Pavement and Highways Engineering Lab Manual PDF

PAVEMENT AND HIGHWAY ENGINEERING LAB MANUAL FA17-BCV-009
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MIRPUR UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Program: Bachelor of Civil Engineering (BSc. CE)
VISION OF THE DEPARTMENT

To produce eminent, competitive and dedicated civil engineers by imparting latest
technical skills and ethical values to empower the students to play a key role in the
planning and execution of infrastructural & developmental activities of the nation.
MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT
To provide exceptional education in civil engineering through quality teaching, state-ofthe-art

facilities and dynamic guidance to produce civil engineering graduates, who are
professionally excellent to face complex technical challenges with creativity, leadership,
ethics and social consciousness.
PAVEMENT AND HIGHWAYS ENGINEERING LAB MANUAL
MANDATORY LAB INSTRUCTIONS

1. Students should report to the labs concerned as per the timetable.
2. Record should be updated from time to time and the previous experiment must be signed
by the faculty in charge concerned before attending the lab.
3. Students who turn up late to the labs will in no case be permitted to perform the
experiment scheduled for the day.
4. After completion of the experiment, certification of the staff in-charge concerned in the
observation book is necessary.
5. Students should bring a notebook of about 100 pages and should enter the
readings/observations/results into the notebook while performing the experiment.
6. The record of observations along with the detailed experimental procedure of the
experiment performed in the immediate previous session should be
submitted and certified by the staff member in-charge.
7. Not more than FIVE students in a group are permitted to perform the
experiment on a set up.
8. The group-wise division made in the beginning should be adhered to, and no
mix up of student among different groups will be permitted later.
9. The components required pertaining to the experiment should be collected from

Lab- in-charge after duly filling in the requisition form.
10. When the experiment is completed, students should disconnect the setup made
by them, and should return all the components/instruments taken for the
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purpose.
11. Any damage of the equipment or burnout of components will be viewed
seriously either by putting penalty or by dismissing the total group of students
from the lab for the semester/year.
12. Students should be present in the labs for the total scheduled duration.
13. Students are expected to prepare thoroughly to perform the experiment before
coming to Laboratory.
14. Procedure sheets/data sheets provided to the students groups should be
maintained neatly and are to be returned after the experiment.
15. DRESS CODE:
1. Boys - Formal dress
2. Girls - Formal dress (salwar kameez).
3. SOPs are to be followed strictly.
4. Students will have to wear masks all the time.
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
1. SKID RESISTANCE TEST

2. STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR PENETRATION OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
3. STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DUCTILITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
NOTE: ASTM STANDARDS HAS BEEN USED TO PREPARE THIS MANUAL
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EXPERIMENT No. 1
SKID RESISTANCE TEST
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the experiment is to determine the skid resistance value,
for different type of micro texture on the road pavement surface by performing skid
resistance test.
APPARATUS:
(a) Parts
• Slider – Slider assembly consists of an aluminium backing plate to which a rubber

strip 3’’ x 1’’ x ¼’’ is bonded.
• Leveling screws
• Scale
• Drag pointer
• Locking and control knobs
• Frictional rings
(b) Accessories
• Contact path gauge – shall consist of a thin ruler suitably marked for measuring
contact path length between (4 7/8’’ and 5’’).
• Water container
• Surface thermometer and
• Brush
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RELATED THEORY:
Skid Resistance
The British Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester is an impact type pendulum used to measure the
energy loss when a rubber slider edge is propelled over a test surface. The values measured
represent the frictional properties and are expressed as BPN (British Pendulum Number).
SKIDDING Skid Resistance

In skidding phenomenon, the distance travelled by wheel on the road is more than the
circumferential movement. When brakes are applied, wheels get locked and still if the vehicle
moves ahead, longitudinal skidding is said to occur. Skid Resistance
SLIPPING
In slipping, the distance travelled by wheel on the road is less than the circumferential
movement. If the wheels of the vehicle are rotating but the vehicle is not moving forward, then
slipping is said to occur.
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SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE
Friction between vehicle and road surface plays a vital role in determining the
• Maximum operating speed and the distance required in safely stopping the
vehicles.
• Road pavements are designed to provide reasonably high coefficient of friction but
with the movement of traffic, the aggregates in the wearing coarse of the road get
polished resulting in reduction of the frictional or skid resistance of the road. Skid
Resistance
• British Pendulum Tester is used to measure the frictional resistance of road at
sections which appear to be potentially slippery and unsafe against skidding.
• British Pendulum Tester is used for field and laboratory tests.
FACTORS AFFECTING SKIDDING RESISTANCE
• Condition of Tires – Vehicles having smooth tires would have slightly lower
skidding resistance.
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• Effect of Road Temperature – Skidding resistance of wet roads is higher in winter
than in summer. Skidding resistance of roads is at its lowest between April and
September. So roads with satisfactory values in winter may prove slippery during
summer. Skid Resistance
• Effect of Water – Skidding resistance is lower on wet than on dry pavements. Skid
Resistance
• Type of aggregate – sand stones and granites are more resistant to polishing action
than limestone.
Higher the skid-resistance results, better is the road surface but a high value of skid-resistance
also increases the chances of severe injuries.
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‘SKID
RESISTANCE’ STANDARD OF SKIDDING
ON WET RESISTANCE
CATEGORY TYPE OF SITE SURFACE REPRESENTED
Most difficult sites

such as;
i)- Roundabouts
ii)- Bends with

radius less than 500 ft
on derestricted roads.
iii)- Gradients, 1 in
20 or steeper, of length
greater than 100 yd.
‘Good’: fulfilling the requirements
iv)- Approach to even of fast traffic, and making it
traffic lights on most unlikely that the road will be
A derestricted roads. Above 65 the scene of repeated accidents.
General requirements, ‘Generally Satisfactory’: meeting

