Index Page

Course Outcomes

Subjects:Road Material Testing Lab Code:(7CE4-21)

CO 1 To determine various properties of aggregate and bitumen for pavement work

CO 2 To design Dry lean concrete mix and testing of its strength

CO – PO Mapping

PO 1 PO 2 PO 3 PO 4 PO 5 PO 6 PO 7 PO 8 PO 9 PO10 PO11 PO12

CO 1 3 2 2 1 --- 2 2 1 3 --- 1 2

CO 2 3 3 3 3 --- 2 2 3 3 --- 2 2

CO - PSO Mapping
Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs)
Subject Code COs
PSO-1 PSO-2
CO-1 3 2
7CE4-21
CO-2 2 1
 Experiment No. – 1
Object :-To evaluate the toughness of aggregates to break down under application of impact
and to determine aggregate impact value of the given sample of aggregate.

Apparatus: An impact testing machine, Sieves , Tamping Rod, Balance, cylindrical metal
measure, Oven,

Theory: Aggregates undergo significant wear and tear throughout their life. Aggregates must
be hard and tough enough to resist crushing, degradation and disintegration and be able to
transmit loads from the pavement surface to the underlying layers and eventually the subgrade.

Fig 1.1 : Aggregate Impact Testing Machine

Test Procedure
1. The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved
on the 2.36mm IS Sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. The
fraction passing the sieve shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 g (WeightW2). The
fraction retained on the sieve shall also be weighed (Weight W3) and, if the total weight
 (W2+W3)is less than the initial weight (Weight W1) by more than one gram, the result
shall be discarded and a fresh test made. Two tests shall be made.
Observation Sheet:

Trial Number
Sr. No. Details Average
1 2
Total weight of aggregate sample
1
filling the cylindrical measure = W1 g
Weight of aggregate passing
2
2.36 mm sieve after test = W2 g
Weight of aggregate retained on
3
2.36 mm sieve after the test = W3 g
4 Difference in weight = W1 – (W2+W3) g
W2
5 Aggregate impact value = Percent fines = 100 %
W1

Calculations -The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test
shall he expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place:

W2
Aggregate impact value = 100 %
W1

Where W2= Weight of fraction passing 2.36mm IS Sieve, and

W1 = Weight of oven dried sample.

Classification of aggregates based on Aggregate Impact Value

Aggregate Impact Value Classification
<20% Exceptionally Strong
10-20% Strong
20-30% Satisfactory
<35% Weak for road surfacing
Impact Value of Aggregate for different types of pavement
Type of pavement Impact value of Aggregate not more than
Wearing Course
Bituminous surface dressing
Penetration macadam 30
Bituminous carpet concrete
Cement concrete
Bituminous bound macadam base course 35
WBM base course with bitumen surfacing 40
Cement concrete base course 45

It is reliable to calculate the impact value % of the aggregate use as road construction as it
will give us the capacity of road to bear the load on it. Aggregate having impact value %
equal or greater than 35 % is considered bad to use in road construction.
 Experiment No. – 2
Aggregate Abrasion Test
Object :To determine the abrasion value of coarse aggregate by using Los - Angeles testing
machine with an abrasive charge.
Apparatus :
1. Balance ,Sieves ,Los Angeles Testing Machine ,Abrasive Charges

Los Angeles Machine

Theory :Aggregates undergo significant wear and tear throughout their life. Aggregates must
be hard and tough enough to resist crushing, degradation and disintegration and be able to
transmit loads from the pavement surface to the underlying layers and eventually the subgrade.
The principal mechanical property of aggregate required in any construction is
1. Satisfactory resistance to crushing under the roller during construction
2. Adequate resistance to surface abrasion under traffic
Procedure
1. The test sample shall consist of clean aggregate which has been dried in an oven at 105
to 110°C to substantially constant weight and shall conform to one of the grading shown
in Table 1. The grading or grading used shall be those most nearly representing the
aggregate furnished for the work.

