DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS
Laboratory Record

Name:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject:------------------------------------------Roll No-------------------------------------------

Branch:----------------------------Section---------------------------Year------------------------

GOKARAJU RANGARAJU
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY
Nizampet Road, Bachupally, Hyderabad – 500 090
 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that It is a bonafied record of practical work done in the
……………….……………………..……………….…………….…..laboratory in
…………………..………semester of …… ……………… year during the year
…………………...by

Name :…………………………….
Roll No. :…………………………….
Branch :…………………………….
Section :…………………………….

Signature of the Signature of the Signature of the

Internal Examiner Head of Department External Examiner
 CONTENTS

[Link] Experiment Page Date Signature

No.

1 AGGREGATE CRUSHING STRENGTH TEST

2 ABRASION TEST

3 IMPACT TEST

4 SHAPE TEST

5 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR COARSE

AGGREGATE

6 PENETRATION TEST

7 DUCTULITY TEST

8 SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN

9 FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST

10 MARSHALS STABILITY TEST-

DEMONSTRATION

11 STRIPPING VALUE TEST -DEMONSTRATION

12 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST ON BITUMINOUS

MIX-DEMONSTRATION - DEMONSTRATION
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Highway Materials Testing Laboratory

GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS
LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL
Signature of Staff in-charge:

1.

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AGGREGATE CRUSHING STRENGTH TEST

Theory and Scope:
This is one of the major Mechanical properties required in a road stone. The test
evaluates the ability of the Aggregates used in road construction to withstand the
stresses induced by moving vehicles in the form of crushing. With this the aggregates
should also provide sufficient resistance to crushing under the roller during construction
and under rigid tyre rims of heavily loaded animal drawn vehicles.
The crushing strength or aggregate crushing value of a given road aggregate is
found out as per IS-2386 Part- 4.
The aggregate crushing value provides a relative measure of resistance to
crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. To achieve a high quality of
pavement aggregate possessing low aggregate crushing value should be preferred.
The aggregate crushing value of the coarse aggregates used for cement concrete
pavement at surface should not exceed 30% and aggregates used for concrete other than
for wearing surfaces, shall not exceed 45% as specified by Indian Standard (IS) and
Indian Road Congress (IRC).

Aim: To determine crushing strength of a given aggregate as per IS: 2386 part – IV

Apparatus:
A steel cylinder of internal diameter 15.2 cm (Steel cylinder with open ends)
A square base plate, plunger having a piston diameter of 15 cm.
A cylindrical measure of internal diameter of 11.5 and height 18 cms.
Steel tamping rod having diameter of 1.6 cms length 45 to 60 cms.
Balance of capacity 3 kg with accuracy up to 1 gm.
Compression testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tonnes at a
loading rate of 4 tonnes per minute

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Procedure:
The aggregate in surface-dry condition before testing and passing 12.5 mm
sieve and retained on 10 mm sieve is selected.
The cylindrical measure is filled by the test sample of the aggregate in three
layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times by
the rounded end of the tamping rod.
After the third layer is tamped, the aggregates at the top of the cylindrical
measure are leveled off by using the tamping rod as a straight edge. Then
the test sample is weighed. Let that be w1 gm.
Then the cylinder of test apparatus is kept on the base plate and one third of
the sample from cylindrical measure is transferred into cylinder and tamped
25 times by rounded end of the tamping rod.
Similarly aggregate in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer
being tamped 25 times by rounded end of the tamping rod.
Then the cylinder with test sample and plunger in position is placed on
compression testing machine.
Load is then applied through the plunger at a uniform rate of 4 tonnes per
minute until the total load is 40 tonnes and the load is released.
Aggregates including the crushed position are removed from the cylinder
and sieved on a 2.36mm IS. sieve and material which passes this sieve is
collected and weighed. Let this be w2 gm.
The above step is repeated with second sample of the same aggregate. The
two tests are made for the same specimen for taking an average value.
Total weight of dry sample taken is w1 gm weight of the portion of crushed
material passing 2.36mm IS sieve be w2 gm.
Then the aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of
fines passing the specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample (w1).
Aggregate crushing value = 100*w2/w1%

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Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus

Crushing Test in Progress

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Observation and Calculation:

Total weight Weight of fines

Aggregate Average aggregate
Trials of dry passing
crushing value crushing strength
aggregate 2.36mm IS
% value
sample w1gm sieve, w2gm

Aggregate crushing value = 100*w2/w1.

Result:
The mean (average) of the crushing value aggregate is __________________%
Viva voce:
1. What do you understand by the term “Ten percent Fines value”?

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2. Define aggregate crushing value and how crushing strength test is carried out on
cylindrical stone specimen explain.
3. What is the use or application of the aggregate crushing test?
Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV,
Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural
Sources for Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand & Bros., Roorkee.

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Highway Materials Testing Laboratory

GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS
LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1.