i.e. roads and all but the most difficult
conditions not covered conditions encountered on the
B* by categories A & C. Above 55 roads.
Easy sites, e.g. straight

roads, with easy
gradients and curves,
without junctions, and
free from any features,
such as mixed traffic,
especially liable to
create conditions of ‘Satisfactory only in favuorable
C* emergency. Above 45 circumstances.’
D All sites Below 45 ‘Potentially Slippery’
* On smooth-looking or fine-textured roads in these categories, vehicles having smooth tyres

may not find skid-resistance adequate. For such road accident studies should also be made to
ensure that there are no indications of difficulties due to skidding under wet conditions.
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PROCEDURE:
• The spot of road to be tested is selected make sure that road is dry and free from
loose materials.
• The spot of road is clean with brush before the skid resistance tester is setup so that
the center column is vertical.
• The skid resistance tester was setup at the location:
Leveling – apparatus is levelled using 3 levelling screws until the bubble is centered in the
spirit level.
Zero adjustment – raise the pendulum mechanism by loosening locking knob, till it swings
free of test surface. Tighten the knob. Place pendulum in release position and drag pointer in
horizontal position and drag pointer in horizontal position. Execute a free swing and note the
pointer reading. If reading is not zero; make adjustment by friction ring until pendulum swing
carries the pointer to zero. Skid Resistance
Slide length adjustment – with pendulum hanging free, place spacer under adjusting screw of
lifting handle and allow pendulum to move slowly to the left until the edge of the slider touches
the surface. Place gauge beside slider and parallel to the direction of swing to verify the length
of contact path which should be between (4 7/8’’ and 5’’) on flat surfaces as measured from
trailing edge to trailing edge of the rubber slider. Skid Resistance
• Place pendulum in release position and rotate drag pointer counter-clockwise until it
comes to original position.
• Set the apparatus so that the slider swings in the direction of traffic.
• Then we wet specified portion of road where we were performing the experiment by
using the water bottle.
• The pendulum arm was raised up to the starting position and then the retaining
catch was engaged.
• The maximum swing indicator was checked and set to the vertical position.
• The pendulum arm was released.
• After it has swung through, I caught the arm to prevent a back swing which
could disturb the apparatus reading.
• I noted the reading on scale that was our skid resistance value.
• We took three reading of skid resistance test and the took average.
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OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:
SKID RESISTANCE AVERAGE

TEST NO SURFACE TYPE (BPN) (BPN)
1 65
2 WET 68 67.333
3 69
RESULT:
The average value of skid resistance is 67.33BPN
PRECAUTIONS:
• Student must use safety jacket during the experiment in order to make sure the safety
of ourselves.
• Traffic cone is used to aware any vehicles that approaching the location of
experiment.
• Group leader should advice and look after the other members.
• Students also have to make sure the experiment is conducting opposite the road so
that aware with the vehicles approaching the location of the experiment.
• SOPs must be followed.
CONCULUSION AND COMMENTS:

• The value of standard skid resistance came out to be good.
• In this experiment, we can conclude that pavement have many type of micro
texture for difference suitable function for every type.
• The skid resistance values show us the friction between tyre and the micro
texture. The objective of the experiment is achieved.
• The result was taken for the wet conditions.
• 65+ value is needed for normal traffic signals and roundabouts.
• Mixed traffic needs more skid resistance.
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EXPERIMENT NO 2
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR PENETRATION OF
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS (ASTM D: 5-97)
OBJECTIVE
This test leads to the classification of bitumen based on the level of stiffness.
STANDARD
ASTM D: 5-97
1. The penetration test is used as a measure of consistency. Higher values of

penetration indicate softer consistency.
2. The test is widely used all over the world for classifying bituminous materials into
different grades.
3. Depending upon the climatic conditions and type of construction, bitumen of
different penetration grades is used. Commonly used grades are 30/40, 60/70 and
80/100.
4. In warmer regions, lower penetration grades are preferred and in colder regions
bitumen with higher penetration values are used.
5. The test is not intended to estimate consistency of softer materials like cut back
which are usually graded by viscosity test.
RELATED THEORY AND CONCEPTS

Penetration(n)
Consistency of a bituminous material expressed as the distance in tenths of a millimeter that a
standard needle vertically penetrates a sample of the material under known conditions of
loading, time, and temperature is called penetration.
Bitumen Penetration Grades

The bitumen penetration test is a useful way of grading bitumen for better application. This
test leads to the classification of bitumen based on the level of stiffness. Various bitumen pen
grades are 40/50, 60/70, 80/100, and 85/100. To choose among various grades of bitumen
penetration, many factors should be taken into account, including, the average temperature of
the region, the level of traffic loads, and type of soil.
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APPARATUS
• Penetration Apparatus
Any apparatus that permits the needle holder (spindle) to move vertically without measurable
friction and is capable of indicating the depth of penetration to the nearest 0.1 mm, will be
acceptable. The weight of the spindle shall be 47.5 6 0.05 g. The total weight of the needle
and spindle assembly shall be 50.0 6 0.05 g. Weights of 50 6 0.05 g and 100 6 0.05 g shall
also be provided for total loads of 100 g and 200 g, as required for some conditions of the
test. The surface on which the sample container rests shall be flat and the axis of the plunger
shall be at approximately 90° to this surface. The spindle shall be easily detached for
checking its weight.
• Penetration Needle — The needle shall be made from fully hardened and tapered
stainless steel. The standard needle shall be approximately 50 mm in length. The
diameter of needle shall be 1.00 to 1.02 mm. It shall be symmetrically tapered at one
end by grinding to a cone having an angle between 8.7° and 9.7° over the entire cone
length. The cone should be coaxial with the straight body of the needle. The truncated
tip of the cone shall be within the diameter limits of 0.14 and 0.16 mm and square to
the needle axis within 2°. The needle shall he mounted in a non-corroding metal
ferrule. The exposed length of the standard needle shall be within the limits of 40 and
45 mm and the exposed length of the long needle shall be 50 to 55 mm. The needle
shall be rigidly mounted in the ferrule. The weight of the ferrule needle assembly
should be 2.50 ± 0.05 grams.
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• Sample Container — A metal or glass cylindrical, flat-bottom container of the

