CE328 Highway Materials Testing Experiments

By Dr. Tom. V. Mathew IIT Bombay

List of Tests
1. Aggregate crushing test 2. Aggregate impact test 3. Abrasion Test (L.A. abrasion test) 4. Shape test (FI, EI, Angularity No.) 5. Penetration Test 6. Ductility Test 7. Softening Point 8. Marshall Stability Test 9. Bitumen Extraction Test 10.Traffic studies: Volume study

Requirements of Pavements
Types
Flexible Pavement Rigid Pavement

Structural Requirements
to withstand the design factors to serve during the design life / minimum service life

Functional Requirements
considering pavement deterioration considering road user requirement

Flexible Pavements

Loading in FP

Overview Pavement materials

Soil (sub-grade, embankment) Aggregates (coarse, fine) Binders (Bitumen, cement)

Aggregate
Aggregate is the major component of all materials used in road construction It is used in granular bases and sub base, bituminous courses and in cement concrete pavements

Desirable properties of Aggregate

Strength:The aggregate should be sufficiently strong to withstand the stresses due to traffic wheel load Hardness: Aggregate should have hard enough to resist the wear due to abrasive action of traffic Toughness: Aggregate should have resistance to impact or toughness

Desirable properties of Aggregate

Durability: The aggregate used in pavement should resistance to disintegration due to the action of weather Shape of aggregate: Should not be Flaky and elongated Adhesion with Bitumen: Should have good affinity to bitumen

Soil
Soil is all unindurated mineral material lying above rock strata including air, water, and organic matter

It is non-homogeneous and porous

Properties greatly influenced by moisture, density and compaction

A number of pavement failure is attributed to soil failures

Properties of soil
Shape of soil particles (bulky, flaky) Particle size classification (clay, silt, sand, gravel) Grain size distribution (sedimentation analysis for <75m) Porosity and void ratio Soil density (dry and wet density)

Properties of soil
Moisture-density relationship (Proctor density, OMC) Chemical properties (Organic matter, minerals, pH) Soil-water (Capillary water, water table) Physical properties (Permeability, compressibility, shear resistance)

Petroleum distillation Flow Chart

Desirable Properties of Bitumen

Desirable Properties of Bitumen

It should be fluid enough at the time of mixing to coat the aggregate evenly by a thin film It should have low temperature susceptibility It should show uniform viscosity characteristics Bitumen should have good amount of volatiles in it, and it should not lose them excessively when subjected to higher temperature

Desirable Properties of Bitumen

The bitumen should be ductile and not brittle The bitumen should be capable of being heated to the temperature at which it can be easily mixed without any fire hazards The bitumen should have good affinity to the aggregate and should not be stripped off in the continued presence off water

Quality Control Tests: Soil

1. Gradation 2. Atterberg Limits and indices (LL, PL,PI, SL) 3. Laboratory Compaction (MDD and OMC) 4. Field density test 5. CBR Test 6. Plate bearing test

Quality control tests: Aggregate

1. Sieve analysis 2. Aggregate crushing test 3. Aggregate impact test 4. Abrasion Test (L.A. abrasion test) 5. Shape test (FI, EI, Angul. No.) 6. Soundness Test 7. Specific gravity and Water absorption test 8. Stripping value test

Quality control tests: Bitumen

1. Penetration 2. Ductility 3. Softening point 4. Specific gravity 5. Loss on heating 6. Flash & Fire point 7. Viscosity 8. Solubility

California bearing ratio (CBR)

A simple test that compares the bearing capacity of a material with that of a well-graded crushed stone A high quality crushed stone material should have a CBR of about 100% CBR is basically a measure of strength

CBR
CBR value is the measure of resistance of material to the penetration of standard plunger under controlled density and moisture condition. The CBR test can be made in the laboratory on undisturbed or remoulded soil samples. The CBR value of sub grade is normally evaluated on a soaked sample compacted at optimum moisture content to maximum dry density.

Basic Test
This consists of causing a plunger of 50 mm diameter to penetrate a soil sample at the rate of 1.25 mm/min. The force (load) required to cause the penetration is plotted against measured penetration. The loads at 2.5 mm and 5 mm penetration are recorded. This load corresponding to 2.5 mm or 5 mm penetration is expressed as a percentage of standard load sustained by the crushed aggregates at the same penetration to obtain CBR value.

Definition of CBR
California bearing ratio is defined as the ratio (expressed as percentage) between the load sustained by the soil sample at a specified penetration of a standard plunger (50 mm diameter) and the load sustained by the standard crushed stones at the same penetration.