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ABRASION TEST

Theory and Scope:

Abrasion is a measure of resistance to wear or hardness. It is an essentially property for
road aggregates especially when used in wearing coarse. Due to the movements of
traffic, the road stones used in the surfacing course are subjected to wearing actions at
the top. When traffic moves on the road the soil particle (sand) which comes between
the wheel and road surface causes abrasion on the road stone. The abrasion test on
aggregate is found as per I.S.-2386 part-IV.
Abrasion tests on aggregates are generally carried out by any one of the following
methods-
1. Los Angeles abrasion test.
2. Deval abrasion test.
3. Dorry abrasion test.

Los Angeles Abrasion Test: - 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 exist while conducting
the test. Maximum Allowable Los Angeles Abrasion Values of Aggregates in Different
types of pavement layers as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) are:-
For sub-base course a value of 60%. For base course such as WBM, Bituminous
Macadam (B.M.), Built – Up spray grout base course and etc. value of 50%.
For surface course such as WBM, BM, Bituminous Penetration Macadam,
Built-Up spray grout binder course and etc. a value of 40%.
If aggregates are used in surface course as Bituminous carpet, Bituminous
surface dressing, single or two coats, cement concrete surface coarse and etc. a value of
35%.

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If aggregates are used for Bituminous concrete, Cement concrete pavement as

surface coarse than aggregate abrasion value of 30% maximum.
Aim: To determine the abrasion value of given aggregate sample by conducting Los
Angeles abrasion Test.

Apparatus:
Los Angeles machine with inside diameter 70cm and inside length of
50%.Abrasive charges.
I.S Sieve with 1.7mm opening.
Weighting Balance of 0.1gm accuracy.

Procedure:
Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is
used for the test. (Refer table no. 1)
Aggregates weighing 5Kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10Kg for gradings
E, F or G may be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder.
The abrasive charge is also chosen in accordance with table no.1 and placed
in the cylinder of the machine, and cover is fixed to make dust tight.
The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.
The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for gradings A, B, C and D, for
gradings E, F and G, it shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions.
After the desired number of revolutions, the machine is stopped and the
material is discharged from the machine taking care to take out entire stone
dust.
Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70mm I.S sieve, the material is first
separated into two parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further
on a 1.7mm I.S sieve.
Let the original weight of aggregate be w1gm, weight of aggregate retained
on 1.70mm I.S sieve after the test be w2gm.

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w1 ‫ ٭‬w2
Los Angeles abrasion value %= x100 .
w1

Schematic Diagram of Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

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Observation and Calculation:

Sl.
Details of Sample Trail 1 Trail 2 Average
No.
1 Weight of Specimen = W1 g
Weight of Specimen after abrasion test, coarser
2
than1.70 mm IS sieve = W2 g
3 Percentage wear = ((W1- W2) / W1) * 100

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TABLE NO. 1

Weight in grams of each test sample in the size range, mm (Passing and retained on Square
Abrasive Charge.
holes)
No. of Weight of
80-63 63-50 50-40 40-25 25-20 20-12.5 12.5-10 10-6.3 6.3-4.75 4.75-2.36

Grading
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

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Result:
The average value of two Los Angeles abrasion test is __________________%

Viva voce:
1. The abrasion value found from Los Angeles test for two aggregates A and B are 50%
and 38% respectively. Which aggregate is harder? Why? For what types of
constructions are these suitable?
2. Why Los Angeles abrasion test is considered superior to the other form of tests which
are used to determine the hardness of aggregates?
3. Two materials have abrasion values 3 and 10 respectively. Which one is harder and
why?
Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources
for Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand & Bros., Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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IMPACT TEST
Theory and Scope:
Toughness is the property of a material to easiest impact. Due to moving loads the
aggregates are subjected to pounding action or impact and there is possibility of stones breaking
into smaller pieces. Therefore a test designed to evaluate the toughness of stones i.e., the
resistance of the stones to fracture under repeated impacts may be called Impact test on
aggregates. The test can also be carried on cylindrical stone specimen known as Page Impact
test. The aggregate Impact test has been standardized by Indian Standard Institution. The
aggregate impact test is conducted as per IS-2386 Part IV.
The aggregate Impact value indicates a relative measure of the resistance of aggregate to
a sudden shock or an Impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slope
compressive load in crushing test. A modified Impact test is also often carried out in the case of
soft aggregates to find the wet Impact value after soaking the test sample.
Various agencies have specified the maximum permissible aggregate Impact values for
the different types of pavements. IRC has specified the following values.
The maximum allowable aggregate Impact value for water bound Macadam; Sub-Base
coarse 50% where as cement concrete used in base course is 45%. WBM base course with
Bitumen surface in should be 40%. Bituminous Macadam base course should have A.I.V of
35%. All the surface courses should possess an A.I.V below 30%.

Aim: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregate as per I.S-2386 Part IV.

Apparatus: The apparatus consists of an

Impact testing machine: The machine consists of a metal base. A detachable
cylindrical steel cup of internal diameter 10.2cm and depth 5cm. A metal hammer
of weight between 13.5 to 14Kg, 10cm in diameter and 5cm long. An
arrangement for raising the hammer and allow it to fall freely between vertical
guides from a height of 38cm on the test sample in the cup.

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A cylindrical metal measure having 7.5cm and depth of 5cm for measuring
aggregates.
A tamping rod of circular cross section, 1cm in diameter and 23cm long, rounded
at one end.
I.S. sieve of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm.
Balance of capacity not less than 500gm to weigh accurate up to 0.01gm.

