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CRUSHING TEST

AIM: To determine the aggregate crushing value of given aggregates.

APPARATUS:
a. Steel cylinder with open ends and internal diameter of 150mm with an appropriate
plunger and piston.
b. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of 115 mm and height 180mm.
c. Steel tamping rod with one rounded end having a diameter of 16mm and length 450 to
600mm.
d. Balance with capacity 3kg with accuracy up to 1g.
e. Compression Testing Machine capable of applying load up to 40 tonnes at a uniform
rate of 4 tonnes/ minute.
f. IS Sieve 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm.

THEORY:
Coarse aggregates used in pavement construction should be strong enough to resist
crushing under rollers during compaction as well as due to heavy traffic loads. If the
aggregates are weak, the performance of the pavement structure is likely to get affected. The
strength of coarse aggregate or the resistance to crushing of the coarse aggregates under the
applied load is generally assessed by conduction crushing test.

PROCEDURE:

1. The aggregates passing through 12.5mm and retained on 10mm IS Sieve are oven-
dried at a temperature of 100 to 110oC for 3 to 4hrs.
2. The cylinder of the apparatus is filled in 3 layers, each layer tamped with 25 strokes
of a tamping rod.
3. The weight of aggregates is measured.
4. The surface of the aggregates is then levelled and the plunger inserted.
5. The apparatus is then placed in the compression testing machine and loaded at a
uniform rate so as to achieve 40t load in 10 minutes. After this, the load is released.
6. The sample is then sieved through a 2.36mm IS Sieve and the fraction passing
through the sieve is weighed.

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OBSERVATIONS:

Sl no Details of Sample Trial 1 Trial 2


1 Empty weight of cylinder
2 Weight of cylinder filled with
aggregates
3 Weight of aggregate W3= W2-
W1
4 Weight of aggregate passing
2.36mm IS sieve W4
5 Crushing value= (W4/W3) * 100

RESULT:
Crushing value of aggregate sample is _____________%

DISCUSSION:

Indian Road Congress (IRC) and BIS have specified the aggregate crushing value
to be used for road construction as 30%. Aggregate crushing value up to 45% is permissible
for the aggregate to be used for Cement concrete road other than for wearing surfaces.

RELEVANT CODE:

VIVA VOCE:

1. What is the specified size of aggregate? How aggregate crushing value is evaluated
for non standard size?
2. Aggregate crushing value of material A is 40 and material B is 25. Which one is
stronger/better and why?
3. What are the applications of crushing test?

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IMPACT TEST
AIM: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates.

APPARATUS: Impact testing machine, cylinder, tamping rod, IS Sieve 125.mm, 10mm and
2.36mm, balance.

THEORY:
During construction process of pavement layers particularly compaction by heavy rollers
and also due to movements of heavy wheel loads of traffic, the road aggregates to breaking
down under repeated application of impact. Impact test has been designed to evaluate the
toughness or the resistance of the stone aggregates to breaking down under repeated
application of impact.

PROCEDURE:

1. The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mm
sieve and dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100oC to 110oC
2. The aggregates are filled up to about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25
times with rounded end of the tamping rod
3. The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped
25 times.
4. The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using it
has a straight edge.
5. Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed nearing to
0.01gm
6. The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup
which is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25
times.
7. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of
aggregate in the cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates. The test sample is
subjected to a total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less
than one second. The crushed aggregate is than removed from the cup and the whole
of it is sieved on 2.366mm sieve until no significant amount passes. The fraction
passing the sieve is weighed accurate to 0.1gm. Repeat the above steps with other
fresh sample.
8. Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1gm and the weight of fraction
passing 2.36mm IS sieve be W2gm. Then aggregate impact value is expressed as the
% of fines formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.

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OBSERVATIONS:

Sl no Details of Sample Trial 1 Trial 2


1 Empty weight of cylinder
2 Weight of cylinder filled with
aggregates
3 Weight of aggregate W3= W2-
W1
4 Weight of aggregate passing
2.36mm IS sieve W4
5 Impact value= (W4/W3) * 100

RESULT:
Impact value of aggregate sample is _____________%.

DISCUSSION:
Aggregate Impact value are used to classify the stone aggregate with respect to toughness
property, as indicated below.

Aggregate Impact Value Toughness property


Less than 10 Exceptionally tough/ Strong
10 to 20 Very tough/ strong
20 to 30 Good for pavement surface course
Above 35 Weak for pavement surface
RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, Indian Standard methods of test for Aggregate for concrete,
IS- 2386 part iv-1963

VIVA VOCE:
1. How is aggregate Impact expressed?
2. What do you understand by dry and wet Impact value?
3. Aggregate Impact value of material A is 15 and that of B is 35. Which one is better
for surface course.
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SHAPE TEST
AIM: To determine the Elongation index and Flakiness Index of the given aggregate sample.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Thickness gauge, Length gauge, I.S.Sieve of size 63, 50, 40, 31.5,
25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 and a balance to weight the samples.

THEORY:

The shape of aggregate is determined by the percentage of flaky and elongated particles
contained in it. Presence of elongated and flaky particles in coarse aggregates is considered
undesirable as these may cause inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down during
compaction and during heavy traffic loads. Rounded aggregates are preferred in cement
concrete as the workability of concrete improves. Angular shape of particles is desirable for
granular base course and also for bituminous mixes due to increased stability derived from
better interlocking. When the shape of the aggregate deviates more from the spherical shape,
as in the case of angular, flaky and elongated aggregate, the void content in an aggregate of
any specified size increases and hence the grade size distribution of aggregate has to be
suitably altered in order to maintain minimum voids or the highest dry density in the dry mix.
Thus evaluation of elongation and flakiness of aggregate is necessary.

DETERMINATION OF ELONGATION INDEX:

PROCEDURE:

1. The sample is sieved through IS Sieve specified in the table. A minimum of 200
aggregate pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed.

2. Each fraction is the thus gauged individually for length in a length gauge. The gauge
length is used should be those specified in the table for the appropriate material.

3. The pieces of aggregate from each fraction tested which could not pass through the
specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and they are collected
separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained on the length gauge from each
fraction.

4. The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of at least 0.1% of the weight of the test sample.

5. The weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on specified sieves sizes
are found – W1, W2, W3, …………… And the total weight of sample determined =W1+
W2+W3+……………..=Wg. Also the weights of the material from each fraction retained
on the specified gauge length are found = x1, x2, x3…… and the total weight retained
determined = x1+x2+x3+……..=X gm.

6. The elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged. (x 1 + x2 + x3 +
……) Elongation index = ----------------------------- x 100 (W1 + W2 + W3 + …)
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Fig: Length Gauge to determine Elongation Index

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Initial weight of aggregate:_____

Size of aggregate Length Weight of


guage (1.8 Retained
Passing Retained on times the aggregates
through IS Sieve mean sieve)
IS Sieve
in mm in mm

63.0 50.0 -

50.0 40.0 81.0

40.0 31.5 64.4

31.5 25.0 -

25.0 20.0 40.5

20.0 16.0 32.4

16.0 12.5 25.6

12.5 10.0 20.2

10.0 6.3 14.7

Elongation Index = Total weight of Retained material on length gauge

Initial weight of aggregate

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DETERMINATION OF FLAKINESS INDEX:

PROCEDURE:

1. The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table.

2. A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (W1 gm)

3. In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on
thickness gauge, or in bulk on sieve having elongated slots as specified in the table.

4. Then the amount of flaky materials passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of atleast
0.1% of test sample

5. Let the weight of the flaky materials passing the gauge be W1gm. Similarly the weights
of the fractions passing and retained on the specified sieves be W1, W2, W3, etc, are
weighed and the total weight W1+W2+W3+…..= Wg is found. Also the weights of the
materials passing each of the specified thickness gauge are found =W1, W2, W3…. And
the total weight of the material passing the different thickness gauges =
W1+W2+W3…=Wg is found.

6. Then the flakiness index is the total weight of the flaky material passing the various
thickness gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged
(w1+w2+w3+…………..) Flakiness index= ---------------------------------- x 100
(W1+W2+W3+…………)

Fig: Thickness gauge to determine Flakiness Index

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Initial weight of aggregate:_____

Size of aggregate Thickness Weight of


guage (0.6 passed
Passing Retained on times the aggregates
through IS Sieve mean sieve)
IS Sieve
in mm In mm

63.0 50.0 33.90

50.0 40.0 27.00

40.0 31.5 21.550

31.5 25.0 16.95

25.0 20.0 13.50

20.0 16.0 10.80

16.0 12.5 8.55

12.5 10.0 6.75

10.0 6.3 4.89

Flakiness Index = Total weight of Retained material on thickness gauge

Initial weight of aggregate

RESULT:

The elongation index of a given sample of aggregate is _________%

The flakiness index of the given sample of aggregates is ___________%.