Standard Load values on Crushed Stones for Different Penetration Values

Penetration, mm 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0 12.5

Standard Load, kg 1370 2055 2630 3180 3600

Unit Standard Load, kg/cm2 70 105 134 162 183

Apparatus
Loading frame Cylindrical mould, Collar, Base Plate and spacer Disc Compaction hammer Expansion Measuring Apparatus - Perforated plate with adjustable stem, tripod and dial gauge reading to 0.01 mm Annular Surcharge Weights

Loading Machine
With a capacity of at least 5000 kg and equipped with a movable head or base that travels at an uniform rate of 1.25 mm/min.

Cylindrical Mould
Cylindrical mould with inside diameter 150 mm and height 175 mm, provided with a detachable extension collar 50 mm height and a detachable perforated base plate 10 mm thick.

Compaction Rammer
Weight 2.6 kg with a drop of 310 mm (or) Weight 4.89 kg a drop 450 mm.

Adjustable stem, perforated plate, tripod and dial gauge

Preparation of Test Specimen

Prepare the remoulded specimen at Proctors maximum dry density or any other density at which C.B.R is required. Maintain the specimen at optimum moisture content or the field moisture as required. The material used should pass 20 mm I.S. sieve. Prepare the specimen either by dynamic compaction or by static compaction.

Dynamic Compaction
Take about 4.5 to 5.5 kg of soil and mix thoroughly with the required water. Just before making the compacted mould of soil, take representative sample for determining water content. Fix the extension collar and the base plate to the mould. Insert the spacer disc over the base. Place the filter paper on the top of the spacer disc.

Dynamic Compaction
Compact the soil in the mould using either light compaction or heavy compaction. For light compaction, compact the soil in 3 equal layers, each layer being given 55 blows by the 2.6 kg rammer. For heavy compaction compact the soil in 5 layers, by giving 56 blows to each layer by the 4.89 kg rammer.

Dynamic Compaction
Remove the collar and trim the specimen smooth and flush with the mould. Remove the base plate and the displacer disc, weigh the mould with compacted soil, and determine the wet unit weight. Place a filter paper on the base plate, invert the specimen (5 cm gap is on the top) and attach the base plate so that the soil is in contact with the filter paper on the base.

Penetration Test
Place the mould assembly with the surcharge weights on the penetration test machine. Seat the penetration piston at the center of the specimen with the smallest possible load, but in no case in excess of 4 kg so that full contact of the piston on the sample is established. Set the stress and strain dial gauge to read zero. Apply the load on the piston so that the penetration rate is about 1.25 mm/min. Record the load readings at penetrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 mm. Note the maximum load and corresponding penetration if it occurs for a penetration less than 12.5 mm. Detach the mould from the loading equipment. Take about 20 to 50 g of soil from the top 3 cm layer and determine the moisture content.

Data from a Typical CBR Test for Sample No.1

Proving Ring Reading (div) 0 2 6 10 18 27 Proving Ring Reading (div) 38 50 58 69 72 75

Penetration (mm) 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

Load on Plunger 0 3.70 11.10 18.50 33.30 49.95

Penetration (mm) 3 4 5 7.5 10 12.5

Load on Plunger 70.30 92.50 107.30 127.65 133.20 138.75

Load Vs Penetration Curve for Sample No.1

160 140 120 100
Load

80 60 40 20 0 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5

Penetration

Initial Concavity
The load penetration curve may show initial concavity due to the following reasons:
The top layer of the sample might have become too soft due to soaking in water The surface of the plunger or the surface of the sample might not be horizontal

Correction
Draw a tangent to the load-penetration curve where it changes concavity to convexity The point of intersection of this tangent line with the x-axis is taken as the new origin Shift the origin to this point (new origin) and correct all the penetration values

Corrected Penetration Values for Sample No.1

2055 1370

2.5

Computation of CBR for Sample No.1

Compute CBR at 2.5 mm penetration
CBR of Specimen at 2.5 mm penetration =

(80/1370)*100 = 5.84 % Compute CBR at 5 mm penetration

CBR of Specimen at 5 mm penetration =

(117/2055)*100 = 5.69 %

Variation in CBR Values

At least three samples should be tested on each type of soil at the same density and moisture content to take care of the variation in the values This will enable a reliable average value to be obtained in most cases Where variation with in CBR values is more than the permissible maximum variation the design CBR value should be the average of six samples and not three

Permissible Variation in CBR Value

CBR (per cent) 5 5-10 11-30 31 and above Maximum variation in CBR value 1 2 3 5

Design CBR
The average CBR values corresponding to 2.5 mm and 5 mm penetration values should be worked out If the average CBR at 2.5 mm penetration is more than that at 5 mm penetration, then the design CBR is the average CBR at 2.5 mm penetration If the CBR at 5mm penetration is more than that at 2.5 mm penetration, then the test should be repeated. Even after the repetition, if CBR at 5mm is more than CBR at 2.5 mm, CBR at 5 mm could be adopted as the design CBR.