Procedure:
The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mm
sieve and dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100 C to 110 C.
The aggregates are filled upto about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25
times with rounded end of the tamping rod.
The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being
tamped 25 times.
The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using it
has a straight edge.
Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighted nearing to
0.01gm.
The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup
which is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25
times.
The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of
aggregates in the cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates. The test sample is
subjected to a total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less
than one second. The crushed aggregate is than removed from the cup and the whole
of it is sieved on 2.366mm sieve until no significant amount passes. The fraction
passing the sieve is weighed accurate to 0.1gm. Repeat the above steps with other
fresh sample.

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Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be w1gm and the weight of fraction
passing 2.36mm I.S sieve be w2gm. Then aggregate Impact value is expressed as the
% of fines formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.
100 * w2
Aggregate Impact Value = %.
w1

Aggregate Impact Testing Machine

Observation and Calculation:

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Sl.
Details of Sample Trail 1 Trail 2 Average
No.
Total Weight of aggregate sample filling the cylinder
1
measure = W1 g
Weight of aggregate passing 2.36 mm sieve after the test
2
= W2 g
Weight of aggregate retained 2.36 mm sieve after the
3
test = W2 g
4 (W1- W2 + W3)
5 Aggregate Impact Value = (W2 / W1) * 100 Percent

Result:
The mean A.I.V is ______________________%.

Viva voce:
1. How is aggregate Impact expressed?
2. What do you understand by dry and wet Impact value?
3. Aggregate Impact value of material A is 15 and that of B is 35. Which one is better for
surface course?

Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-IV, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
& Bros., Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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SHAPE TEST (Flakiness Index)

Theory and Scope :
The particle shape of aggregate is determined by the percentages of flaky and elongated
particles contained in it. In case of gravel it is determined by its Angularity Number. Flakiness
and Elongation tests are conducted on coarse aggregates to assess the shape of aggregates.
Aggregates which are flaky or elongated are detrimental to the higher workability and stability of
mixes. They are not conducive to good interlocking and hence the mixes with an excess of such
particles are difficult to compact to the required degree. For base coarse and construction of
bituminous and cement concrete types, the presence of flaky and elongated particles are
considered undesirable as they may cause inherent weakness with probabilities of breaking down
under heavy loads. Rounded aggregates are preferred in cement concrete road construction as the
workability of concrete improves. Angular shape of particles are desirable for granular base
coarse due to increased stability derived from the better interlocking when the shape of
aggregates deviates more from the spherical shape, as in the case of angular, flaky and elongated
aggregates, the void content in an aggregate of any specified size increases and hence the grain
size distribution of the graded aggregates has to be suitably altered in order to obtain minimum
voids in the dry mix or the highest dry density. It is determined according to the procedure laid
down in IS-2386 (PART- I).

FLAKINESS INDEX: The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by particles whose
least dimension (thickness) is less than 3/5th (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not
applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

ELONGATION INDEX: The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of

particles whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than 1 and 4/5th times (1.8 times) their
mean dimensions. The elongation test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

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ANGULARITY NUMBER: The angularity number of an aggregate is the amount by which the
percentage voids exceeds 33 after being compacted in a prescribed manner. The minimum
allowable combined index of aggregates used in surface course in different types of pavement is
30%.

Aim: - To determine the flakiness Index of a given aggregates sample.

Apparatus: - The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge, I.S. sieves of sizes 63, 50,
40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3mm and a balance to weigh the samples.
Procedure:
The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table.
A minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed
(w1gm).
In order to separate flaky materials, each fraction is then gauged for thickness on
thickness gauge, or in bulk on sieve having elongated slots as specified in the table.
Then the amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to an accuracy of
atleast 0.1% of test sample.
Let the weight of the flaky materials passing the gauge be w1gm. Similarly the
weights of the fractions passing and retained on the specified sieves be w1, w2, w3,
etc. are weighed and the total weight w1+w2+w3+………. = wg is found. Also the
weights of the materials passing each of the specified thickness gauge are found =
W1, W2, W3… and the total weight of the material passing the different thickness
gauges = W1+W2+W3+………. =Wg is found.
Then the flakiness index is the total weight of the flaky material passing the various
thickness gauges expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged

Flakiness Index = (w1 + w2 + w3 + .......) x100

(W1 + W2 + W3 + .......)
= w x100 %
W

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Thickness Gauge

Flakiness Index Test in Progress

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Observation and Calculation:

SIZE OF AGGREGATE Weight of

Weight of the
THICKNESS aggregates in
fraction
PASSING each fraction
RETAINED ON GAUGE (0.6 consisting of
THROUGH I.S. TIMES THE MEAN passing
I.S. SIEVE mm atleast 200
SIEVE mm SIEVE) mm thickness
pieces in gm.
gauge, gm.
63 50 33.90
50 40 27.00
40 25 19.50
31.5 25 16.95
25 20 13.50
20 16 10.80
16 12.5 8.55
12.5 10.0 6.75
10 6.3 4.89

Result: The flakiness index of the given sample of aggregates is _______________%.

