SIEVE ANALYSIS OF AGGREGATE

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

AIM

To determine the fineness modulus of the given aggregate sample.

APPARATUS

 IS Sieves of sizes 80, 63, 37.5, 26.5, 22.4, 19, 13.2, 11.2, 9.5, 5.6 and 4.75 mm
 Balance
 Sieve shaker

THEORY

 Soils having particle larger than 0.075mm size are termed as coarse grained soils. In
these soils more than 50% of the total material by mass is larger 75 micron. Coarse
grained soil may have boulder, cobble, gravel and sand.
 The following particle classification names are given depending on the size of the
particle:
i. BOULDER: particle size is more than 300mm.
ii. COBBLE: particle size in range 80mm to 300mm.
iii. GRAVE (G): particle size in range 4.75mm to 80mm.
a. Coarse Gravel: 20 to 80mm.
b. Fine Gravel: 4.75mm to 20mm.
iv. SAND (S): particle size in range 0.075mm to 4.75mm.
a. Coarse sand: 2.0mm to 4.75mm
b. Medium Sand: 0.075mm to 0.425mm.
c. Fine Sand: 0.075mm to o.425mm.

 Name of the soil is given depending on the maximum percentage of the above
components.
 Soils having less than 5% particle of size smaller than 0.075mm are designated by
the symbols, Example:
 GP: Poorly Graded Gravel.
 GW: Well Graded Gravel.
 SW: Well Graded Sand.
 SP: Poorly Graded Sand.

1
PROCEDURE

(i) The test sample is dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 110 + 5oC and
weighed.
(ii) The sieves are arranged in descending order one over the other i.e. in the following
order 63 mm, 37.5 mm, 26.5 mm, 22.4 mm, 19 mm, 13.2 mm, 11.2 mm, 9.5 mm, 5.6
mm and 4.75 mm. Sample is sieved by placing it on the top sieve (80 mm) and
shaken thoroughly. The sieves should be agitated so that the sample rolls in irregular
motion over the sieves. However, no particles should be pushed. A minimum of 10
minutes of shaking is required if a mechanical shaker is used.
(iii) Collect the soil fractions retained on each sieve in a separate container and weigh
them accurately.
(iv) Determine the percentage retained on each sieve, cumulative percentage retained,
and the percentage finer than the particular sieve size, based on the total mass.

FORMULA

Cumulative percentage retained

Fineness modulus =
100

FIGURE:

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS

Weight of soil sample taken = 5000 g

2
 Sieve Weight of Cumulative Cumulative Percentage
Sl. No size, aggregate weight percentage finer
mm retained, g retained, g retained, % (X) (Y =100 – X)

8
9

10

11

12

13

(Neglect weight on pan <4.75 mm because of considering coarse aggregate)

Cumulative percentage retained

Fineness modulus =
100

RESULT

3
 Fineness modulus of aggregate is =

INFERENCE:

EXPERIMENT NO: 02

SHAPE TEST-FLAKINESS INDEX

EXPERIMENT NO: 16 DATE:

AIM

To find the flakiness index of the given sample of aggregate.

APPARATUS

 A standard thickness gauge

 IS Sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm
 Balance

DEFINITION

The flakiness index of the aggregates is the percentages by weight of particles

whose least dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension.

THEORY:

The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky

and elongated particles contained in it. For base course and construction of
bituminous and cement concrete types, the presence of flaky and elongated
particles are considered undesirable as these cause inherent weakness with
possibilities of breaking down under heavy loads. Thus, evaluation of shape of the

4
 particles, particularly with reference to flakiness and elongation is necessary.

The Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of

particles whose least dimension (thickness) is less than three- fifths (0.6times) of
their mean dimension. This test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

PROCEDURE

The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in table below. A minimum of 200
of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed = W1 g. In order to separate flaky
materials, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on a thickness gauge. The width of
the slot used should be of the dimension specified in column 4 of the table 1 for the
appropriate size of material. The amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to
an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the test sample.