Computation of Design CBR

CBR (%) Penetration 1 2.5 mm 5.0 mm Design CBR 5.84 5.69 2 5.54 5.44 3 5.76 5.56 Mean 5.71 5.56

5.71 %

1. Sieve Analysis

Significance of Test
Each type of aggregate test requires a specified aggregate size (E.g. 10-12.5 mm for crushing test) Each bituminous mix type has a recommended aggregate gradation (% passing 26.5 mm in 55-90 for GSB1) So aggregate is passed through a set of sieves to get material of various sizes

Sieves and Sieve-shaker

Procedure
Bring the sample to an air dry condition either by drying at room temperature or in oven at a temperature of 100oC to 110oC.Take the weight of the sample. Clean all the sieves and sieve the sample successively on the appropriate sieves starting with the largest. Shake each sieve separately over a clean tray. On completion of sieving note down the weight of material retained on each sieve. Report the results as cumulative percentage by weight of sample passing each of the sieves.

Observation Sheet
I.S. Sieve designation 63 mm 40 mm 20 mm 12.5 mm 10 mm 4.75 mm Weight of Percent of Cumulative sample weight retained percent of weight retained (%) (%) retained (gm) Percentage passing (%)

IS:2386 Part I;

IS: 383

Observation Sheet
IS Seive Designation (mm) 63 40 20 12.5 10 4.75 Weight of sample retained (gm) 100 200 400 400 300 200 1600 Weight retained (%) 6.25 12.5 25 25 18.75 12.5 100 Cumulative weight retained (%) 6.25 18.75 43.75 68.75 87.5 100 Passing (%)

93.75 81.25 56.25 31.25 12.5 0

Gradation chart
120 100 Gradation 80 60 40 20 0 4.75 10 12.5 20 40 63 63

1. Aggregate Crushing Test

Significance
Aggregate crushing value provides a relative measure of resistance to crushing under a gradually applied compressive load Aggregates subjected to high stresses during rolling and severe abrasion under traffic Also in India very severe stresses come on pavements due to rigid tyre rims of heavily loaded animal drawn vehicles

Test Set-up

Procedure
Surface dry aggregates passing 12.5 mm and retained on 10 mm selected 3.25 kg aggregate required for one test sample Cylindrical measure filled with aggregates in 3 layers, tamping each layer 25 times After leveling the aggregates at the top surface the test sample is weighed The cylinder is now placed on the base plate

Contd.

The cylinder with the test sample and plunger in position is placed on compression machine Load is applied at a rate of 4 tonnes per minute upto 40 tonnes The crushed aggregate is taken out, sieved through 2.36 mm IS sieve and weighed to get material passing Aggregate crushing value = W2*100/W1 W2= Weight of crushed material W1=Total weight of sample

Load Application

Sample being loaded in the compression machine at 4 T per minute for 10 minutes (upto 40 T)

Observation Sheet
Observations 1 Wt. of Aggregate Sample Filling in The Cylinder= W1(gms) Test No. 2 3 Average

Wt. of Aggregate Sample Passing 2.36 mm Sieve After the Test= W2(gms) Aggregate Crushing Value= W1/W2*100 Note: Value recorded up to first decimal place

Observation Sheet
Observations 1 Wt. of Aggregate Sample Filling in The Cylinder= W1 (gms) Wt. of Aggregate Sample Passing 2.36 mm Sieve After the Test= W2 (gms) Aggregate Crushing Value = 32% W1 / W2 x 100 Note: Value recorded up to first decimal place 28.8 % 24.5 % Test No. 2 3 Average

362

354

343

116

102

84

28.5 %

Specifications

Specified By

Aggregate Crushing Value for Cement Concrete Pavements

As per IRC:15 1970 And IS: 2386:Part IV

30 % Max for Surface Course

45 % Max for Other Surfaces

Discussion
Indirect measure of crushing strength Low value indicate strong aggregates Surface course need more strength than base course Should not exceed 30% for cement concrete surface , and 45% for others