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SHAPE TEST (Elongation Index)

Aim: To determine the Elongation Index of the given aggregate sample.

Apparatus: Length gauge, I.S-sieves as given in the table and a balance of accuracy
0.01 Gm.

Procedure:
The sample is sieved through I.S-sieves specified in the table. A minimum of 200
aggregate pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed.
Each fraction is thus gauged individually for length in a length gauge. The gauge
length is used should be those specified in the table for the appropriate material.
The pieces of aggregates from each fraction tested which could not pass through the
specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and they are collected
separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained on the length gauge from each
fraction.
The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of atleast 0.1% of the weight of the test sample.
The weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on specified sieves
sizes are found – W1, W2, W3, …………. And the total weight of sample determined
= W1+W2+W3+……………. = Wg. Also the weights of material from each fraction
retained on the specified gauge length are found = x1, x2, x3… and the total weight
retained determined = x1+x2+x3+…… = x gm.
The elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.

Elongation Index = (x1 + x2 + x3 + ........) x100 .

(W1 + W2 + W3 + .....)

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Length Gauge

Elongation Index Test in Progress

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Observation and Calculation:

SIZE OF AGGREGATE Weight of
Weight of the
LENGTH aggregates in
fraction
PASSING each fraction
RETAINED ON GAUGE (1.8 consisting of
THROUGH I.S. TIMES THE MEAN retained on
I.S. SIEVE mm atleast 200
SIEVE mm SIEVE) mm length gauge,
pieces in gm.
gm.
63 50 -
50 40 81.00
40 25 58.50
31.5 25 -
25 20 40.50
20 16 32.40
16 12.5 25.60
12.5 10.0 20.20
10 6.3 14.70

Result: The elongation index of a given sample of aggregate is ________________%.

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SHAPE TEST (Angularity Number)

Aim: To determine the Angularity Number of the given aggregate sample.

Apparatus:
1. The apparatus consists of a metal cylinder closed at one end and of about 3 liter capacity.
The diameter and height of this being approximately equal i.e., about 15.64cms diameter
and 15.64cms height.
2. A metal tamping rod of circular cross section 1.6cms in diameter and 60cms in length
rounded at one end.
3. I.S. sieves of sizes 20, 16, 5, 10, 6.3 and 4.75mm and balance of capacity 10kg to weigh
upto 0.1gm.

Procedure:
Metal cylinder is calibrated by determining the weight of water at 27ºC required to fill it,
so that no meniscers is present above the rim of the container.
The sample of single size aggregate retained between the specified pair of sieves is dried
in an oven at a temperature 100ºC to 110ºC for 24 hours and cooled prior to testing.
The aggregates are placed in the cylinder and subjected to 100 blows of the tamping rod
at a rate of about 2 blows per second. Each blow is applied by holding the rod vertically
with its rounded end 5cms above the surface of the aggregates and releasing it so that it
falls vertically and no force is applied to the rod.
The process of filling and tamping is repeated exactly as described above with a second
and third layer of aggregate.
After the third layer is tamped, the cylinder is filled to over flowing and the aggregates
are struck off level with the top using a tamping rod as a straight edge.
The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed accurately.
All the above steps are repeated on another sample and averages of two are represented.

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The angularity number is calculated from the formula,

100W
Angularity Number = 67 ‫٭‬ where,
CG

W = Mean weight of aggregates in the cylinder, gm.

C = Weight of water required in the cylinder, gm.
G = Specific gravity of aggregate.

Observation and Calculation:

Details of Sample Trail 1 Trail 2 Average

Weight of aggregate filling the cylinder to the
nearest five grams

Result: The angularity number of given aggregate sample = __________________.

Viva Voce:
1. Explain what is meant by flaky and elongated particles?
2. Explain Angularity Number. How is it found?
3. What do you understand by the term Combined Index?

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Reference:
1. Indian Standard Methods of Test for Aggregate for concrete IS: 2386 Part-I, Indian
Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specifications for Coarse and Fine Aggregate from Natural Sources for
Concrete, IS: 383 Indian Standards Institution.
3. S.K. Khanna, C.E.G. Justo, Highway Material Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem Chand
& Bros., Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR COARSE AGGREGATE

Theory and Scope:

Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density (mass of the same
unit volume) of a reference substance. Apparent specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a volume of the
substance to the weight of an equal volume of the reference substance..

S o as the reference substance is coarse aggregate specific gravity is defined by ISI as the ratio of the
mass of a given volume of the Coarse aggregate material to the mass of an equal volume of water, the
temperature of both being specified at 27ºC±0.1ºC.
The code of practice used to determine the specific gravity is IS: 1202.
Aim: To determine the Specific gravity of given Coarse aggregate material.
Apparatus: There are two methods. 1) Pyknometer Method, 2) Balance Method. Pyknometer
Method: Specific gravity Bottle, Balance and Distilled water.
Procedure:
The clean, dried specific gravity bottle is weighed let that be W1gm.
Then it is filled with fresh distilled water and then kept in water bath for at least half an
hour at temperature 27ºC±0.1ºC.
The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The specific gravity bottle
containing distilled water is now weighed. Let this be W2gm.
Then the specific gravity bottle is emptied and cleaned. Then coarse aggregate
Is taken up to one thirds of the pycnometer. Then it is weighed. Let this be W3gm.
The remaining space in specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled water at 27ºC and is
weighed. Let this be W4gm. Then specific gravity of bituminous material is given by
formula

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=
(W 3 ‫ ٭‬W 1 )
(W 2 ‫ ٭‬W 1 ) ‫( ٭‬W 4 ‫ ٭‬W 3 )

Observation and Calculation:

Result: The specific gravity of given coarse aggregate material is ___________________.

