General instructions on safety and Do's and Don'ts

 Before starting laboratory work follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not
understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASK YOUR CONCERN TEACHER BEFORE
PROCEEDING WITH THE ACTIVITY.
 Before use equipment must be read carefully Labels and instructions. Set up and use the
equipment as directed by your teacher.
 Any failure / break-down of equipment must be reported to the teacher.
 Observe good housekeeping practices. Replace the materials in proper place after work to keep
the lab area tidy.
 Maintain silence and clean environment in the lab
 Protect yourself from getting electric shock.
 Experiment No: 05
AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

Objective: To determine crushing strength of given aggregate sample

IS Standards used: IS-2386 Part- 4 and BS: 2009
Need 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).
Apparatus:
1. A steel cylinder of internal diameter 15.2 cm (Steel cylinder with open ends).
2. A square base plate, plunger having a piston diameter of 15 cm.
3. A cylindrical measure of internal diameter of 11.5 cm and height 18 cm.
4. Steel tamping rod having diameter of 1.6 cm length 45 to 60 cm.
5. Balance of capacity 3 kg with accuracy up to 1 gm.
6. Compression testing machines capable of applying load of 40 tonnes at a loading rate of
4 tonnes per minute.
Experimental Procedure:
1. The aggregate in surface-dry condition before testing and passing 12.5 mm sieve and
retained on 10 mm sieve is selected.
2. 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.
 3. After the third layer is tamped, the aggregates at the top of the cylindrical measure are
levelled off by using the tamping rod as a straight edge. Then the test sample is
weighed. Let that be W1 gm.
4. 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.
5. Similarly aggregate in three layers of approximately equal depth, each layer being
tamped 25 times by rounded end of the tamping rod.
6. Then the cylinder with test sample and plunger in position is placed on compression
testing machine.
7. 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 are released.
8. 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.
9. The above step is repeated with second sample of the same aggregate.
10. Then the aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of fines passing the
specified IS sieve (W2 gm) to the total weight of the sample (W1 gm)
11. Two tests are done and the average value to the nearest whole number is reported as
aggregate abrasion value.
Calculations:
Aggregate crushing value (%) = (W2/W1)×100

Observations and Calculation:

Total weight of Weight of fines

Aggregate
Sample dry aggregate passing through
Crushing Value Mean Value
No. sample 2.36mm IS Sieve
(%)
(W gm). (W2 gm)

General remarks:
 Questions
1. What is aggregate crushing value? How would you express it?

2. Aggregate crushing value of material A is 40 and that of B is 25. Which one is better
and why?

3. What are the recommended maximum values of aggregate crushing value for the
aggregates to be used in base and surface courses of cement concrete?

4. What is the specific standard size of aggregates? How the aggregate crushing value
of non-standard size aggregate is evaluated?
 Experiment No: 03
AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

Objective: To estimate the aggregate impact value of given sample.

IS Standards used: IS: 2386(Part-4)-1963
Need and scope:
The ‘Aggregate Impact Value’ gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
sudden shock or impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow
compressive load. The property of a material to resist impact is known as toughness. Due to
movement of vehicles on the road the aggregates are subjected to impact resulting in their
breaking down into smaller pieces. The aggregates should therefore have sufficient toughness to
resist their disintegration due to impact. This Characteristic is measured by impact value test.
The aggregate impact value is a measure of resistance to sudden impact or shock, which may
differ from its resistance to gradually applied compressive load.
Apparatus:
1. Impact Testing Machine: Impact testing machine conforming to IS: 2386 (Part IV) -
1963, as shown in Figure 1.
2. Metal Cylinder: cylindrical metal measure of 75 mm dia. and 50 mm depth.
3. Test Sieves: IS Sieves of the sizes and apertures appropriate to the specification of the
material to be tested, (Sieves of sizes–12.5 mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm).
4. A tamping rod of 10mm circular cross section and 230mm length, rounded at one end
and Oven.
5. Balance: A balance of capacity not less than 500 g, readable and accurate to 0.1g.
6. Oven: A well-ventilated oven thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature of
100 to 110ºC.
 Figure 1: Impact Test Apparatus

Preparation of test sample:

1. The test sample shall consist of aggregate the whole of which passes a 12.5 mm IS
Sieve and is retained on a 10 mm IS Sieve. The aggregate comprising the test sample
shall be dried in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of 100 to 110 ºC and
cooled.
2. The measure shall be filled about one-third full with the aggregate and tamped with 25
strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod.
3. Further similar quantity of aggregate shall be added and a further tamping of 25 strokes
given. The measure shall finally be filled to overflowing, tamped 25 times and the
surplus aggregate struck off, using the tamping rod as a straight-edge.
4. The net weight of aggregate in the measure shall be determined to the nearest gram
(Weight A) and this weight of aggregate shall be used for the duplicate test on the same
material.
Experimental Procedure:
1. The impact machine shall rest without wedging or packing upon the level plate, block or
floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical.
2. The cup shall be fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of the
test sample placed in it and compacted by a single tamping of 25 strokes of the tamping
rod.
3. The hammer shall be raised until its lower face is 380 mm above the upper surface of the
aggregate in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on to the aggregate. The test sample shall
be subjected to a total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less
than one second.
4. The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on
the 2.36 mm IS Sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute.
5. The fraction passing the sieve shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 g (Weight B). The
fraction retained on the sieve shall also be weighed (Weight C) and, if the total weight
(B+C) is less than the initial weight (Weight A) by more than one gram, the result shall
be discarded and a fresh test made.
6. Two tests shall be conducted.
Calculations:
The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall be
expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place:
𝐵
Aggregate impact value = × 100
𝐴

Where, B = weight of fraction passing 2.36 mm IS Sieve, and

A = weight of oven-dried sample
Observations and Calculation:
Aggregate Avg. Aggregate
Sample No. Weight A Weight B
impact value impact value
1
2
The mean of the two results shall be reported to the nearest whole number as the aggregate
impact value of the tested material.
Average Aggregate impact value of aggregate sample 1 (%) =
 Average Aggregate impact value of aggregate sample 2 (%) =
General remarks:

Questions
1. How aggregate impact value is expressed?

2. How does toughness differ from compressive strength?

3. Aggregate impact value material A is 20 and that of B is 45. Which one is better
surface course and why?

4. Which test simulates the field conditions better, aggregate crushing value test or
impact value test?
 Experiment No: 04
LOS ANGELES ABRASION TEST

Objective: To determine the abrasion value of given aggregate sample by conducting Los -
Angeles abrasion test.
IS Standards used: I.S.-2386 part-IV, ASTM C131.
Need 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-
(i). Los Angeles abrasion test. (ii). Deval abrasion test. (iii). 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: -
1. 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%.
2. For surface course such as WBM, BM, Bituminous Penetration Macadam, Built-Up
spray grout binder course and etc. a value of 40%.
3. If aggregates are used in surface course as bituminous carpet, bituminous surface
dressing, single or two coats, cement concrete surface course and etc. a value of
35%.
4. If aggregates are used for bituminous concrete, Cement concrete pavement as surface
coarse than aggregate abrasion value of 30% maximum.
Apparatus:
1. Los Angeles machine with inside diameter 70cm and inside length of 50cm.
2. Abrasive charges having diameter 4.8cm and weight 390 to 445 gm.
3. I.S Sieve with 1.7 mm opening.
4. Weighting Balance of 0.1gm accuracy.
5. Metallic Tray
Experimental Procedure:
1. Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is used for the
test. (Refer Table 1).
2. Aggregates weighing 5 kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10 kg for grading E, F or G may
be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder.
3. 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.
4. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.
5. The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for grading A, B, C and D, for grading E, F
and G, it shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions.
6. 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.
7. Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70 mm I.S sieve, the material is first separated into
two parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7 mm I.S sieve.
8. Let the original weight of aggregate be W1 gm, weight of aggregate retained on 1.70 mm
I.S sieve after the test be W2 gm.

Los Angeles abrasion value % =

 Weight in grams of each test sample in the size range, mm (Passing and retained on square holes) Abrasive Charge
Grading

80-63 63-40 50-40 40-25 25-20 20-12.5 12.5-10 10-6.3 6.3-4.75 4.75-2.36 No. of Weight of
spheres charge
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

Table 1. Aggregate Gradation and corresponding abrasive charge

Observations and Calculation:

[Link] Details of sample Observations

1 2
1 Weight of specimen= W1 g
2 Weight of specimen retain on 1.7 mm
IS Sieve after abrasion test = W2 g
3 Los Angeles abrasion value
4 Mean value

General remarks:
 Questions
1. How does impact occur in Los Angeles abrasion test?