2. Aggregate Impact Test

Significance
This test assesses the suitability of aggregate as regards the toughness for use in pavement construction Road aggregates subjected to pounding action due to traffic loads- so possibility of breaking Should be tough enough- so proper aggregates to be used Suitability to be checked by laboratory tests

Test Set-up

Procedure
1. Aggregate passing through 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve is filled in the cylindrical measure in 3 layers by tamping each layer by 25 blows. Determine the net weight of aggregate in the measure (W1) 2. Sample is transferred from the measure to the cup of aggregate impact testing machine and compacted by tamping 25 times 3. The hammer is raised to height of 38 cm above the upper surface of the aggregates in the cup and is allowed to fall freely on the specimen

Test In progress

Contd.
After subjecting the test specimen to 15 blows, the crushed aggregate is sieved through IS 2.36 mm sieve Weigh the fraction passing through IS 2.36 mm sieve(W2) Aggregate impact value = W2 / W1 x100 w2 = Weight of fines passing 2.36 mm w1 = Weight of sample Mean of the two values reported

Observation Sheet
Observations 1 Wt. of Aggregate Sample Filling in The Cylinder= W1(gms) Test No. 2 3 Avg

Wt. of Aggregate Sample Passing 2.36 mm Sieve After the Test= W2(gms) Aggregate Impact Value= W2/W1*100 Note: Value Recorded to the Nearest Whole Number

Observation Sheet
Observations Wt. of Aggregate Sample Filling in The Cylinder= W1 (gms) Wt. of Aggregate Sample Passing 2.36 mm Sieve After the Test= W2 (gms) Aggregate Impact Value= 20.37 W2 / W1 x100 Note: Value Recorded to the Nearest Whole Number 21.05 Test No. 1 319 2 323 3 Avg

65

68

21

Specifications
Type of Pavement Material/Layer Aggregate Impact Value, Max, % 50

WBM Sub-base course Cement Concrete Base course Bituminous Macadam, Base course

45

35 WBM Surface course 30 Bituminous Wearing Surfaces 30 IS: 2386: Part IV and IRC:15 1970; MORTH: 2001

3. Los Angeles Abrasion Test

Significance
It is resistance to wear or hardness of aggregates Road aggregates at the top subjected to wearing action Under traffic loads abrasion/attrition action within the layers as well To determine suitability, tests have to be carried out

Test Set-up

Procedure
1. Aggregates dried in oven at 105 -110 C. to constant weight conforming to any one of the gradings E.g. 1250 gm of 40-25 mm, 1250 gm of 25-20 mm, 1250 gm of 20-12.5 mm, 1250 gm of 12.5-10 mm, with 12 steel balls

2.

Aggregate weighing 5 kg or 10 kg is placed in cylinder of the machine ( W1 gms)

3. 4.

Machine is rotated at 30-33 rpm for 500 revolutions Machine is stopped and complete material is taken out including dust

Grading Requirement
Wt. in gms of each Sample in the Size Range, mm Abrasive Charge

Grading
A B C D E F G

2500 -

80-63
-

2500 -

63-50
-

5000 5000 -

50-40
-

1250 5000 5000

40-25

1250 NA 5000

25-20

1250 2500 -

20-12.5

1250 2500 -

12.5-10

2500 -

10-6.3
-

2500 -

6.3-4.75
-

5000 -

4.75-2.36
-

No. of Spheres
12 11 8 6 12 12 12

500025 500025 500025 500025 500025 500025 500025

Wt. of Charge, g

After 500 1000 revolutions

Contd.

6. Sieved through 1.7 mm sieve 7. Weight passing is determined by washing the portion retained, oven drying and weighing (W2 gms) 8. Aggregate abrasion value is determined LAAV = W2 / W1 x100 W2 = Weight of fines passing 1.7 mm W1 = Weight of the sample

Specifications
Type of Pavement Layer WBM Sub-base course WBM Base course with bit. Surfacing, BM Base course WBM Surface course, BM binder course Bituminous Carpet, SD, Cement Concrete surface course Bituminous/Cement concrete Wearing course IS: 2386: Part IV; IRC:15 1970; L. A. Abrasion Value, Max, % 60 50 40 35 30 IS: 383

Discussion
Select a grading close to the project for testing Simulate both abrasion and impact due to wheel loads It determines the hardness of the stone