Viva Voce:
1. Define specific gravity.
2. What is the use of finding specific gravity?
3. What are the factors affecting specific gravity test?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and SBitumen, Determination of Specific Gravity of
Bitumen, IS: 1202, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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PENETRATION TEST
Theory and Scope:
The consistencies of bituminous materials vary depending upon several factors such as
constituents, temperature, etc. As temperature ranges between 25º and 50ºC most of the paving
bitumen grades remain in semi solid or in plastic states and their viscosity is so high that they do
not flow as liquid.
Determination of absolute viscosity of bituminous material is not so simple. Therefore
the consistency of these materials is determined by indirect methods. The consistency of bitumen
is determined by penetration test which is a very simple test. Various types and grades of
bituminous materials are available depending on their origin and refining process. The
penetration test determines the consistency of these materials foe the purpose of grading them,
by measuring the depth (in units of one tenth of a millimeter or one hundredth of a centimeter) to
which a standard needle will penetrate vertically under specified conditions of standard load,
duration and temperature. Thus the basic principle of the penetration test is the measurement of
the penetration (in units of one tenth of a mm) of a standard needle in a bitumen sample
maintained at 25C during five seconds, the total weight of the needle assembly being 100gm.
The softer the bitumen, the greater will be the penetration. The test is conducted as per IS-1203
for paving bitumen.

Aim: To determine the grade of a given binder.

Apparatus: It consists of items like container, needle, water bath, penetrometer, stop watch etc.
Container is 55mm in diameter and 35mm to 57mm height. The needle is provided
with a shank approximately 3.0mm in diameter into which it is immovably fixed.

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Procedure:
The bitumen is softened to a paving consistency between 75º and 100ºC above the
approximate temperature at which bitumen softens.
The sample material is thoroughly stirred to make it homogeneous and free from air
bubbles and water.
The sample containers are cooled in atmosphere of temperature not lower than 13ºC for
one hour. Then they are placed in temperature controlled water bath at a temperature of
25ºC for a period of one hour.
The weight of needle, shaft and additional weight are checked. The total weight of this
assembly should be 100gm.
Using the adjusting screw, the needle assembly is lowered and the tip of the needle is
made to just touch the top surface of the sample.
The needle assembly is clamped in this position. The contact of the tip of the needle is
checked using the mirror placed on the rear of the needle.
The initial reading of the penetrometer dial is either adjusted to zero or the initial reading
is noted.
Then the needle is released by pressing a button and a stop watch is started. The needle is
released exactly for a period of 5.0secs.
At least 3 measurements are made on this sample by testing at distance of not less than
100mm apart.
The difference between the initial and final penetration readings are taken as the
penetration value.

Penetration Test Concept

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Penetrometer

Observation and Calculation:

Trails
Readings Mean Value
1 2 3
Penetrometer Dial Initial
Reading
Penetrometer Dial Final
Reading
Penetration Value

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Result:
The average penetration value of a given bitumen sample is ________________ and the grade of
bitumen is ___________________.

Viva Voce:
1. What are the applications of penetration test?
2. What do you understand by the term 30/40 bitumen?
3. What are the precautions to be taken while conducting a penetration test?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Penetration of Bitumen,
IS: 1203, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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DUCTILITY TEST
Theory and Scope:
A certain minimum ductility is necessary for a bitumen binder. This is because of the
temperature changes in bituminous mixes and the repeated deformations that occur in flexible
pavements due to the traffic loads. It is of significant importance that the binders form ductile
thin films around the aggregates. The binder material which does not possess sufficient ductility
would crack and thus provide previous pavement surface. This is in turn results in damaging
effect to the pavement structure. The ductility is expressed as the distance in centimeters to
which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before the thread breaks. The test is
standardized by the IS: 1208. The test is conducted at 27º±0.5ºC and a rate of pull of 50±2.5 mm
per minute.

Aim: To conduct ductility test on given bitumen sample.

Apparatus: Briquette mould, (length – 75mm, distance between clips – 30mm, width at mouth
of clips – 20mm, cross section at minimum width – 10mm x 10mm), Ductility
machine with water bath and a pulling device at a precaliberated rate, a putty knife,
thermometer.
Procedure:
The bitumen sample is method to a pouring temperature (75ºC to 100ºC) and poured into
the mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, where a solution of glycerin or soap
solution is applied at all surfaces of briquette mould exposed to bitumen.
After the sample is poured to the mould, thirty to forty minutes the entire assembly is
placed in a water bath at 27ºC.
Then the sample is removed from the water bath maintained at 27ºC and excess bitumen
material is cutoff 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. Then the sides of mould are removed and

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the clips are carefully booked on the machine without causing any initial strain. Two or
more specimens may be prepared in the moulds and clipped to the machine so as to
conduct these test simultaneously.
The pointer is set to read zero. 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 at
depth of atleast 10mm. The distance at which the bitumen thread of each specimen breaks
is recorded (in cm) to report as ductility value.