DISCUSSION:

The shape test gives a rough idea about the shape of the aggregates. The aggregates having
combined value of Elongation and Flakiness Index within 30% are considered suitable to be
used in road construction.

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, Indian Standard methods of test for Aggregate for concrete,
IS- 2386 part I-1963
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VIVA VOCE:

1. What do you mean by flakiness index and elongation Index of an aggregate?

2. Discuss the effects of flaky and elongated aggregates in road construction?

3. What are the acceptable limits of combined value of flaky and elongated Index value for
different types of road construction?

4. What do you infer from flakiness index?

5. How the shape value of sample helps in deciding the design of a highway?

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ABRASION TEST
AIM: To determine the abrasion value of given aggregate sample by conducting Los Angles
abrasion test.

APPARATUS: Los Angles apparatus, IS Sieve of size I.S.Sieve of size 63, 50, 40, 25,
20,12.5, 10 and 6.3, 4.75, 2.36 and 1.7mm, Weighting Balance.

Specifications of material for conducting the test.

Grading 80-63 63-50 50-40 40-25 25-20 20- 12.5- 10-6.3 6.3— 4.75- No of
12.5 10 4.75 2.36 sphere

A - - - 1250 1250 1250 1250 12

B - - - - - 2500 2500 11

C - - - - - - 2500 2500 - - 8

D - - - - - - - - 5000 - 6

E 2500 2500 5000 - - - - - - - 12

F - - 5000 5000 - - - - - - 12

G - - - 5000 5000 - - - - - 12

THEORY:

Due to the movement of traffic the road stones are subjected to wear and tear action at
the top surface. Resistance to wear or hardness is hence an essential property for road
aggregates, especially when used in wearing course. Thus road stones should be hard enough
to resist the abrasion due to Traffic.

PROCEDURE:

1. Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is used for
the test.

2. Aggregate weighing 5kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10Kg for grading E, F or G


may be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder.

3. The abrasive charge is also chosen in accordance and placed in the cylinder of the
machine, and cover is fixed to make dust tight.

4. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.


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5. The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for gradings A, B, C and D, for gradings E,
F and G, it shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions.

6. After the desired number of revolutions the machine is stopped and the material is
discharged from the machine taking care to take out entire stone dust.

7. Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70mm IS sieve, the material is first separated into
two parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7mm IS sieve.

8. Let the original weight of aggregate be W1gm, weight of aggregate retained on


1.70mm IS sieve after the test be W2gm.

Fig: Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

OBSERVATIONS:

Sl no Details of Sample Trial 1 Trial 2


1 Weight of aggregate ‘W1’g
2 Weight of aggregate passing 1.7
mm IS sieve ‘W4’
3 Abrasion value= (W4/W3) * 100

RESULT: The abrasion value of aggregate sample is ______%

DISCUSSION:

Los Angeles test is widely accepted as a suitable test for finding the hardness of
aggregate. The maximum permissible abrasion value for various road work as specified by
MORT&H are as below.

Sl No Type of Pavement layer Abrasion value in


%
1 WBM subbase, WBM, WMM and CRM base course 40
Bituminous macadam base/binder course
Bituminous Penetration macadam binder course
2 Dense Graded bituminous macadam 35

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Cement Concrete Pavement
3 Bituminous Carpet surface course 40
Bituminous surface dressing, single or two roads
Close graded bituminous surfacing/ Mixed seal surfacing
4 Bituminous concrete surface course 30

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, Indian Standard methods of test for Aggregate for concrete,
IS- 2386 part IV-1963

VIVA VOCE:

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

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WATER ABSORPTION TEST
AIM: To determine the water absorption of given coarse aggregate

APPARATUS: Container, Balance, Electric Oven.

THEORY:

Water absorption gives an idea of strength of rock. Stones having more water
absorption are more porous in nature and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are
found to be acceptable based on strength, Impact and hardness test.

PROCEDURE:

1. The coarse aggregate passing through IS 10mm sieve is taken about 200g.

2. They are dried in an oven at a temperature of 110o ±5oC for 24 hours.

3. The coarse aggregate is cooled to room temperature.

4. Its weight is taken as (W1g)

5. The dried coarse aggregate is immersed in clean water at a temperature 27 o ±2oC


for 24 hours.

6. The coarse aggregate is removed from water and wiped out of traces of water
with a cloth.

7. Within three minutes from the removal of water, the weight of coarse aggregate
W2 is found out

8. The above procedure is repeated for various samples.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Sample Weight of oven Weight of Weight of water % of water


No. dried specimen saturated absorbed W3- absorption
(W1) g specimen (W2) g (W2-W1)g

Weight of dry sample of coarse aggregate W1 =

Weight of saturated specimen W2 =

Weight of water absorbed W = W2 – W1 =


Percentage of water absorption (W2 – W1)
--------------- X 100
W1

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RESULT:
Water absorption of the coarse aggregate is ____________

DISCUSSION:
Water absorption value generally ranges from 0.1 to 2 percentage for coarse aggregate
normally used for road surface course. Indian Road Congress (IRC) and Ministry of Road
Transport & Highway (MORTH) have specified maximum value of 1 percentage for
aggregates to be used in bituminous surface dressing and 2 percentage for SDBC and
Bituminous Macadam.

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, Indian Standard methods of test for Aggregate for concrete,
IS- 2386 part III-1963

VIVA VOCE:
1. How does the Water absorption of the coarse aggregate affects the mix design of concrete?

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF AGGREGATES
AIM: To determine specific gravity of aggregates.

APPARATUS: Physical balance, specific gravity bottle of 50ml capacity.

THEORY:

Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between weight of a given volume of material
and weight of an equal volume of water. Stones having low specific gravity values are
generally weaker than those with higher specific gravity values. The specific gravity value of
aggregate is made use of for making weight-volume conversions and for calculating the void
content in compacted bituminous mixes.

PROCEDURE:

1. Clean and dry the specific gravity bottle and weigh it with the stopper (W1).

2. Fill the specific gravity bottle with aggregate sample at least half of the bottle and
weigh with stopper (W2).

3. Fill the specific gravity bottle containing the aggregate, with water placing the stopper
and weigh it (W3).

4. While doing the above do not allow any air bubbles to remain in the specific gravity
bottle.

5. After weighing the bottle, the bottle shall be cleaned and dried again.

6. Then fill it with water and weigh it with stopper (W4).

7. All the above weighing should be done at the room temperature of 27c + 1 0 c.

OBSERVATIONS:

Description of item Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Weight of empty bottle W1 g

Weight of bottle + Aggregate


W2 g

Weight of bottle + Aggregate +


Water W3 g

Weight of bottle + Full Water W4


g

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Sc = (W2 - W1)/ (W2 - W1) – (W3-W4)

PRECAUTION:

1. At time of weighing the temperature of the apparatus will not be allowed to exceed
the specified temperature.

2. All air bubbles shall be eliminated in filling the apparatus and inserting the stopper.

3. Weighing shall be done quickly after filling the apparatus and shall be accurate to 0.1
mg.

4. Precautions shall be taken to prevent expansion and overflow of the contents resulting
from the heat of the hand when wiping the surface of the apparatus.

RESULT:

Average specific gravity of given sample of aggregate =

DISCUSSION:

The specific gravity of coarse aggregate normally used in road construction ranges from
about 2.5 to 3.2 with an average value of about 2.7. Though high specific gravity is
considered as indication of high strength, it is not possible to judge the suitability of a sample
of road aggregate without finding the mechanical properties such as Impact, Abrasion and
Crushing values.

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, Indian Standard methods of test for Aggregate for concrete,
IS- 2386 part III 1963

VIVA VOCE:

1. What are the applications of specific gravity test in mix design?


2. Differentiate between true and apparent specific gravity of aggregate?

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FINENESS OF CEMENT
AIM: To determine the fineness of the given sample of cement by sieving.

APPARATUS: IS-90 micron sieve conforming to IS:460-1965, standard balance, weights, brush.

THEORY:

The fineness of cement has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on the rate
of gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a greater surface area
for hydration and hence the faster and greater the development of strength. Increase in fineness of
cement is also found to increase the drying shrinkage of concrete. Fineness of cement is tested either
by sieving or by determination of specific surface by air-permeability apparatus. Specific surface is
the total surface area of all the particles in one gram of cement.

