CE-352 Pavement Materials Dr.
Agnivesh P
Problem Set (For Self-Practice Before End-Term Exam)
Question 1.
If the specific gravity of the bitumen used in a sample of bituminous concrete mix is 0.95, the maximum
specific gravity of the mix is 2.58, and the mix contains 6.5% by weight of the bitumen, determine the effective
specific gravity of the mixture?
Question 2.
The aggregate mix used for the design of a bituminous mix consists of 42% coarse aggregates, 51% fine
aggregates, and 7% mineral fillers. If the respective bulk specific gravities of these materials are 2.60, 2.71,
and 2.69, and the effective specific gravity of the aggregates is 2.82, determine the optimum bitumen content
as a percentage of the total mix, using the results obtained using the Marshall method (as given in Table
below). It may be noted that the specific gravity of the bitumen is 1.02.
Weight of Specimen
Percent Asphalt Stability (N) Flow (mm)
In Air In Water
5.5 1325.3 785.6 1796 13
6.0 1330.1 793.3 1836 14
6.5 1336.2 800.8 1861 16
7.0 1342.0 804.5 1818 20
7.5 1347.5 805.1 1701 25
Question 3.
The optimum binder content of a bituminous mixture is found to be 4.5%. The bulk specific gravity of mineral
aggregate and the bituminous mix is 2.750 and 2.412 respectively. Calculate the value of VMA
Question 4.
At 4% binder content calculate the air voids in the bituminous mixture having a bulk specific gravity of 2.450. The
effective specific gravity of the aggregates is equal to 2.720. Assume that the specific gravity of bitumen used is 1.02.
Question 5.
If the volume of air void in a bituminous mixture is 4%, volume of bitumen is 12% and the volume of absorbed
bitumen is 1%, calculate the value of VFB
Question 6.
If a bituminous mixture is to be produced with 4000 gm aggregates having a binder content of 4.5%, the weight of
binder to be added should be?
Question 7.
The table below lists data used in obtaining a mix design for an asphalt paving mixture. If the maximum
specific gravity of the mixture is 2.41 and the bulk specific gravity is 2.35. Determine:
a. Bulk specific gravity of aggregates in the mix
b. Absorbed bitumen
c. Effective bitumen content of the paving mixture
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CE-352 Pavement Materials Dr. Agnivesh P
d. Percent voids in the mineral aggregate VMA
Mix Composition by Weight of
Material Specific Gravity
Total Mix
Bitumen 1.02 6.40
Coarse Aggregate 2.51 52.35
Fine Aggregate 2.74 33.45
Mineral Filler 2.69 7.90
Question 8.
Draw a sketch of compacted bituminous mix design specimen and label volumes of its ingredients. Explain
what constitutes voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), air voids, and volume filled with bitumen (VFB)?
Question 9.
Draw and discuss the general trend observed in 5 plots when bitumen content is plotted on the x-axis and
Marshall stability; flow; air voids; VMA; and VFB are plotted on the Y-axis.
Question 10.
Suppose the mix volumetric analysis revealed that the total volume of the compacted specimen = 100 cc or
cm3. Volume of air voids ( ) was found out to be 4.0 cc; volume of effective bitumen ( ) was found to be
9.8 cc; and the volume of mineral aggregates was found to be 85 cc.
a) Find out VMA, VA, and VFB
b) The following values were found out from the laboratory tests. Can you find out the Bulk specific
gravity of the total aggregate?
Table 1 Laboratory Test Results for Mix Design
Laboratory Test Property Test Value
Bulk specific gravity of coarse aggregate (50% fraction) 2.719
Bulk specific gravity of fine aggregate (47% fraction) 2.691
Apparent specific gravity of filler 2.812
Specific gravity of bitumen 1.020
Bulk specific gravity of compacted bituminous mix containing 5.2% 2.399
bitumen (near optimal binder content as a trial for obtaining Gmm)
Maximum specific gravity (Gmm) of voidless bituminous mix 2.527
containing 5.2% bitumen
c) Find out the Effective specific gravity
d) Find out Maximum specific gravity at 4% bitumen content
Question 11.
Explain the procedures for Marshall Mix Design in the laboratory and the testing apparaturs
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