Gradation of Aggregate
Sieve Size Weight in gm. of Test Sample for Grade
Passing (mm) Retained on (mm) A B C D E F G
80 63 2500
63 50 2500
50 40 5000 5000
40 25 1250 5000 5000
25 20 1250 5000
20 12.5 1250 2500
12.5 10 1250 2500
10 6.3 2500
6.3 4.75 2500
4.75 2.36 5000

2. The test sample and the abrasive charge shall be placed in the Los Angeles abrasion
testing machine and the machine rotated at a speed of 20 to 33 rev/min. For grading A,
B, C and D, the machine shall be rotated for 500 revolutions; for grading E, F and G, it
shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions as mentioned in Table 2.

Number of Charges as per Grading of Aggregate

Grading Number of spheres Weight of charge (gm)
A 12 5000 ± 25
B 11 4584 ± 25
C 8 3330 ± 20
D 6 2500 ± 15
E 12 5000 ± 25
F 12 5000 ± 25
G 12 5000 ± 25
 3. The machine shall be so driven and so counter-balanced as to maintain a substantially
uniform peripheral speed. If an angle is used as the shelf, the machine shall be rotated
in such a direction that the charge is caught on outside surface of the angle.
4. At the completion of the test, the material shall be discharged from the machine and a
preliminary separation of the sample made on a sieve coarser than the l.70 mm IS Sieve.
5. The material coarser than the 1.70 mm IS Sieve shall be washed dried in an oven at 105
to 110°C to a substantially constant weight, and accurately weighed to the nearest gram
(B).

Observation Sheet:
Type aggregate =
Grading =
Number of spheres used =
Weight of charge =
Number of revolutions =

Test Number Average

Test values and calculation
1 2
Weight of specimen, W1, g =
Weight of specimen after abrasion test,
retained on 1.70 mm test Sieve W2 , g =
Los Angeles abrasion value =
(W1 −W2 )
Percentage wear = 100
W1

Quality of aggregate:

Calculation:The difference between the original weight and the final weight of the test sample
is expressed as a percentage of the original weight of the test sample. This value is reported as
the percentage of wear.
Aggregate Abrasion Value = ((W1- W2)/ W1) x 100
Where, W1 = weight in gm of oven-dried sample.
W2 = weight in gm of fraction retained on 1.70 mm IS Sieves after washing and oven-
dried upto constant weight.
Applications: Los Angeles Abrasion test is normally used to measure aggregate hardness,
toughness, and abrasion resistance with respect to scuffing, scratching, wearing, marring,
rubbing, and disintegration.

Maximum Permissible
Type of Pavement
abrasion value in %
Water bound macadam sub base course 60
WBM base course with bituminous surfacing 50
Bituminous bound macadam 50
WBM surfacing course 40
Bituminous penetration macadam 40
Bituminous surface dressing, cement concrete surface course 35
Bituminous concrete surface course 30
 Experiment No. – 3
Object: To assess the strength of coarse aggregates used in the pavement components under
gradually applied load and to determine the aggregates crushing value of the given sample of
aggregates.
Apparatus : Balance,IS Sieves ,Mould, Measuring Cylinder with Plunger , Compression
Testing Machine

Compression Testing Machine and Accessories

Theory : Different rock samples give different compressive strength varying from minimum
of about 45 MPa to maximum of 545 MPa. The compressive strength of parent rock does not
exactly indicate the strength of aggregates in concrete. For this reason assessment of strength
of the aggregates are made by using a sample bulk aggregates in standardized manner.
The principal mechanical property of aggregate required in any construction is :
(i) Satisfactory resistance to crushing under the roller during construction
(ii) Adequate resistance to surface abrasion under traffic.
 Aggregate Crushing Value for different types of Roads / Pavements

Types of Roads / Pavements Aggregate Crushing Value Limit

Flexible Pavements
Soling 50
Water bound macadam 40
Bituminous macadam 40
Bituminous surface dressing or thin premix carpet 30
Dense mix carpet 30
Rigid Pavements
Other than wearing course 45
Surface or Wearing course 30