4. Shape Tests
Determination of:
a.Flakiness Index b.Elongation Index c. Angularity Number

Significance
Shape of crushed aggregates determined by the percentage of flaky and elongated particles Shape of gravel determined by its angularity number Flaky and elongated aggregate particles tend to break under heavy traffic loads Rounded aggregates preferred in cement concrete pavements as more workability at less water cement ratio Angular shape preferred for granular courses/flexible pavement layers due to better interlocking and hence more stability

Test Set-up
Length Gauge for Elongation Index

Thickness Gauge for Flakiness Index

Procedure (Flakiness)
(a). Flakiness Index:
The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by weight of particles whose least dimension is less than three-fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension. Applicable to sizes>= 6.3 mm 1.The sample is sieved through IS sieve sizes 63, 50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm 2. Minimum 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (W1 gm) 3. Separate the flaky material by using the standard thickness gauge

Flakiness Index Test in Progress

Flakiness
The amount of flaky material is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the test sample If W1, W2, , Wi are the total weights of each size of aggregates taken If w1, w2, , wi are the weights of material passing the different thickness gauges then:

w ( w w ....) FI 100 % (W W ....) W

i 1 2 i 1 2 i

100 %

Observation sheet (Flakiness Index)

Size of aggregate Passing through I.S. Seive, (mm) 63 50 40 31.5 25 20 16 12.5 10 Total Retained on I.S. Seive, (mm) 50 40 31.5 25 20 16 12.5 10 6.3 Wt. Of the fraction consisting of at least 200 pieces (gm) W1= W2= W3= W4= W5= W6= W7= W8= W9= W= Thickness gauge size, (0.6 times the mean sieve) (mm) 23.9 27 19.5 16.95 13.5 10.8 8.55 6.75 4.89 Weight of aggregate in each fraction passing thickness gauge (gms) w1= w2= w3= w4= w5= w6= w7= w8= w9= w=

Elongation Index
Elongation Index:
The percentage by weight of particles whose greatest dimension is greater than one and four fifth times (1.8 times) their mean dimension. Applicable to sizes >=6.3 mm 1. The sample is sieved through sieve sizes, 50, 40, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 Minimum 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed (W1 gm) Separate the elongated material by using the standard length gauge

2.

3.

Elongation Index Test in Progress

Elongation Index
The amount of elongated material is weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the test sample If W1, W2, , Wi are the total weights of each size of aggregates taken If w1, w2, , wi are the weights of material retained on different thickness gauges then:

w ( w w ....) EI 100 % (W W ....) W

i 1 2 i 1 2 i

100 %

Observation sheet (Elongation Index)

Size of aggregate Passing through I.S. Seive, (mm) 50 40 25 20 16 12.5 10 Total Retained on I.S. Seive, (mm) 40 25 20 16 12.5 10 6.3 Wt. Of the fraction consisting of at least 200 pieces (gm) W1= W2= W3= W4= W5= W6= W7= W= Length gauge size, (1.8 times the mean sieve) (mm) 81 58 40.5 32.4 25.5 20.2 14.7 Weight of aggregate in each fraction retained on length gauge (gms) w1= w2= w3= w4= w5= w6= w7= w=

Specifications
Type of pavement construction Bituminous carpet Asphaltic concrete Penetration macadam Bit. Surface dressing Bit. Macadam, WBM base & surfacing course Cement Concrete IS: 2386, Part I; IRC: 14-48 ; Limit of Flakiness Index(%) 30(Combined FI and EI) 25(do)

15(do) 35 MORTH: 2001

Angularity number

The angularity number measures the percent voids in excess of 33 percent which is obtained in the case of the most rounded gravel particles. Range: 0-11 (rounded gravel-crushed angular) 1. The cylinder is calibrated by determining the weight of water at 27oC required to fill it 2. Aggregate is sieved through 20, 16, 12.5, 10, 6.3 and 4.75 mm IS sieves 3. About 10 kg of the predominant size should be available

Test in Progress

Contd.
4. The sample of single-size aggregate is dried in an oven at 100o to 110oC for 24 hours and then cooled The scoop is filled with aggregate which is allowed to slide gently into the cylinder from the lowest possible height The aggregate is filled in three layers, tamping each layer evenly 100 times with a tamping rod After the third layer is tamped, the aggregates are struck off level with the help of tamping rod and surface finished The aggregate with cylinder is now weighed to the nearest 5 g. The mean weight of aggregate is found

5.