2. How is Los Angeles abrasion value expressed?

3. Sample A and B have Los Angeles abrasion value is 15 and 30 respectively which
sample is harder?

4. An aggregate sample is found to be having Los Angeles abrasion value of 37. For which
type of road construction it may be used?
 Experiment No: 02

AGGREGATE SHAPE TEST

Objective:
To determine the combined flakiness and elongation Index of the given coarse aggregate sample
IS Standards used: IS: 2386(Part-I)-1963 (Reaffirmed 2007)
Need and scope:
Definition of Combined Flakiness and Elongation Index: It is the sum of the flakiness index of a
given aggregate sample and the elongation index of the non-flaky particles of the sample
1 . Flakiness Index: The flakiness index of an aggregate sample is the percentage by weight
of particles in it with least dimension (thickness) less than three-fifth of their mean
dimension. The flakiness index of an aggregate sample is determined by sieving the
sample of aggregates through specified sieves to separate the aggregates into fractions of
different sizes. Sizes of the sieves used for this purpose are :- 63 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm,
31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm. The test is not
applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve and also for aggregates retained on 63
mm sieve.

2 . Elongation Index : The Elongation Index of aggregate is the percentage by weight of

particles, whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than one and four-fifth times (1.8)
their mean dimension. The elongation index of an aggregate sample is determined by
sieving the sample of aggregates through specified sieves to separate the aggregates into
fractions of different sizes. Sizes of the sieves used for this purpose are :- 50 mm, 40
mm, 31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 6.3 mm. The test is not
applicable to material passing a 6.30 mm test sieve and for aggregates retained on 50 mm
sieve.

It may be noted that for determining the combined flakiness and elongation index, elongation test
is conducted after removing the flaky particles. For regular elongation test, the complete sample
will be evaluated.
Equipments:
 1 . Weighing Balance: A Balance of suitable capacity accurate to 0.1% of the mass of the
weight of the test sample.
2 . Elongation and Flakiness index gauges
3 . Test Sieves: IS Sieves of the sizes and apertures appropriate to the specification of the
material to be tested with square holes with appropriate sizes of lids and receivers

Experimental procedure:
1) For obtaining the combined flakiness and elongation index, flakiness test is conducted first
and the non-flaky particles of the sample will be used for conducting elongation index
2) Sieve analysis is carried out on the sample of aggregate using sieves listed above(1)
3) A minimum of 200 pieces is taken for each fraction and weighed.
4) Weigh each of the individual size fractions retained on the test sieves, other than the 63.0
mm test sieve, and store them in separate trays with their sizes marked on the trays.
5) The sum of the weights of each fraction of aggregates gives the weight of the aggregate
sample. (Say, W1).
6) The particles belonging to a particular size group (ex: passing through 50 mm and retained
on 40 mm) are passed through the corresponding slot (for 50 mm – 40 mm fraction, the
width of the slot is 27 mm) of the thickness gauge (flakiness index gauge) shown in Figure
1.
7) The particles passing through the specified slot of the thickness gauge are “flaky” and will
be weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1% of the weight of the test sample.
8) The sum of the weights of aggregates passing through different slots of the gauge is W2.
9) Flakiness index (%) = 100*(W2/W1)
10) For the purpose of determining combined flakiness and elongation index value, Elongation
index test will be conducted on the non-flaky aggregates identified in flakiness test.
Aggregates retained on 50 mm sieve will be discarded for this test. Let the total weight of
aggregates considered for elongation test be W3.
11) Effort will be made to pass the particles belonging to a particular size group (ex: passing
through 50 mm and retained on 40 mm), when held length-wise through appropriate gaps
(for 50 mm – 40 mm fraction, the gap is 81 mm) as shown in Figure 2. The aggregates that
do not pass are elongated. These particles are weighed.
 12) The sum of the weights of aggregates not passing through different gaps of the gauge is
W4. Elongation index (%) = 100*(W4/W3)
13) Combined flakiness and elongation index will be the sum of the two indices (determined as
described in the preceding steps)

Figure 1: Thickness gauge

Figure 2: Length gauge

Observations and Calculation:
Table 1. Flakiness Index
Size of Aggregates Weight of
Thickness Flakiness
Weight of aggregate
gauge slot Index of each
Passing Retained on aggregate of fraction
used (0.6* fraction of
through sieve sieve of size this size passing
average aggregate
of size (mm) (mm) group (gm) through the
size) (mm) (%)
slot (gm)
63 50
50 40
40 31.5
31.5 25
 25 20
20 16
16 12.5
12.5 10
10 6.3
FI= (W2/W1)*100 W1 W2 FI=……. %

Table 2. Elongation Index

Size of Aggregates Weight of
Length Elongation
Weight of aggregate
gauge gap Index of each
Passing Retained on aggregate of fraction
used (1.8* fraction of
through sieve sieve of size this size retained on
average aggregate
of size (mm) (mm) group (gm) the gauge
size) (mm) (%)
(gm)
50 40
40 25
25 20
20 16
16 12.5
12.5 10
10 6.3
EI= (W4/W3)*100 W3 W4 EI=……. %

Calculations:

Flakiness index (%), x = 100*(W2/W1) =

Elongation index of non-flaky particles (%), y = 100*(W4/W3) =

Combined flakiness and elongation index (%) = x + y =

General remarks:
 Questions
1. What is the significance of shape of aggregate in pavement construction?