Procedure
1. The material for the standard test shall consist of aggregate passing a 12.5 mm IS Sieve
and retained on a 10 mm IS Sieve, and shall be thoroughly separated on these sieves
before testing.
2. The aggregate shall be tested in a surface-dry condition. If dried by heating, the period
of drying shall not exceed four hours, the temperature shall be 100 to 110°C and the
aggregate shall be cooled to room temperature before testing.
3. The appropriate quantity may be found conveniently by filling the cylindrical measure
in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times with the
rounded end of the tamping rod and finally leveled off, using the tamping rod as a
straight-edge.
4. The weight of material comprising the test sample shall be determined (Weight W 1)
and the same weight of sample shall be taken for the repeat test.
5. The cylinder of the test apparatus shall be put in position on the base plate and the test
sample added in thirds, each third being subjected to 25 strokes from the tamping rod.
The surface of the aggregate shall be carefully levelled and the plunger inserted so that
it rests horizontally on this surface, care being taken to ensure that the plunger does not
jam in the cylinder.
6. The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed
between the platens of the testing machine and loaded at as uniform a rate as possible
so that the total load is reached in 10 minutes. The total load shall be 400 kN.
 7. The load shall be released and the whole of the material removed from the cylinder and
sieved on a 2.36 mm IS Sieve for the standard test. The fraction passing the sieve shall
be weighed (Weight W2).

Observation Sheet:
Type of specimen:
(Description giving source, particles shape and surface texture)
Aggregate: Passing…………….mm test sieve and retained on …………...mm test sieve

Aggregate crushing
Sample Total weight of Weight of fines passing 100W2
Number dry sample, W1 g 2.36 mm IS Sieve, W2 g = %
W1

(1) (2) (3) (4)

1
2

Result: Average aggregate Crushing Value = …………..%

Calculation
The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall be expressed
as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place:
Aggregate Crushing Value = (W2/W1) x 100
Where W1 = Weight of oven-dried sample
W2 = Weight in 'g' of fraction passing through 2.36 mm IS sieve.
 Experiment No. – 4
Object: To determine Viscosity of given bitumen sample using Standard Tar Viscometer.
Apparatus: Tar Viscometer, Cup ,Valve , Water bath, Sleeve , Stirrer, Curved shield ,
Thermometers, stop watch or a stop clock or any other timing device etc.

Tar Viscometer

Procedure:
1. Adjust the tar viscometer so that the top of the tar cup is level.Heat the water in the
water bath to the temperature specified for thetest and maintain it within ± 0.l°C of the
specified temperaturethroughout its bulk for the duration of the test, the stirrer being
gentlyrotated at frequent intervals or, preferably, continuously.
2. Clean the tar cup orifice of the viscometer with a suitable solventand dry thoroughly.
3. Warm and stir the material under examination to 20°C above thetemperature specified
for the test, and cool, while continuing thestirring. When the temperature has fallen to
 slightly above thespecified temperature, pour the tar into the tar cup until the leveling
peg on the valve rod is just immersed when the latter is vertical.
4. Pour into the graduated receiver 20 ml of mineral oil, or a onepercent by weight solution
of soft soap, and place it under the orifice ofthe tar cup.
5. Place a second standard thermometer in the tar and stir the latteruntil the temperature is
within ± 0.1°C of the specified temperature.When this temperature has been reached,
suspend the thermometerco-axially with the cup and with its bulb approximately at the
geometriccentre ofthe tar.Allowthe assembled apparatus to stand for five minutesduring
which period the thermometer reading shall remain within0.05°C of the specified
temperature. Remove the thermometer andquickly remove any excess of tar so that the
final level is on the centreline of the levelling peg when the valve is in vertical position.
6. Lift the valve and suspend it on the valve support. Start the stopwatch or the time
recording device when the reading in the cylinder is 25 ml and stop it when it is 75 ml.
Note the time in seconds.
Observation Sheet:
Type / Grade of Tar :
Size of orifice, mm :
Specified test temperature, °C :
Actual test temperature °C :
Test run Mean value of
Test property
1 2 3 viscosity, Seconds
Viscosity, Seconds
Repeatability, Percent
 Experiment No. – 5
Object: To determine the ductility value of asphaltic bitumen.
Apparatus:Mould , Water Bath ,Testing Machine,Thermometer

Figure 6.1 : Briquette Mould (Plan and Elevation)