Ductility Test Concept

Sample Prepared in Briquette Mould and Ductility Apparatus

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Observation and Calculation:

Trails
Test Property Mean Value
1 2 3
Ductility Value

Result: The ductility value of the given bitumen sample is _________________ cm.

Viva Voce:
1. List the factors that affect the result of a ductility test.
2. What do you understand by the term repeatability and reproducibility?
3. Explain the significance of ductility test.
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Ductility of Bitumen, IS:
1208, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMEN

Theory and Scope:

Bitumen does not suddenly change from solid to liquid state, but as the temperature
increase, it gradually becomes soften until it flows readily. The softening point is the temperature
at which the substance attains particular degree of softening under specified condition of test. For
bitumen it is usually determined by Ring and Ball apparatus. The test is conducted as per IS:
1205.
Aim: To determine the softening point of given paving bitumen as per IS: 1205.

Apparatus: Ring and Ball apparatus, Water bath with stirrer, Thermometer, Glycerin, etc. Steel
balls each of 9.5mm and weight of 2.5±0.08gm.

Procedure:
Sample material is heated to a temperature between 75º and 100ºC above the approximate
softening point until it is completely fluid and is poured in heated rings placed on the
metal plate.
To avoid sticking of the bitumen to metal plate, coating is done to this with a solution of
glycerin and dextrin.
After cooling the rings in air for 30 minutes, the excess bitumen is trimmed and rings are
placed in the support.
At this time the temperature of distilled water is kept at 5ºC. This temperature is
maintained for 15 minutes after which the balls are placed in position.
Then 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 for heating medium and the starting temperature is 35ºC instead of
5ºC.

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The temperature at the instant when each of the ball and sample touches the bottom plate
of support is recorded as softening point value.

Softening Test Concept

Softening Point Apparatus and Ring and Ball Guides

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Observation and Calculation:

Trails
Test Property Mean Value
1 2 3
0
Temperature ( C) at which I
ball touches the bottom plate
0
Temperature ( C) at which II
ball touches the bottom plate
Final Softening Point Temperature

Result: The softening point value of given bitumen sample is ___________________ºC and
grade of bitumen is _________________.

Viva Voce:
1. What are the factors which affect the ring and ball test results?
2. What is softening point?
If material A has softening point of 56 and B has 42 which binder is good and why?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Softening Point of
Bitumen, IS: 1205, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1. 2.

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FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST

Theory and Scope:

Flash and Fire point test is a safety test conducted on a bituminous material so that it
gives an indication of the critical temperature at and above where precautions should be taken to
eliminate fire hazards during its applications. Bituminous materials leave out volatiles at high
temperature depending upon their grade. These volatile vapors catch fire causing a flash. This
condition is very hazardous and it is therefore essential to qualify this temperature for each
bitumen grade, so that the paving engineers may restrict the mixing or application temperature
well within the limits. Flash and Fire point test is conducted as per IS: 1209.
As per IS: 1209 the definitions of flash and fire point are:
Flash Point: “The flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the vapour of
substance momentarily takes fire in the form of a flash under specified conditions of test”.
Fire Point: “The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the material gets ignited and burns
under specified condition of test”.

Aim: To determine the flash and fire point of a given bituminous material.

Apparatus: Pensky-Martens closed cup tester, thermometer, heating source, flame exposure.

Procedure:
All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.
The material is filled in the cup upto a mark. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed
system. All accessories including thermometer of the specified range are suitably fixed.
The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that
the size of a bed is of 4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5º to 6ºC
per minute. During heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of approximately 60
revolutions per minute.

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The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points
and corresponding temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash and fire are
noted.

Flash and Fire Point Test Concept

Flash and Fire Point Test in Progress

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Observation and Calculation:

Trails
Test Mean Value
1 2 3
Flash Point
Fire point

Result: The temperature at which the flame application that causes a bright flash
______________ºC and temperature at which the sample catches fire ______________ºC.

Viva Voce:
1. Define flash and fire points.
2. What is the significance of flash and fire point test?
3. What are the parameter that affects the result of flash and fire point tests?
References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, Determination of Flash and Fire Point of
Bitumen, IS: 1209, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL
Signature of Staff in-charge:

1.