following dimensions shall be used.
• Water Bath — A bath having a capacity of at least 10 Liter and capable of maintaining
a temperature of 25 ± 0.1 °C or other temperature of test within 0.1 °C.
• Timing Device — For hand operated Penetrometers any convenient timing device such
as an electric timer, a stop watch, or other spring activated device may be used provided
it is graduated in 0.1 second or less and is accurate to within ± 0.1 second for a 60
second interval.
• Asphalt Sample
• Thermometers — Calibrated liquid-in-glass thermometers of suitable range with

subdivisions and maximum scale error of 0.1 °C or any other thermometric device of
equal accuracy, precision and sensitivity shall be used.
TEST CONDITIONS
Where the conditions of test are not specifically mentioned, the temperature, load, and time are
understood to be 25 °C, 100 gram, and 5 seconds, respectively. Other conditions may be used
for special testing, such as the following:
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In such cases the specific conditions of test shall be reported.
PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN
• Heat the sample with care, stirring when possible to prevent local overheating, until it
has become sufficiently fluid to pour. In no case should the temperature be raised to
more than 90 °C above expected softening point for petroleum asphalt (bitumen).
• Do not heat samples for more than 30 minutes. Avoid incorporating bubbles into the
sample.
• Pour the sample into the sample container to a depth such that, when cooled to the
temperature of test, the depth of the sample is at least 10 mm greater than the depth to
which the needle is expected to penetrate.
• Pour two separate portions for each variation in test conditions.
• Loosely cover each container as a protection against dust (covering with a lipped
beaker) and allow cooling in air at a temperature between 15° and 30 °C for 1 to
1.5 hours for the small container and 1.5 to 2 hours for the taller.
PROCEDURE
• Examine the needle holder and guide to establish the absence of water and other
extraneous materials.
• Clean a penetration needle with toluene or other suitable solvent, dry with a clean
cloth, and insert the needle into the penetrometer. Unless otherwise specified place the
50 gram weight above the needle, making the total weight 100 ± 0.1 gram.
• Place the sample container in the transfer dish, cover the container completely with
water with the constant temperature bath and place the transfer dish on the stand of the
penetrometer.
• Position the needle by slowly lowering it until its tip just makes contact with the surface
of the sample. This is accomplished by bringing the actual needle tip into contact with
its image reflected on the surface of the sample from a properly placed source of light.
• Either note the reading of the penetrometer dial or bring the pointer to zero. Quickly
release the needle holder for the specified period of time and adjust the instrument to
measure the distance penetrated in tenths of a millimeter.
• If the container moves, ignore the result.
• Make at least three determinations at points on the surface of the sample not less
than 10 mm from the side of the container and not less than 10 mm apart.
• If the transfer dish is used, return the sample and transfer dish to the constant
temperature bath between determinations.
• Use a clean needle for each determination. If the penetration is greater than 200, use at
least three needles leaving them in the sample until the three determinations have been
completed.
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CALCULATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

Pouring temperature=300K
Period of cooling in room = 1hour
Room temperature =297K
Water bath temperature = 298K
Load=50g
Time=5s
No. Penetration GRADE

(mm)
1 3.6
2 3.4
30-40
3 3.1
Average 3.3666
RESULT
The Grade of Bitumen is 30-40
PRECAUTIONS
• Overheating of bitumen should be avoided. Under no condition bitumen should be
heated to 60o C above the expected softening point.
• The sample is covered loosely against dust. The weight of needle and spindle
assembly should be accurate i.e, 100 ± 0.05 grams.
• Verticality of the needle should be ensured. Readings taken on a single sample should
be at least 10 mm apart.
COMMENTS AND CONCULUSION
• The experiment has been performed successfully and the mean penetration
value came out to be 36.3.
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• Penetration test is a commonly adopted test on asphalt to grade the

material in terms of its hardness. An 30/40 grade bitumen indicates that its
penetration value lies between 30 & 40.
• Grading of asphalt helps to assess its suitability in different climatic
conditions and types of construction.
• High penetration grade is used in spray application works.
• Where the conditions of test are not specifically mentioned, the temperature,
load, and time are understood to be 25°C (77°F), 100 g, and 5 s, respectively.
• Container is place in water bath to avoid container move while

needle penetrates.
• Sample prepared in a few days before the experiment and keep in
clean place.
• Clean cloth and benzene must around the penetrometer to make sure
needle can be clean during experiment.
• Needle materials must be standard steel to avoid error in reading and
the needle to be bent during penetrates process.
• We performed the experiment at room temperature.
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EXPERIMENT NO 3
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DUCTILITY OF BITUMINOUS

MATERIALS
OBJEECTIVE
To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen.
STANDARD: D113 – 07
INTRODUCTION
The ductility test gives a measure of adhesive property of
bitumen and its ability to stretch. In a flexible pavement design, it is necessary
that binder should form a thin ductile film around the aggregates so that the
physical interlocking of the aggregates is improved. Binder material having
insufficient ductility gets cracked when subjected to repeat traffic loads and it
provides pervious pavement surface. Ductility of a bituminous material is
measured by the distance in centimeters to which it will elongate before braking
when two ends of standard briquette specimen of the material are pulled apart
at a specified speed and at a specified temperature.
1. This test method provides measure of tensile properties of bituminous materials and
may be used to measure ductility for specification requirements.
2. Bituminous materials used in pavement construction should possess sufficient
ductility otherwise the pavement would crack due to temperature or traffic stresses
and may render the pavement pervious and damage the pavement structure.
3. The ductility value varies from 5 to over 100 cm’s.
4. Several agencies have specified minimum ductility values for various types of
bitumen pavements. However a ductility of 100 cm’s is specified generally for
bituminous construction.
5. Roads expand at daytime while they contract at night. So, if the bitumen is not
adequately ductile cracking will occur.
6. More than one grade may be used in the same project. For example; we may use
grade 80/100 on the main traffic lane and lower grades on the arteries.
DUCTILITY
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The ductility of a bituminous material is defined as the distance in centimeters, to which it will
elongate before breaking when two ends of a briquet specimen of the material, are pulled apart
at a specified speed and a specified temperature. Unless otherwise specified, the test shall be
made at a temperature of 25 ± 0.5 °C and with a speed of 5 cm/min ± 5.0 %. At other
temperatures the speed should be specified. Ductility of asphalt depends upon the grade of
asphalt, pouring temperature, dimensions of briquet, test temperature, rate of pull and levelling
of mold.
IMPORTANCE OF DUCTILITY:
The ductility of a bitumen specimen tells us about
i)- Tensile strength of bitumen

