SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING CAMPUS
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
14300 NIBONG TEBAL

ACADEMIC SESSION 2017/18

EAL 337 PAVEMENT ENGINEERING

ASSIGNMENT 1

Question 1
(a) You are awarded with a road construction project that requires you to produce quality
asphalt mixes to ensure durability.

i. Assume you have several quarries that produce granite aggregates for your asphalt
mixes. Explain how would assess the suitability of the granite aggregates produced
from each quarry to assist you to make a decision on which aggregate to choose
from. Your explanation should include the following points:
capacity of the quarry
stockpiling of aggregates at the quarry
aggregate properties (highlight both desirable and undesirable aggregate
properties)
quality control of aggregate properties at the quarry

ii. Assume a scenario where there are no granite aggregates in the vicinity of your road
project but only gravels can be found and it is very costly to import granite
aggregates from outside. What steps will you take to mitigate this problem?

(b) Aggregates for asphalt mixes must not only be hard and durable but also clean. Explain
the principles of the sand equivalent test that is used to evaluate the fines content of
aggregates. Highlight the limiting values specified in the specifications.

Question 2
(a) The role of bitumen is to coat the aggregate and bind them together. Coating is possible
at elevated temperature when bitumen viscosity is reduced. Explore methods other than
heating bitumen, that can be used to reduce binder viscosity.
(b) A measure of bitumen susceptibility to temperature is the Penetration Index. It was
developed based on the linear relationship between logarithmic penetration with
temperature.

i. Derive the formula that is used to calculate PI.

ii. The penetration test results carried out on bitumen A and B are shown in Table 1.
The standard penetration and softening point of both bitumen are also given in Table
1.
Determine the Penetration Index of each bitumen based on the penetration and
ring and ball tests results.
Determine the Penetration Index using the nomograph given in the lecture notes.
Separate and include this nomograph in your answer.
Using a graph paper, plot the linear relationship between the logarithmic of
penetration versus temperature. Calculate the slope of the line, hence the
Penetration Index of both bitumen.
Compare between all Penetration Index values. Which value is the most
accurate? Name the bitumen which is more temperature susceptible. Justify
your answers?

Table 1

Bitumen Type
Bitumen Characteristics
A B
Penetration (dmm) 110 200
Softening Point (oC) 55 38
Penetration (dmm) at:
5oC 30 21
10oC 42 36
15oC 59 64
20oC 81 110
35oC 208 -

iii. Many binder specifications are based on penetration and softening point. The new
binder specifications is based on climate and is described in terms of Performance
Grade (PG). The new specifications realistically considers bitumen behaviour in its
virgin, short term aged and long term aged conditions. Explain the followings:
The differences between these aging states (virgin, short term aged and long term
aged)
The laboratory test principles used to simulate short term and long term aging
Rutting and fatigue indicators related to short term and long term aging,
respectively

Date of submission: 3 November 2017