6.

7.

8.

Calculations and Observation Sheet

Angularity number AN = 67 - W x 100 GxC where, W = mean weight of aggregates in the cylinder,g C = Weight of water required to fill the cylinder,g G = Specific gravity of aggregate (2.71)
Weight of water filling the cylinder = C g = Specific gravity of the aggregate = G = Particulars Trial number 1 2 3 Mean

Weight of aggregate filling the cylinder to the nearest five grams, g 4185

4195

4190

Mean weight of aggregate filling the cylinder, Wt =2870 Angularity Number = 67 { (4190/2.71x100)/C } = 13

Discussion
Elongated, flaky and angular materials decreases the workability of the mix, and not preferred in cement concrete Angular aggregates are preferred in flexible pavement at WBM / WMM Angularity number ranges from zero for perfectly rounded aggregate (rounded pebbles) to about 11 percent for freshly crushed aggregates But for DBM & BC mix design may be modified to incorporate high angularity number

5. Penetration test

Significance
The penetration test determine the hardness or softness of bitumen The bitumen grade is specified in terms of the penetration value 30/40 and 80/100 grade bitumen are commonly used In hot climates a lower penetration grade bitumen is preferred and vise versa

Significance
Consistency of bitumen varies with temperature, constituents, refining process, etc. Viscosity is an absolute property, but could not be determined easily Viscosity of cutback bitumen by indirect method (orifice viscometer) Too soft for penetration, too hard for orifice then perform float test

Significance
Basic principle of penetration test: measurement of penetration in units of 1/10th of a mm of a standard needle of 100 gm in a bitumen sample kept at 25C for 5 seconds Higher penetration implies softer grade Purpose is classification

Figure
Penetrometere Dial Water Bath

Temperature Controller

Weight Needle Mould

Procedure
Heat the bitumen to softening point +900 C Pour the bitumen into the container at least 10 mm above the expected penetration Place all the sample containers to cool in atmospheric temperature for 1 hour

Place the sample containers in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of 250 C 1o C for a period of 1 hour

Fill the transfer dish with water from the water bath to cover the container completely

Continue. . . .
Take off the sample container from the water bath, place in transfer dish and place under the middle of penetrometer Adjust the needle to make a contact with surface of the sample See the dial reading and release the needle exactly for 5 seconds Note the final reading Difference between the initial and final readings is taken as the penetration value in 1/10th of mm

Observation Sheet
(i) Pouring temperature = 100 oC (ii) Period of cooling in atmosphere, minutes = 60 mts (iii) Room temperature (iv) Period of cooling in water bath, minutes (v) Actual test temperature
Penetrometer dial readings Initial Final Sample No 1 Test 1 0 85 Test 2 0 85 Test 3 0 75 Mean value Test 1

= 27 oC = 60 mts = 25 oC
Sample No 2 Test 2 Test 3 Mean value

Average Value = 82 (Grade is 80/100)

IS Specifications
Penetration Grade 0-80 80-225 Above 225 Bitumen Grade Penetration Value A25
20-30

Repeatability 4% 5% 7% A200 & S200

175-225

A35 & A45 & A65 & A90 & S45 S35 S65 S90
30-40 40-50 60-70 80-100

Discussion
Test is highly influenced by the pouring temperature, size of needle, weight of needle, test temperature, duration of release of needle IRC suggests 30/40, 60/70, 80/100 for BM High penetration grade is desirable in colder regions Penetration below 20 will result in cracking For lower penetration, bonding is difficult, but once achieved will remain for a long time

6. Ductility Test

Ductility Machine

Significance
The ductility of bitumen improves the interlocking of the aggregate bitumen mixes physical

Under traffic loads the pavement layer is subjected to repeated deformation. The binder material of low ductility would crack and thus provide pervious pavement surface The test is believed to measure the adhesive property of bitumen and its ability to stretch

Significance
Ductility and penetration go together, in general, but exception can happen Ductility is the distance in cm to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before the thread breaks Ductile materials is one which elongates when held in tension

Procedure
The bitumen sample is melted to temperature of 75oC to 100oC above the approx. softening point until it is fluid It is strained through IS sieve 30, poured in mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, after a solution of glycerine or dextrine is applied over all surfaces of the mould exposed to bitumen Thirty to forty minutes after the sample is poured into the moulds, the plate assembly along with the sample is placed in water bath maintained at 27oC for 30 minutes