ii)- Grade of sample (ductility grade)
APPARATUS
Mold — the mold is made of brass, the ends being known as clips, and the middle parts asides
of the mold.
Water Bath — the water bath shall be maintained at the specified test temperature, varying
not more than 0.1 °C from this temperature. The volume of water shall be not less than 10 liters,
and the specimen shall be immersed to a depth of not less than 10 cm and shall be supported
on a perforated shelf not less than 5 cm from the bottom of the bath.
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Testing Machine — For pulling the briquet of bituminous material apart, any apparatus may
be used which is so constructed that the specimen will continuously immersed in water, while
the two clips are pulled apart at a uniform speed, as specified, without undue vibration.
Thermometer — A thermometer having a range -8 to 32 °C (18 – 89 °F)
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PROCEDURE
• Assemble the mold on a brass plate. Thoroughly coat the surface of the plate and
interior surfaces of the sides of the mold with a thin layer of a mixture of glycerin
and china clay to prevent the material under test from sticking.
• The plate upon which the mold is placed shall be perfectly flat and level so that the
bottom surface of the mold will be in contact throughout.
• Carefully heat the sample to prevent local overheating until it has become
sufficiently fluid to pour.
• Strain the molten sample through a # 50 sieve. After a thorough stirring, pour it into
the mold. In filling the mold, take care not to disarrange the parts and thus distort
the briquet.
• Infilling, pour the material in a thin stream hack and forth from end to end of the
mold until the mold is more than level full.
• Let the mold containing the material cool to room temperature for a period of from
30 to 40 minutes and then place it in the water bath maintained at the specified
temperature of test for 30 minutes; then cut off the excess bitumen with a hot
straight edged knife or spatula to make the mold just level full.
• Place the brass plate and mold, with briquet specimen, in water bath and keep at
the specified temperature for a period of from 85 to 95 minutes. Then remove the
briquet from the plate, detach the sidepieces, and immediately test the briquet.
TESTING PROCEDURE
• Attach the rings at each end of the clips to the pin or hooks in the testing machine and
pull the two clips apart at a uniform speed specified until the briquet ruptures.
• Measure the distance in centimeters through which the clips have been pulled to
produce rupture. While the test is being made, the water in the tank of the testing
machine shall cover the specimen both above and below it by at least 2.5 cm and shall
be kept continuously at the temperature specified.
• In order to prevent the material under test from sticking, coat the surface of the plate
and interior surfaces of the sides of the mold with mercury or by a mixture of equal
parts of glycerin and dextrin.
• After about 30-40 minutes, keep the plate assembly along with the sample in a water
bath.
• Maintain the temperature of the water bath at 27 OC for half an hour.
• Remove the sample and mold assembly from the water bath and trim the specimen by
levelling the surface using a hot knife.
• Remove the sides of the mold Hook the clips carefully on the machine without causing
any initial stain. Adjust the pointer to read zero.
• Start the machine and pull two clips horizontally at a speed of 50 mm per minute
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• Note the distance at which the bitumen thread of specimen breaks.
• If the bituminous material comes in contact with the surface of the water or the bottom
of the bath, the test shall not be considered normal. Adjust the specific gravity of the
bath by the addition of either methyl alcohol or sodium chloride so that the bituminous
material neither comes to the surface of the water, nor touches the bottom of the bath
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS
BITUMEN TEST READING:
FINAL NET
INITIAL READING DUCTILITY Mean
BRIQUETTE READING (cm) (cm) Ductility
SR NO. NO (cm) (cm)
1 A 2.5 110.7 108.2

2 B 1.9 106.5 104.6
105.48
3 C 1.6 110 108.4
4 D 2.2 102.4 100.2
5 E 2 108 106
PRECAUTIONS
• Carefully heat the sample to prevent local overheating.
• Take care not to disarrange the parts and thus distort the briquette.
• The water in the tank of the testing machine shall cover the specimen both above and
below it by at least 2.5 cm.
• Keep the water bath and the specimen at the specified temperature for the specified
period.
• Pulling of the two clips apart should be at a uniform speed.
• The plate assembly upon which the mold is placed shall be perfectly flat and
level so that the bottom surface of the mold touches it throughout.
• In filling the mold, care should be taken not to disarrange the parts and
thus distort the briquette and to see that no air pocket shall be within the
molded sample.
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COMMENTS
The Ductility test on bitumen tells us about:

➢ Tensile strength of bitumen
➢ Ductility grade
➢ Temperature was not maintained in the lab so the value may differ at
297 K as we performed at the Lab temperature.
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EXPERIMENT NO 4
SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN (RING-AND-BALL

APPARATUS).
OBJECTIVE: Determining the Consistency of Bitumen
STANDARD: ASTM Designation: D 36-76
SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE:
1- This method is useful in determining the consistency of bitumen as one element in

establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply.
2- Softening point is the temperature at which the bituminous binders have an equal
viscosity (i.e. the consistency of all the grades will be same at the softening point e.g. if two
samples have softening points of 40 °C and 80 °C respectively, both will have the
same consistency at their softening point).
3- The test gives an idea of the temperature at which the bituminous materials attain a
certain viscosity.
4- Bitumen with higher softening point may be preferred in warmer places.
5- Softening point should be higher than the hottest day temperature, which is anticipated
in that area otherwise bitumen may sufficiently soften and result in bleeding and development
of ruts.
SOFTENING POINT: Softening Point of Bitumen

The softening point is defined as the mean of the temperatures at which the bitumen disks
soften and sag downwards a distance of 25 mm under the weight of a steel ball.
APPARATUS
1. The ring and ball apparatus consisting of:
1. Steel balls-two numbers each of 9.5 mm diameter weighing 3.5 ± 0.05 g.