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MARSHALL STABILITY TEST

Theory & Scope:
Bruce Marshall, formerly bituminous engineer with Mississippi state highway department,
USA formulated Marshall’s method for designing bituminous mixes. Marshall’s test procedure
was later modified and improved upon by [Link] of engineers through their extensive research
and correlation studies .ASTM and other agencies have standardized the test procedure.
Generally, this stability test is applicable to hot-mix design using bitumen and aggregates with
maximum size of 25mm.
In this method, the resistance to plastic deformations of cylindrical specimen of bituminous
mixture is measured when the same is loaded at the periphery at 5 cm per minute. This test
procedure is used in designing and evaluating bituminous paving mixes. The test procedure is
extensively used in routine test program for the paving jobs. There are two major features of the
Marshall method of designing mixes namely, (i) Density-voids analysis, (ii) stability-flow tests.
The Marshall stability of the mix is defined as a maximum load carried by a compacted specimen
at a standard test temperature at 600C. The flow value is a deformation the Marshall test specimen
undergoes during the loading up to the maximum load in 0.25 mm units. In this test an attempt is
made to obtain optimum binder content for the type of aggregate mix and traffic intensity. The
proposed designed steps for the design of bituminous mix are given below.
· Select grading to be used.
· Select aggregates to be employed in the mix.
· Determine the proportion of each aggregate required to produce design grading.
· Determine the specific gravity of the aggregate combination and of the asphalt cement.
· Make up trail specimens with varying asphalt contents.
· Determine the specific gravity of each component specimen.
· Make stability tests on the specimens.
· Calculate the percentage of voids, VMA and the percent voids filled with bitumen each
specimen.
· Select the optimum bitumen content with design requirements. The design may be
required if necessary after altering the gradation so as to fulfill the design requirements.

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Aim:
To determine optimum binder content of given bituminous mix by marshall method of mix
design.

Apparatus:
Mould assembly, sample extractor, compaction pedestal and hammer, breaking head,
loading machine flow meter, thermometers water bath and oven

Procedure:
1. The coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and mineral filler material should be proportioned
and mixed in such a way that final mix after blending has the graduation within the
specified range.

2. Approximately 1200 grams of aggregates and filler are taken and heated to a temperature
of 175ºC to 195ºC.

3. The compaction mould assembly and rammer are cleaned and kept pre- heated to a
temperature of 100ºC to 145ºC. The bitumen is heated to temperature of 121ºC to 138ºC
and the required quantity of first trial percentage o f bitumen is added to the heated
aggregate and thoroughly mixed using a mechanical mixer or by hand mixing with
trowel.

4. Then the mix is heated and a temperature of 150º to 160ºC is maintained and then the mix
is transferred into the pre-heated mould and compacted by giving seventy five blows on
each side.

5. The specific gravity values of different aggregates, filler and bitumen used are.

6. Determined first. The theoretical specific gravity of the mix is determined.

7. Soon after the compacted bituminous mix specimens have cooled to room temperature,
the weight, average thickness and diameter of the specimen are noted. The specimens are
weighted in air and then in water.

8. The bulk density value of the specimen if calculated from weight and volume

9. Then the specimen to be tested is kept immersed under water in a thermostatically

controlled water bath maintained at 60º ±1ºC for 30 to 40 minutes.

10. The specimens are taken out one, placed in the marshal test and the marshal stability
value and flow are noted.

11. The corrected Marshall Stability value of each specimen is determined by applying the
appropriate correction factor, if the average height of the specimen is not exactly
63.5mm.

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12. Five graphs are plotted with values of bitumen content against the values of density, Marshall
Stability, voids in total mix, flow value, voids filled by bitumen.

13. Let the bitumen contents corresponding to maximum density be B1, corresponding to
maximum stability be B2 and that corresponding to the specified voids content (at 4.0%) be B3.
Then the optimum bitumen content for mix design is given by: B0 = (B1+B2+B3)/3

Result:
The optimum binder content of the given mix is ______________

Viva Voce:
1. What is the significance of flow value in Marshall Test?
2. What is filler?
3. What are the essential properties of bituminous mixes?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, IS: 1209, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS
LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:
Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1.

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STRIPPING VALUE TEST

Theory and Scope:
Bitumen and tar adhere well to all normal types of aggregates provided they are dry and
are not exceptionally dusty. This problem of stripping is experienced only with bituminous
mixtures, which are permeable to water. This test gives the procedure for determination of the
stripping value of aggregates by static immersion method, when bitumen and tar binders are used.
Applications of stripping value test indicate that, some types of aggregates have a lesser
affinity with bitumen in comparison with water and hence stripping value of the bituminous
binder is done when the mix is immersed in water. The problem of stripping in coated aggregate
is not so amenable to theoretical treatment. Thus an adhesion test such as the simple stripping test
would be suitable to assess whether the binder would adhere to the aggregate when immersed in
water. Several anti-stripping agents are available, which when used with the bituminous mix
reduce the stripping. Indian Road Congress (IRC) has specified the maximum stripping value as
25 percent for aggregates to be used in bituminous construction like surface dressing penetration
macadam, bituminous macadam and carpet.
Apparatus:
The apparatus required for this experiment are- Thermostatically controlled water bath,
Oven to heat aggregate, Sieves of sizes 20 mm and 12.5 mm, Beaker of 500 ml capacity
and container to mix aggregate and bitumen.

Procedure:
1. 200 g of clean and dry aggregate passing 20 mm IS sieve and retained on 12.5 mm sieve
are heated up to 150°C when these are to be mixed with bitumen.
2. Bitumen binder amounting to five percent by weight of aggregate is heated to 160°C.
3. The aggregate and binder are mixed thoroughly till they are completely coated and
mixture is transferred to the beaker and allowed to cool at room temperature for about 2
hours.
4. Distilled water is then added to immerse the coated aggregates.
5. The beaker is covered and kept in a water bath maintained at 40°C, for 24 hours.
6. After 24 hours, the beaker is taken out, cooled at room temperature and the extent of
stripping is estimated visually while the specimen is still under water.

