diameter and 5 cm height; provided with screens, top lid and bottom pan.
Rubber Pestle and Mortar
Mechanical Rotary Sieve Shaker

Figure 1.1: Balance Figure 1.2: IS Sieves

Figure 1.3: Mechanical Sieve Shaker

Source: www.tradeindia.com

PROCEDURE

Spread the given sample on a container and weigh the given sample.

Transfer the weighed sample to the top of the sieves. Cover the top sieve with the lid and sieve
on the rotary shaker for 10 minutes.

Collect the sample retained on each sieve carefully and weigh each sieve separately by
transferring to pre-weighed container.

Plot the semi-log graph of percent passing versus sieve size.

Determine Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS) and maximum size of the aggregates.
The aggregate size distributions are classified as gap/skip graded, uniform graded, well/dense
graded, and open graded.

RESULTS

Maximum density gradation by Fuller.

P=100*(d/D)

Where: P is the percentage of aggregates passing the sieve size d; D is the maximum aggregate
size in the gradation; and n is an exponent.

The range of n is 0.45 to 0.50 depending upon the shape of the aggregate. For maximum particle
density (spherical shape), n is 0.50. For pavement works, n is taken as 0.45 (air void
consideration).

Figure 1.4: Grain Size Distribution Semi Log Plot

D10 = D30 = D60 =

Coefficient of Uniformity, Cu = D60 / D10 =

Coefficient of Curvature, Cc = (D30) / (D10x D60) =

NMAS: is one sieve size larger than the first size to retain more than 10 percent by weight of the
aggregates=

Maximum size of aggregate: is the smallest sieve through which 100 percent of the particles will
pass.

Table 1.1: Grain Size Distribution

Sieve size,
Weight
Cumulative weight
Cumulative percentage
Percent
mm
retained, g
retained, g
weight retained
passing

19.0

9.5

4.75

2.36

1.18

0.6

0.3

0.15

0.075

Pan

Total

DISCUSSION

4. FLAKINESS INDEX TEST

(IS 2386, 1963; BS 812, Part 3, 1975)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the Flakiness Index of the given aggregate sample

APPARATUS

A metal thickness gauge.

IS test sieves.

A balance accurate to 0.5% of mass of the test sample.

Figure 4.1: Thickness Gauge

PROCEDURE

Carry out the sieve analysis using the sieves given in the Table 4.1.

Do not use the aggregate retained on 63mm and passing 6.3mm for the tests to be carried out.

Then weigh each of the individual size fractions retained on the sieves, other than the 63 mm IS
test sieve, and store them in separate trays. This weight is taken as M1.

Calculate the individual percentage retained on each of the various sieves and discard any
fraction of which the mass is 5% or less of mass M1. Record the remaining mass as M2.

Now select the thickness gauge appropriate to the size fraction as mentioned in the Table 4.1 and
gauge each particle separately by hand.
Combine and weigh all the particles passing these gauges and note this weight as M3.

Table 4.1: Dimensions of Thickness and Length Gauges

IS test Sieve size (mm)

Mass M1(g)

Thickness Gauge

100% Passing
100% Retained
(mm)
Thickness Gauge

63
50
33.9 +0.3

50
37.5
26.3+0.3

37.5
28
19.7+0.3

28
20
14.4+0.15

20
14
10.2+0.15

14
10
7.2+0.1

10
6.3
4.9+0.1

RESULTS

Sum of individual masses in trays

= M1
(g) =
Sum of individual masses in trays as described above
= M2
(g) =
Combined mass of aggregates passing gauges

= M3 (g) =
Flakiness Index of the given Aggregate sample (%)
= (M3/M2)*100

Note: If no fraction as a mass 5% or less than mass M1, then M1=M2(g)

DISCUSSION

5. ELONGATION INDEX TEST

OBJECTIVE

To determine the Elongation Index of the given aggregate sample

APPARATUS

A metal length gauge.

IS test sieves as mentioned in Table 5.1

A balance accurate to 0.5% of mass of the test sample.

Figure 5.1: Length Gauge

PROCEDURE

Carry out the sieve analysis using the sieves given in Table 5.1.

Discard all aggregate retained on the 50.0 mm IS test sieve and all aggregate passing the 6.3 mm
IS test sieves.