2. Brass rings-two numbers each having depth of 6.4 mm. The inside diameter at bottom
and top is 15.9mm and 17.5 mm respectively.
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3. Ball guides to guide the movement of steel balls centrally.

4. Support -that can hold rings in position and also allows for suspension of a
thermometer. The distance between the bottom of the rings and the top surface of the
bottom plate of the support is 25mm.
2. Thermometer that can read up to 100° C with an accuracy of 0.2° C.
3. Bath–heat resistant glass beaker not less than 85 mm in diameter &1220mm deep.
4. Stirrer
TEST SPECIMENS
• Heat the sample with care to prevent local overheating, with constant stirring until it
has become sufficiently fluid to pour. In no case, however, shall the temperature be
raised to more than 55°C above the expected softening point for tar pitch, or to more
than 110 °C above the expected softening point for asphalt. Avoid incorporating air
bubbles in the sample.
• Bring an asphalt sample to the pouring temperature in not more than 2 hrs. Bring coal
tar pitch to the desired pouring conditions in minimum time, not exceeding 30 min.
Pour a slight excess of the heated sample into two rings, preheated to approximately
the pouring temperature.
• While being filled the rings shall rest on the brass pouring plate, previously treated to
prevent bituminous materials from adhering to it.
Cool the specimen disks for a minimum of 30 min. In no case shall more than 240
min elapse before completion of the test. Cool specimens that are soft at room
temperature for at least 30 min at a minimum of 8 °C below the expected softening
point.
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• After cooling, cut the excess material off cleanly with a slightly heated knife or spatula.
In case the test is repeated, use a clean container and fresh sample to prepare the test
specimen.
PROCEDURE
a) – FOR MATERIALS HAVING SOFTENING POINTS 80°C OR BELOW
• Assemble the apparatus with the rings, ASTM Thermometer 15 °C or I5 °F, and ball
centering guides in position and fill the bath with freshly boiled water to a depth of not
less than 102mm and not more than 108mm. Maintain the bath temperature at 5 ±
1°C for 15 min, placing the test container in ice water if necessary.
• Using forceps, place a ball, previously adjusted to the bath temperature, in each ball-
centering guide.
• Apply heat in such a manner that the temperature of the liquid is raised
5°C/min. Avoid the effect of drafts, using shields if necessary. (Rigid adherence to the
prescribed rate of heating is absolutely essential for reproducibility of results.
• Either a gas burner or electric heater may be used; however, the latter must be of the
low-lag, variable output type to maintain the necessary rate of heating.)
• The rate of rise of temperature shall be uniform and shall not be averaged over the
period of the test. The maximum permissible variation of any 1-mm period after the
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first 3 mm shall be ± 0.5°C. Reject all tests in which the rate of rise does not fall within
these limits.
• Record for each ring and ball the temperature shown by the thermometer at the instant
the specimen surrounding the ball touches the bottom plate. Make no correction for the
emergent stem of the thermometer. If the difference between the values obtained in the
duplicate determinations exceeds 1°C repeat the test.
b) – FOR MATERIALS HAVING SOFTENING POINTS ABOVE 80°C
• Follow the same procedure as described above, except use USP glycerin instead of
water and use ASTM Thermometer l6°C or 16°F. The starting temperature of the
glycerin bath shall be 32°
OBSERVATIONS & RESULTS
No.
Softening Point(℃)
1 48℃
COMMENTS
The experiment has been performed successfully and the softening point came
out to be 48 ℃. So we can use this sample of bitumen because its softening point is within
the range that is 30-150°C.As we used water so temperature should be 30-80°C because
water starts boiling after this, but we can used glycerine (>80°C )instead of water but it was
not available.
Second ball was not correctly handled and it didn’t fall to give us any reading.
Page 26 of 40
EXPERIMENT NO 6
FLASH & FIRE POINT TEST FOR ASPHALT (ASTM
DESIGNATION: D-92) int
• Flash point measures the tendency of the sample to form a flammable mixture with
air under controlled laboratory conditions. It is only one of a number of properties
that must be considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a material.
• Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to differentiate between
‘‘flammable’’ and ‘‘combustible’’ materials.
• Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable
materials in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material.
• Fire point measures the characteristics of the sample to support combustion.
• Bituminous materials give rise to volatiles at high temperature, as they are basically
the hydrocarbons. These volatiles catch fire causing a flash, which is very
hazardous.
• During construction of bituminous pavements, the engineer may restrict the mixing
or application temperatures well within the limits. The test therefore gives
indication of critical temperature at and above which suitable precautions should be
taken to eliminate fire hazards during use of asphalts. In other words heating should
be limited to a temperature well below the flash point.
APPARATUS
• Test Cup — It is made of brass. The cup may be equipped with a handle.
• Heating Plate — A brass, cast iron, wrought iron, or steel plate with a center hole
surrounded by an area of plane depression, and a sheet of hard asbestos board which
covers the metal plate except over the area of plane depression in which the test cup
is supported. The metal plate may be square instead of round and have suitable
extension for mounting the test flame applicator device and the thermometer
support. The metal bead is mounted on the plate so that it extends through and
slightly above a small hole in the asbestos board. Fire Point
• Cleveland Open Cup Apparatus (Automated):
This test was performed using automatic Flash and Fire point apparatus. This
apparatus consists of an assembly to hold bitumen mold which receives constant
heat from bottom heater. An arrangement of flame is used for ignition purpose
which moves in a semi-curve in to and fro motion. A thermometer is attached to the
assembly and readings can be printed out using a printer. The test is controlled by
mounted digital controllers.
Page 27 of 40
• Heater — Heat may be supplied from any convenient source. The use of a gas
burner or alcohol lamp is permitted, but under no circumstances are products of
combustion or free flame to be allowed to come up around the cup. An electric
heater controlled by a variable voltage transformer is preferred. The source of heat
shall be centered under the opening of the heating plate with no local superheating.
• Gloves oint