Briquette Mould

Theory: Bitumen is the residue or by-product obtained by the refining of crude petroleum. A
wide variety of refining techniques like straight distillation technique, solvent extraction
technique etc are used to produce bitumen of different consistency and other desirable
properties. Depending on the origin and other characteristics of the crude oil and property of
bitumen required, more than one processing method may be employed. The type of
construction decides the type of bitumen needs to be used. But in general good bitumen should
have following properties.
1. Temperature susceptibility of bitumen: the bitumen mix should not become too soft
or unstable during hot weather, and not become too brittle during cold weather.
2. Viscosity of the bitumen: at the time of mixing and compaction should be adequate.
This can be managed by the use of cutbacks or emulsions of suitable grades or heating
the bitumen and aggregates prior to mixing.
3. Affinity and adhesion of bitumen: There should be adequate affinity and adhesion
between the bitumen and aggregates used in the mix.
Ductility is one such property of bitumen which is dependent on the purpose of construction.
Ductility is the property that permits the material to undergo great deformation or elongation.
Indirectly, ductility measures the adhesive property of bitumen and its ability to stretch.

Figure 6.3 : Ductility Test on Bitumen

Source of Paving Bitumen and Penetration Grade Min ductility value (cm)
Assam Petroleum A25 5
A35 10
A45 12
A65, A90 and A200 15
Bitumen from sources other than Assam Petroleum S35 50
S45, S65 and S90 75
Procedure:
1. Unless otherwise specified, the test shall be conducted at. Atemperature of 25.0 ± 0.5°C
and at a rate of pull of 50.0 ± 2.5 mm/mm.
When a low temperature ductility test is desired, the test shall be made at a temperature
of 4.0 ± 0.5°C and at a rate of pull of 10.0 ± 0.5 mm/min.
2. Completely melt the bituminous material to be tested to a temperature of 75 to 100°C
above the approximately softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid.
3. Testing - Place the brass plate and mould with briquettespecimen, in the water bath and
keep at the specified temperature forabout 85 to 95 minutes. Then remove the briquette
from the plate,detach the side pieces, and test the briquette immediately.
Observation Sheet:
Grade of bitumen :
Pouring temperature, °C :
Test temperature, °C :
Periods of cooling, minutes :
In air :
In water bath before trimming :
In water bath after trimming :

Briquette Number
Sr. No. Test property Mean value
1 2 3
1 Ductility Value, cm
2 Repeatability, Percent
3 Reproducibility, Percent
 Experiment No. – 6
Object: To determine Softening point for given sample of bitumen suing ring and ball
apparatus.
Apparatus: Ring and Ball Apparatus ,Steel Balls, Brass Rings ,Ball Guide ,Thermometer ,
Bath, Stirrer ,etc.
Theory:Bitumen is the residue or by-product obtained by the refining of crude petroleum. A
wide variety of refining techniques like straight distillation technique, solvent extraction
technique etc are used to produce bitumen of different consistency and other desirable
properties. The softening point of bitumen or tar is the temperature at which the substance
attains particular degree of softening under specified conditions of test. The test is conducted
by using Ring and Ball apparatus.

Procedure:
1. Preparation of Test Sample - Heat the material to atemperature between 75°C and
100°C above its softening point. Stiruntil it is completely fluid and free from air bubbles
and water, andfilter, if necessary, through IS Sieve 30 (as perIS: 460-1962). Place
therings, previously heated to a temperature approximating to that of themolten
material, on a metal plate which has been coated with amixture of equal parts of
glycerine and dextrine, and fill with sufficient melt to give an excess above the level of
the ringwhencooled. After cooling for 30 minutes in air, level the material in the ring
by removingthe excess with a warmed, sharp knife.
2. Materials of Softening Point below 80°C - Assemble the apparatus with the rings.
thermometer and ball guides in position, and fill the bath to a height of 50 mm above
the upper surface of the rings with freshly boiled distilled water at a temperature of 5°C.
Maintain the bath at a temperature of 5°C for 15 minutes after which place a ball.
previously cooled to a temperature of 5°C, by means of forceps ineach ball guide. Apply
heat to the bath and stir the liquid so that thetemperature rises at a uniform rate of 5.0
± 0.5°C per minute until thematerial softens and allows the ball to pass through the ring.
The rateof temperature rise shall not be averaged over the period of the test,and any test
in which the rate of temperature rise does not fall withinthe specified limits after the
first three minutes shall be rejected.Make the determination in duplicate.
3. Materials of Softening Point above 80°C - The procedure formaterials of softening
point above 80°C is similar to that describedunder 4.2 with the difference that glycerine
is used in place of water inthe bath and the starting temperature of the test is 35°C.
Make thedetermination in duplicate.