PROCEDURE:

1. Weigh accurately 100 g of cement and place it on a standard 90 micron IS sieve.

2. Break down any air-set lumps in the cement sample with fingers.

3. Continuously sieve the sample giving circular and vertical motion for a period of 15 minutes.

4. Weigh the residue left on the sieve. PRECAUTIONS:

Air set lumps in the cement sample are to be crushed using fingers and not to be pressed with the
sieve. Sieving shall be done holding the sieve in both hands and with gentle wrist motion. More or
less continuous rotation of the sieve shall be carried out throughout sieving

OBSERVATIONS:

Sl No Weight of Weight of Residue (g) Fineness


sample taken(g) (%)

Average fineness of cement =

RESULT: Fineness of given sample of cement =

DISCUSSION:

As per IS code the percentage residue should not exceed 10%.

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS: 269-1989 and IS: 4031-1988)

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NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
AIM: To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard consistency.

APPARATUS: Vicat apparatus (conforming to IS: 5513 - 1976) with plunger (10 mm in diameter)
balance, weights, gauging trowel.

THEORY:

The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit the
vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the vicat mould. For finding out
initial setting time, final setting time, soundness of cement and compressive strength of cement, it is
necessary to fix the quantity of water to be mixed in cement in each case. This experiment is intended
to find out the quantity of water to be mixed for a given cement to give a cement paste of normal
consistency and can be done with the help of vicat apparatus.

PROCEDURE:

1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with a weighed quantity of
potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 300g of cement.

2. Take care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not more than 5 minutes and the
gauging shall be completed before setting occurs.

3. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding the water to the dry cement until
commencing to fill the mould.

4. Fill the vicat mould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non porous plate.

5. After completely filling the mould, trim off the surface of the paste, making it in level with
the top of the mould. The mould may slightly be shaken to expel the air.

6. Place the test block with the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under the rod
bearing the plunger (10mm diameter), lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test
block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the paste.

7. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.

8. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above until the
amount of water necessary for making the standard consistency as defined above is obtained.

9. Express the amount of water as a percentage by weight of the dry cement.

PRECAUTIONS:

Clean appliances shall be used for gauging. In filling the mould the operator hands and the
blade of the gauging trowel shall alone be used. The temperature of cement, water and that of test
room, at the time when the above operations are being performed, shall be 27 + 2 C. For each
repetition of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.

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OBSERVATIONS

Sl Weight of cement Weight of water Plunger Time Consistency of cement in


No taken in gms (a) taken in gms (b) penetration(mm) Taken % by weight b/a * 100

RESULT: Normal consistency for the given sample of cement is:

DISCUSSION:

Generally the normal consistency for OPC ranges from 26 to 33%

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS: 269 - 1989 and IS: 4031 - 1988 (Part 4))

VIVA VOCE:

1. State the suitability of cement for construction work?


2. Why normal consistency is determined?
3. What effect does the grinding of cement has on normal consistency?

19
INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
AIM: To determine the initial and final setting times for the given sample of cement.

APPARATUS: Vicat apparatus (conforming to IS: 5513-1976) with attachments, balance,


weights, gauging trowel.

THEORY:

In actual construction dealing with cement, mortar or concrete, certain time is required
for mixing, transporting and placing. During this time cement paste, mortar, or concrete
should be in plastic condition. The time interval for which the cement products remain in
plastic condition is known as the setting time. Initial setting time is regarded as the time
elapsed between the moments that the water is added to the cement to the time that the paste
starts losing its plasticity. The final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment the
water is added to the cement, and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity
and has attained sufficient firmness to resist certain pressure..

PROCEDURE:

Preparation of Test Block:

1. Prepare a neat cement paste by gauging 300 grams of cement with 0.85 times the
water required to give a paste of standard consistency.

2. Potable or distilled water shall be used in preparing the paste.

3. The paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in
determination of consistency of standard cement paste.

4. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement.

5. Fill the mould with the cement paste gauged as above the mould resting on a
nonporous plate.

6. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with
the top of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in the mould is the test block.

DETERMINATION OF INITIAL SETTING TIME:

1. Place the test blocks confined in the mould and rest it on the non-porous plate, under
the rod bearing initial setting needle, lower the needle gently in contact with the

20
surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test
block.

2. In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block.

3. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block
and released as described above, fails to pierce the block to a point 5 to 7 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.

DETERMINATION OF FINAL SETTING TIME:

1. Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment.

2. The cement shall be considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently
to the surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression there on, while the
attachment fails to do so.

3. The period elapsed between the time when water is added to the cement and the time
at which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the
attachment fails to do so shall be the final setting time.

PRECAUTIONS:

Clean appliances shall be used for gauging. All the apparatus shall be free from
vibration during the test. The temperature of water and that of the test room, at the time of
gauging shall be 27 0 C + 2 0 C. Care shall be taken to keep the needle straight.

OBSERVATIONS:

Time in minutes:

Height in mm fails to penetrate

RESULT:

Initial setting time for the given sample of cement =

Final setting time for the given sample of cement =

DISCUSSION:

The constituents and fineness of cement is maintained in such a way that the concrete
remains in plastic condition for certain minimum time. Once the concrete is placed in the
final position, compacted and finished it should lose its plasticity in the earliest possible time
so that it is least vulnerable to damages from external destructive agencies. This time should
not be more than 10 hours which is referred to as final setting time. Initial setting time should
not be less than 30 minutes
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RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS: 269- 1989 and IS: 4031- 1988 part 5)

VIVA VOCE:

1. What is the practical importance of time-of-setting determinations?


2. Which constituent of cement is responsible for setting and hardening of cement?
3. How does fine grinding effect the setting time of cement?

22
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT
AIM: To determine the specific gravity of given sample of hydraulic cement.

APPARATUS: Physical balance, specific gravity bottle of 50ml capacity, cleans kerosene.

THEORY:

Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between weight of a given volume of material and
weight of an equal volume of water. To determine the specific gravity of cement, kerosene is
used which does not react with cement.

PROCEDURE:

1. Clean and dry the specific gravity bottle and weigh it with the stopper (W1).

2. Fill the specific gravity bottle with cement sample at least half of the bottle and weigh
with stopper (W2).

3. Fill the specific gravity bottle containing the cement, with kerosene (free of water)
placing the stopper and weigh it (W3).

4. While doing the above do not allow any air bubbles to remain in the specific gravity
bottle.

5. After weighing the bottle, the bottle shall be cleaned and dried again.

6. Then fill it with fresh kerosene and weigh it with stopper (W4).

7. Remove the kerosene from the bottle and fill it with full of water and weigh it with
stopper (W5).

8. All the above weighing should be done at the room temperature of 27c + 1 0 c.

OBSERVATIONS:

Description of item Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3


Weight of empty bottle W1 g
Weight of bottle + Cement W2 g
Weight of bottle + Cement +
Kerosene W3 g
Weight of bottle + Full Kerosene
W4 g
Weight of bottle + Full Water W5
g

Specific gravity of Kerosene Sk = W4 - W1 / W5 - W1

Specific gravity of Cement Sc = W2 - W1 / ((W4 - W1)-(W3-W2))*Sk


23
Sc = (W2 - W1)* (W4 - W1) / ((W4 - W1)-(W3-W2))*(W5 - W1)

PRECAUTION:

1. Only kerosene which is free of water shall be used.

2. At time of weighing the temperature of the apparatus will not be allowed to


exceed the specified temperature.

3. All air bubbles shall be eliminated in filling the apparatus and inserting the
stopper.

4. Weighing shall be done quickly after filling the apparatus and shall be
accurate to 0.1 mg.

5. Precautions shall be taken to prevent expansion and overflow of the contents


resulting from the heat of the hand when wiping the surface of the apparatus.

RESULT: Average specific gravity of given sample of cement =

DISCUSSION:

The limitation of specific gravity is 3.15.

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS: 269 -1989 AND IS: 4031-1988)

24
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT

AIM: To determine the compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes compacted by
means of standard vibration machine.

APPARATUS: Vibration machine and cube moulds of size 7.06 cms (Conforming to IS:
4031-1988)
Standard Sand: The standard sand to be used in the test shall conform to IS: 650-1991 or
sand passing 100 percent through 2 mm sieve and retained 100 percent on 90 micron IS
sieve.
2mm to 1mm 33.33 percent
1mm to 500 microns 33.33 percent
500mm to 90 microns 33.33 percent.

THEORY:
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify whether
the cement conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the required
compressive strength of concrete. The average compressive strength of at least three mortar
cubes (area of the face 50 cm2 ) composed of one part of cement and three parts of standard
stand should satisfy IS code specifications.

PROCEDURE:
Mix proportions and mixing:
1. Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature of the water and that of
the test room at the time when the above operations are being performed shall be 27 +
2oC.
2. Place in a container a mixture of cement and standard sand in the proportion of 1:3 by
weight mix it dry, with a trowel for one minute and then with water until the mixture
is of uniform colour.
3. The quantity of water to be used shall be as specified below.
4. In any element, it should not take more than 4 minutes to obtain uniform colored mix.
5. If it exceeds 4 minutes the mixture shall be rejected and the operation repeated with a
fresh quantity of cement, sand and water.
6. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement
standard sand and water shall be as follows:
 Cement 200 gms
 Standard sand 600 grms
 Water (P/4 + 3.0) percent of combined weight of cement and sand, where p is
the percentage of water required to produce a paste of standard consistency.