2. Discuss the effects of flaky and elongated aggregate in road construction.

3. Discuss the advantages and limitations of rounded and angular aggregates in different
types of pavements.
 Experiment No: 07

PENETRATION TEST OF BITUMEN

Objective: To determine the penetration value of the given bitumen sample

IS Standards used: IS 1203 – 1978
Need and Scope:
Various types and grades of bituminous materials are available for use in road making. One of
the ways of grading bitumen is in terms of its penetration value. Penetration grading system of
bitumen has been replaced in India by viscosity grading. However, penetration test remains to be
an important test which is retained in many binder specifications. The penetration test determines
the consistency of bituminous binders for the purpose of grading them and for the purpose of
giving an indication of the expected performance. Penetration is determined by measuring the
depth (in units of one tenth of a millimetre) to which a standard needle with the needle assembly
weighing 100 gm will penetrate vertically at 25 ˚C standard temperature in 5 seconds of standard
duration. The softer the bitumen, the larger will be the penetration. The penetration grades of
bitumen are generally designated as 80/100, 60/70, or 30/40 grade bitumen. 80/100 bitumen
indicates that the penetration value of binder ranges from 8 mm to 10 mm.
Apparatus:
1. Penetrometer
2. Sample cup
3. Water bath for maintaining a temperature of 25˚C.
4. Thermometer
5. Specified needle
6. Stop watch
Experimental Procedure:
1. Pour the bitumen sample into the container of 35 mm depth.
2. Cool in atmosphere at a temperature between 15-30 ˚C for 60 to 90 minutes.
3. Place the container in the water bath maintained at a temperature of 25 ˚C for 60 to 90
minutes.
 4. Place the sample under the penetrometer and adjust the screw so that the tip of needle
just touches the surface of the bitumen sample.
5. Take the initial reading and press the knob for 5 seconds. Take the final reading.
6. Make at least three such measurements.
Observations and Calculation:
Sample A Sample B
Observations Initial Final Initial Final
Penetration Penetration
Reading Reading Reading Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
Average For Sample A For Sample B
The average penetration value of Sample A =
The average penetration value of Sample B =
General remarks:

Questions
1. Which property of bitumen is related to penetration value?

2. The penetration value of binder is 65; what is the distance in mm which the needle has
penetrated through?

3. What does an 80/100 grade bitumen indicate?

4. Which bitumen grades are commonly used in warmer regions and why?
 Experiment No: 06
SOFTENING POINT TEST OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

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

IS Standards used: IS 1203 – 1978
Need and Scope:
The Softening Point of bitumen or tar is the temperature at which the substance attains particular
degree of softening. As per IS: 334-2002, it is the temperature in ºC at which a standard ball
passes through a sample of bitumen in a mould and falls through a height of 2.5 cm, when
heated under water or glycerine at specified conditions of test. The binder should have sufficient
fluidity before its applications in road uses. The determination of softening point helps to know
the temperature up to which a bituminous binder should be heated for various road use
applications. Softening point is determined by ring and ball apparatus.
Apparatus:
1. Ring & Ball apparatus
2. Water bath
3. Stirrer
4. Thermometer
5. Beaker
6. Heating device etc.
Experimental Procedure:
1. Preparation of test sample: Heat the material to a temperature between 75-100 ° C above its
softening point; stir until it is completely fluid and free from air bubbles and water. If
necessary, filter it through IS sieve 30. Place the rings on a metal plate which has been
coated with a mixture of equal parts of glycerine and dextrin. After cooling for 30 minutes
in air, level the material in the ring by removing the excess material with a warmed, sharp
knife.
2. Assemble the apparatus with the rings, thermometer and ball guides in position.
3. Fill the bath with distilled water to a height of 50mm above the upper surface of the
rings. The starting temperature should be 5 °C.
 4. Apply heat to the bath and stir the liquid so that the temperature rises at a uniform rate of 5
± 0.5 °C per minute.
5. As the temperature increases the bituminous material softens and the balls sink through
the rings carrying a portion of the material with it.
6. Note the temperature when any of the steel balls with bituminous coating touches the
bottom plate.
Observations and Calculation:
Bitumen Identification of Temperature (0C)
Sample Sample (Grade of
bitumen) Ball 1 Ball 2 Average

A
B

The Softening Point Temperatures of the given samples of Bitumen are: -

(a) Sample A =
(b) Sample B =
General remarks:
Questions
1. What is the importance of determination of softening point in road construction
operations?