Weigh and store each of the individual size fractions retained on the other sieves in separate trays
with their size marked on the tray.

Sum the individual masses in the trays as M1 and calculate the individual percentages retained on
each of the various sieves. Discard any fraction whose mass is 5% or less of mass M1, and record
the remaining mass as M2.

Select the length (elongation) gauge appropriate to the size fraction as mentioned in the Table 5.1
and gauge each particle separately by hand.

Note: Elongated particles are those whose greatest dimension prevents them from passing
through the gauge
Now combine and sum all these elongated samples and record their weight as M3.

Table 5.1: Dimensions of Thickness and Length Gauges

BS test Sieve size (mm)

Mass M1(g)

Length Gauge

100% Passing
100% Retained
(mm)
Length Gauge

63
50
-

50
37.5
78.7+0.3

37.5
28
59.0+0.3

28
20
43.2+0.3

20
14
30.6+0.3

14
10
21.6+0.2

10
6.3
14.7+0.2

RESULTS

Sum of individual masses in trays

= M1
(g) =
Sum of individual masses in trays as described above = M2
(g) =

Combined mass of Elongated Samples

= M3 (g) =

Elongation Index of the given Aggregate Sample (%) = (M2/M3)*100 =

Note: If no fraction as a mass 5% or less than mass M1 then, M1=M2(g)

DISCUSSION

6. LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST

(IS 2386 (part iv) - 1963, AASHTO T 96, ASTM C 131)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the Los Angeles abrasion value for given aggregate sample

APPARATUS

Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

Abrasive Charge Cast iron or steel balls

Test sieve 1.70 mm IS sieve

Balance of capacity 10 kg

Oven

Tray Figure 6.1: Balance

Figure 6.2: Oven

Figure 6.3: Los Angeles Machine

PROCEDURE

The test sample consists of clean aggregates dried in oven at 105 110C. The sample should
conform to any of the grading shown in Table 6.1.

Select the grading to be used in the test such that it conforms to the grading being used in the
construction, to the maximum extent possible.

Take 5 kg of sample for grading A, B, C & D and 10 kg for grading E, F & G.

Choose the abrasive charge as per Table 6.2 depending on the grading of aggregates.

Place the aggregates and abrasive charge in the cylinder and fix the cover.

Rotate the machine at a speed of 30 33 revolutions per minute. The number of revolutions is
500 for grading A, B, C & D and 1000 for grading E, F & G. The machine should be balanced
and driven such that there is uniform peripheral speed.

Stop the machine after desired number of revolutions and discharge material to a tray.

Sieve the entire material on tray through 1.70 mm IS sieve.

Weigh the material retained on 1.70 mm IS sieve correct to one gram.

RESULTS

Original weight of aggregate sample = W1 g

Weight of aggregate sample retained = W2 g

Weight passing 1.7mm IS sieve = W1 - W2 g

Los Angeles Abrasion Value = (W1 - W2) / W1 X 100

DISCUSSION

Table 6.1: Grading of test samples

Sieve size

Weight of test sample (g)

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.

Table 6.2: Selection of Abrasive Charge

Grading
No. of Steel balls
Weight of charge (g)

A
12
5000 25

B
11
4584 25

C
8
3330 20

D
6
2500 15

E
12
5000 25

12
5000 25

G
12
5000 25

8. PENETRATION TEST
(IS: 1203: 1978, BS 1426: 2000, ASTM D5 97, 1997)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the penetration of a given sample of bitumen

APPARATUS

Standard Penetrometer

Water bath

Bath thermometer Range 0 to 44 C, Graduation 0.2 C

Figure 8.1: Standard Penetrometer Figure 8.2:PenetrometerNeedle

PROCEDURE

Soften the bitumen above the softening point by heating it between 75 and 100 C.

Remove air bubbles and water by stirring the softened sample thoroughly.

Make sure bitumen should be just sufficient to fill the container to a depth of at least 15mm in
excess of the expected penetration.

Cool the bitumen sample at an atmospheric temperature of 15 to 30 C for 1.5 hours.

After that place it in a transfer dish in the water bath at 25 + 0.1 C for 1.5 hours.