MOULDING SPECIMENS:
1. In assembling the moulds ready for use, cover the joints between the halves of the
mould with a thin film of petroleum jelly and apply a similar coating of petroleum
jelly between the contact surfaces of the bottom of the mould and its base plate in
order to ensure that no water escapes during vibration.
2. Treat the interior faces of the mould with a thin coating of mould oil.
3. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and firmly hold it is
position by means of suitable clamps.
25
4. Securely attach a hopper of suitable size and shape at the top of the mould to facilitate
filling and this hopper shall not be removed until completion of the vibration period.
5. Immediately after mixing the mortar, place the mortar in the cube mould and rod with
a rod.
6. The mortar shall be rodded 20 times in about 8 seconds to ensure elimination of
entrained air and honey combing.
7. Place the remaining quantity of mortar in the hopper of the cube mould and rod again
as specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by vibrations.
8. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12,000 + 400
vibrations per minute.
9. At the end of vibration remove the mould together with the base plate from the
machine and finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing surface
with the blade of a trowel.

CURING SPECIMEN:
1. Keep the filled moulds at a temperature of 27 + 20 C in an atmosphere of at least 90
% relative humidity for about 24 hours after completion of vibration.
2. At the end of that period remove them from the moulds.
3. Immediately submerge in clean fresh water and keep them under water until testing.
4. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be renewed every 7 days and shall
be maintained at a temperature of 27 0C + 20C.
5. After they have been taken out and until they are tested the cubes shall not be allowed
to become dry.

TESTING:
1. Test three cubes for compressive strength at the periods mentioned under the relevant
specification for different hydraulic cements, the periods being reckoned from the
completion of vibration.
2. The compressive strength shall be the average of the strengths of three cubes for each
period of curing.
3. The cubes shall be tested on their sides without any packing between the cube and the
steel platens of the testing machine.
4. One of the platens shall be carried base and shall be self adjusting and the load shall
be steadily and uniformly applied starting from zero at a rate of 350 Kgs/Cm2/ min.

The cubes are tested at the following periods


Ordinary portland cement 3, 7 and 28 days.
Rapid hardening portland cement 1 and 3 days.
Low heat portland cement 3 and 7 days.

CALCULATION:
Calculate the compressive strength from the crushing load and the average area over which
the load is applied. Express the results in N/mm2 to the nearest 0.05 mm2.
Compressive strength in N/mm2 = P/A =
Where P is the crushing load in N and A is the area in mm2 (5000 mm2)

PRECAUTIONS:
Inside of the cube moulds should be oiled to prevent the mortar from adhering to the
sides of the mould.
26
RESULT: The average compressive strength of the given cement
at 3 days N/mm2
at 7 days N/mm2
at 28 days N/mm2

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS 269-1989, IS 8112-1989, IS 12269 -1987, IS 4031-1988
(Part4) & IS: 4031-1988).

DISCUSSION:

Table: Standard Specified value of Compressive Strength of Cement


COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (N/mm2)
CEMENT
TYPE 1 Day 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days

OPC(33) — 16 22 33

OPC(43) — 23 33 43

OPC(53) — 27 27 53

SRC — 10 16 33

PPC — 16 22 33

RHPC 16 27 — —

PSC 16 22 33

High alumina 30 35 — —

Super
sulphated — 15 22 30

Low heat — 10 16 35

Masonry — — 2.5 5.0

IRS-T-40

VIVA VOCE:

1. What are the factors affect the compressive strength of cement mortar?
2. Why cubes are not tested on their sides as cast?
3. What is the crack pattern in the cube?
4. Does compressive strength of cement-sand mortar truly reflect the compressive
strength?
5. How can you be sure that the cement is thoroughly mixed in the mortar?

27
SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT
AIM: To determine the soundness of the given sample of cement by "Le Chatelier" Method.

APPARATUS: Le Chatelier apparatus conforming to IS 5514-1969, Balance, Weights,


Water bath.

THEORY:

It is essential that the cement concrete shall not undergo appreciable change in volume
after setting. This is ensured by limiting the quantities of free lime, magnesia and sulphates in
cement which are the causes of the change in volume known as unsoundness.
Unsoundness in cement does not come to surface for a considerable period of time. This test
is designed to accelerate the slaking process by the application of heat and discovering the
defects in a short time. Unsoundness produces cracks, distortion and disintegration there by
giving passage to water and atmospheric gases which may have injurious effects on concrete
and reinforcement.
The apparatus for conducting the test consists of small split cylinder of spring brass or other
suitable metal of 0.5mm thickness forming a mould 30 mm internal diameter and 30mm high.
On either side of the split mould are attached to indicators with pointed ends, the distance
from these ends to the centre of the cylinder being 165 mm. The mould shall be kept in good
condition with the jaws not more than 50mm apart.

PROCEDURE:

1. Place the lightly oiled mould on a lightly oiled glass sheet and fill it with cement paste
formed by gauging cement with 0.78 times the water required to give a paste of
standard consistency.
2. The paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in
determination of consistency of standard cement paste, taking care to keep the edges
of the mould gently together
3. While this operation is being performed cover the mould with another piece of glass
sheet, place a small weight on this covering glass sheet and immediately submerge the
whole assembly in water at a temperature of 27 0 - 20 C and keep there for 24 hours.
4. Measure the distance separating the indicator points.
5. Submerge the moulds again in water at the temperature prescribed above.
6. Bring the water to boiling, with the mould kept submerged for 25 to 30 minutes, and
keep it boiling for three hours.
7. Remove the mould from the water allows it to cool and measure the distance between
the indicator points.
8. The difference between these two measurements represents the expansion of the
cement.
9. For good quality cement this expansion should not be more than 10mm.

OBSERVATIONS:

Initial distance between the indicator points in mm =


Final distance between the indicator points in mm =
Expansion in mm = final length - initial length =
28
RESULT: Expansion in mm______

DISCUSSION:

Type/Name of cement Reference Indian standard Expansion (max.)

OPC (33) IS:269-1989 10 mm

OPC (43) IS:8112-1989 10 mm

OPC (53) IS:12269-1987 10 mm

Rapid hardening IS:8041-1990 10 mm

Low heat cement IS:12600-1989 10 mm

Super sulphated IS:6909-1990 5 mm

Portland pozzolana IS:1489-1991(part 1) 10 mm

PSC IS:455-1976 10 mm

High alumina cement IS:6452-1989 5 mm

SRC IS:12330-1988 10 mm

Masonry cement IS:3466-1988 10 mm

IRS-T-40 Railway standards 5 mm

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS 269-1989 AND IS 4031-1988 PART 3)

29
SLUMP CONE TEST
AIM: To measure the consistency of concrete by using slump cone

APPARATUS: Slump cone, tamping rod, metallic sheet.

PROCEDURE:
1. The internal surface of the mould is thoroughly cleaned and freed from superfluous
moisture and adherence of any old set concrete before commencing the test.
2. The mould is placed on a smooth, horizontal rigid and non – absorbent surface.
3. The mould is then filled in four layers each approximately ¼ of the height of the
mould.
4. Each layer is tamped 25 times rod taking care to distribute the strokes evenly over the
cross section. After the top layer has been rodded, the concrete is struck off level with
a trowel and tamping rod.
5. The mould is removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and
carefully in a vertical direction.
6. This allows the concrete to subside. This subside is referred as slump of concrete.
7. The difference in level between the height of the mould and that of the highest point
of the subsided concrete is measured. This difference in height in mm is taken as
slump of concrete.
8. The pattern of slump indicates the characteristics of concrete in addition to the slump
value. If the concrete slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the cone
slides down, it is called shear slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is
measured as the difference in height between the height of the mould and the average
value of the subsidence. Shear slump also indicates that the concrete is non-cohesive
and shows the characteristic of segregation.

30
RESULT: The slump value of the concrete is ___________

DISCUSSION:

This test is not a true guide to workability. For example, a harsh coarse mix cannot be
said to have same workability as one with a large portion of sand even though they have the
same slump.

Recommended slumps of concrete mix of various works:

Sl Description of work Recommended


No slump in cm
1 Road work 2.5 to 5.0

2 Ordinary beams to 5 to 10
slabs
3 Columns thin 7.5 to 12.5
vertical section &
retaining Walls etc
4 Mass 2.5 to 5
concrete(Runway,
|Pavements)

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS 269-1989 AND IS 4031-1988 PART 3)

VIVA VOCE:
1. Comments on the test result by comparing it with standard result. Can this cement be
used for construction work?
2. What is the practical importance of time-setting determination?
3. How the fine grinding of cement does affect the time of set?
4. Differentiate between setting and hardening of cement?