Observation Sheet:
Results of Softening point test
(i) Bitumen Grade :
(ii) Approximate softening point :
(iii) Liquid used in the bath : Water / Glycerine
(iv) Period of air cooling, minutes :
(v) Period in water bath, minutes :

Rate of Heating
Time, Minutes Temperature, °C Time, Minutes Temperature, °C
1 11
2 12
3 13
4 14
5 15
6 16
7 17
8 18
9 19
10 20

Test Values Observed

Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2
Mean value,
Test Property Ball No. 1 Ball No. 2
Softening Point
(i) (ii) (i) (ii)
Temperature (°C) at which
sample touches bottom plate
Repeatability
Reproducibility
 Experiment No. – 7
Object: To prepare Dry lean concrete mix and testing of its strength.

MATERIALS :-Cement,Aggregates, Water, Mineral Admixtures

WIDTH AND THICKNESS OF DLC SUB-BASE

The DLC Sub-base shall extend beyond the pavement edges by 500 mm to facilitate further
construction operations and provide an adequate support for the concrete slab. The extrawidth
facilitates the movement of paver tracks on the extended DLC. The off-set will be200 mm in
case of semi mechanized or manual construction.

CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND CONCRETE MIX

PROPORTIONING
Concrete Compressive Strength
The average compressive strength of each consecutive group of 5 concrete cubes shall not be
less than 7 MPa at 7 days.
Concrete Mix Proportions
The concrete mix shall be proportioned with a maximum aggregate cement ratio of 14:1 where
ORG is used and 12:1 where PPC or PSC is used.
DRAINAGE LAYER
To facilitate quick disposal of water that is likely to enter the subgrade, a drainage layer (GSB)
shall be provided below the sub-base throughout the road width.
SUBGRADE
The subgrade shall conform to the grades and cross-sections on the drawings and shall be
uniformly compacted to the modified Proctor density not less than 97 percent,
CONSTRUCTION
Trial Mixes
Trial mixes of dry lean concrete shall be prepared with moisture contents of 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5
and 7.0 percent using cement content requirement of aggregate-cement ratio

Batching and Mixing

The batching plant shall be capable of separately proportioning each type of material by weight.
Transporting
Plant mixed lean concrete shall be discharged immediately from the mixer, transported directly
to the point where it is to be laid and protected from the weather by covering with tarpaulin
during transit.
Placing
Lean concrete shall be laid by a hydrostatic paver. The equipment shall be capable of laying
the material in one layer in an even manner without segregation, so that, after compaction the
total thickness achieved is as specified.
Compaction
The compaction shall be carried out immediately after the material is laid andlevelled
The spreading, compacting and finishing of the lean concrete shall be carried out as rapidly as
possible and the operation shall be arranged so as to ensure that the time between mixing of
the first batch of concrete in any transverse section of the layer and the compaction and final
finishing of the same shall not exceed 90 minutes,
The final lean concrete surface on completion of compaction and immediately before
overlaying, shall be well closed, free from movement under roller and free from ridges, cracks,
loose material, pot holes, ruts or other defects.
Joints
Day's work shall be stopped by vertical joints. The edge of the compacted material shall be cut
back to a vertical face, when work starts next day.
Curing
Curing shall be done by covering the surface by hessian cloth in two layers which shall be kept
continuously moist for 7 days by sprinkling water. If water-curing is not possible, the curing
shall be done by spraying with liquid curing compound.
Test Procedure
The metal rectangular mould shall be non-absorbent, watertight and rigidly constructed. The
size of the mould is 150 x 300 mm at the top, 145 x 295 mm at the bottom, and 50 mm deep
measured on the inside.
Control of Thickness, Density and Strength
The tolerances for thickness shall be ± 10 mm. The dry density of the laid material shall be
determined from density holes at locations equally spaced along a diagonal that bisects each
2000 sq.m or part thereof, of material laid each day.
Opening to Traffic
No heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses shall be permitted on the lean concrete
sub-base after its construction.