2. What are the criteria of selection of medium used for heating the specimen?

3. What are the factors, which may affect the ring and ball test results?

4. What will happen to softening point if:

a. Aluminium balls are used in place of steel balls?
b. The distance between the rings and the bottom plate is increased?
 Experiment No: 08

FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

Objective: To determine the flash and fire point of given bitumen samples by Pensky-Martens
closed tester.
IS Standards used: IS: 1209-1978
Need and Scope:
Bituminous materials leave out volatiles at high temperatures depending upon their grade. These
volatile catch fire causing a flash. This condition is very hazardous, and it is therefore essential
to qualify this temperature for each bitumen grade.
FLASH POINT: the flash point of a material is the lowest temperature at which the vapour
of the substance momentarily takes fire in the form of flash under specified condition of test.
FIRE POINT: The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the material gets ignited and
burns under specified condition of test.
Apparatus:
1. Pensky-Martens closed tester consisting of cup, lid, stirrer, shutter, flame exposure
device.
2. Thermometer (0-350o C) with sensitivity of 0.1o C.
Experimental Procedure:
1. The material is filled in the cup up to a filling mark.
2. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed system. All accessories including
thermometer of the specified range are suitably fixed.
3. The bitumen sample is then heated. The flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that
the size of a bleed is of 4mm diameter.
4. The heating is done at the rate of 5o C to 6o C per minute.
5. The stirring is done at the rate of approximately 60 revolutions per minute.
6. The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points.
7. First application is made at least 17o C below the actual flash point and then at every
1o C to 3o C.
8. The stirring is discontinued during the application of the test flame.
Observations and Calculation:
Sl. No Description Test-01 Test-02 Test-03 Test-04 Mean value
1 Grade of bitumen
2 Rate of heating time (min)
3 Temperature
4 Flash point
5 Fire Point

General remarks:

Questions
4. What is the utility of determination of flash point?

5. Should a good binder possess higher flash point?

6. What are the flash and fire points?

 Experiment No: 09

DUCTILITY TEST OF BITUMEN

Objective: To determine the ductility value of the given bitumen sample.

IS Standards used: IS 1203 – 1978
Need and Scope:
In the flexible pavement construction where bitumen binders are used, it is of significance that
the binders form ductile film around the aggregate. The binder material which does not possess
sufficient ductility would crack when flexed or elongated. Ductility is expressed as the distance
in centimetres to which a standard briquette of bitumen can be stretched before the thread breaks.
The test is conducted at 27 º C +/- 0.5 º C at a rate of pull of 50 +/- 2.5 mm per minute.
Apparatus:
1. Ductility machine
2. Briquette mould
3. Knife
Sample Preparation:
1. Apply grease on the glass plate.
2. Arrange the end pieces and side pieces of the briquette mould on a glass plate. Apply
grease on the insides of the side pieces of the mould.
3. Heat the bitumen sample to a pouring consistency and carefully pour into the mould.
Experimental Procedure:
1. Allow the sample to cool in air for about 30 to 40 minutes.
2. Immerse the mould with the plate in a water bath maintained at 27º C for 30 minutes
3. Take out the mould and cut off excess bitumen, if any, with a sharp hot knife.
4. Replace the mould back in water for 85 to 90 minutes, at 27º C
5. With the help of hot knife, remove the side pieces of the mould and separate the sample
from the plate
6. Carefully place the sample in the ductility machine on the plate provided. Fix the ends
of the mould to the plate.
 7. Note the initial reading on the scale provided on the machine. It should be 0 (zero)
8. Start the ductility machine. The sample stretches and a thread is formed in the
middle. The sample stretches at a uniform rate of 50 2.5mm per minute.
9. The thread formed at the middle breaks after some distance. The distance up to
which the sample stretches before the thread breaks is recorded as the ductility
value.
Observations and Calculation:
Sample No.
Test Parameter Average (cm)
1 2 3
Ductility (cm)

The average ductility value of the given sample of bitumen = cm.

General remarks:

Questions
1. How is ductility value expressed?

2. How will be the ductility value affected if the test temperature is more than the specified
one?

3. What are the precautions to be taken while finding ductility value?