FLASH POINT OF DIFFERENT GRADES OF ASPHALT:
VISCOSITY GRADES
Property AC – 2.5 AC – 5 AC – 10 AC – 20 AC – 40
Flash Point
COC, °C min. 163 177 219 232 232
Note: AC – 10 is most commonly used in Pakistan.
FLASH POINT
Flash point is the lowest temperature corrected to a barometric pressure of 101.3 kPa (760 mm
Hg), at which application of a test flame causes the vapor of a specimen to ignite under
specified conditions of test.The material is deemed to have flashed when a large flame appears
and instantaneously propagates itself over the surface of the specimen.
Note: Occasionally, particularly near the actual flash point, the application of test flame will
cause the blue halo or an enlarged flame; this is not a flash and should be ignored.
Page 28 of 40
FIRE POINT
It is the lowest temperature at which a specimen will sustain burning for 5
seconds. A flammable material is the one, which form flames, but does not sustain fire while
a combustible material is the one, which sustains fire/burning.
PROCEDURE
• Fill the cup; at any convenient temperature not exceeding 100 °C or above the softening
point; so that the top of the meniscus is at the filling line.
• Remove the excess sample using a pipette or other suitable device; however, if there is
sample on the outside of the apparatus, empty, clean, and refill it. Destroy any air
bubbles on the surface of the sample.
• Place mold in the assembly of apparatus.
• Turn on the apparatus machine.
• Set sample number, automatic testing for bitumen, and expected flash point to be
280℃.
• Select option of testing the sample for both flash and fire points.
• After adjusting each and every setting, press start button to start the test.
• At the first the temperature rose quickly up to 170 ℃.

• After that temperature was decreased for some time, and then again rose.
• When the temperature was 30 ℃ less than expected flash point (280 ℃), the flame
powered by gas cylinder started to move over the sample after every 2 ℃ increase in
temperature.
• At 304 ℃, little flashes were seen and it was recorded as flash point of sample.
• Flashes were getting intense until 346 ℃ when fire was ignited for 5 seconds, which
gave fire point of the sample.
• An automatically working lid extinguished the fire and the test report was printed out.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Do not breathe close to the apparatus as the fumes are injurious to health.
2. Turn the fans off so that the fumes can be accumulated over the cup.
3. The operator must exercise and take appropriate safety precautions during the initial
application of the test flame, since samples containing low flash material may give
an abnormally strong flash when the test flame is first applied.
Page 29 of 40
CALCULATIONS AND REPORT
OBSERVATIOS AND CALCULATION:
No. Reading
Duration 33.16min
Expected
280°C
temperature
Bar. Corr. 966 mbar
Flash point 301°C
Corr. Flash point 306°C
Fire point 341°C
Corr. Fire point 346°C
Rate of heating 5  C / minute
Page 30 of 40
COMMENTS
The Experiment has been performed successfully and the results which we have got are
showing that the flash point of the bitumen sample came out to be at 308◦ and time
corresponding to this temperature was 9.12 minutes. Whereas the fire point was found out to
be at temperature of 352◦ and the time corresponding to this temperature was 24.25 minutes.
The trend line of the graph is showing the relationship between temperature and time.
flash point is taken as that temperature when a flash first appears at any point on the surface of
the material in the cup. Take care that the bluish halo that sometimes surrounds the test flame
is not confused with the true flash.
Page 31 of 40
EXPERIMENT NO. 6
DETERMINATION OF THE FLAKINESS AND THE ELONGATION
INDEX FOR THE GIVEN AGGREGATE SAMPLE.
STANDARD = (BS 812-105.1 and BS 812-105.2))
SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE:
This test is used to determine the particle shape of the aggregate and each particle shape being
preferred under specific conditions.
The significance of flakiness & elongation index is as follows:
• The degree of packing of the particles of one size depends upon their shape.
• Due to high surface area to volume ratio, the flaky and elongated particles lower
the workability of concrete mixes.
• Flaky and elongated particles are considered undesirable for base coarse
construction as they may cause weakness with possibilities of braking down under
heavy loads.
• BS-1241 specifies a Flakiness index not exceeding 30% irrespective of the
aggregate size.
• Maximum permitted Elongated index is 35, 40 or 45% for aggregate sizes 2 ½’’
– 2’’, 1 ½’’ – ¾’’ & ½’’ – 3/8’’.
• Both Flakiness and Elongation tests are not applicable to sizes smaller then 6.3mm
i.e. ¼’’ sieve.
RELATEDTHEORY:
SHAPES OF PARTICLES
The usual shapes of the particles are:
1. Rounded (river gravel) Flakiness and Elongation Index