31
COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

AIM: To measure the workability of concrete by compaction factor test


APPARATUS: Compaction factor test apparatus
PROCEDURE:

1. The sample of concrete to be tested is placed in the upper hopper up to the brim. The
trapdoor is opened so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
2. Then the trap-door of the lower hopper is opened and the concrete is allowed to fall in
to the cylinder. In the case of a dry-mix, it is likely that the concrete may not fall on
opening the trap-door
3. In such a case, a slight poking by a rod may be required to set the concrete in motion.
The excess concrete remaining above the top level of the cylinder is then cut off with
the help of plane blades.
4. The outside of the cylinder is wiped clean. The concrete is filled up exactly up to the
top level of the cylinder.
5. It is weighed to the nearest 10 grams. This weight is known as “weight of partially
compacted concrete”.
6. The cylinder is emptied and then refilled with the concrete from the same sample in
layers approximately 5cm deep. The layers are heavily rammed or preferably
vibrated so as to obtain full compaction. The top surface of the fully compacted
concrete is then carefully struck off level with the top of the cylinder and weighed to
the nearest 10 gm. This weight is known as “ weight of fully compacted concrete”
Weight of partially compacted concrete The compaction factor = ------------------------
-------------------------- Weight of fully compacted concrete

Result: The compaction factor of the given sample of concrete is_______________%

32
Fig: Compacting factor test apparatus
OBSERVATIONS:

Sl. no Water Mass with Mass with Mass with Mass with C.F=
Cement partially fully Partially fully (W2-
ratio compacted compacted compacted compacted W1)/
concrete concrete concrete concrete (W3-W1)
(W2) (W3) (W2 – W1) (W3 – W1)

DISCUSSION:
It is more sensitive, precise than slump test and is particularly useful to concrete mixes of
low workability.

Suggested ranges of values of compaction factors for different placing conditions.

S.No Placing condition Degree of Values of Workability


Workability
1 Concreting shallow Very low 0.75 to 0.80
section with
Vibration
2 Concreting of lightly Low 0.8 to 0.85
reinforced section
with vibration
3 Concreting of lightly Medium 0.85 to 0.92

33
reinforced section
without vibration or
heavily reinforced
with vibration
4 Concreting of heavily High 0.92 to above
reinforced without
vibration

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS 269-1989 AND IS 4031-1988 PART 3)

VIVA VOCE:
1. What the difference is between fully compacted and partially compacted concrete?
2. What is the significance of compacted concrete?
3. Define density of concrete & how it affects the strength of concrete?

34
VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER

AIM: To measure the workability of concrete by vee-bee consistometer test

APPARATUS : Vee-Bee consistometer test apparatus.

PROCEDURE:

1. Placing the slump cone inside the sheet metal cylindrical pot of the consistometer.
2. The glass disc attached to the swivel arm is turned and placed on the top of the concrete
pot
3. The electrical vibrator is switched on and simultaneously a stop watch is started.
4. The vibration is continued till such a time as the conical shape of the concrete disappears
and the concrete assumes cylindrical shape.
5. Immediately when the concrete fully assumes a cylindrical shape, the stop watch is
switched off. The time required for the the shape of concrete to change from slump cone
shape to cylindrical shape in seconds is known as vee bee degree.

Fig: Vee-Bee Consistometer Apparatus

A= cylindrical pot B= sheet metal cone C= glass disc D= swivel arm E=glass disc
adjustable screw F= adjustable screw

35
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Initial reading on the graduated rod, a


Final reading on the graduated rod, b
Slump (b) – (a), mm
Time for complete remoulding,
seconds

RESULT: The consistency of the concrete is ___________________ sec.

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS 269-1989 AND IS 4031-1988 PART 3)

DISCUSSION:

Vee-Bee Time
Workability Description (in Second)

Extremely Dry 32-18

Very Stiff 18-10

Stiff 10-5

Stiff Plastic 5-3

Plastic 3-0

Flowing —

VIVA VOCE:
1. Why the name Vebe has given to this test?
2. Of the three test of workability, which one is the best and why?
3. How the workability is is measured in this test?
4. What is concluded from the slump and Vebe time?

36
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT CONCRETE

AIM: To determine the cube strength of the concrete of given properties.


APPARATUS: Moulds for the test cubes, tamping rods.

PROCEDURE:

1. Calculate the material required for preparing the concrete of given proportions
2. Mix them thoroughly in mechanical mixer until uniform colour of concrete is
obtained
3. Pour concrete in the oiled with medium viscosity oil. Fill concrete is cube moulds in
two layers each of approximately 75mm and ramming each layer with 35 blows
evenly distributed over the surface of layer.
4. Fill the moulds in 2 layers each of approximately 50mm deep and ramming each layer
heavily.
5. Struck off concrete flush with the top of the moulds.
6. Immediately after being made, they should be covered with wet mats.
7. Specimens are removed from the moulds after 24hrs and cured in water 28 days
8. After 24hrs of casting, cylinder specimens are capped by neat cement paste 35 percent
water content on capping apparatus. After 24 hours the specimens are immersed into
water for final curing.
9. Compression tests of cube and cylinder specimens are made as soon as practicable
after removal from curing pit. Test-specimen during the period of their removal from
the curing pit and till testing, are kept moist by a wet blanket covering and tested in a
moist condition.
10. Place the specimen centrally on the location marks of the compression testing
machine and load is applied continuously, uniformly and without shock.
11. Also note the type of failure and appearance cracks.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Specimen 1 2 3 Mean Value


Load on cubes in KN

DISCUSSION:
The strength of concrete increases with age. Table shows the strength of concrete at
different ages in comparison with the strength at 28 days after casting.

Table: Percentage strength of concrete at various ages:

Age Strength percent


1 day 16%

3 days 40%

7 days 65%

14 days 90%

28 days 99%

37
Table: Compressive strength of different grades of concrete at 7 and 28 days
Grade Minimum compressive Specified characteristic
of strength N/mm2 at 7 compressive strength
Concrete days (N/mm2) at 28 days
M15 10 15
M20 13.5 20
M25 17 25
M30 20 30
M35 23.5 35
M40 27 40
M45 30 45

RELEVANT CODE:
Bureau of Indian Standard, (IS 269-1989 AND IS 4031-1988 PART 3)

VIVA VOCE:
1. Cube strength is higher than cylinder strength. Why?
2. Why compressive strength are determined for brittle materials?
3. Why are the mould oiled before the start of the experiments?
4. Why capping is necessary for cylindrical specimen?

38
FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST
AIM: To determine the flash and fire point of a given bituminous material.

APPARATUS: Pensky-martens closed cup tester, thermometer, heating source, flame exposure.

THEORY:

When bituminous binder is heated continuously, it starts emitting volatile above a


certain temperature and these volatile vapours can momentarily catch fire causing a flash,
though the binder itself does not catch fire and burn at this temperature. Flash point is
determined as the lowest temperature at which application of test flame causes the vapour of
binder to catch an instant fire in the form of flash under specified test condition. Fire point if
defined as the lowest temperature at which application of test flame causes the binder to
ignite and burn atleast for five seconds under specified test conditions.

PROCEDURE:

1. All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.

2. The material is filled in the cup upto a mark. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed
system. All accessories including thermometer of the specified range are suitably fixed.

3. The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that
the size of a bed is of 4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5 o to 6oC
per minute. During heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of approximately 60
revolutions per minute.

4. The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points
and corresponding temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash and fire are
noted.

39
Fig: Flash and Fire point test Apparatus

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Test Trial 1 Trial 2 Mean value

Flash point

Fire point

RESULT: The temperature at which the flame application that causes a bright flash at___oC and
temperature at which the sample catches fire ___oC.

DISCUSSION:

When the bitumen is to be heated before mixing or application, ultimate care is taken to
see that heating is limited to a temperature well below the flash point. This is essential from
safety point of view.

BIS has specified a minimum value of flash point of 220oC for all grades of bitumen
when determined from open cup test.

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, IS:1209-1978, Indian Standard method of Testing Tar and
Bituminous Materials.

VIVA VOCE:

1. Define flash and fire points.

2. What is the significance of flash and fire point test?

3. What are the parameter that affects the result of flash and fire point tests?

40
SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR BITUMEN
AIM: To determine the specific gravity of given Bituminous material.

APPARATUS: Specific gravity bottle, balance and distilled water.

THEORY:

The specific gravity of bitumen is the fundamental property frequently used as an aid
to classify the binder for use in paving job. The specific gravity is influenced by the chemical
composition of binder. It is defined as the ratio of the mass of given volume of bituminous
material to the mass of equal amount of water.