Table

Size of aggregates Thickness gauge

Sl.No Passing, Retained, (0.6 times the mean
mm mm sieve), mm
1 63.0 50.0 33.90
2 50.0 40.0 27.00
3 40.0 31.5 19.5.
4 31.5 25.0 16.95
5 25.0 20.0 13.50
6 20.0 16.0 10.80
7 16.0 12.5 8.55
8 12.5 10.0 6.75
9 10.0 6.3 4.89

FORMULA
(w 1 + w 2 + w 3 +………)
Flakiness Index = ×100
(W1 + W2 + W3 +……… )

Where
w 1 , w 2 , w 3 ……… are the weights of material passing different
slots in the thickness gauge
W1 , W2 , W3 ……… are the weights of the fractions passing and
retained on specific sieve

FIGURE:

5
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Size of aggregates Slot size of the Weight of Weight of

Sl.No Passing, Retained, thickness gauge, fraction taken fraction passing
mm mm mm (Wn), g (wn), g
1 63.0 50.0 63-50
2 50.0 40.0 50-40
3 40.0 25 40-25
4 25 20 25-20
5 20 16 20-16
6 16 12.5 16-12.5
7 12.5 10.0 12.5-10
8 10.0 6.3 10-6.3

 wn
Flakiness Index = x 100 =
Wn

RESULT

The flakiness index of the given sample of aggregate is

6
CODAL RECOMMENDATION

The desirable flakiness index of aggregates used in road construction is should not
be less than 15% and does not exceed 25%.

INFERENCE:

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS:

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the
oven.
 Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.
 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.
 All parts of the equipment should always be kept clean.
 After the end of the test sieve should be clean by smooth brush.

EXPERIMENT NO: 03

SHAPE TEST-ELONGATION INDEX

EXPERIMENT NO: \ DATE:

AIM

To find the elongation index of the given sample of aggregate

APPARATUS

 A standard thickness gauge

 IS Sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm
 Balance

DEFINITION

7
 The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentages by weight of particles
whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than one and four fifth times their mean
dimension.

THEORY:

The particle shape of aggregates is determined by the percentages of flaky and

elongated particles contained in it. For base course and construction of bituminous and
cement concrete types, the presence of flaky and elongated particles are considered
undesirable as these cause inherent weakness with possibilities of breaking down under
heavy loads. Thus, evaluation of shape of the particles, particularly with reference to
flakiness and elongation is necessary.

The Flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose

least dimension (thickness) is less than three- fifths (0.6times) of their mean dimension.
This test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

PROCEDURE

The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in table below. A minimum of 200
of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed = W 1 g. In order to separate elongated
materials, each fraction is then gauged for length in a length gauge. The width of the slot
used should be of the dimension specified in column 5 of the table 1 for the appropriate
size of material. The amount of elongated material passing the gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the test sample.

Table

Size of aggregates Length gauge

Sl.No Passing, Retained, (1.8 times the mean
mm Mm sieve), mm
1 63.0 50.0 -
2 50.0 40.0 81.0
3 40.0 31.5 58.5
4 31.5 25.0 -
5 25.0 20.0 40.5
6 20.0 16.0 32.4
7 16.0 12.5 25.6
8 12.5 10.0 20.2
9 10.0 6.3 14.7

FORMULA

8
 ( x 1 + x 2 + x 3 +…. )
Elongation Index = × 100
(W1 + W2 + W3 +…… )

Where
x 1 , x 2 , x 3 …. are the weights of material from each fraction retained
on the specified gauge.
W1 , W2 , W3 … are the weights of the fractions passing and retained
on specific sieve.
FIGURE:

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS

Size of aggregates Slot size of the Weight of Weight of

Sl.No Passing, Retained, length gauge, fraction taken fraction retained
Mm Mm mm (Wn), g (wn), g
1 63.0 50.0 63-50
2 50.0 40.0 50-40
3 40.0 25.0 40-25
4 25.0 20.0 25-20
5 20.0 16.0 20-16
6 16.0 12.5 16-12.5
7 12.5 10 12.5-10
8 10.0 6.3 10-6.3
∑= ∑=
wn
Elongation Index = × 100 =
 Wn

9
RESULT
The elongation index of the given sample of aggregate is

CODAL RECOMMENDATION
The elongation index in excess of 15% is generally considered undesirable.