Keep the container on the stand of the penetration apparatus and adjust the needle such that it
makes contact with the surface of the sample.

Adjust the dial gauge reading to zero.

Release the needle for exactly 5 seconds and then record the dial gauge reading expressed in
tenths of a millimeter.

Repeat the above procedure three times.

RESULTS

Table 8.1: Penetration values of the sample

Grade of bitumen:

No.
Dial gauge reading
Penetration value (0.1 mm)

Final Penetration Value (mm) = Average of the three readings

DISCUSSION

9. DUCTILITY TEST
(IS: 1208 1978;ASTM D113-07, 2007; AASHTO T51-08, 2008)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the ductility of a given sample of bitumen

APPARATUS

Standard briquette mould

Water bath

Testing machine

Thermometer Range 0 to 44 C, Graduation 0.2 C

Figure 9.1: Ductility Testing Machine

Figure 9.2: Standard Briquette Mould

PROCEDURE

Heat the bituminous material to be tested to a temperature of 75 to 100 C above the approximate
softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid.

Assemble the mould on a brass plate (Figure 9.2).

Thoroughly coat the surface of the plate and the interior surfaces of the sides of the mould with a
mixture of equal parts of glycerin and dextrin to prevent the material under test from sticking to
the surface.

Pour the material in a thin stream back and forth from end to end of the mould until it is more
than level full.

Leave it to cool at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes and then place it in a water bath
maintained at the specified temperature for 30 minutes.

Now, remove the excess bitumen by means of a hot, straight-edged putty knife or spatula to
make the mould just level full.

Place the brass plate and mould with briquette specimen in the water bath at the specified
temperature for about 85 to 95 minutes.

Remove the briquette from the plate; detach the side pieces and the briquette immediately.

Attach the rings at each end of the two clips to the pins or hooks in the testing machine and pull
the two clips apart horizontally at a uniform speed, as specified, until the briquette ruptures.

Measure the distance in cm at which the rupture occurs.

Note: While the test is being done, make sure that the water in the tank of the testing machine
covers the specimen both above and below by at least 25mm and the temperature is maintained
o

continuously within 0.5 C of the specified temperature.

RESULTS

Table 9.1: Ductility values of the sample

Grade of Bitumen -

No.
Ductility (cm)

Note: A normal test is one in which the material between the two clips pulls out to a point or to a
thread and rupture occurs where the cross-sectional area is minimum. Report the average of
three normal tests as the ductility of the sample, provided the three determinations be within
0.5 percent of their mean value.

If the values of the three determinations do not lie within 0.5 percent of their mean, but the two
higher values are within 0.5 percent of their mean, then record the mean of the two higher
values as the test result.

Ductility (cm) = Average of the three readings

DISCUSSION

10.

SOFTENING POINT TEST

(IS: 1205, BS2000-58, ASTM D36-95, 1995, AASHTOT53-06, 2006)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the softening point of a given bitumen sample

APPARATUS

Ring and ball apparatus

Thermometer -Low Range : -2 to 80 C, Graduation 0.2 C

-High Range: 30 to 200 C, Graduation 0.5 C

Figure 10.1: Ring and Ball Apparatus

Figure 10.2: Thermometer

PROCEDURE

Preparation of sample

Fill the ring with the sample. Cut off the excess sample by a knife.

Heat the material between 75 and 100 C. Remove air bubbles and water by stirring it and then,
filter it through IS Sieve 30, if necessary.

Heat the rings and apply glycerin.

Now fill the material in rings and cool it for 30 minutes.

Use a warmed, sharp knife to remove the excess material.

For Materials of softening point below 80 C

Assemble the apparatus with the rings, thermometer and ball guides in position.

Fill the beaker with boiled distilled water at a temperature 5.0 0.5 C per minute.

With the help of a stirrer, stir the liquid and apply heat to the beaker at a temperature of 5.0 0.5
o

C per minute.

Apply heat until the material softens and allow the ball to pass through the ring.

Record the temperature at which the ball touches the bottom, which is nothing but the softening
point of that material.

For Materials of softening point above 80 C

The procedure is the same as described above. The only difference is that instead of water,
o

glycerin is used and the starting temperature of the test is 35 C.

RESULTS

Softening point ( C) = the temperature at which the ball touches the bottom

DISCUSSION

11.