PROCEDURE:

1. The clean, dried specific gravity bottle is weighed let that be W1gm

2. Than it is filled with fresh distilled water and then kept in water bath for at least half
an hour at temperature 27oC±0.1oC.

3. The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The specific gravity bottle
containing distilled water is now weighed. Let this be W2gm.

4. Then the specific gravity bottle is emptied and cleaned. The bituminious material is
heated to a pouring temperature and the material is poured half the bottle, by taking
care to prevent entry of air bubbles. Then it is weighed. Let this be W3gm.

5. The remaining space in specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled water at 27oC
and is weighed. Let this be W4gm. Then specific gravity of bituminous material is
given by formula. (W3 – W1) = ------------------------------- (W2 – W1) – (W4 – W3)

RESULT: The specific gravity of given bituminous binder is ________________

DISCUSSION:

Knowledge of specific gravity of Bitumen has mainly two applications. First to


convert the bitumen content by weight to volume basis when the binder is measured by
volume. Second, the specific gravity is useful to identify the source of all type of bituminous
binders. Pure bitumen has specific gravity in the range of 0.97 to 1.02. Vertical retort tars
have a specific gravity of 1.10 to 1.15 whereas horizontal retort tars have specific gravity
ranging from 1.18 to 1.25.

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, IS:1202-1978, Indian Standard method of Testing Tar and
Bituminous Materials

41
VIVA VOCE:

1. Define specific gravity.

2. What is the use of finding specific gravity?

3. What are the factors affecting specific gravity test?

42
PENETRATION TEST
AIM: To determine the consistency of bituminous material

APPARATUS: Penetration apparatus, thermometer, time measuring device, transfer dish,


water bath, needle, container.

THEORY:

The penetration test determines the consistency of the bituminous material for the
purpose of grading them by measuring the depth to which a standard needle will penetrate
under specified condition of standard load, duration and temperature. Thus the basic principle
of penetration test is to determine the penetration of needle of weight 100 g in 5 seconds.

PROCEDURE.

1. Soften the material to a pouring consistency at a temperature not more than 60oC for
tars and 90oC for bitumen above the approximate softening point and stir it
thoroughly until it is homogenous and is free from air bubbles and 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 15o to 30oC for one hour. Then place it along with the transfer dish in the
water bath at 25.0o ±0.1oC and allow it to remain for 1 to 11/2 hour. The test is
carried out at 25.0o ±0.1oC, unless otherwise stated.

2. Fill the transfer dish 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 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 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 reading at points on the surface of the sample not less than 10mm
apart and 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 it. In case of material of penetration greater than 225 three determinations on

43
each of the two identical tests specimens using a separate needle for each
determination should be made, leaving the needle in the sample onj completion of
each determinations to avoid disturbance of the specimen.

Fig: Penetration Test Concept

RESULT: The Penetration value of given bitumen is ________________

DISCUSSION:

Penetration test is commonly adopted to determine the grade of bitumen. The


penetration values are generally denoted as 60/70, 80/100, 30/40 etc. 80/100 means the
penetration value ranges between 80 and 100. The penetration value of various types of
bitumen in India ranges from 20 to 225. The penetration test if not intended to estimate the
consistency of softer materials like cutback or tar. These materials are usually graded by
indirect viscosity test like orifice viscometer.

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, IS:1203-1978, Indian Standard method of Testing Tar and
Bituminous Materials

VIVA VOCE:

1. How is penetration value of bitumen expressed?


2. What are the effects of penetration test result on (i) higher test temperature (ii) higher
pouring temperature (iii) exposed bitumen.
3. What are the limitations of penetration test for grading of bitumen binder?

44
SOFTENING POINT TEST
AIM: To determine the softening point of bitumen.

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

THEORY:

Bitumen does not change suddenly from solid state to liquid state, but as the temperature
increases, it gradually becomes softer until it flows readily. All semi solid state needs
sufficient fluidity before they are used for application with aggregate mix. For this purpose
bitumen is cutback with a solvent like kerosene. The softening point is the temperature at
which the substance attains particular degree of softening under specified condition of test.

PROCEDURE.

1. Heat the material to a temperature between 75o – 100oC 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 50mm above the upper surface of the
rings. The starting temperature should be 5oC

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. Note down the temperature when any of the steel ball with bituminous coating
touches the bottom plate.

45
OBSERVATION:

Trial 1 Trial 2

Temperature when the ball


touches the bottom portion

Softening Point of Bitumen

RESULT: The Softening point of bitumen is:__________

DISCUSSION:

Softening point is essentially the temperature at which the bituminous binder has equal
viscosity. It thus gives an idea of the temperature at which bituminous mixes attain a certain
viscosity. Bitumen with higher softening point may be preferred in warmer place.

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, IS:1205-1978, Indian Standard method of Testing Tar and
Bituminous Materials

VIVA VOCE:

1. What is softening point?


2. What are the factors that affect the ring and ball apparatus?
3. Indicate the common range of softening point test values of the paving bitumen used
in bituminous mixes for road construction?

46
DUCTILITY TEST
AIM: To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen sample.

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

THEORY:

In flexible pavement construction, it is desirable that the bitumen binder used in the
bituminous mixes form ductile thin film around the aggregates. This serves as the satisfactory
binder in improving the physical interlocking of the aggregates. The binder material which does
not possess sufficient ductile property would crack thus provide pervious pavement surface.

PROCEDURE

1. Melt the bituminous test material completely at a temperature of 75oC to 100oC 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 surface of the sides of the mould with mercury or by a mixture of equal parts of
glycerin 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 27oC for half an hour.

6. Remove the sample and mould assembly from the water bath and trim the specimen by
leveling the surface using a hot knife.

7. Replace the mould assembly in water bath maintained at 27oC for 80 to 90 minutes.

8. Remove the sides of the moulds.

9. Hook the clips carefully on the machine without causing any initial strain.

10. Adjust the pointer to read zero.

11. Start the machine and pull two clips horizontally at a speed of 50mm 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 observations, rounded to nearest whole number as the Ductility Value.

47
Fig: Ductility testing Apparatus

OBSERVATIONS:

Trial 1 Trial 2

Initial reading ‘a’

Final reading ‘b’

Ductility in cm = ‘b’-‘a’

RESULT: The ductility of the bitumen is:

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, IS:1208-1978, Indian Standard method of Testing Tar and
Bituminous Materials

DISCUSSION:

If bitumen has low ductility value, the bituminous pavement may crack, especially in cold
weather. The ductility value may vary from 5 to 100. Often a ductility value of 50 or 75 cm is
specified for bituminous construction.

VIVA VOCE:

1. How is ductility value expressed?


2. What is the specified temperature for conducting ductility test?
3. What are the precautions to be taken while finding the ductility value?

48
VISCOSITY TEST
AIM: To determine the viscosity of bituminous binder.

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

THEORY:

Viscosity is the measure of resistance to flow. The flow of liquid under an applied force
will depend on it’s viscosity. Higher the viscosity, slower will be its movement or rate of
flow. The range of viscosity of different types of bituminous binders used in road
construction may vary depending upon the type and grade of binder and the temperature of
application.

PROCEDURE:

1. Adjust the tar viscometer so that the top of the tar cup is leveled. Select the test
temperature. Heat the water in water bath to the temperature specified for the test and
maintains it within ±0.1oC of the specified temperature throughout the duration of
test. Rotate the stirrer gently at frequent intervals or perfectly continuously.

2. Clean the tar cup orifice of the viscometer with a suitable solvent and dry thoroughly.

3. Warm and stir the material under examination to 20oC above the temperature
specified for test and cool, while continuing the stirring.

4. When the temperature falls slightly above the specified temperature, pour the tar into
the cup until the levelling peg on the valve rod is just immersed when the latter is
vertical.

5. Pour into the graduated receiver 20ml of mineral oil, or one percent by weight
solution of soft soap, and place it under the orifice of the tar cup.

6. Place the other thermometer in the tar and stir until the temperature is within ±0.1oC
of the specified temperature. When this temperature has been reached, suspend the
thermometer coaxially with the cup and with its bulb approximately at the geometric
center of the tar.

7. Allow the assembled apparatus to stand for five minutes during which period the
thermometer reading should remain within 0.05oC of the specified temperature.
Remove the thermometer and quickly remove any excess of tar so that the final level
is on the central line of the levelling peg when the valve is in vertical position.

8. Lift the valve and suspend it on valve support.

9. Start the stop watch when the reading in the cylinder is 25ml and stop it when it is
75ml. note the time in seconds.
49
10. Report the viscosity as the time taken in seconds by 50ml of tar to flow out at the
temperature specified for the test.