INFERENCE
Since the elongation index of the given sample is greater than 15% it is undesirable
for road construction.

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS:

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the
oven.
 Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.
 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.
 All parts of the equipment should always be kept clean.
 After the end of the test sieve should be clean by smooth brush.

SHAPE TEST - ANGULARITY NUMBER OF COARSE AGGREGATE (IS: 2386-

PART 1-1963)

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

OBJECTIVE:
For determination of angularity number of coarse aggregates.
EQUIPMENT & APPARATUS:

 Balance (0-10kg)
 Sieves (20,16,12.5,10,6.3,4.75mm)
 Metal cylinder
 Tamping rod
 Scoop

TEST SAMPLE PREPARATION:

The test sample consist of aggregate retained between the appropriate pair of IS sieves
from the following sets

PASSING RETAINED

20 mm 16 mm

10
 16 mm 12.5 mm

12.5 mm 10 mm

10 mm 6.3 mm

6.3 mm 4.75 mm

The aggregate to be tested is dried for at least 24 hours in a well ventilated oven
maintained at a temperature of 100 to 1100C.
PROCEDURE:

1. The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given 100 blows using
the standard tamping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above the
surface of the aggregate and then allowing it to fall freely.
2. The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the aggregate.
3. After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and excess
material is removed off with temping rod as a straight edge.
4. The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate determinations are made
and mean weight of the aggregate in the cylinder is calculated.

CALCULATION:

Where,

W = mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder.

C = Weight of water required to completely fill the cylinder (i.e. Volume of cylinder)

Gs = Specific Gravity of the aggregate

RESULT:

The angularity number of given aggregate is

INFERENCE:

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS:

 Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.

 Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.

11
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.
 After test sieve should be clean by a soft brush.

WATER ABSORPTION AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY DETERMINATION

FOR AGGREGATES

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

AIM

To determine the percentage of water absorption of the given aggregate sample.

APPARATUS

 A balance of 3 kg capacity
 A thermostatically controlled oven
 A container
 Dry absorbent cloth piece

PROCEDURE

 About 1 kg of the aggregate sample is washed thoroughly to remove fines and then
placed in a container (bucket) with the aggregates completely immersed in water
for a period of 24 hours.
 The aggregates are then removed from the container and allowed to drain water by
gravity. Then the aggregates are placed on absorbent clothes and their surface dried
till no further moisture can be dried by this cloth. The aggregates should not be
exposed to atmosphere, direct sunlight or any other source of heat during surface
drying. The surface dried aggregate is then weighed ‘W2’ g.
 The aggregates are then placed in a shallow tray and kept in an oven maintained at
a temperature of 110° C for 24 hours. It is then removed from the oven, cooled in
air in air-tight container and weighed ‘W1’g.

FORMULA

12
 Water Absorption = (W2 - W1) x 100
W1
Where
W2 = weight of saturated aggregates

W1 = weight of oven dried aggregates

CODAL RECOMMENDATION

According to IS: 2386 (Part 3) – 1963, the absorption capacity of the coarse
aggregate is of the order of about 0.5% to 1.0% by weight of aggregate. A higher
absorption value may be met with aggregates derived from sand stones or other soft and
porous rocks.

Recently it was observed that the rocks excavated in the cuttings of Pune-Mumbai
express highway, showed absorption of around 4%unusualy high for rock of the type
Deccan trap.

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS

Dry weight of the aggregate W1 =

Weight of saturated aggregate W2 =

W2 - W1
Water absorption =
W1

RESULT

The water absorption of the given aggregate sample is

INFERENCE:

13
 EXPERIMENT NO: 06

LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

AIM

(i) To determine the Los Angeles abrasion value.

(ii) To find the suitability of aggregates for use in road construction.

APPARATUS

 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine (consisting of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at

both ends, having an inside diameter 70 cm and an inside length of 50 cm, mounted
on stub shafts about which it rotates on a horizontal axis).
 Abrasive charge (cast iron spheres approximately 4.8cm in diameter and 390 to
445 grams in weight).
 IS Sieves of sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm (for grading
aggregates).
 The IS sieve of size 1.70mm (for separating fines after test).