FLASH & FIRE POINT TEST

(IS: 1205, BS2000-58, 1958, ASTM D36-95, 1995, AASHTO T53-06, 2006)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the Flash & Fire point test of a given bitumen sample

APPARATUS

Cleaveland apparatus

Thermometer-Low Range: -7 to 110 C, Graduation 0.5 C

-High Range: 90 to 370 C, Graduation 2 C

Figure 11.1:Cleveland apparatus

PROCEDURE

Note: Bitumen is just sufficient to fill the cup up to the mark given on it.

Flash Point

Heat the bitumen between 75 and 100 C & remove the air bubbles and water by stirring the
sample.

Fill the cup with the bitumen to be tested up to the mark & place it on the bath. Fix the open clip;
insert the thermometer of high or low range as per requirement and also the stirrer, to stir the
sample.

Light the test flame and supply heat at such a rate that the temperature increase, recorded using a
o

thermometer is neither less than 5 C nor more than 6 C per minute.

Note the temperature at which first flash appears when test flame is bought close to the surface
of the material. This temperature is noted as Flash point temperature.

Note: Do not get confused with the bluish halo that sometimes surrounds the test flame with the

true flash.

Fire Point

After flash point is obtained, heating should be continued at such a rate that the increase in
o

temperature recorded by the thermometer is neither less than 5 C nor more than 6 C per minute.

Now light a test flame and adjust it so that it is of the size of a bead 4mm in diameter.

Finally note that thermometer at which the application of test flame causes the material to ignite
and burn for at least 5 seconds. This temperature is noted as Fire point temperature.

RESULTS

Flash point temperature ( C) =

Fire point temperature ( C) =

DISCUSSION

13.

BITUMINOUS MIX DESIGN BY MARSHALL METHOD

(ASTM D1559, 1993)

OBJECTIVE

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

APPARATUS

Mould Assembly: Cylindrical moulds of 10 cm diameter and 7.5 cm height consisting of a base
plate and collar extension.

Sample Extractor

Compaction Pedestal and Hammer: Used to compact a specimen by 4.54 kg weight with

cm height of fall.

Breaking Head: Used to test the specimen by applying a load on its periphery perpendicular to its
axis in a loading machine of 5 tones capacity at a rate of 5 cm/min.

Loading Machine: Measures the maximum load supported by the test specimen at a loading rate
0

of 50.8 mm/min at 60 C.

Flow Meter: An attached dial gauge measuring the flow value as a result of the loading in

mm increments.

Thermometers

Water Bath

Oven

Figure 13.1: Mould Assembly

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Figure 13.2: Sample Extractor

Figure 13.3: Loading Machine

Figure 13.4: Oven

Figure 13.5: Compaction Pedestal and Hammer

PROCEDURE

In the Marshall test method of mix design three compacted samples are prepared for each binder
content. At least four binder contents are to be tested to get the optimum binder content.

Prepare a mix of coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and mineral filler material in such a
proportion that final mix after blending has the graduation within the specified range (Table
13.2).

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Take approximately 1200 grams of aggregates and filler, and heat them to a temperature of 175
0

to 195 C.

Clean the compaction mould assembly and rammer, and heat to a temperature of 100 to 145 C.
0

Heat the bitumen to a temperature of 121 to 138 C and add the required quantity of first trial
percentage of bitumen to the heated aggregate and thoroughly mix using a mechanical mixer or
by hand mixing with trowel.

Then heat the mix at a temperature of 150to 160 C.

Transfer the mix into the pre-heated mould and compact it by giving seventy five blows on each
side.

Soon after the compacted bituminous mix specimens have cooled to room temperature, take the
sample out of the mould using the sample extractor and measure the weight, average thickness
and diameter of the specimen. Weigh the specimens in air and then in water.

Determine the theoretical specific gravity of the mix using the known specific gravity values of
different aggregates, filler and bitumen.

Calculate the bulk density value of the specimen from weight and volume.

Then immerse the specimen to be tested under water in a thermostatically controlled water bath
0

maintained at 60 1 C for 30 to 40 minutes.

Take out the specimens from the water bath and place them in the Marshall loading machine to
measure the marshal stability and flow values.