Fig: Viscosity test Apparatus

OBSERVATIONS:

Trial 1 Trial 2

Test temperature

Time taken to flow 50cc Of


the binder

Viscosity

RESULT: The viscosity of bitumen sample is:

DISCUSSION:

The result of the viscosity test will get affected if the test temperature of the sample is
not correctly maintained throughout the test. Viscosity by orifice viscometer gives an indirect
measure of viscosity of tars in seconds. Higher the duration, more viscous will be the
material.

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, IS:1206-1978, Indian Standard method of Testing Tar and
Bituminous Materials

VIVA VOCE:

1. Explain Viscosity?
2. What are the uses of viscosity test on bituminous binder?
3. Mention the importance of viscosity grading of bitumen?
50
DETERMINATION OF BITUMEN CONTENT

AIM: To determine quantity of bitumen in hot-mix paving mixtures and pavement samples

APPARATUS: Bituminous Extractor, Kerosene.

PROCEDURE:

1. Weight a 1000g sample of asphalt mix.


2. With the fork break the sample down to small pieces and heat the sample to about
115oC.
3. Place the sample in the bowl and weight it.
4. Cover the sample in the bowl with benzene or trichloroethane and allow it to soak for
one hour.
5. Weight filter ring. Place it around the edge of the bowl and clamp a lid on the bowl.
6. Place a beaker under the outlet.
7. Place the bowl in a centrifuge and rotate it gradually to increase the speed upto
3600rpm.
8. Rotate until the solvent ceases to flow from the outlet.
9. Stop the centrifuge, add 200ml of trichoroethane or benzene and rotate it again.
10. Repeat the procedure until the extract is no longer cloudy and if fairly light in color.
11. Remove the filter from the bowl and dry in air.
12. Brush the loose particles from the filter into the bowl.
13. Dry the filter to constant weight in a oven at 98oC to 105oC
14. Dry the contents of the bowl on a steam bath and then to constant in an oven at 980C
to 105oC
15. Obtain the weight of the filter and bowl with dry aggregates.

OBSERVATIONS:
Before Test:

Weight of bowl + sample (W1)g


Weight of bowl (W2)g
Weight of filter (W3)g

After Test:

Weight of bowl + sample (W4) g


Weight of filter (W5) g
Weight of sample (W1-W2) g
Weight of aggregate in bowl (W4-W2)

RESULT: The percentage of the bitumen in the given sample is _______________

51
BITUMINOUS MIX DESIGN BY MARSHALL METHOD
AIM: To determine optimum binder content of given bituminous mix by marshall method of
mix design.
APPARATUS:
1. Mould Assembly: cylindrical moulds of 10 cm diameter and 7.5 cm height consisting
of a base plate and collar extension (Figure 11.3)
2. Sample Extractor: for extruding the compacted specimen from the mould (Figure
11.2)
3. Compaction pedestal and hammer.
4. Breaking head.
5. Loading machine (Figure 11.1)
6. Flow meter , water bath, thermometers.
7. Oven

THEORY:

Bituminous mixes (some times called asphalt mixes) are used in the surface layer of
road and airfield pavements. The mix is composed usually of aggregate and asphalt cements.
Some types of bituminous mixes are also used in base coarse. The design of asphalt paving
mix, as with the design of other engineering materials is largely a matter of selecting and
proportioning constituent materials to obtain the desired properties in the finished pavement
structure.
The desirable properties of Asphalt mixes are:
1. Resistance to permanent deformation: The mix should not distort or be displaced
when subjected to traffic loads. The resistance to permanent deformation is more
important at high temperatures. Fatigue resistance: the mix should not crack when
subjected to repeated loads over a period of time.
2. Resistance to low temperature cracking. This mix property is important in cold
regions.
3. Durability: the mix should contain sufficient asphalt cement to ensure an adequate
film thickness around the aggregate particles. The compacted mix should not have
very high air voids, which accelerates the aging process.
4. Resistance to moisture-induced damage.
5. Skid resistance.
6. Workability: the mix must be capable of being placed and compacted with reasonable
effort.
7. Low noise and good drainage properties: If the mix is to be used for the surface
(wearing) layer of the pavement structure. Marshall stability and Hveem stabilometer
tests are largely used for the routine testing.

The Marshall Stability and flow test provides the performance prediction measure for the
Marshall mix design method. The stability portion of the test measures the maximum load
supported by the test specimen at a loading rate of 50.8 mm/minute. Load is applied to the
specimen till failure, and the maximum load is designated as stability. During the loading, an
attached dial gauge measures the specimen’s plastic flow (deformation) due to the loading.
The flow value is recorded in 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) increments at the same time when the

52
maximum load is recorded. The important steps involved in marshal mix design are
summarized next.

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. All the compacted specimens are subject to the following tests: ·
a. Bulk density determination.
b. Stability and flow test. ·
c. Density and voids analysis.

1. The coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and mineral filler material should be
proportioned and mixed in such a way that final mix after blending has the graduation
within the specified range.

Nominal size aggregate 19mm 13mm


Layer thickness 50-65mm 30-45mm
Sieve size in mm Percentage passing by weight
Grade 1 Grade 2
26.5 100 -
19 79 – 100 100
13.2 59-79 79-100
9.5 52-72 70-88
4.75 35-55 53-71
2.36 28-44 42-58
1.18 20-34 34-48
0.6 15-27 26-38
0.3 10-20 18-28
0.15 5-13 12-20
0.075 2-8 4-10
Bitumen content in % by 5.0 to 6.0 % 5.0 to 7.0
weight of total mix
Bitumen Grade VG 30 (penetration 65) VG 30 (penetration 65)

2. Approximately 1200 grams of aggregates and filler are taken and heated to a
temperature of 175oC to 195O C.
3. The compaction mould assembly and rammer are cleaned and kept pre- heated to a
temperature of 100oC to 145oC. The bitumen is heated to temperature of 121oC to
138oC and the required quantity of first trial percentage o f bitumen is added to the
heated aggregate and thoroughly mixed using a mechanical mixer or by hand mixing
with trowel.
4. Then the mix is heated and a temperature of 150o to 160oC is maintained and then the
mix is transferred into the pre-heated mould and compacted by giving seventy five
blows on each side.
5. The specific gravity values of different aggregates, filler and bitumen used are
determined first. The theoretical specific gravity of the mix is determined.

53
6. Soon after the compacted bituminous mix specimens have cooled to room
temperature, the weight, average thickness and diameter of the specimen are noted.
The specimens are weighted in air and then in water.
7. The bulk density value of the specimen if calculated from weight and volume
8. Then the specimen to be tested is kept immersed under water in a thermostatically
controlled water bath maintained at 60o ±1oC for 30 to 40 minutes.
9. The specimens are taken out one, placed in the marshal test and the marshal stability
value and flow are noted.
10. The corrected Marshall Stability value of each specimen is determined by applying
the appropriate correction factor, if the average height of the specimen is not exactly
11. 63.5mm.
12. Five graphs are plotted with values of bitumen content against the values of density,
13. Marshall Stability, voids in total mix, flow value, voids filled by bitumen.
14 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

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS:

Theoretical specific gravity of the mix ‘Gt’

Theoretical specific gravity Gt is the specific gravity without considering air voids, and is
given by:

Gt = W1 + W2 + W3 + Wb

W1/ G1 + W2 /G2 + W3/ G3 + Wb/Gb

where, W1 is the weight of coarse aggregate in the total mix, W2 is the weight of fine
aggregate in the total mix, W3 is the weight of filler in the total mix, Wb is the weight of
bitumen in the total mix, G1 is the apparent specific gravity of coarse aggregate, G2 is the
apparent specific gravity of fine aggregate, G3 is the apparent specific gravity of filler and Gb
is the apparent specific gravity of bitumen.

Bulk specific gravity of mix ‘Gm’

The bulk specific gravity or the actual specific gravity of the mix Gm is the specific gravity
considering air voids and is found out by:

Gm = Wm

Wm – Ww

54
where, Wm is the weight of mix in air, Ww is the weight of mix in water, Note that Wm −
Ww gives the volume of the mix. Sometimes to get accurate bulk specific gravity, the
specimen is coated with thin film of paraffin wax, when weight is taken in the water. This,
however requires to consider the weight and volume of wax in the calculations.

Air voids percent ‘Vv’

Air voids Vv is the percent of air voids by volume in the specimen and is given by:

Vv = (Gt − Gm) 100

Gt

where Gt is the theoretical specific gravity of the mix, given by equation 26.1. and Gm is the
bulk or actual specific gravity of the mix.

Percent volume of bitumen Vb

The volume of bitumen Vb is the percent of volume of bitumen to the total volume and given
by:

Vb = Wb/ Gb

(W1+W2+W3+Wb)/Gm

where, W1 is the weight of coarse aggregate in the total mix, W2 is the weight of fine
aggregate in the total mix, W3 is the weight of filler in the total mix, Wb is the weight of
bitumen in the total mix, Gb is the apparent specific gravity of bitumen, and Gm is the bulk
specific gravity of mix.