DEFINITION

The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to the
relative rubbing action between the aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charge;
pounding action of these balls also exists while conducting these tests. This test is more
dependable as pounding action simulates the field conditions where both abrasion and
impact occur.

THEORY:

14
The aggregate used in surface course of the highway pavements are subjected to wearing
due to movement of traffic. When vehicles move on the road, the soil particles present
between the pneumatic tyres and road surface cause abrasion of road aggregates. The steel
reamed wheels of animal driven vehicles also cause considerable abrasion of the road
surface. Therefore, the road aggregates should be hard enough to resist abrasion.
Resistance to abrasion of aggregate is determined in laboratory by Los Angeles test
machine. The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to produce abrasive action by use
of standard steel balls which when mixed with aggregates and rotated in a drum for
specific number of revolutions also causes impact on aggregates. The percentage wear of
the aggregates due to rubbing with steel balls is determined and is known as Los Angeles
Abrasion Value.

PROCEDURE:

The test sample consists of clean aggregates dried in oven at 105° – 110°C. The sample
should conform to any of the gradings shown in table 1.

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

(ii) Take 5 kg of sample for gradings A, B, C & D and 10 kg for gradings E, F & G.

(iii) Choose the abrasive charge as per Table 2 depending on grading of aggregates.

(iv) Place the aggregates and abrasive charge on the cylinder and fix the cover.

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

(vi) The machine is stopped after the desired number of revolutions and material is
discharged to a tray.

(vii) The entire stone dust is sieved on 1.70 mm IS sieve.

(viii) The material coarser than 1.7mm size is weighed correct to one gram.

15
 Table-1. Specifications for Los Angeles Abrasion Test

Grading Weight in grams of each test sample in the size range, mm Abrasive charge
(passing and retained)
Number Weight
80 - 63 – 50 - 40 - 25 – 20 - 12.5 10 - 6.3 - 4.75 - of of
63 50 40 25 20 12.5 - 10 6.3 4.75 2.36 spheres charge,
’g’
- - -
A - - - 1250 1250 1250 1250 12 5000 25

B - - - - - 2500 2500 - - - 11 4584  25

C - - - - - - - 2500 2500 - 8 3330  20

D - - - - - - - - - 5000 6 2500  15

E 2500 2500 5000 - - - - - - - 12 5000  25

F - - 5000 5000 - - - - - - 12 5000  25

G - - - 5000 5000 - - - - - 12 5000  25

16
FORMULA

W1 - W2
Abrasion value = x 100
W1

Where,
W1 = original weight of aggregate, in g
W2 = weight of sample retained on 1.7 mm IS sieve, in g
W1 - W2 = loss of weight due to wear, in g

FIGURE:

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS

The difference between the original and final weights of the sample is expressed as a
percentage of the original weight of the sample is reported as the percentage wear.

Grade of aggregate used =A

Number of spheres used = 12
Weight of aggregate, W1 = 10000 g
Weight of aggregate
retained on 1.7 mm sieve, W2 =

W1 - W2
Percentage wear = × 100
W1

RESULT

17
 The Los Angeles abrasion value of the given aggregate sample is
CODAL RECOMMENDATION

According to IS: 10070 - 1982 the abrasion value should not be more than 30% for
wearing surfaces and not more than 50% for concrete other than wearing surface.

INFERENCE

18
 AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

AIM

To determine the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregate.

”The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate
crushing under gradually applied compressive load .

APPARATUS

(I) A steel cylinder 15 cm diameter with plunger and base plate .

(II) A straight metal tamping rod 16mm diameter and 45 to 60cm long rounded at one end.

(III) A balance of capacity 3 kg readable and accurate to one gram.

(IV) IS sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm

(V) A compression testing machine.

(VI) Cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its from under rough

usage and of 11.5cm diameter and 18cm height.

(VII) Dial gauge

SAMPLING

Coarse aggregate passing 12.5mm IS sieve and retained on a10mm. IS sieve and heated at
100 to 110°C for 4 hours and cooled to room temperature.

The quantity of aggregate shall be such that the depth of material in the cylinder , after
tamping as described below shall be 10 cm.

The appropriate quantity may be found conveniently by filling the cylinder.