Briquette Moulds

Continue. . . .
The sample and mould assembly are removed from water bath and excess bitumen material is cut off by leveling the surface using hot knife After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water bath maintained at 27oC for 85 to 95 minutes The slides of the mould are then removed and the clips are carefully hooked on the machine without causing any initial strain The pointer is set to read zero

Ductilometer In Operation

Continue. . . .
The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled apart horizontally While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water up to a depth of at least 10mm The distance at which the bitumen thread breaks is recorded (in cm) and reported as ductility value

Breaking of Thread

Observation sheet
(i) Grade of bitumen (ii) Pouring temperature C (iii) Test temperature (iv) Period of cooling (minutes) in Air In water bath before trimming In water bath after trimming Test Property Ductility (cm) Repeatability % Reproducibility % = 60/70 = 100 oC = 27 oC = 40 min = 30 min = 90 min Mean Value 75

Briquette Number a 74 b 76 c

IS Specification
Repeatability Reproducibility Source of Paving Bitumen & Penetration Grade S 35 S 45,S 65 & S 90 5% 10% Minimum Ductility (cm) 50 75

Note: S denotes sources other than Assam petroleum

Discussion
Ductility of bitumen is affected by the pouring temperature, briquette size, placement of briquette, test temperature, rate of pulling Ductility value ranges from 5-100. Low value implies cracking. Some minimum ductility is needed for flexural strength The lack of ductility does not necessarily indicate poor quality.

7. Softening Point

Significance

Bitumen does not melt, but change gradually from solid to liquid Softening point is the temperature at which the bitumen attains particular degree of softening under specified test conditions Ring and ball apparatus is used for the test

Ring & Ball Test Set-up

Mechanical Stirrer Thermometer Temp Controlled Heating Plate

Glass Beaker

Metallic Support Brass Rings Steel Balls = 9.5 mm (2.5g) (In =15.9 Mm & Out =17.5mm

Procedure
Heat the bitumen to a temperature between 125oC to 150oC Heat the rings at the same temperature on a hot plate & place on glass plate coated with glycerin Fill up the rings with bitumen Cool for 30 minutes in air and level the surface with a hot knife Set the rings in the assembly and place in the bath containing distilled water at 5oC and maintain that temperature for 15 minutes

Continue.
Place the balls on the rings Raise the temperature uniformly at 5oC per minute till the ball passes trough the rings Note the temperature at which each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate of the support Temperature shall be recorded as the softening point of the bitumen

Observation table
(i) Grade of bitumen (ii) Approximate softening point (iii) Liquid used in water bath(water/Glycerin) (iv) Period of air cooling (minutes) (v) Period of cooling in water bath(minutes) Test Property a Temperature at each sample touches bottom plate Repeatability % Reproducibility % 42 = 60/70 = 40 oC = water = 30 min = 15 min

Sample b 42 mean 42

IS Specifications
Softening Point <30oC 30oC- 80oC >80oC
Bitumen Grades S 35 A 45, S 45 & A 65 S 65 A 90 & S 90 A 200 & S 200

Repeatability (oC) Reproducibility (oC) 2 1 2 4 2 4

Softening Point (oc) 55-65 45-60 40-55 35-50 30-45

Note: S denotes sources other than Assam petroleum

Discussion
Test is affected by quality of liquid, weight of ball, rate of heating etc It gives an idea of the temperature at which the bituminous material attains a certain viscosity Bitumen with higher softening point is used in warmer places Softening point is very critical for thick films like joint and crack fillers, to ensure they will not flow

Marshall Mix Design

CE 328 Transportation Engineering I

Overview
Specimen preparation Properties of the mix Marshall stability and flow Optimum bitumen content Numerical examples

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Gradation for BC surface course of 40 mm

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Specimen preparation
Approximately 1200gm of aggregates and filler is heated to temperature of 1750-1900 C Bitumen is heated to a temperature of 12101250 C with first trial percentage of bitumen (say 3.5 or 4% by weight of the mineral aggregates) Heated aggregates and bitumen are thoroughly mixed at a temperature of 15401600 C
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Specimen preparation
Mix is placed in a preheated mould and compacted by a rammer with 50 blows on either side at temperature of 1380 C to 1490 C Weight of mixed aggregates taken for the preparation of the specimen may be suitably altered to obtain a compacted thickness of 63.5+/-3 mm
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Specimen preparation
Diameter 100 mm