Voids in mineral aggregate (VMA)

Voids in mineral aggregate V MA is the volume of voids in the aggregates, and is the sum of
air voids and volume of bitumen, and is calculated from

VMA = Vv + Vb

where, Vv is the percent air voids in the mix and Vb is percent bitumen content in the mix

Voids filled with bitumen (VFB)

Voids filled with bitumen V FB is the voids in the mineral aggregate frame work filled with
the bitumen, and is calculated as:

V FB = (Vb /V MA) X 100

55
where, Vb is percent bitumen content in the mix and V MA is the percent voids in the
mineral aggregate.

Determine Marshall Stability and flow

Marshall Stability of a test specimen is the maximum load required to produce failure
when the specimen is preheated to a prescribed temperature placed in a special test head and
the load is applied at a constant strain (5 cm per minute). While the stability test is in progress
dial gauge is used to measure the vertical deformation of the specimen. The deformation at
the failure point expressed in units of 0.25 mm is called the Marshall flow value of the
specimen.

Apply stability correction:

It is possible while making the specimen the thickness slightly vary from the standard
specification of 63.5 mm. Therefore, measured stability values need to be corrected to those
which would have been obtained if the specimens had been exactly 63.5 mm. This is done by
multiplying each measured stability value by an appropriated correlation factors as given in
Table below

Table: Correction factors for Marshall Stability values

Preparation of graphical plots

The average value of the above properties is determined for each mix with different
bitumen content and the following graphical plots are prepared:

1. Binder content versus corrected Marshall Stability

2. Binder content versus Marshall flow.

3. Binder content versus percentage of void (Vv) in the total mix.

4. Binder content versus voids filled with bitumen (V FB).

56
5. Binder content versus unit weight or bulk specific gravity (Gm)

Determine optimum bitumen content:

Determine the optimum binder content for the mix design by taking average value of
the following three bitumen contents found form the graphs obtained in the previous step.

1. Binder content corresponding to maximum stability.

2. Binder content corresponding to maximum bulk specific gravity (Gm).

3. Binder content corresponding to the median of designed limits of percent air voids (Vv) in
the total mix (i.e. 4%)

The stability value, flow value, and V FB are checked with Marshall mix design specification
chart given in Table below. Mixes with very high stability value and low flow value are not
desirable as the pavements constructed with such mixes are likely to develop cracks due to
heavy moving loads.

RESULT: The optimum binder content of the given mix is ______________

DISCUSSIONS:

Different agencies have suggested different procedures to decide the optimum


binder content of the design mix using the Marshall method of design. National Asphalt
Pavement Association has suggested that the binder content corresponding mid value of
specified range of air voids (4.0%) may be considered as the optimum binder content.

57
RELEVANT CODE:

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Specifications for Road and Bridge Works,
Fifth Edition.

VIVA VOCE:

1. Why do you need Bituminous Mix design?


2. What is the significance of Stability and Flow value in Marshall test?
3. What is the measure taken if mix results in excessive voids?
4. What are the common types of fillers used in Bituminous Mix design?

58
CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR) TEST

AIM: To determine CBR value of given soil sample.

APPARTUS:

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

THEORY:

CBR test is one of the most commonly used methods to evaluate the strength of a sub
grade soil, sub base, and base course material for design of thickness for
highways and airfield pavement. The california bearing ratio test is penetration test
meant for the evaluation of subgrade strength of roads and pavements. The results
obtained by these tests are used with the empirical curves to determine the thickness
of pavement and its component layers. This is the most widely used method for the
design of flexible pavement. It is the ratio of force per unit area required to penetrate a
soil mass with standard circular piston at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. to that required for
the corresponding penetration of a standard material.

C.B.R. = Test load/Standard load  100

The following table gives the standard loads adopted for different penetrations for the
standard material with a C.B.R. value of 100%

59
PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

Undisturbed specimen

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

Remoulded specimen

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

Dynamic Compaction

1. Take about 4.5 to 5.5 kg of soil and mix thoroughly with the required water.
2. Fix the extension collar and the base plate to the mould. Insert the spacer disc over the
base (See Fig.38). Place the filter paper on the top of the spacer disc.
3. Compact the mix soil in the mould using either light compaction or heavy
compaction. For light compaction, compact the soil in 3 equal layers, each layer being
given 55 blows by the 2.6 kg rammer. For heavy compaction compact the soil in 5
layers, 56 blows to each layer by the 4.89 kg rammer.
4. Remove the collar and trim off soil.
5. Turn the mould upside down and remove the base plate and the displacer disc.
6. Weigh the mould with compacted soil and determine the bulk density and dry density.
7. Put filter paper on the top of the compacted soil (collar side) and clamp the perforated
base plate on to it.

60
Static compaction

1. Calculate the weight of the wet soil at the required water content to give the desired
density when occupying the standard specimen volume in the mould from the
expression.

W =desired dry density * (1+w) V

Where W = Weight of the wet soil

a. w = desired water content

V = volume of the specimen in the mould = 2250 cm3 (as per the mould available in
laboratory)

2. Take the weight W (calculated as above) of the mix soil and place it in the mould.
3. Place a filter paper and the displacer disc on the top of soil.
4. Keep the mould assembly in static loading frame and compact by pressing the
displacer disc till the level of disc reaches the top of the mould.
5. Keep the load for some time and then release the load. Remove the displacer disc.
6. The test may be conducted for both soaked as well as unsoaked conditions.
7. If the sample is to be soaked, in both cases of compaction, put a filter paper on the top
of the soil and place the adjustable stem and perforated plate on the top of filter paper.
8. Put annular weights to produce a surcharge equal to weight of base material and
pavement expected in actual construction. Each 2.5 kg weight is equivalent to 7 cm
construction. A minimum of two weights should be put.
9. Immerse the mould assembly and weights in a tank of water and soak it for 96 hours.
Remove the mould from tank.
10. Note the consolidation of the specimen

Procedure for Penetration Test

1. Place the mould assembly with the surcharge weights on the penetration test machine.
2. Seat the penetration piston at the center of the specimen with the smallest possible
load, but in no case in excess of 4 kg so that full contact of the piston on the sample is
established.

61
3. Set the stress and strain dial gauge to read zero. Apply the load on the piston so that
the penetration rate is about 1.25 mm/min.
4. Record the load readings at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10
and 12.5 mm. Note the maximum load and corresponding penetration if it occurs for a
penetration less than 12.5 mm.
5. Detach the mould from the loading equipment. Take about 20 to 50 g of soil from the

top 3 cm layer and determine the moisture content.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

For Dynamic Compaction

Optimum water content (%)

Weight of mould + compacted specimen g

Weight of empty mould g

Weight of compacted specimen g

Volume of specimen cm3

Bulk density g/cc

Dry density g/cc

For static compaction:

Dry density g/cc

Moulding water content %

Wet weight of the compacted soil, (W)g

Period of soaking 96 hrs. (4days).

For penetration Test:

62
Calibration factor of the proving ring: 1 Div. = 1.10 kg

Surcharge weight used (kg: 2.0 kg per 6 cm construction

Water content after penetration test %

Least count of penetration dial: 1 Div. = 0.01 mm

If the initial portion of the curve is concave upwards, apply correction by drawing a tangent
to the curve at the point of greatest slope and shift the origin (Fig. 40). Find and record the
correct load reading corresponding to each penetration.

C.B.R. = PT�/PS  100

where PT = Corrected test load corresponding to the chosen penetration from the load
penetration curve.

PS = Standard load for the same penetration taken from the table .

CBR @ 2.5 mm depth= load at 2.5mm X 1.1

1370

CBR @ 5 mm depth= load at 5mm X 1.1

2550

63
64
DISCUSSION:

The Indian Road Congress (IRC) has standardized the guidelines for the design of
flexible pavements based on CBR test results (IRC 37) and these guidelines are followed for
the design of flexible pavements for all categories of road in India. For low-volume- village
roads/ rural roads, separate design specifications are made available by IRC.
The recommended CBR value for road construction is as follows.

Type of Road
Layer Highway Rural road
Subgrade
Subbase 20-30% 15%
Base

RELEVANT CODE:

Bureau of Indian Standard, Indian Standard Methods of Test for Soil, Part-16, laboratory,
Determination of CBR, IS 2720(Part 16)-1987.
VIVA VOCE:

1. How is CBR value expressed?


2. What is the objective of soaking CBR test specimen in the laboratory?
3. When is the correction of CBR curve called for?
4. What are the applications of CBR test?
5. CBR value of A is 15% and sample B is 4%. Which is the better soil. Why?

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