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Result:

By visual estimation, stripping value of road aggregates is = _______ %

Viva Voce:
1. What is the significance of stripping value?
2. What is IRC recommendation on stripping value?
3. What is the composition of bitumen considered for this test?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, IS: 1209, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

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GOKARAJU RANGARAJU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY MATERIALS
LABORATORY

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION SHEET

Name of the student: Date:

Register number:

Name of the Experiment:

Sl.
Evaluation parameter Grade Remarks
no.
1 Performance of
Experiment
2 Innovativeness
3 Equipment details
4 Analytical Skill
5 Presentation of results
6 Group Discussion
7 Viva voce
TOTAL

Signature of Staff in-charge:

1.

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST ON BITUMINOUS MATERIALS

Theory and Scope:

The specific gravity of semi-solid bituminous material, asphalt cements, and soft tar pitches shall
be expressed as the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the material at 25 °C to that of an equal
volume of water at the same temperature. Specific gravity of a bitumen binder is a fundamental
property frequently required as an aid in classing binders for use in paving jobs. Bitumen weights
sometimes have to be converted into volumes for asphalt concrete mix design calculations for
which a knowledge of specific gravity is essential. Specific gravity is also used in identifying the
source of bitumen binder. Bitumen binder has specific gravity in the range of 0.97 to 1.02. In case
bitumen contains mineral impurities, the specific gravity will be higher. Thus, it is possible for a
quantitative extraction of mineral impurity in bitumen.
Aim:
To determine the Specific Gravity of the given Bituminous Material

Apparatus:
Pycnometer glass shall have a capacity of 24 to 30 ml Water bath, Thermometers, Distilled water

Procedure
1. Heat the sample with care, stirring to prevent local overheating until the sample has
become sufficiently fluid to pour. While heating, keep in mind the following
considerations. In no case should the temperature be raised to more than 56 °C above the
expected softening point for tar, or to more than 111°Cabove the expected softening
point for asphalt.
Do not heat for more than 30 minutes over a flame or hot plate or for more than 2 hours
in an oven, and avoid incorporating air bubbles in the sample.

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[Link] clean, dry, and weigh the Pycnometer to the nearest 1 mg. Designate this
mass as ‘A’. Then fill the beaker with freshly boiled distilled water, placing the stopper
loosely in the Pycnometer. Place the Pycnometer in the beaker and press the stopper
firmly in place. Return the beaker to the water bath, and allow the Pycnometer to
remaining the water bath for a period of not less than 30 minutes. Remove the
Pycnometer, immediately dry the top of the stopper with one stroke of a dry towel, then
quickly dry the remaining outside area of the Pycnometer and weigh to the nearest 1
mg. Designate the mass of the Pycnometer plus water as ‘B’.

3. Pour enough sample into the clean, dry, warmed Pycnometer to fill it about three-
fourths of its capacity. Take precautions to keep the material from touching the sides of
the Pycnometer above the final level, and to prevent the inclusion of air bubbles. Allow
the Pycnometer and its contents to cool to ambient temperature for a period of not less
than 40 minutes, and weigh with, the stopper to the nearest 1 mg. Designate the mass of
the Pycnometer plus sample as ‘C’.

4. Remove the beaker from the water bath. Fill the Pycnometer containing the asphalt with
freshly boiled distilled water, placing the stopper loosely in the Pycnometer. Do not
allow any air bubbles to remain in the Pycnometer. Place the Pycnometer in the beaker
and press the stopper firmly in place. Return the beaker to the water bath. Allow the
Pycnometer to remain in the water bath for a period of not less than 30 minutes.
Remove the Pycnometer from the bath. Dry and weigh using the same technique and
timing as that employed in # 2. Designate this mass of Pycnometer plus sample plus
water as ‘D’.

Department of Civil Engineering

GRIET
 69
Highway Materials Testing Laboratory

Calculations
Calculate the specific gravity to the nearest third decimal as follows

Where,
A = mass of Pycnometer (+ stopper) = g
B = mass of Pycnometer filled with water = g
C = mass of Pycnometer partially filled with asphalt = g
D = mass of Pycnometer + asphalt + water = g

Observations & Results

Weights
Sample Pycnometer Pycnometer Pycnometer Pycnometer
(A) +Water Specific Gravity =
+ Water + Asphalt (C-A)/[(B-A)-(D-C)]
+Asphalt
(B) (C)
(D)

Result:
The Specific Gravity of the given bituminous sample is = _______

Viva Voce:
1. Define specific gravity.
2. What is the use of finding specific gravity?
3. What are the factors affecting specific gravity test?

References:
1. Indian Standard Method for Tar and Bitumen, , IS: 1209, Indian Standards Institution.
2. Indian Standard Specification for Paving Bitumen, IS: 73.
3. S.K. Khanna and C.E.G Justo, Highway Materials Testing Laboratory Manual, Nem
Chand Bros. Roorkee.

Department of Civil Engineering

GRIET