Thickness 63.5+/-3 mm

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Properties of the mix

Theoretical specific gravity Gt Bulk specific gravity of the mix Gm Percent air voids Vv Percent volume of bitumen Vb Percent void in mixed aggregate VMA Percent voids filled with bitumen VFB

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Phase diagram of a bituminous mix

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Theoretical specic gravity of mix Gt

Specific gravity without considering air voids

Where W1: Weight of coarse aggregate in total mix W2: Weight of fine aggregate in total mix W3: Weight of filler in total mix
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Wb: Weight of bitumen in total mix G1: Apparent specific gravity of coarse aggregate G2: Apparent specific gravity of fine aggregate G3: Apparent specific gravity of filler Gb: Apparent specific gravity of bitumen

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Bulk specific gravity of mix Gm

Specific gravity considering air voids

Where Wm: Weight of mix in air Ww: Weight of mix in water Wm - Ww gives the volume of the mix

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Air voids percent Vv

Percent of air voids by volume in the specimen

Gt: Theoretical specific gravity of mix Gm: Bulk or actual specific gravity of mix

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Air voids percent Vv

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Percent volume of bitumen Vb

Percent of volume of bitumen

W1: Wt of coarse agg. W2: Wt of fine agg. W3: Wt of filler Wb: Wt of bitumen Gb: Sp. Gr. of bitumen Gm: Bulk sp. gravity
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Voids in mineral aggregate VMA

Volume of voids in aggregates Sum of air voids & volume of bitumen VMA = Vv + Vb where Vv: Percent air voids in the mix Vb: Percent bitumen content in mix

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Voids filled with bitumen VFB

Voids in mineral aggregate frame work filled with the bitumen
VFB = Vb / VMA X 100 Vb: Percent bitumen content in mix VMA: Percent voids in mineral aggregate

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Marshall stability and Flow value

Marshall stability and flow test provides the performance prediction measure Stability portion of test measures maximum load supported by test specimen at a loading rate of 50.8 mm/min Load is applied to the specimen till failure, and maximum load is designated as stability

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Marshall stability and Flow value

During the loading, an attached dial gauge measures the specimen's plastic flow (deformation) due to the loading Flow value is recorded in 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) increments at the same time when the maximum load is recorded

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Marshall stability and Flow value

Marshall Stability
Maximum load required to produce failure when specimen is preheated to a prescribed temperature placed in a special test head and the load is applied at a constant strain (5 cm per minute)

Flow Value
The deformation at failure point expressed in units of 0.25 mm
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Marshall stability and Flow value

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Apply stability correction

It is possible while making the specimen thickness slightly vary from standard specification of 63.5mm Measured stability values need to be corrected to those which would have been obtained if specimens had been exactly 63.5mm Multiplying each measured stability value by an appropriated correlation factors
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Correction factors for Marshall stability values

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Prepare graphical plots

Vary the bitumen content in the next trial by + 0.5 % and repeat the above procedure. Number of trials are predetermined. Marshall Test Setup

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Prepare graphical plots

1. Binder content versus corrected Marshall stability 2. Binder content versus Marshall ow 3. Binder content versus percentage of void (Vv) in the total mix 4. Binder content versus voids filled with bitumen (VFB) 5. Binder content versus unit weight or bulk specic gravity (Gm)
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Marshal graphical plots

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Determine optimum bitumen content

Average bitumen contents from: 1. Binder content Vs Stability 2. Binder content Vs Gm 3. Binder content at design Vv Air voids Vv = 4%

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Marshal graphical plots

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Determine optimum bitumen content

The stability value, flow value, and VFB are checked with Marshall mix design specification chart

Mixes with very high stability value and low flow value are not desirable as the pavements constructed with such mixes are likely to develop cracks due to heavy moving loads
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Marshall mix design specification

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Numerical example - 1
The specific gravities and weight proportions for aggregate and bitumen are as under for the preparation of Marshall mix design

Volume and weight of one Marshall specimen was found to be 475 cc and 1100 gm Assuming absorption of bitumen in aggregate is zero Find Vv, Vb, VMA and VFB
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Solution

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Numerical example - 2
The results of Marshall test for five specimens is given below. Find the optimum bitumen content of the mix

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Solution
Plot the graphs bitumen content corresponding to 1. Max stability 2. Max Gm 3. 4% air void
average of above Design bitumen content
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=5% =5% =3%

Optimum bitumen content = 4.33 %

Thank You
tomvmathew@gmail.com

Other tests
8. Marshall Stability Test 9. Bitumen Extraction Test 10. Traffic studies: Volume study