2. Flaky (laminated rock) Flakiness and Elongation Index
3. Elongated Flakiness and Elongation Index
4. Angular (crushed rock) Flakiness and Elongation Index
Page 32 of 40
PREFERRED USE OF EACH SHAPE
Rounded aggregates are preferred in concrete roads (rigid pavements) as the workability of
concrete increases due to the less friction between the surfaces.
Angular shape of the particles is desirable in granular base coarse (flexible pavement) due to
better interlocking and increased stability.
Flaky and Elongated particles are considered as a source of weakness.
FLAKY
➢ A flaky particle is the one whose least dimension (thickness) is than 0.6 times the mean
size.
➢ These are the materials of which the thickness is small as compared to the other two
dimensions.
➢ Limit of flaky particles in the mixes is 30%. If the flaky particles are greater than 30% then
the aggregate is considered undesirable for the intended use.
• Flakiness Index
It is the percentage by weight of flaky particles in a sample.
• Elongated particle
These are the particles having length considerably larger than the other two dimensions and it
is the particle whose greater dimension is 1.8 times its mean size.
Limit of elongated particles in the mixes is 45%. Thus, if the elongated particles are greater
than 45%, then the aggregate is considered undesirable for the intended use.
Page 33 of 40
• Elongation Index
It is the percentage by weight of elongated particles in a sample. The Elongated index is

calculated by expressing the weight of Elongated particles as percentage of total weight of the
samp
APPARATUS:
• Thickness/Flakiness Index Gauge
• Length/Elongation Index Gauge
• Aggregate sample to be tested
PROCEDURE
• Perform the sieve analysis on the given aggregate sample

• The aggregates are then arranged in the into a number of closely limited particle
size groups - sorted on the basis of test sieves retentions,
into a number of closely limited particle size groups – 2 ½’’ – 2’’, 1 ½’’ – ¾’’ &
½’’ – 3/8’’
• Each group (fraction) is weighed and tested for thickness on appropriate opening
of the thickness gauge by passing each particle through slot of specified thickness
along least dimension.
• The weight of particles passing the thickness gauge is recorded for each fraction.
This is the weight of flaky particles.
• The flakiness index is calculated by expressing the weight of flaky particles as a
percentage of total weight of the sample.
• Similarly for elongation index, weight of aggregate which doesn’t pass through
specified opening of elongation gauge is recorded and used for calculations.
Page 34 of 40
OBSERVAATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
Initial weight of the sample =1107g
Weight passing
Weight Weight retained
through
Sieve retained(g) on on elongation
Sr.no flakiness
Size(mm) sieves gauge(g)
gauge(mm)
(W) (W2)
(W3)
01 20 20.2 0 10.9
02 14 551 23.2 163.6
03 10 231.6 18.6 29.3
04 6.3 297.8 88.5 23.1
∑ 1100.6 130.3 226.9
Elongation Index= ƩW2/W

= (130.3/1100.6) ×100
=11.83٪
Flakiness Index=ƩW3/W
= (226.9/1100.6) ×100
=20.62٪
PRECAUTIONS:
1. While sieving, care must be taken that the particles that are chocked in the sieve
must no be forced down into the next sieve. Such particles should be pushed back
into the same sieve.
2. While placing different fractions on the table, place them some distance apart so
that no two fractions may get mixed.
3. Be careful while selecting the opening of the flakiness and elongation gauges for
any particular fraction.
COMMENTS
We have performed experiment on coarse aggregate (passing through sieve size of
12.5mm and retained on 9mm) having size not smaller than 6.3mm because if aggregate size
is less than 6.3mmthen both flakiness and elongation tests are not applicable. Our elongation
index comes out to be 11.38٪ and flakiness index is 20.62٪ which is good because flakiness
index should not exceed 30٪ and maximum permitted elongation index is 35, 40 or 45٪.
Page 35 of 40
EXPERIMENT NO 7
DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE
OBJECTIVES
Impact Test on Aggregates is done to carry out to:
• Determine the impact value of the road aggregates,

• Assess their suitability in road construction on the basis of impact value.
STANDARD
(BS 812-112)
APPARATUS
(i) A testing machine weighing 45 to 60 kg and having a metal base with a painted lower
surface of not less than 30 cm in diameter. It is supported on level and plane concrete floor of
minimum 45 cm thickness. The machine should also have provisions for fixing its base.
(ii) A cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 102 mm, depth 50 mm and minimum
thickness 6.3 mm.
(iii) A metal hammer or tup weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg the lower end being cylindrical in
shape, 50 mm long, 100.0 mm in diameter, with a 2 mm chamfer at the lower edge and case
hardened. The hammer should slide freely between vertical guides and be concentric with the
cup. Free fall of hammer should be within 380±5 mm.
(iv) A cylindrical metal measure having internal diameter 75 mm and depth 50 mm for
measuring aggregates.
(v) Tamping rod 10 mm in diameter and 230 mm long, rounded at one end.
(vi) A balance of capacity not less than 500g, readable and accurate up to 0.1 g.
(vii) Coarse aggregate
Page 36 of 40

Aggregate Impact Value:
➢ AIV is the percentage of fines produced from the aggregate sample after subjecting it to a
standard amount of impact. Aggregate Impact Value
➢ The standard amount of impact is produced by a known weight, i.e. a steel cylinder, falling
a set height, a prescribed number of times, onto an amount of aggregate of standard size
and weight retained in a mold.
➢ Aggregate Impact Values, (AIV’s), below 10 are regarded as strong, and AIV’s above 35
would normally be regarded as too weak for use in road surfaces.
➢ Aggregate Impact Values and Aggregate Crushing Values are often numerically very
similar, and indicate similar aggregate strength properties. A
Theory of Aggregate Impact Test

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

Classification of aggregates using Aggregate Impact Value is as given below:
Aggregate Impact Value Classification
<20% Exceptionally Strong
10 – 20% Strong
Page 37 of 40
20-30% Satisfactory for road surfacing
>35% Weak for road surfacing
Specified limits of percent aggregate impact value for different types of road construction by
Indian Roads Congress is given below.
Sl Aggregate impact value not more

Type of pavement
No than
1. Wearing Course
a) Bituminous surface dressing
b) Penetration macadam 30
c) Bituminous carpet concrete
d) Cement concrete
2. Bitumen bound macadam base course 35
WBM base course with bitumen