If the average height of the specimen is not exactly 63.5mm, then correct the Marshall Stability
value of each specimen by applying the appropriate correction factor (Table 1).

Plot five graphs with values of bitumen content against the values of density, Marshall Stability,
voids in mineral aggregates(VMA), flow value and voids filled by bitumen(VFB).

Let the bitumen contents corresponding to maximum density be B1, corresponding to maximum
stability be B2 and that corresponding to the specified voids content (at 4.0%)

be B3. Then the optimum bitumen content for mix design is given by: Bo= (B1+B2+B3)/3.

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

RESULTS

The optimum Bitumen Content of the given mix, Bo =

DISCUSSION

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Data Sheet 1

Specification for Aggregate Selection

Specificatio
Our
%
Sample Wt.

No.
Sieve size (Passing)

n Range

Selection
Retained
(g)

(%) Pass

0
25.0 mm to 19.0 mm
100

1
19.0 mm to 12.5 mm
66
95

2
12.5 mm to 9.5 mm
54
88

3
9.5 mm to 4.75 mm
37
70

4
4.75 mm to 2.36 mm
26
52

5
2.36 mm to 1.18 mm
18
40

6
1.18 mm to 600 m
13
30

7
600 m to 300 m

8 23

8
300 m to 150 m
6 16

9
150 m to 75 m
4 10

10
< 75 m (filler) Pan

Total wt. = 1200 g

Specific
% of Total
Aggregate

Gravity

Coarse Aggregate =

Coarse Aggregate

Fine Aggregate =

Fine Aggregate

Filler (Agg. dust) =

Filler

Bitumen

% Bitumen
Wt. of bitumen

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Data Sheet 2

Aggregate grading type :

Mixing temp. C :

Grade of Bitumen :

No. of blows :

Compaction temperature :

% Asphalt by

Weight of specimen (g)

Weight of

Gbcm

Stability

Flow

Total

In Air

In Water

Aggregate

2
3
1

3
1
2

3
1
2
3
1
2

Mix

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Data Sheet 3

Stability

Asphalt % by

weight of Total
Gbcm
Volume
Gbam
Gmp
VMA
Pav

Flow

Aggregate Mix

Obs.
Corr.

Table 13.1: Correction Factors

Volume of
Thickness
Correction
Specimen
of
Factor
(cm3)
Specimen

(mm)

457 470
57.1
1.19

471 482
68.7
1.14

483 495
60.3
1.09

496 508
61.9
1.04

509 522

63.5
1

523 535
65.1
0.96

536 546
66.7
0.93

547 559
68.3
0.89

560 573
69.9
0.86

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Table 13.2: Aggregate Specifications

Percent by Passing Weight

Sieve Size

Type 2
Type 3

Type 1
Binder or

(mm)

Wearing

Base course
leveling

course

course

37.5
100

25
72 100
100

19
60
- 89
82 - 100
100

12.5
46
- 76
60
- 84
66
95

9.5
40
- 67
49
- 74
54
88

4.75
30
- 54
32
- 58
37
70

2.36
22
- 43
23
- 45
26
52

1.18
15
- 36
16
- 34
18
40

0.6
10 28
12 25
13
30

0.3
6
22
8
20
8
23

0.15
4
14
5
13
6
16

0.075
2
8
4
7
4
10

Asphalt

cement (% by

weight of
3.5
- 5.0
4.0
- 6.5
4.5 - 6.5

total

aggregate)

Table 13.3: Specifications for Marshall Properties

Type 1 Base course

Type 2 Binder or
Type 3 Wearing

leveling course

course

Description

Min.

Max.
Min.

Max.
Min.

Max.

Marshall specimens (ASTM D

1559) No. of comp. Blows, each

75

75

75

end of specimen

Stability, kg.
350

500

600

Flow, 0.25 mm

16
8

16
8

16

VMA
13

14

15

Air voids, %
3

8
3

8
4

Aggregate voids filled with

60

80
65

85
70

85

bitumen, %

Immersion compression

specimen (AASHTO T 165)

70

70

70

index of retained strength, %

CiSTUP, IISc Advanced Pavement Engineering Laboratory

Figure 13.6: Typical plots for Marshall Test

Note: Refer to the textbook for examples