Measure in three layers of approximately equal depth ,each layer being tamped 25 times with
the tamping rod and finally leveled off using the tamping rod as straight edge,care being
taken in the case of weaker materials not to break the particles.the weight of the material
comprising the test sample shall be determined (weight A) and the same weight of sample
shall be taken for the repeat test.

PROCEDURE

19
((i)Put the cylinder in position on the base plate and weigh it (W)

(ii)Put the sample in 3 layers ,each layer being subjected to 25 strokes using the tamping rod
,care being taken in the case of weak materials not to break the particles and weigh it (W1)

(iii)Level the surface of aggregate carefully and insert the plunger so that it rests horizontally
on the surface ,care being taken to ensure that the plunger does not jam in the cylinder.

(iv)Place the cylinder with plunger on the loading platform of the compression testing
machine.

(v)Apply load at a uniform rate so that a total load of 40T is applied in 10 minutes .

(vi)Release the load and remove the material from the cylinder.

(vii)Sieve the material with 2.36mm IS sieve, care being taken to avoid loss of fines .

(viii)Weigh the fraction passing through the IS sieve (W2)

FIGURE

Aggregate Crushing Value Test Appratus

CALCULATIONS

Aggregate crushing value = (W2x100) / (W1-W)

W2 =Weight of fraction passing through the appropriate sieve

W1-W =Weight of surface dry sample.

20
The mean of two results to nearest whole number is the aggregate crushing value.

RESULT

The aggregate crushing value of the given sample=

CODAL RECOMMENDATION

With aggregate crushing value 30 or higher’ the result may be anomalous and in such cases
the ten percent fines value should be determined instead.

INFERENCE:

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS:

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the oven.
 To wear safety shoes & helmet during the time of test.
 Before testing, machine should be checked.
 After test electric supply should be off.
 After test clean the sieve by brush.
 Keep all the exposed metal parts greased.
 Keep the guide rods firmly fixed to the base & top plate.
 Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before testing & after testing.

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

AIM:

(i) To determine the impact value of the road aggregates;

(ii) To assess their suitability in road construction on the basis of impact value.

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. .

21
(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

(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 upto 0.1 g.

THEORY:

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.

PROCEDURE:

The test sample consists of aggregates sized 10.0 mm 12.5 mm. Aggregates may be dried by
heating at 100-110° C for a period of 4 hours and cooled.

(i) Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0mm IS sieves.

(ii) The aggregates passing through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10.0mm sieve
comprises the test material.
(iii) Pour the aggregates to fill about just 1/3 rd depth of measuring cylinder.
(iv) Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the
tamping rod.
(v) Add two more layers in similar manner, so that cylinder is full.
(vi) Strike off the surplus aggregates.Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the
nearest gram(W).
(vii) Bring the impact machine to rest without wedging or packing up on the level
plate, block or floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are
vertical.the cup firmly in position on the base of machine and place whole of the
test sample in it and compact by giving 25 gentle strokes with tamping rod.
(viii) Raise the hammer until its lower face is 380 mm above the surface of aggregate
sample in the cup and allow it to fall freely on the aggregate sample. Give 15 such
blows at an interval of not less than one second between successive falls.
(ix) Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36 mm IS
sieves until no further significant amount passes in one minute. Weigh the fraction
passing the sieve to an accuracy of 1 gm. Also, weigh the fraction retained in the
sieve.
(x) Compute the aggregate impact value. The mean of two observations, rounded to
nearest whole number is reported as the Aggregate Impact Value.

22
OBSERVATIONS

Sample 1 Sample 2
Total weight of dry sample ( W1gm)
Weight of portion passing 2.36 mm sieve
(W2 gm)
Aggregate Impact Value (percent) = (W2 /
W1 ) X 100
Mean

RESULT:

Aggregate Impact Value =

RECOMMENDED VALUES

23
Classification of aggregates using Aggregate Impact Value is as given below:

Aggregate Impact Value Classification

<20% Exceptionally Strong
10 – 20% Strong
20-30% Satisfactory for road surfacing
>35% Weak for road surfacing

INFERENCE:

PRECAUTIONS:

 Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the oven.
 To wear safety shoes & goggles at the time of testing.
 Before testing, machine should be properly checked.
 Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.
 After test clean the sieve by a smooth brush.
 Keep all the exposed metal parts greased.
 Keep the guide rods firmly fixed to the base & top plate.
 Equipment should be clean thoroughly before testing & after testing.