3. 40
surfacing
4 Cement concrete base course 45
• Test Specifications:
The test sample shall consist of aggregates the whole of which passes through
12.5mm test sieve and is retained on a 9.4mm test sieve.
• The aggregate comprising the test sample shall be dried in an oven for a period of four
hours at a temperature of 100-110 °C and cooled.
• The measuring cup shall be filled about one-third with the aggregate and gives 25 no.
of blows with tamping rod. A further similar quantity of aggregate shall be added and
a further 25 tamping given to the second and tot the last layer 25 tamping shall again
be given and the surplus aggregate struck off using the tamping rod as a straight-edge
the net weight of aggregate in the measure shall be determined to the nearest gram
(weight A) and this weight shall be used for the duplicate test on the same material.
Page 38 of 40
Aggregate Impact Value
PROCEDURE: Aggregate Impact Value
• The cup shall be fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of
the test sample will be placed in it and compacted by a single tamping of 25 strokes of
the tamping rod.
• The hammer shall be raised until its lower face is 15 in. above from the upper surface
of the aggregate in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregate.
The test sample shall be subjected to a total 15 such blows each being delivered at an
interval of not less than one second.
• The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved
on No. 7 B.S. sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. The
fraction passing the sieve shall be weighted to an accuracy of 0.1 gram (weight B).
• The fraction retained on the sieve shall also be weighed (weight C), and if the total
weight B + C is less than the initial weight (weight A) by more than 1 gm. the result
shall be discarded and a fresh test made. Two tests shall be made.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

The mass of the test specimen=M1=349.7g
The mass of the material passing the 2.36mm test sieve=M2=55.9g
Aggregate impact value (AIV) = (M2/M1) ×100
AIV= (55.9/349.7)×100
= 15.98 ٪
COMMENTS
Page 39 of 40
• The aggregate impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of the
aggregate to a sudden shock or impact which in some aggregates differs from its
resistance to a slow compressive load.
• If impact value is less than 10٪then aggregate is said to be exceptionally strong, if it is

in range of 10 to 20٪ then they are good, aggregates having impact value less than 35٪
are considered satisfactory.
• Our value is between 10 to 20 percent so it is exceptionaly strong. We also checked

the weight retained on sieve#8 which should be less than 1 and our case it was 0.7g.
REFRENCES:
➢ http://www.toolkit.irap.org/default.asp?page=treatment&id=27
➢ https://www.civilengineerspk.com/transportation-engineering-experiments/exp-5-
skid-resistance/
➢ http://www.toolkit.irap.org/default.asp?page=treatment&id=27
➢ https://www.aboutcivil.org/to-perform-penetration-test-
on%20Bitumen.html
➢ https://dreamcivil.com/softening-point-test-of-bitumen/
➢ https://www.astm.org/Standards/D92
➢ https://gharpedia.com/blog/impact-test-on-aggregates
THANK YOU
Page 40 of 40

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PAVEMENT AND HIGHWAY ENGINEERING LAB MANUAL FA17-BCV-009

MIRPUR UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Program: Bachelor of Civil Engineering (BSc. CE)

VISION OF THE DEPARTMENT

To provide exceptional education in civil engineering through quality teaching, state-ofthe-art

PAVEMENT AND HIGHWAYS ENGINEERING LAB MANUAL

MANDATORY LAB INSTRUCTIONS

9. The components required pertaining to the experiment should be collected from

1. SKID RESISTANCE TEST

NOTE: ASTM STANDARDS HAS BEEN USED TO PREPARE THIS MANUAL

SKID RESISTANCE TEST

• Slider – Slider assembly consists of an aluminium backing plate to which a rubber

SKIDDING Skid Resistance

SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE

FACTORS AFFECTING SKIDDING RESISTANCE

Most difficult sites

ii)- Bends with

General requirements, ‘Generally Satisfactory’: meeting

Easy sites, e.g. straight

D All sites Below 45 ‘Potentially Slippery’

* On smooth-looking or fine-textured roads in these categories, vehicles having smooth tyres

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

SKID RESISTANCE AVERAGE

CONCULUSION AND COMMENTS:

SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE

1. The penetration test is used as a measure of consistency. Higher values of

RELATED THEORY AND CONCEPTS

Bitumen Penetration Grades

• Sample Container — A metal or glass cylindrical, flat-bottom container of the

• Thermometers — Calibrated liquid-in-glass thermometers of suitable range with

In such cases the specific conditions of test shall be reported.

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMEN

CALCULATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

No. Penetration GRADE

COMMENTS AND CONCULUSION

• Penetration test is a commonly adopted test on asphalt to grade the

• Container is place in water bath to avoid container move while

STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DUCTILITY OF BITUMINOUS

To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen.

SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE

RELATED THEORY AND CONCEPTS

The ductility of a bitumen specimen tells us about

i)- Tensile strength of bitumen

Thermometer — A thermometer having a range -8 to 32 °C (18 – 89 °F)

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS

BITUMEN TEST READING:

1 A 2.5 110.7 108.2

4 D 2.2 102.4 100.2

The Ductility test on bitumen tells us about:

SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN (RING-AND-BALL

OBJECTIVE: Determining the Consistency of Bitumen

STANDARD: ASTM Designation: D 36-76

SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE:

1- This method is useful in determining the consistency of bitumen as one element in

RELATED THEORY AND CONCEPTS

SOFTENING POINT: Softening Point of Bitumen

1. The ring and ball apparatus consisting of:

1. Steel balls-two numbers each of 9.5 mm diameter weighing 3.5 ± 0.05 g.

3. Ball guides to guide the movement of steel balls centrally.

a) – FOR MATERIALS HAVING SOFTENING POINTS 80°C OR BELOW

b) – FOR MATERIALS HAVING SOFTENING POINTS ABOVE 80°C