DUCTILITY OF BITUMEN

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

AIM:

(i) To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen

(ii) To determine the suitability of bitumen for its use in road construction.

APPARATUS:

24
The apparatus as per IS: 1208-1978 consists of

(i) Briquette mould: It is made of brass. Circular holes are provided at ends called clips to
grip the fixed and movable ends of the testing machine. The mould when properly assembled
form a briquette specimen of following dimensions.

Total length 75.0 ± 0.5 mm

Distance between clips 30.0 ± 0.3mm

Width at mount of slip 20.0 ± 0.2mm

Width at minimum cross-section

(half way between clips) 10.0 ± 0.1mm

Thickness throughout 10.0 ± 0.1mm

(ii) Water bath: A bath maintained within 27.0° ±0.1 °C of the specified test temperature
containing not less than 10 litres of water, the specimen being submerged to a depth of not
less than 10 cms and supported on a perforated shell and less than 5 cms from the bottom of
the bath.

(iii) Testing machine : For pulling the briquette of bituminous material apart, any apparatus
may be used which is so constructed that the specimen will be continuously submerged in
water while the two clips are being pulled apart horizontally at a uniform speed of 50 ± 2.5
mm per minute.

(iv) Thermometer. Range 0-44°C and readable up to 0.2°C

THEORY:

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

PROCEDURE:

(i) Melt the bituminous test material completely at a temperature of 75°C to 100° C above the
approximate softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid.

(ii) Strain the fluid through IS sieve 30.

(iii) After stirring the fluid, pour it in the mould assembly and place it on a brass plate. In
order to prevent the material under test from sticking, coat the surface of the plate and interior

25
surfaces of the sides of the mould with mercury or by a mixture of equal parts of glycerine
and dextrine.

(iv) 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° C for half an hour.

(v) Remove the sample and mould assembly from the water bath and trim the specimen by
levelling the surface using a hot knife.

(vi) Replace the mould assembly in water bath for 80 to 90 minutes.

(vii) Remove the sides of the mould.

(viii)Hook the clips carefully on the machine without causing any initial strain.

(ix) Adjust the pointer to read zero.

(x) Start the machine and pull clips horizontally at a speed of 50 mm per minute.

(xi) Note the distance at which the bitumen thread of specimen breaks.

Mean of two observations rounded to nearest whole number is ductility value.

PRECAUTIONS:

(i) The plate assembly upon which the mould is placed shall be perfectly flat and level so that
the bottom surface of the mould touches it throughout.

(ii) In filling the mould, care should be taken not to distort the briquette and to see that no air
pocket is within the moulded sample.

OBSERVATIONS:

(i) Bitumen Grade =

(ii) Pouring Temperature =

(iii) Test Temperature =

(iv) Period of cooling in minutes

(a) In air =

(b) In water bath before trimming =

(c) In water bath after trimming =

26
 1 3
2
(a) Initial Reading
(b) Final Reading

RESULT:

Ductility value =

RECOMMENDED VALUE:

Suitability of bitumen is judged depending on its type and proposed use. Bitumen with low
ductility value may get cracked especially in cold weather. Minimum values of ductility
specified by ISI for various grades are as follows.

Source of paving bitumen and penetration grade Min ductility value (cms)
Assam Petroleum A25 5
A35 10
A45 12
A65, A90 & A200 15
Bitumen from sources other than Assam
50
Petroleum S35
S45, S65 & S90 75

INFERENCE:

27
 DETERMINING FLASH AND FIRE POINT OF BITUMEN

EXPERIMENT NO: DATE:

Aim:

This test is done to determine the flash point and the fire point of asphaltic bitumen and
fluxed native asphalt, cutback bitumen and blown type bitumen as per IS: 1209 – 1978. The
principle behind this test is given below :

Flash Point – The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the application
of test flame causes the vapours from the material to momentarily catch fire in the form of a
flash under specified conditions of the test.
Fire Point – The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame
causes the material to ignite and burn at least for 5 seconds under specified conditions of the
test.

The apparatus required for this test is

i) Pensky-Martens apparatus
ii) Thermometer- Low Range : -7 to 110oC, Graduation 0.5oC
High Range : 90 to 370oC, Graduation 2oC

The sample should be just sufficient to fill the cup upto the mark given on it.

28
PROCEDURE

A) FLASH POINT
i) Soften the bitumen between 75 and 100oC. Stir it thoroughly to remove air bubbles and
water.

ii) Fill the cup with the material to be tested upto the filling mark. Place it on the bath. Fix the
open clip. Insert the thermometer of high or low range as per requirement and also the stirrer,
to stir it.

iii) Light the test flame, adjust it. Supply heat at such a rate that the temperature increase,
recorded by the thermometer is neither less than 5oC nor more than 6oC per minute.

iv) Open 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. Discontinue the stirring during the application
of the test
flame.

v) The flash point should be taken as the temperature read on the thermometer at the time of
the flame application that causes a distinct flash in the interior of the cup.

B) FIRE POINT
i) After flash point, heating should be continued at such a rate that the increase in temperature
recorded by the thermometer is neither less than 5oC nor more than 6oC per minute.

ii) The test flame should be lighted and adjusted so that it is of the size of a bead 4mm in dia.

iii)The fire point should be taken as the temperature read on the thermometer at which the
application of test flame causes the material to ignite and burn for at least 5 seconds

29
RESULTS
I) Flash point for the given sample is

II) Fire point for the given sample is

INFERENCE:

PENETRATION TEST

EXPERIMENT NO: Date:

AIM
To determine the consistency and further grading of the given bituminous material.

APPARATUS

 Container: A flat-bottomed cylindrical metallic container 55 mm in diameter and 35

mm or 57 mm in height.
 Needle: A straight, highly polished cylindrical hard steel needle with conical end. The
needle is provided with a shank approximately 3.0 mm in diameter into which it is
immovably fixed.
 Water bath: A water bath is maintained at 25 +/- 1oC containing not less the 10 liters
of water, the sample is immersed to depth not less than 100 mm from the top and
supported on a perforated shelf not less than 50 mm from the bottom of the bath.
 Penetrometer: It is as apparatus which allows the needle assembly of gross weight 100
gm to penetrate without appreciable friction for the decided duration of time. The dial
is accurately calibrated to give penetration value in units of 1/10th of a mm.
electrically operated automatic penetrometers are also available.
 Transfer tray: A small tray which can keep the container fully immersed in water
during the test.

THEORY:

Penetration value is a measure of hardness or consistency of bituminous material. It is the

vertical distance traversed or penetrated by the point of a standard needle in to the bituminous
material under specific conditions of load, time and temperature. This distance is measured in
one tenths of a millimeter. This test is used for evaluating consistency of bitumen. It is not
regarded as suitable for use in connection with the testing of road tar because of the high
surface tension exhibited by these materials.

PROCEDURE

30
 Heat the sample until it becomes fluid.
 Pour it in a container to a depth such that when cooled, the depth of sample is at least
10mm greater than the expected penetration.
 Allow it to cool in an atmospheric temperature.
 Clean the needle and place a weight above the needle.
 Use the water bath to maintain the temperature of specimen.
 Mount the needle on bitumen, such that it should just touch the surface of bitumen.
 Then start the stop watch and allow the penetration needle to penetrate freely at same
time for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds stop the penetration.
 Result will be the grade of bitumen.
 Take at least three reading.

31
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Sample No.
Readings
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3
(i) Initial
Penetrometer Dial
Reading (ii) Final

Penetration Value

Mean Penetration Value =

RESULT

The penetration value of the given sample =

The grade of bitumen is

RECOMMENDED VALUE:

The difference between initial and final penetration readings is taken as the
penetration value. The mean value of 3 consistent penetration measurements is reported as
the penetration value. It is further specified by ISI that results of each measurement should
not vary from the mean value reported above by more than the following:

Bitumen Grade Penetration Value

A 25 20 to 30
A 35 & S 35 30 to 40
A 45 & S 45 40 to 50
A 65 & S 65 60 to 70
A 90 & S 90 80 to 100

32
 A 200 & S 200 175 to 225

Depending upon the type of construction and climatic conditions, bitumen of different
penetration grades are used, 80/100 bitumen denotes that the penetration value ranges
between 80 and 100. The penetration values of various types of bitumen used in pavement
construction in this country range between 20 and 225. For bituminous macadam and
penetration macadam Indian Roads Congress suggests bitumen grades 30/40, 60/70 and
80/100. In warmer regions lower penetration grades are preferred and in colder regions
bitumen with higher penetration values are used.

INFERENCE:

SOFTENING POINT TEST

EXPERIMENT NO: Date:

AIM

To determine the softening point of the given sample of bitumen.

APPARATUS

It consists of Ring and Ball apparatus.

 Steel balls: They are two in number. Each has a diameter of 9.5 mm and weight 2.5
+/- 0.5 g.
 Brass rings: There are two rings of the following dimensions
Depth - 6.4 mm
Inside diameter at top - 17.5 mm
Inside diameter at bottom - 15.9 mm
Outside diameter - 20.6 mm
Brass rings are also placed with ball guides.
 Support: The metallic support is used for placing pair of rings. The upper surface of
the rings is adjusted to be 50 mm below the surface of water or liquid contained in the
bath. A distance of 25 mm between the bottom of the rings and top surface of the
bottom plate of the support is provided. It has housing for a suitable thermometer.
 Bath and stirrer: A heat resistant glass container of 85 mm diameter and 120 mm
depth is used. Bath liquid is water for material having softening point below 80oC and

33
 glycerin for materials having softening point above 80oC. Mechanical stirrer is used
for ensuring uniform heat distribution at all times throughout the bath.

THEORY:

The Softening Point of bitumen or tar is the temperature at which the substance attains
particular degree of softening. As per IS: 334-1982, it is the temperature in ºC at which a
standard ball passes through a sample of bitumen in a mould and falls through a height of 2.5
cm, when heated under water or glycerine at specified conditions of test. The binder should
have sufficient fluidity before its applications in road uses. The determination of softening
point helps to know the temperature up to which a bituminous binder should be heated for
various road use applications. Softening point is determined by ring and ball apparatus.

PROCEDURE

 The sample material is heated to a temperature between 75 and 100oC above the
approximate softening point until it is completely fluid and is poured in heated rings
placed on metal plate.
 To avoid sticking of bitumen to metal plate, outing is done to this with a solution of
glycerin and dextrin.
 After cooling the rings in air for 30 min, excess bitumen is trimmed and the rings are
placed in support as discussed above.
 At this time the temperature of distilled water is kept at 5oC.
 This temperature is maintained for 15 min after which the balls are placed in position.
 The temperature of water is raised at uniform rate of 5oC per minute with a controlled
heating unit, until the bitumen softens and touches the bottom plate by sinking of
balls.
 At least two observations are made. For material whose softening point is above 80oC,
glycerin is used as a heating medium and the starting temperature is 35oC instead of
5oC.

34
PRECAUTIONS:

(i) Distilled water should be used as the heating medium.

(ii) During the conduct of test the apparatus should not be subjected to vibrations. (iii)The
bulb of the thermometer should be at about the same level as the rings.

RESULT

The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample given touches the
bottom of the plate =

35
RECOMMENDED VALUE:

Softening point indicates the temperature at which binders possess the same viscosity.
Bituminous materials do not have a melting point. Rather, the change of state from solid to
liquid is gradual over a wide range of temperature. Softening point has particular significance
for materials to be used as joint and crack fillers. Higher softening point ensures that they will
not flow during service. Higher the softening point, lesser the temperature susceptibility.
Bitumen with higher softening point is preferred in warmer places.

The ranges of softening point specified by the Indian Standards Institution for various
grades of bitumen are given below:

Bitumen grades Softening point, oC

A 25 & A 35 55 to 70

S 35 50 to 65

A 45, S 45 & A 65 45 to 60

S 65 40 to 55

A 90 & S 90 35 to 50

A 200 & S 200 30 to 45

INFERENCE:

36
37